LEAP 2025: Saudi Arabia's Tech Ambitions Soar with $14.9 Billion AI Investment

How LEAP 2025 is shaping Saudi Arabia's tech ambitions

In just four years, Saudi Arabia's showpiece technology event, LEAP, has gone from a bold debut to one of the most talked-about gatherings on the planet. Now, the global award-winning conference is back for its fourth edition, set to run from February 9-12, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham. This year's event is already making waves, not just for its scale but for its ambition. Under the theme 'Into New Worlds,' LEAP 2025 is taking a new direction with its first-ever ticketed model. The goal? To draw an even higher percentage of top-tier attendees -- industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers -- to supercharge business networking and investment opportunities. "LEAP has enjoyed remarkable momentum from day one," says Annabelle Mander, executive vice president at Tahaluf. "In 2022, we set a record as the largest debut tech event in history. By 2024, we had more than tripled in size, becoming the most attended tech event in the world. Now that we've established our scale, we're concentrating on delivering tangible business outcomes," she tells Gulf Business. Last year's stats underscore that meteoric rise: 215,000 attendees from 177 countries, 1,600 investors managing $4.5tn in assets under management (AUM), and more than $11.9bn in announced investments. For Mander, the numbers tell a compelling story, but the real focus now is on building a vibrant ecosystem where startups, entrepreneurs, and tech giants can collaborate to accelerate Saudi Arabia's tech-driven ambitions. This year, LEAP 2025 promises even more with 1,800 global tech brands, 680 startups, and 1,000 expert speakers showcasing next-gen solutions in sectors such as space, gaming, education, and smart cities. Heavyweights like Google Cloud, Huawei, Meta, Zoom, AWS, STC, Aramco, and NEOM are leading the charge. Meanwhile, other top global brands such as L'Oréal are making a LEAP debut, bringing 20 cutting-edge technologies to the show floor. Elevating Saudi Arabia's Events Sector LEAP has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's strategy to become a global hub and meeting point for innovation. Behind its success is a partnership with Tahaluf, which has played a pivotal role in elevating the country's events industry to new heights. Tahaluf is a strategic joint venture between Informa, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF), thereby bringing together a number of key stakeholders. "Tahaluf's collaboration with LEAP has been a game-changer for Saudi Arabia's events industry," explains Abdulaziz Alghurayr, director of office and government liaison. "Tahaluf's key contributions include curating an impressive lineup of global tech leaders, facilitating partnerships between local and international companies, and creating opportunities for Saudi youth to engage in the tech ecosystem through workshops, hackathons, and mentorship programmes. These efforts have elevated the quality and scope of events in the Kingdom, aligning them with international standards," says Alghurayr. Crucially, LEAP is closely tied to the goals of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's roadmap for economic diversification and knowledge-based development. "LEAP 2025 is a direct reflection of Vision 2030's ambition to diversify the economy and establish Saudi Arabia as a leader in technology and innovation," says Alghurayr. "LEAP encourages investment in emerging technologies like AI and fintech, which are critical to building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, it supports the development of digital infrastructure and the empowerment of Saudi youth, particularly in STEM fields, which are central to Vision 2030's goals," he notes. Alghurayr further acknowledges that Saudi authorities have been instrumental in LEAP's success. From facilitating partnerships with global organisations to providing funding and ensuring senior officials participate in the event, the government's involvement has created an environment where LEAP is viewed as a priority for the nation's development. "Government entities have actively participated in planning and executing the event, ensuring alignment with national priorities," adds Alghurayr. Amid this support, the scope of the event is also deepening, with a special focus on AI via DeepFest as well as a new sportstech focus. DeepFest 2025: Bringing Future of AI to Riyadh Artificial intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept; it is a thriving industry driving transformation across every sector. Globally, the AI market was valued at $638bn in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.1 per cent, reaching an estimated $3.7tb by 2034, according to Precedence Research. Saudi Arabia is carving out a significant role in this booming industry, aligning with its Vision 2030 ambition to diversify the economy through technological innovation. The Kingdom's AI market was valued at $1bn in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.6 per cent, reaching $4 billion by 2033, as per IMARC Group. In Saudi Arabia, these trends are complemented by large-scale government-backed initiatives like the $100 billion Project Transcendence, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for AI innovation. And as artificial intelligence continues to shape industries and redefine possibilities in Saudi Arabia and across the globe, DeepFest 2025 -- which is co-located with LEAP 2025 -- is set to take centre stage. Dubbed the world's premier AI-focused conference, DeepFest 2025 is organised