Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The third edition of LEAP, the world's best-attended tech event, is set to take place 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 theme is "New Worlds". It promises to bring together over 1,000 international and local companies and more than 1,000 expert speakers from 180 countries, focusing on the future of technology, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI).
LEAP24 will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including technology, AI, sustainability, gaming, space, cybersecurity, and digital twins. The event will feature notable 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 partnership with The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), will also return, offering a variety of stages, talks, training sessions, and innovative presentations, alongside the participation of global startups and leading tech companies in AI.
Abdullah Al Swaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted that the third edition of LEAP will bolster Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for innovation and technology, attracting significant investments to the region. He credited the support of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for contributing to the Kingdom's digital economy growth, noting the country's emergence as the largest technology market in the region with over $43 billion and venture capital investments in 2023 surpassing $1.3 billion, making it the largest recipient in the MENA region.
The Kingdom has also become the largest hub for digital talent in the region, with over 354,000 young professionals, including a significant increase in women's participation in the sector 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 this year's edition, noting the success of the previous LEAP event, which concluded with investments and launches exceeding $9 billion and attracted over 172,000 visitors.
LEAP 2024 aims to continue its legacy as a pivotal platform for investors, startups, experts, and technology enthusiasts, playing a crucial role in fostering tech companies and investments and driving digital transformation both locally and globally.
