LEAP 2026 Riyadh will return for its fifth edition from 13 to 16 April 2026, bringing together global technology leaders, investors, policymakers and founders in Saudi Arabia’s capital. The award-winning technology event will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping economies, industries and societies worldwide.

As the global technology ecosystem searches for its next phase of growth, investment and collaboration, Riyadh will once again take centre stage. The event continues to position Saudi Arabia as a global innovation hub aligned with Vision 2030.

LEAP is co-organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf. The platform reflects the Kingdom’s expanding influence in global technology and digital transformation.

This year, the programme will expand further. More platforms and new features will be introduced. In addition, a world-class speaker line-up will reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role at the centre of global technology discussions.

Global technology giants are expected to participate. These include Google, Amazon Web Services, Luma AI, AMD, Qualcomm, Cisco, Lenovo, HP, HPE, Huawei, Foxconn and Cerebras Systems. Saudi organisations such as stc, Aramco, Elm, Alat and HUMAIN will also join, highlighting collaboration between international and local leaders.

The speaker line-up will feature Matt Garman, CEO of AWS, focusing on cloud infrastructure. Justin Hotard, President and CEO of Nokia, will address connectivity advancements. Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, will spotlight applied AI in the region. Furthermore, Andrew Feldman of Cerebras Systems, Hanne Jesca Bax of EY and Chandra Donelson of the US Space Force will share insights on AI, data and next-generation technologies.

Since launching in 2022, LEAP has grown into one of the world’s most attended technology events. Across four editions, it has attracted more than 688,000 attendees, 2,480 startups, 6,200 companies and over 5,000 investors. Notably, the 2025 edition recorded USD 14.9 billion in deals and announcements. Moreover, the event generated USD 820 million in economic impact.

The fifth edition will span more than twenty stages. Topics will include climate tech, health tech, fintech, space tech and smart cities. DeepFest will return as a leading regional platform for AI and deep tech. Participants will include EY, Snowflake, Alteryx, Agibot and Xerox. An immersive Tech Arena will also showcase live demonstrations and applied AI use cases.

GameX Creative will debut as a flagship zone. It will be powered by Savvy Games Group, ESL FACEIT Group, Hero Esports, Steer Studios, OSN+, Red Sea Film Foundation, MDLBeast and Kojima Productions. The zone will focus on gaming, esports and digital storytelling technologies.

Meanwhile, the Sports Tech Hub will return at an expanded scale. Representatives from The English FA, La Liga, Saudi Pro League, Juventus FC, Atlético Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Ferrari and Aston Martin Formula One Team will participate. Discussions will examine how AI, data and immersive technologies are transforming athlete performance and fan engagement.

LEAP Connect will launch as a curated environment designed to foster collaboration. It will connect founders, investors, C-suite executives and policymakers through structured matchmaking and networking. The initiative aims to convert dialogue into partnerships and partnerships into deals.

Faisal Alkhamisi, Chairman of SAFCSP, said LEAP has evolved rapidly over four years and continues to nurture talent, creativity and investment. He added that the platform will keep reflecting the evolving technology landscape while inspiring pioneers worldwide.

In addition, the Investor and Startup Programme will further strengthen Riyadh’s position as a capital and innovation hub. The programme includes the Investor and Founder Stage and the USD 1 million Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition. Participants will include PIF, SVC, 500 Global, Rakuten Capital and 20VC, supporting cross-border and early-stage investment.

Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, stated that LEAP has become a platform where the future is built, not just discussed. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing momentum and said the fifth edition will unlock further investment and shape technologies defining the next decade.

Supported by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the event is expected to attract more than 201,000 visitors, over 600 startups, 1,000+ speakers, 1,800+ global tech brands and 1,900+ investors.

With expanded stages, global participation and significant investment momentum, LEAP 2026 Riyadh is set to further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global technology and innovation hub.

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