by Tahaluf and powered by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). DeepFest 2025 is expected to draw over 48,000 attendees, alongside 150 speakers and 120 exhibitors, with the Kingdom's ambitious Project Transcendence initiative serving as its visionary backdrop. Some of the brightest minds in AI will be speaking at DeepFest 2025, including Aidan Gomez, co-founder & CEO of Cohere; Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics; Dr. Daniela Braga, CEO of Defined.AI; and Lambert Hogenhout, chief of data & AI at the United Nations. Discussions will explore critical themes such as AI ethics, governance, and sustainability. The event promises a mix of live demos and immersive experiences. For example, Jonathan Ross, founder & CEO of Groq, is set to present the AI Groqchip, a breakthrough in scalable AI computing, while Marcello Mari, CEO of SingularityDAO, will conduct a live interview with his AI avatar, exploring what decentralised AI could mean for humanity. Humanoid robots by UB Tech and Pudu Robotics will share the floor with attendees, while tech couture by Dutch designer Anouk Wipprecht will blur the lines between fashion and technology with her interactive robotic dress. The transformative potential of AI in healthcare will also be a major theme at DeepFest 2025. Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve, CEO of Alan, will demonstrate 'Mo,' a Doctor AI assistant that gamifies health management through biomarker analysis and preventative care. "DeepFest 2025 will explore how AI is transforming every sector and translate advancements into tangible solutions for a brighter future," says Mander. SportsTech at LEAP 2025 This year, LEAP 2025 is further introducing SportsTech, a dedicated content track exploring the intersection of sports and technology. The debut of this vertical underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing professional sports as part of its Vision 2030 goals, which aim to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global hub for innovation. Saudi Arabia's rapid emergence as a global sports hub provides a fitting backdrop for SportsTech at LEAP 2025. From hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034 to major events such as the Jeddah F1 Grand Prix and high-profile boxing matches, the Kingdom is proving its ability to deliver world-class sporting experiences. These achievements are underpinned by significant investments in technology, which are reshaping sports culture and production on a global scale. At LEAP 2025, SportsTech is set to bring together industry leaders, athletes, and investors to explore how technology is transforming sports at every level. Hosting the stage will be former France and Manchester United football legend Patrice Evra, who will be joined by more than 30 high-profile speakers and participants. Among the confirmed names are Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA; Dominic Thiem, Grand Slam tennis champion; and Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer of Chelsea FC. Representatives from global organisations like Formula E, the ATP Tour, Newcastle United, and the F1 McLaren Racing Team will share insights into how cutting-edge technology is enhancing performance, fan engagement, and sustainability in sports. "Sports tech is revolutionising the way we play, train, and experience sports," said Iker Casillas, Spain and Real Madrid's legendary goalkeeper, now an active investor and startup accelerator. Attendees will also have the chance to meet sporting icons like Italy's Andrea Pirlo, Francesco Totti, and former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who has since transitioned to becoming a biotech entrepreneur. The SportsTech stage will cover a wide range of topics, including: AI and data analytics: How sports organisations are leveraging data to improve player performance and optimise game strategies. AR/VR technology: Innovations in fan engagement, allowing audiences to experience sports in immersive new ways. Sustainability: How tech is helping make global sporting events greener and more efficient. New business models: Exploring innovative revenue streams and investments reshaping the sports industry. SportsTech at LEAP 2025 is also attracting major investors, such as Apex Capital, known for its partnerships with figures like McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris and professional boxer Anthony Joshua. Their presence underscores the growing interest in how technology is driving the next chapter in sports innovation. Recent forecasts by Predence Research indicate that the global sports technology market is projected to grow by 21 per cent annually, reaching a value of $117.93bn by 2034. With such exponential growth on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in this space, leveraging technology to enhance its sporting events and attract global attention. Looking ahead There's no doubt that there's a lot on the go for the team Tahaluf as it continues to build out one of the region's biggest technology events. Looking ahead, the company has big ambitions. "Our focus is on remaining adaptable and responsive to emerging technologies, ensuring our content, speaker lineups, and specialized programs keep delivering genuine impact. We also benefit from strong partnerships with MCIT and SAFCSP, which help transform innovative ideas into real-world opportunities," says Mander. "Looking ahead, I expect to see even more advancements in AI, Fintech, Renewal Energy and Biotech, which will continue to evolve and revolutionize how we interact with the broader tech ecosystem. On a personal note, I'm especially proud of how LEAP has accelerated Tahaluf's growth. "We now have over 100 LEAP dedicated employees in Riyadh. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a talented, high-performing group, and I'm excited to see how we'll keep shaping LEAP's future and driving innovation in the years to come," she concludes. To learn more about LEAP 2025, be sure to pick up the latest Gulf Business February issue or view the digital magazine below:

