RIYADH: LEAP 2026, the fifth edition of the world’s largest technology event, opened in Saudi Arabia on Monday with more than $15 billion in investments, technology and strategic partnerships announced across artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for innovation and digital infrastructure.
The event is being held in Riyadh under the theme “Into New Worlds,” bringing together leading figures from the technology and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, along with investors and innovators from across the globe, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Saudi Arabia a global hub for digital infrastructure
The initiative further strengthened Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for digital infrastructure, advanced computing and technology investment in the emerging intelligent era.
With the empowerment of the leadership, H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha @aalswaha unveils at #LEAP26 high-impact investments, and strategic partnerships exceeding $15 billion in AI and advanced technologies to expand computing capabilities and digital infrastructure, develop national… pic.twitter.com/Qv3xMT2Ohc
— وزارة الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات (@McitGovSa) August 31, 2026
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha said in his opening address that the latest launches and investments had been made possible through the support and empowerment of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
He said Saudi Arabia was steadily moving towards a leading role in the global AI era by working in partnership with major technology companies, innovators and investors from around the world.
Alswaha stressed that Saudi Arabia has established a global model for turning technological ambitions and commitments into tangible achievements, underpinned by agility, reliability, and speed of execution.
He also noted that technology and national talent, particularly young people, are driving the Kingdom’s progress.
Integrated AI ecosystem
These launches and investments are contributing to the development of an integrated AI ecosystem spanning energy, connectivity, semiconductors, data centers, accelerated computing, AI models, cloud services, and sector-specific applications, supporting the growth of the digital economy and enhancing its global competitiveness.
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The conference is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf, a joint venture between SAFCSP, global events company Informa, and the Events Investment Fund.
LEAP 2026 will run until September 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, featuring more than 1,000 speakers, 1,900 investors, 1,800 global technology brands, and 600 startups across 16 stages and more than 20 tracks exploring the future of AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart cities, fintech, healthcare, space, gaming, and mobility.
