A cohort of tech experts, professionals, investors, and CEOs are gearing up for a flagship gathering in Riyadh as LEAP 2026 returns to the Saudi capital.
In its fifth edition, LEAP will unlock new horizons for innovation and investments, showcasing the latest advancements in AI, advanced technology, and digital transformation, further advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global tech hub.
A World Gathering in Riyadh
Driving the News: Riyadh will host the fifth edition of LEAP – the world’s largest tech event – from August 31 to September 3, 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Big Picture: LEAP 2026 will bring together technology leaders, investors, experts, and startups from across the world, building on Saudi Arabia’s notable progress achieved in recent years in developing an integrated technology ecosystem that attracts investment, talent, and global companies.
LEAP 2026 by the Numbers:
- 1,000+ global speakers
- 1,800+ tech brands
- 600+ startups
- 1,900+ investors
- 201,000+ attendance
5 Years of Digital Leadership
State of Play: Since its inception in 2022, LEAP has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most attended tech conferences, transforming Riyadh into a primary tech destination.
Between the Lines: LEAP’s international reach has expanded with the launch of LEAP East. Taking place in Hong Kong in July 2026, LEAP East marks the conference’s first expansion outside Riyadh. With this expansion, Saudi Arabia is bridging technology ecosystems between East and West.
5 days. 5th edition. One Giant LEAP.
The future returns to Riyadh in just five days. Are you ready?#LEAP2026 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ZRVUEtGyEN— LEAP (@LEAPandInnovate) August 26, 2026
The Context: LEAP 2026 is the result of the unwavering support granted by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to the Kingdom’s digital economy, technology, and space ecosystem. The event features a collaborative effort involving the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and Tahaluf, which is backed by global events company Informa and the Events Investment Fund.
Into New Worlds
What’s New: Taking place under the theme “Into New Worlds,” LEAP 2026 will move beyond basic digital adoption into next-frontier technologies including generative AI, quantum computing, space exploration, cloud and data infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, health technology, smart cities, climate and energy, gaming, sports technology and digital commerce.
Why It Matters: These “new worlds” directly connect to Saudi Arabia’s gigaprojects and innovative initiatives under Vision 2030, such as NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, and New Murabba, driving the Kingdom’s push to build smart cities and elevate quality of life.
Catch Up Quick: Saudi Arabia designated 2026 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence.” LEAP 2026 serves as the primary flagship platform where this national initiative is materialized.
LEAP 2026 Main Highlights
What to Watch: Reflecting the Kingdom’s rapid digital transformation, this year’s edition features dedicated tracks and specialized stages, offering deep dives into cutting-edge technologies driving the region’s digital ecosystem.
Flagship AI Stage
- DeepFest: Powered by the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA), it is a dedicated deep-tech stage exploring AI governance, ethics, sustainability, security, robotics, and machine learning.
Innovative Zones
- Sports Tech Hub: Explores tech in athletic performance and regional sports investments.
- Tech Arena: Features live product reveals, interactive prototype demos, and keynotes from global technology pioneers.
- Rocket Fuel Pitch Stage: Hosts the event’s high-stakes startup competition, where emerging founders pitch live for a share of a million-dollar equity-free prize fund.
- World Tech: Showcases global tech ecosystems and international country pavilions, bringing international scale, cross-border partnerships, and trade delegation innovations to the exhibition floor.
- GameX Creative: Dedicated to esports, digital sports, spatial computing, and virtual content creation, directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s strategic gaming and creative economy investments under Vision 2030.
- CODE Stage: Powered by Saudi Arabia’s Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE), this space focuses on local developer talent, open-source building, and accelerating local tech startup creation across the Kingdom.
- LEAP Studios: Features live content creation and impact, as well as programs for startups and investors and platforms for announcing agreements and technology initiatives.
- LEAP Nights: Extends the conference beyond the exhibition hall through curated evening events across key Riyadh venues, offering high-level cultural and informal networking for investors, founders, and delegates after hours.
LEAP’s Legacy
Zoom In: LEAP serves as a vital commercial catalyst for Saudi Vision 2030. In each edition, it convenes international tech leaders, investors, and groundbreaking startups in Riyadh to forge billion-dollar partnerships, accelerate venture capital deployment, and shape the future of the global tech economy.
By the Numbers:
- $42+ billion in Announced Deals: Cumulative technology investments, infrastructure projects, and strategic partnerships announced across its first four editions.
- $22.2+ trillion in Investor AUM: Combined Assets Under Management represented by the global network of participating venture capital, private equity, and sovereign wealth funds.
- $1 million in Equity-Free Cash: Total annual prize pool awarded to emerging startups during the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition.
- 688,000+ Cumulative Visitors: Aggregate international attendees hosted since inception, scaling from 100,000 at its 2022 debut to over 200,000 per edition.
- 180+ Countries: Global reach of participating tech founders, government delegations, and trade representatives.
- 1,800+ Global Tech Brands: Leading international hardware, software, and AI enterprises exhibiting on the floor.
The Impact: By giving local startups direct access to over 1,900 international venture capitalists through pitch competitions and global networking tracks, LEAP empowers Saudi entrepreneurs, opening a multi-billion-dollar gateway to international investments.
The Bottom Line: At LEAP, global tech ideas turn into investments, cementing Saudi Arabia’s status as a regional and global tech hub in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
