LEAP 5: The World’s Most Attended Technology Event Returns to Riyadh, Taking Global Tech Into New Worlds

Every spring, Riyadh transforms into an unusual meeting point where dark business suits intersect with the evolving dreams of early-stage startups. Behind giant screens and illuminated stages, a deeper conversation unfolds about the future of technology, and who will shape it. This year, LEAP 2026 returns for its fifth edition, carrying greater ambitions for Saudi Arabia’s position on the global digital map.

Since its launch in 2022, LEAP has evolved far beyond a showcase for new products or a gathering of high-profile speakers. With cumulative figures surpassing hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of startups and investors, the event has become a platform of economic and technological influence. The conversation is no longer about attendance numbers, but about multi-billion-dollar deals and economic impact that extends well beyond the exhibition halls.

Hosting more than 1,000 speakers and nearly 2,000 technology-focused brands places LEAP among the world’s leading global conferences. The difference, however, lies in Riyadh’s ambition to act not merely as a host, but as a driving force. The goal extends beyond exhibition to building long-term networks between venture capital, startups, and government entities.

This year’s participant list reflects a deliberate focus on key sectors: cloud computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, telecommunications, and deep tech. The presence of leaders from companies such as Amazon Web Services, Nokia, Cerebras Systems, alongside global giants like Google, Qualcomm, and Cisco, sends a clear signal: the event’s ambitions are global, not regional.

More importantly, the expected discussions point toward execution, not presentation. When this spectrum of companies meets sovereign entities and investment funds, conversations around digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and nationwide AI adoption become strategic roadmaps rather than keynote slides.

LEAP is no longer just a stage for showcasing innovation, it is a space for redefining technological priorities across the region.

The return of Deepfest within LEAP’s agenda underscores an undeniable reality: artificial intelligence has become the central engine of investment, governance, and development. From big data applications to advanced language models, these technologies are shifting from experimental tools to operational infrastructure relied upon by governments and enterprises alike.

This focus reflects not only a global wave but also a local ambition to move from importing technology to producing exportable knowledge.

One of the most significant indicators in the 2026 edition is the Investors and Startup Program, including competitions with prizes reaching $1 million. The participation of funds such as Public Investment Fund, Saudi Venture Capital Company, alongside global venture capital entities like 500 Global, Rakuten Capital, and 20VC, positions startups in front of decision-makers and capital providers simultaneously, a rare opportunity.

Here, the conference becomes an open marketplace of ideas, where scalability, sustainable growth models, and regional competitiveness determine outcomes. For the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, such direct exposure can compress years of fundraising and strategic networking into a matter of days.

Vision 2030 is not merely a political backdrop to the event; it is a framework reflected in its details — from supporting tech talent to building digital infrastructure that attracts investment. The expected attendance of more than 200,000 visitors is not just a numeric target, but an indicator that Riyadh aims to position itself as a technological hub with regional reach.

The paradox is that the success of such events is not measured over four days, but by what follows: partnerships formed, new regional offices announced, investments finalized, and projects transformed from stage presentations into market-ready products.

The LEAP Connect platform introduces a dedicated space to accelerate meaningful collaboration across all levels of the business ecosystem. It brings together founders, innovators, executives, and policymakers in a structured networking environment designed to translate creative ideas into actionable solutions and long-term partnerships.

Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, commented: “Over the past four years, LEAP has witnessed rapid development and has contributed significantly to supporting talent, investment, and innovation. We expect further success for this pioneering event, within a landscape that reflects the continuous growth of the technology sector and continues to inspire innovators from around the world.”

The conference also features the Investors and Startups Program, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global center for innovation and capital. Highlights include the Investors and Founders Stage and the Rocket Fuel Startup Competition, offering $1 million in total prizes. The program connects startups and investors across 60 technology sectors, with participation from the Public Investment Fund, the Saudi Venture Capital Company, 500 Global, Rakuten Capital, and 20VC, all working to facilitate deal-making and early-stage investments at scale.

Mike Champion, CEO of Tahalluf, stated: “LEAP has evolved into a powerful gathering for building the future, driven by the significant momentum Saudi Arabia is demonstrating in technological advancement. The fifth edition aims to amplify these ambitions and unlock new opportunities, leveraging promising investments to deliver technological solutions that will define and serve the next decade.”

LEAP stands as a global platform where minds, companies, and capital converge to shape the future of the intelligent age. From Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reaffirms, with the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, its leadership in driving this transformation and bringing the world together to create sustainable economic, technological, and social impact.

The fifth edition of LEAP is expected to attract more than 201,000 visitors, over 600 startups, 1,000 speakers, 1,800 global technology brands, and more than 1,900 investors, further cementing its role as a global hub for collaboration and innovation.

For more information about ticket bookings and the full conference program, please visit onegiantleap.com.

Ultimately, LEAP 2026 is not just another technology conference on the global events calendar. It is a test of the region’s ability to move from consuming technology to actively shaping it. The real measure begins when the lights go down, and the question remains: what will truly change in the digital landscape afterward?