The third edition of "LEAP," the world's most attended tech event, returns to the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Saudi Arabia, from March 4-7, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and "Tahaluf" Company, the event will feature over 1,000 international and local companies, along with 1,000 expert speakers from 180 countries.
The event's theme, "New Worlds," reflects its focus on the future of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, gaming, space, cybersecurity, and digital twins. Prominent speakers and experts will grace the stage, including 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.This year's LEAP will host DeepFest in partnership with The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), providing a platform for discussions on AI applications, advancements, and ethical implications. Global startups and leading tech companies will participate, showcasing their latest AI innovations.The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, emphasized that LEAP strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for innovation and technology. He highlighted the support and empowerment provided by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which has contributed to the Kingdom's leadership in digital economy growth. Saudi Arabia has become the largest tech market in the region, with venture capital investments exceeding $1.3 billion in 2023.
The Kingdom also boasts a thriving digital talent pool with over 354,000 young professionals, including women who constitute 35% of the workforce, exceeding the average in the European Union, G20, and Silicon Valley.