LEAP 2025 Opens with Announcement of Record-breaking US$14.9 Billion Investment in Artificial Intelligence

Enter your email to get Benzinga's ultimate morning update: The PreMarket Activity NewsletterWorld's premier tech accelerator event smashes own record, revealing investment deals and infrastructure partnerships by domestic and international heavyweights RIYADH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia's award-winning global tech event, announced a record-breaking US$14.9 billion in new Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments that further cement the Kingdom's status as a world-leading AI hub. Revealed on the opening day of this year's four-day event, which is being held at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, the new announcements increase the total amount of technology-related infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia to more than US$42.4bn since LEAP debuted in 2022. The new investments in the Kingdom included an announcement between Groq and Aramco Digital confirming a US$1.5bn plan to expand AI-powered inference infrastructure and cloud computing; ALAT and Lenovo committing US$2bn to establish an advanced manufacturing and technology centre integrating AI and robotics; Google introducing new AI-driven digital infrastructure and the launch of a powerful computing cluster to meet regional and global demand; Qualcomm confirming the availability of its ALLAM language model on Qualcomm AI Cloud; and Alibaba Cloud launching the AI Enablement Programme comprising collaborations with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy to train national talent. Other announcements included Databricks investing US$300 million in integrated PaaS (Platform as a Service) solutions to empower application developers with cutting-edge AI tools; SambaNova committing US$140m to build advanced AI infrastructure; Global private equity firm KKR, in partnership with Gulf Data Hub, revealing a strategic investment in the development of data centres with a total capacity of up to 300 megawatts; Saudi Arabia's Salesforce investing US$500m to develop Hyperforce and enhance cloud capabilities for regional customers; and Tencent Cloud allocating US$150m to establish the Middle East's first AI-powered cloud region. Delivering a keynote address to formally open LEAP 2025, His Excellency Eng Abdullah Alswaha, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), insisted the new wave of investments brings one step closer His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision of the Kingdom's tech sector becoming a global beacon for innovation and advancement. "LEAP 2025 is a defining moment because when the Kingdom works, the region works, and the whole world works," said Alswaha. "LEAP has evolved from a movement to a multiplier effect - but now is our defining moment. Technology has catalysed Saudi Arabia as the biggest success story in youth and female empowerment in the 21st Century, and we are laser-focused on continuing that success story. The intelligence age is here and, in partnership with you, we are going to take that leap together." Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, which co-organises LEAP with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), added: "The massive volume of new investments announced on day one builds on the progress made at LEAP and across the Kingdom in previous years, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's undisputed status as the primary digital accelerator in the Middle East and North Africa." IBM's Arvind Kirshna Predicts Quantum Computing Breakthrough now only "Three to Five Years Away" Eleven months after announcing IBM's plans to invest US$250 million into a global software development centre in the Kingdom, Arvind Krishna, Chairman & CEO of IBM, joined HE Alswaha on the LEAP Main Stage to discuss his experiences identifying "early signals" to stay ahead of emerging industry trends. The trend that dominated the duo's conversation was quantum computing - a type of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that would take classical computers millions of years to complete - with Kirishna adamant the technology is getting ever closer. "A breakthrough I think is only about three-to-five years in the future is quantum computing - I think we will see something amazing," said Krishna. "We're very excited to already be working on it with some partners in the Kingdom, but I believe quantum computing will open up areas that, for the Kingdom, will be very exciting. It will all be about materials, energy, oil and gas, possibly pharmaceuticals - all areas that are critical to the Kingdom and very much part of Vision 2030." From Virtual Boxing to Futuristic Couture, Inaugural Tech Arena Opens Window to the Future LEAP's newly-added Tech Arena kicked off with a series of future-focused, interactive sessions highlighting some of the latest technological advancements shaping the technology of tomorrow. With groundbreaking prototypes in robotics, AI, fashion tech, and mixed reality all being explored, live demonstrations were conducted by global tech influencers alongside BBC Click presenters Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly. US-based