As the global technology sector searches for its next frontier of growth, LEAP is preparing to take centre stage once again. The award-winning technology event returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 13 to 16 April 2026 to convene the world’s most influential tech leaders, policymakers, investors, and founders.
Co-organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf, the fifth edition reflects the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for innovation under Vision 2030.
With the 2025 event acting as a launchpad for a staggering $14.9billion in deals and announcements, the platform continues to serve as a catalyst for investment. The organisers anticipate that LEAP 5 will attract over 201,000 visitors, alongside more than 600 startups, 1,800 global tech brands, and 1,900 investors.
Tech titans set the agenda
LEAP 5 will bring together the architects of the next digital era, featuring a world-class speaker line-up of over 1,000 industry visionaries. CEOs and innovators from global tech giants—including Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Lenovo, Huawei, Cisco, and Cerebras Systems—will join leading Saudi enterprises like stc and Aramco.
The speaker faculty highlights figures defining the future of their respective sectors:
- Matt Garman, CEO of AWS, will discuss the advancement of cloud infrastructure.
- Justin Hotard, CEO and president of Nokia, will focus on shaping connectivity.
- Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, will champion the application of AI in the region.
- Chandra Donelson of the US Space Force and Hanne Jesca Bax from EY will showcase frontier innovations that governments and industries will rely on tomorrow.
Expansive new zones and platforms
This year’s event will feature its most expansive programme yet, spanning more than twenty stages covering critical sectors such as climate tech, health tech, fintech, space tech, and smart cities.
Key highlights of the expanded footprint include:
- DeepFest: Returning as the region’s premier platform for AI and deep tech, DeepFest will feature an immersive Tech Arena with live demonstrations and practical AI use cases from firms like Snowflake, Alteryx, and Xerox.
- GameX Creative: A flagship zone powered by global gaming leaders like Savvy Games Group, ESL FACEIT Group, and Kojima Productions, spotlighting the technologies redefining esports and digital storytelling.
- Sports Tech Hub: An expanded scale hub convening institutions like The English FA, La Liga, and the Aston Martin Formula One Team to explore how AI, data, and immersive tech are reshaping athlete performance and fan engagement.
- LEAP Connect: A newly curated networking environment built to accelerate meaningful collaboration across the ecosystem through structured matchmaking for founders, investors, and C-suite leaders.
A nexus for capital and startups
For the global fintech and investment communities, LEAP’s Investor and Startup Programme positions Riyadh as a crucial hub for capital. Anchored by the Investor and Founder Stage and the $1million Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, the programme unites startups and investors across 60 tech verticals. Heavyweight participation from PIF, SVC, 500 Global, and 20VC is expected to drive cross-border deals and early-stage investment at scale.
Faisal Alkhamisi, chairman of the SAFCSP, noted the rapid maturation of the event: “Over the past four years, LEAP has evolved at a rocket-fuelled pace, playing a critical role in nurturing talent, creativity and investment. Yet, this is just the beginning. LEAP will continue to reflect the ever-changing tech landscape and inspire pioneers from across the globe.”
Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, added: “LEAP has become a place where the future is not just discussed but built. The momentum in Saudi Arabia is extraordinary, and as LEAP enters its fifth edition, it will take this ambition into new worlds, unlocking investment and shaping the technologies that will define the next decade.”
