As the global technology landscape seeks its next growth frontier, Riyadh is poised to reclaim its central role with the upcoming LEAP event, scheduled for August 31 to September 3, 2026. Co-organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and Tahaluf, this fifth edition of LEAP marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, transitioning from theoretical discussions to actionable economic outcomes. The event has rapidly evolved since its inception in 2022, attracting over 688,000 attendees and facilitating $14.9 billion in deals during the previous edition, thus establishing itself as a critical nexus for investment and innovation.
The 2026 edition is expected to surpass its predecessors, drawing 201,000 visitors, 1,800 tech brands, and more than 1,900 investors. A key feature will be the Investor and Founder Stage and the $1 million Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, supported by major institutional funds such as the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Venture Capital. This initiative aims to catalyze early-stage investments across 60 tech verticals, reinforcing Riyadh's position as a global financial catalyst with an estimated $820 million in direct economic impact.
The event will showcase over 1,000 industry leaders, including executives from tech giants like AWS and Nokia, alongside local innovators. With specialized stages focusing on diverse sectors such as climate tech, health tech, and fintech, LEAP will also highlight the return of DeepFest, a platform dedicated to machine learning and deep tech. Additionally, the introduction of GameX Creative and an expanded Sports Tech Hub will explore the burgeoning fields of digital entertainment and sports analytics, respectively, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the tech landscape. LEAP Connect will facilitate networking opportunities, enabling the translation of discussions into actionable partnerships and trade deals, further solidifying Riyadh's status as a global tech epicenter.
The 2026 edition is expected to surpass its predecessors, drawing 201,000 visitors, 1,800 tech brands, and more than 1,900 investors. A key feature will be the Investor and Founder Stage and the $1 million Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, supported by major institutional funds such as the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Venture Capital. This initiative aims to catalyze early-stage investments across 60 tech verticals, reinforcing Riyadh's position as a global financial catalyst with an estimated $820 million in direct economic impact.
The event will showcase over 1,000 industry leaders, including executives from tech giants like AWS and Nokia, alongside local innovators. With specialized stages focusing on diverse sectors such as climate tech, health tech, and fintech, LEAP will also highlight the return of DeepFest, a platform dedicated to machine learning and deep tech. Additionally, the introduction of GameX Creative and an expanded Sports Tech Hub will explore the burgeoning fields of digital entertainment and sports analytics, respectively, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the tech landscape. LEAP Connect will facilitate networking opportunities, enabling the translation of discussions into actionable partnerships and trade deals, further solidifying Riyadh's status as a global tech epicenter.
Source: The Fintech Times