Engine VR showcased Golden Gloves VR, a platform that uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive, gamified boxing experience for fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, and entertainment seekers. With professional boxer David Perez delivering a live demonstration to watching crowds, Aaron Sloan, the platform's Founder, said: " I used to work as a cardiac nurse, but the only two things I ever really cared about were boxing and technology. So, I quit my nursing job and opened up my own boxing gym; it burned down within a month. It made me realise that building a business in a brick-and-mortar facility was going to be really hard. It just so happened that, around this time, the Quest One headset came out. Not only was it powerful, it was also wireless, which is so crucial for our system to work," said Sloan. "In order for us to get the traction we needed, we had to replicate as best we could what trainers and boxers were doing in the gym. After a number of different variations, we now have a platform that is being used by sporting bodies across the world, including the Olympics. The system also allows people of determination to take part, making the sport far more inclusive." Elsewhere, TJ Rhodes, the Senior Research Scientist and Engineer on Adobe's Project Primrose, talked audiences through the Middle East debut of its latest wearable technology. First premiered at Adobe Max in 2023, the Project Primrose dress uses non-emissive textiles and can change the way we merge fashion and technology. "It has so many use cases beyond the catwalk; it can be a canvas for new designs or even a low-power billboard that can flash text-based advertisements," said Rhodes. "It is also a non-emissive material that can be cut to any shape and dynamically diffuses light. Most special effects can only be experienced on the big screen, but what Project Primrose allows us to do is transform it from the big screen to reality. Imagine if Elsa from Frozen was able to transform her dress to match her actions in a live performance. We're still discovering the possibilities of what this technology can do." More than 1,800 tech brands and 680 start-ups are exhibiting at LEAP 2025 this week, alongside a stellar lineup of 1,000-plus expert speakers across 15 stages, highlighting the tech that is shaping tomorrow. For more information on the event and ticket options, visit onegiantleap.com About LEAP: Saudi Arabia's desire to shoot for something beyond the realms of the possible presents the ultimate backdrop for LEAP. LEAP showcases the Kingdom's technology ambition on a global stage as it continues to grow as a hub connecting three continents. The figures speak from themselves as LEAP 2024 had an attendance of over 215,000, making it the most attended tech event in the world. LEAP features the inspiring tech of tomorrow across all major sectors including health, finance, energy, education, digital entertainment, transport, smart cities and more. The event is also led by a speaker faculty of globally celebrated technology innovators, focussing on the most innovative tech case studies from around the world. LEAP is not like any other tech event, from the ground up the community, stakeholders and project team are challenged every day to do something wildly creative and bold, something that reflects the seismic advances in tech adoption being seen in Saudi Arabia. About Tahaluf: Headquartered in Riyadh, Tahaluf brings together strategically important commercial communities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf region, and from around the world to a portfolio of world-class exhibitions and digital platforms. Tahaluf is a joint venture partnership between Informa PLC, the world's largest trade show organiser, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Events Investment Fund (EIF). Sela, the Saudi-owned event production company renowned for its creation of spectacular event experiences, intends to join the joint venture in the near future. In 2024 Tahaluf was responsible for the award-winning tech events LEAP & DeepFest, as well as 24 Fintech, the Global Health Exhibition, Cityscape Global, Black Hat MEA and CPHI. For more information about Tahaluf, visit https://tahaluf.com [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fa649e4-de08-4d36-ac05-cacaaa343ac7 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0034895-f10e-4f41-af0e-31a59b2c65d3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a4c9a61-18b0-4288-9f32-90fe4ad7748e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5351de8d-badd-4734-bf1a-4899d40bc9b4 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ed8cddb-dc15-49e4-ae15-0514eb166f91 Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

LEAP 2025 launches in Riyadh, unveiling $14.9bn in AI Investments

