Riyadh is set to host the fifth edition of the LEAP technology conference, starting tomorrow, Monday. The four-day event will gather an elite group of technology leaders, investors, founders, and innovators from around the world, featuring a packed agenda of major announcements, tech showcases, and interactive experiences.
LEAP 2026: A Global Hub for Technology and Innovation
Since its inception in 2022, LEAP has evolved into one of the world’s premier technology gatherings, attracting major tech companies, investors, startups, speakers, and innovators from across the globe. This year’s edition continues that tradition, with a lineup of influential figures from the global tech sector.
Key speakers include Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha; Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD; Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco Systems; Tariq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN; theoretical physicist Michio Kaku; Javier Tebas, President of the Spanish Football League; and executives from global companies such as NVIDIA, Google, Roblox, Uber, Meta, Lenovo, Nokia, and Luma AI.
Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage
Artificial intelligence is a prominent theme across the conference’s various tracks, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of AI. The focus is on moving AI technologies from theoretical discussion to practical applications.
The conference features 16 stages and over 20 content tracks, covering topics such as AI, advanced computing, mobility, gaming, sports, and emerging technologies. New zones and experiences reflect the event’s growth over its five editions.
Interactive Tech Showcases
In the tech arena, visitors can watch live demonstrations of Unitree robots, the Agibot A2 Ultra humanoid robot, and Conjunction technology, which allows users to communicate with and control devices via brain signals.
The Future Mobility Zone showcases next-generation transportation, including autonomous taxis, autonomous delivery drones, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The GameX Creative area is dedicated to gaming experiences, with new game reveals and the launch of a conference-specific obstacle course game on Roblox. There is also an esports racing simulation experience in collaboration with ESL FACEIT Group.
The SportsHub offers an interactive Formula 1 racing experience, supported by the Saudi Motorsport Company and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, featuring race simulations and an interactive display of the history of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Investors Managing $14.5 Trillion in Assets Confirmed
On the investment and startup front, the conference has confirmed the attendance of 1,289 investors representing 1,016 companies, with a combined total of approximately $14.5 trillion in assets under management.
The Rocket Fuel competition will see 100 finalist startups compete for $1 million in funding without giving up equity, selected from over 3,000 applications. The Ecosystem Xchange platform offers founders opportunities to access new markets and build partnerships, while LEAP Connect provides a space for networking among the global tech community beyond the main stages.
LEAP Nights: 60 Events Across Riyadh
LEAP 2026 extends beyond the conference floor with LEAP Nights, running from August 30 to September 4. This program includes 60 events across more than 15 locations, blending networking, business, culture, and entertainment.
A new strategic partnership with the Saudi Motorsport Company allows conference guests early access to tickets for the 2027 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, with a 20% discount.
Annabel Mander, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of LEAP, said the conference was launched five years ago with the goal of creating a platform in Riyadh that brings together the global tech community and turns ambitions into practical steps with impact. She added that the conference’s achievements go beyond scale, encompassing the people who meet, the partnerships formed, and the opportunities that extend beyond the event’s conclusion. She noted that the fifth edition marks a new milestone reflecting the significant growth of both LEAP and Saudi Arabia’s technology ecosystem.
LEAP 2025 attracted over 200,000 participants, making it one of the world’s largest gatherings for innovative technologies, with a program covering sectors such as health, finance, energy, education, digital entertainment, transport, and smart cities. The fifth edition of LEAP 2026 is expected to showcase the latest technologies, applications, and case studies from around the world, as part of Saudi Arabia’s drive to establish itself as a global hub for technology and innovation.
