From February 9–12, 2025, Riyadh transformed into the epicenter of global technological innovation with the return of LEAP 2025. Held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, this fourth edition of the world’s most-attended tech event welcomed over 170,000 attendees, 1,800 exhibitors, 680 startups, and more than 1,000 speakers across 15 stages. Under the theme “Towards New Worlds,” LEAP 2025 showcased Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to lead in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, quantum technologies, and space innovation, positioning itself as a global hub for technological advancement and digital transformation.
AI and Cloud: A $14.9 Billion Commitment to the Future
A central highlight of LEAP 2025 was the announcement of $14.9 billion in new investments dedicated to AI and cloud infrastructure. These investments bring Saudi Arabia’s total technology infrastructure commitments to over $42.4 billion since the first LEAP conference in 2022, underscoring the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading AI hub.
Key partnerships and projects unveiled include:
Groq and Aramco Digital: A $1.5 billion collaboration aimed at expanding AI-powered inference infrastructure and cloud computing capabilities.
ALAT and Lenovo: A joint $2 billion investment to establish an advanced AI and robotics-integrated manufacturing and technology center in Riyadh.
Google: Introduction of new AI-driven digital infrastructure, including the launch of a powerful computing cluster to meet both regional and global demands.
Qualcomm: Deployment of ALLaM (Arabic Large Language Model) on Qualcomm AI Cloud, enhancing AI accessibility and performance.
Alibaba Cloud: Launch of the AI enablement program in collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy, focusing on training national talent in AI technologies.
These strategic investments are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and foster innovation.
Startups and Talent: Accelerating Innovation
LEAP 2025 solidified its status as a platform catalyzing support for startups and talents. The event featured over 680 startups from around the world, offering unique opportunities for new businesses to present their products and solutions to potential investors and strategic partners.
Key initiatives included:
National Technology Development Program (NTDP): Unveiled accelerators and financing funds amounting to $150 million to boost the growth of tech companies in Saudi Arabia.
Sharaka Financial: Announced a $30 million fund for startup growth in the MENA region.
Orbit Startups and Sanabil Investments: Launched a $60 million accelerator aimed at investing in 200 early-stage tech startups.
Microsoft: Launched the region’s first Datacenter Academy in collaboration with NITA, a non-profit training academy.
Alibaba Cloud: Introduced the AI Enablement Program in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy to enhance the skills of national talent in artificial intelligence.
These initiatives underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem and developing local talent to drive innovation.
Immersive Experiences: Tech Arena and LEAP Nights
LEAP 2025 introduced new immersive experiences to engage attendees:
Tech Arena: An interactive space showcasing next-generation innovations, including robotic dresses by Anouk Wipprecht and Adobe’s Project Primrose wearable tech.
LEAP Nights: Evening events blending networking with Saudi Arabia’s vibrant cultural scene, featuring dinners, meetups, and live entertainment across Riyadh.
These experiences provided attendees with opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies and forge new connections in a dynamic setting.
Space Tech and Sustainability: Expanding Horizons
LEAP 2025 delved into the evolving dynamics of the global space industry, with an emphasis on the role of space applications, sustainability, and Saudi Arabia’s expanding presence in the sector.
Key announcements and initiatives included:
Connected Aircrafts: Saudi Arabia will become the first country after Europe to launch connected aircrafts using Wi-Fi with 4G.
Space Track: Featured 24 events, including panel discussions, keynote speeches, and fireside chats exploring the latest advancements in space exploration and sustainability.
SpaceUp Competition: Aimed at supporting global entrepreneurs in leveraging space technology to address challenges in healthcare, education, and industrial manufacturing.
Saudi Arabian Railway (SAR): Secured a license from the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) to commercialize its telecom infrastructure, boosting connectivity across the Kingdom.
These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in both commercial space activities and scientific exploration.
Global Expansion: LEAP Heads to Hong Kong
Building on the success of LEAP 2025, organizers announced the expansion of the event beyond Saudi Arabia with the launch of LEAP East. This new edition will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center from July 8 to 10, 2026, bringing together attendees in one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally diverse cities.
This move reflects the growing interest in Saudi Arabia’s tech ecosystem and its connection to other key innovation markets, reinforcing the goal of positioning LEAP as a global tech reference.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Global Tech
LEAP 2025 demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to technological advancement and economic diversification, with AI and space technology playing pivotal roles in shaping the Kingdom’s future. The event not only showcased technological advancements but also highlighted significant economic contributions, with LEAP 2025 projected to generate $820 million in economic impact for Riyadh and the broader Saudi economy.
As investment and innovation continue to surge, stakeholders from around the world have a unique opportunity to engage with this transformative movement. With LEAP 2026 already on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is poised to further cement its position as a global leader in technology and innovation.