Image: Saudi Press Agency LEAP 2025, a flagship event bringing together global technology and innovation leaders, officially launched in Riyadh on Sunday, February 9. On the first day of the conference, investments and projects totaling over $14.9bn in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector were announced, the Saudi Press Agency reported. These major investments solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global player in shaping the digital future. The investments aim to foster digital skills development, support the growth of tech startups, and encourage innovation within the kingdom. They further solidify Saudi Arabia's standing as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, creating a thriving environment for global tech companies. The announcement was made during the keynote address by Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. LEAP 2025 positions Saudi Arabia as a tech leader As LEAP 2025, which runs until Wednesday, kicked off under the theme "Into New Worlds", Minister Alswaha highlighted that these investments and initiatives were made possible through the support of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. "These initiatives are integral to empowering the technology sector and accelerating Saudi Arabia's transition towards an innovative, AI-driven economy," said Alswaha. "They are also aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030." LEAP 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company -- a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa, with support from the Events Investment Fund. Several high-profile investments were unveiled on the event's first day, including: Groq & Aramco Digital: A $1.5bn investment to expand AI-powered cloud computing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI. Alat and Lenovo: A $2bn investment to create an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology centre in Saudi Arabia and establish Lenovo's regional headquarters in Riyadh. Google: Plans to launch a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand through an AI infrastructure investment. Qualcomm: Introduction of the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the ALLaM AI PC, advancing cloud-based AI solutions. Alibaba Cloud: An AI empowerment program in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and STC to train local talent and support a sustainable digital future. Databricks: A commitment of $300m in platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solutions to foster data engineering and AI expertise. SambaNova: A $140m pledge to enhance advanced AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. KKR and Gulf Data Hub: A major investment in Saudi Arabia's data centre development with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts. Salesforce: A $500m commitment to expand its Hyperforce platform in Saudi Arabia. Tencent Cloud: A $150m investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching integrated AI capabilities from Saudi Arabia. Read: LEAP Nights debuts in Riyadh

LEAP 2025: New Tech Arena to offer 'Live TV' platform

LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia's global technology event, will introduce Tech Arena, a new platform for emerging innovations. Entrepreneurs and startups from around the world will present their technologies to an audience of 170,000 attendees. Running from February 9-12 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, the fourth edition of LEAP will explore 'The Future of Tech' through immersive showcases in robotics, artificial intelligence, healthcare technologies, and mixed reality. Attendees will experience live demonstrations and hands-on interactions with emerging technologies. Industry leaders including Aramco, L'Oreal, Adobe, Ericsson, Alwaleed Philanthropies, XAR Labs, Devoteam, and Engine VR will showcase the latest trends and advancements. Exploring Robotics, AI, and Beyond The Tech Arena will feature a 'Live TV' platform, offering real-time demonstrations and discussions hosted by BBC Click's Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly. Visitors will engage with innovations in AI, mixed reality, fashion technology, and brain-computer interfaces. A key highlight will be Anouk Wipprecht's Tech Couture exhibit, where robotic dress collections integrate engineering with fashion. Adobe's 'Project Primrose' will present digital dress technology, introducing dynamic textiles with adaptive designs. AI-Driven Healthcare Solutions Tech Arena will also showcase medical technology advancements, including Aramco-backed Terra Drone's long-range medical delivery system, which aims to improve healthcare access in remote areas. Aramco will also introduce SARA (Saudi Aramco Robotics Assistant), an AI-driven assistant designed to enhance decision-making and streamline operations. US-based Engine VR will present its Golden Gloves VR platform, which uses virtual reality for immersive boxing training. UFC fighter Andrew Sanchez will conduct live demonstrations, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the platform. Global Innovation at LEAP 2025 Alwaleed Philanthropies will present Atlai, an AI tool designed to monitor deforestation and support global conservation efforts. XPANCEO will showcase smart contact lenses that integrate computing power into a lightweight wearable device, offering new ways to interact with digital information. Dr. Valentyn Volkov, co-founder of XPANCEO, commented: "We are excited to introduce our smart contact lenses at LEAP 2025's Tech Arena. This technology represents a step forward in AR vision solutions." Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf, which co-organises LEAP with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), highlighted the opportunities available to participating startups. "The Tech Arena offers a platform for emerging technologies and innovators to connect with industry leaders, investors, and technology enthusiasts," said Mander. "With more than 170,000 attendees expected, exhibitors will gain significant exposure and valuable feedback." The Tech Arena is one of two new segments introduced at LEAP 2025, alongside the SportsTech stage. These additions support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of fostering innovation and technological growth. LEAP 2025 will take place from February 9-12 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham. For more details, visit https://onegiantleap.com/tech-arena.