The fifth edition of LEAP, the world’s most-attended tech event, is set to return to Riyadh from April 13-16, 2026. Organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in collaboration with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP) and Tahaluf, the conference aims to further solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for technology and innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Building on a Legacy of Growth and Billion-Dollar Deals
Since its launch in 2022, LEAP has demonstrated remarkable growth, attracting a cumulative total of over 688,000 participants, 6,200 companies, and more than 5,000 investors across its four previous editions. The 2025 event alone saw the announcement of deals and investments worth $14.9 billion. The upcoming edition is expected to surpass previous records, with organizers forecasting an attendance of over 201,000 visitors, 1,900 investors, and 1,800 global tech brands.
“Over the past four years, LEAP has evolved rapidly, contributing to the support of talent, investment, and innovation,” said Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman of SAFCSP. “We expect more success for this leading event, within a scene that reflects the continuous development of the technology sector and continues to inspire creators from all over the world.”
Global Tech Leaders to Convene in the Kingdom
LEAP 2026 will bring together a distinguished lineup of global tech pioneers and decision-makers. Executives from companies such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Luma AI, AMD, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Cerebras Systems will participate alongside major Saudi entities including stc, Aramco, Elm, Alat, and Humanoid.
Announced speakers include Matt Garman, CEO of AWS; Justin Hotard, CEO of Nokia; and Tareq Amin, CEO of Humanoid. They will be joined by innovators like Andrew Feldman, CEO of Cerebras Systems, who are shaping the future of AI, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies.
Expanded Program to Feature Over 20 Specialized Platforms
The 2026 event will feature its most extensive program to date, with over 20 distinct platforms covering sectors like climate tech, health tech, fintech, space tech, and smart cities. The popular DeepFest, the region’s premier gathering for the AI ecosystem, will return with participation from global firms like EY and Snowflake.
New additions include the GameX Creative zone, focusing on e-sports and digital content creation with partners like Savvy Games Group and Kojima Productions. The Sports Tech track, sponsored by the Ministry of Sport, will also expand, featuring representatives from La Liga, Juventus, and the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. A new platform, LEAP Connect, will be introduced to facilitate curated networking and partnerships between founders, executives, and policymakers.
Fostering Innovation with a $1 Million Startup Competition
Continuing its commitment to the startup ecosystem, LEAP will host its Investor Program, featuring the Investor & Founders Stage and the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition with prizes totaling $1 million. The program connects startups with leading VCs and investment funds, including the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Venture Capital (SVC), 500 Global, and Rakuten Capital, to facilitate early-stage deals and investments across 60 tech sectors.
“LEAP has become an effective forum for building and enhancing the future, based on the great momentum shown by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of technological development,” stated Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf. “The fifth edition of the conference aims to enhance these ambitions and open new horizons by leveraging promising investments to provide the technical solutions that will define the next decade.”
About LEAP
LEAP is a global technology platform and event held annually in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that connects pioneers, innovators, and investors to explore the future of technology. Since its inception, it has become the world’s largest tech event by attendance, serving as a critical catalyst for investment, partnership, and innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a global technology hub.
Source: Entarabi
