LEAP24: The World’s Premier Tech Event Returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The highly anticipated third edition of LEAP, the world’s foremost tech event, is set to captivate audiences at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Saudi Arabia, from March 4 to 7, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and Tahaluf Company, this year’s LEAP promises to be an unparalleled exploration of the “New Worlds” shaping the future of technology.
With a global footprint, LEAP24 will convene over 1,000 international and local companies and host more than 1,000 expert speakers from 180 countries. The focus of the event will center on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications across various sectors.
LEAP24 will encompass a wide spectrum of topics, including technology, AI, sustainability, gaming, space, cybersecurity, and digital twins. The event will showcase insights from distinguished speakers and experts, such as Angela Kane, Elizabeth Adams, Divya Gokulnath, Martin Vilig, Pekka Lundmark, Borje Ekholm, Arvind Krishna, Martin Urrutia Islas, Philippe Rambach, Nicholas Dirks, Ott Velsberg, and Dr. Anna Zeiter. DeepFest, in collaboration with The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), will make a return, offering a dynamic blend of stages, talks, training sessions, and innovative presentations, featuring global startups and leading tech companies in AI.
Abdullah Al Swaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that LEAP24 aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s standing as a hub for innovation and technology, attracting significant investments to the region. He acknowledged the support of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in contributing to the Kingdom’s digital economy growth. Al Swaha highlighted Saudi Arabia’s emergence as the largest technology market in the region, with over $43 billion in venture capital investments in 2023, exceeding $1.3 billion.
The Kingdom has also become a major hub for digital talent, boasting over 354,000 young professionals. Notably, women’s participation in the sector has surged to 35%, surpassing averages in the European Union, G20, and Silicon Valley. Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman at The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, expressed their anticipation for LEAP24, building on the success of the previous edition, which concluded with investments and launches exceeding $9 billion and attracted over 172,000 visitors.
LEAP 2024 is poised to continue its legacy as a pivotal platform, fostering collaboration among investors, startups, experts, and technology enthusiasts. With the goal of driving digital transformation both locally and globally, LEAP24 is set to be a catalyst for technological advancements and innovation on a global scale.
