RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting the third edition of LEAP – the Kingdom’s leading technology-focused conference and exhibition – under the slogan “New Worlds” at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This event, which will be held from March 4 to 7, is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and the Alliance.
Next month's edition will include more than 1,000 international and local companies in the technology sector. More than 1,000 expert speakers from 180 countries will discuss the future of technology and artificial intelligence, showcasing the latest innovations.
DeepFest returns this year in partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, along with a wide range of specialized platforms and theaters that offer training courses and innovation sessions, with the participation of global startups and leading technology companies concerned with artificial intelligence.
LEAP24 focuses on technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, gaming, space, cybersecurity and digital twins, with prominent speakers and experts, including from the United Nations, the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and executives and officials from Byju's. Boltt, Nokia, Ericsson, IBM, The LEGO Group, Schneider Electric, New York Academy of Sciences, and eBay.
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Sawaha said that this event will help strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a center for innovation and technology and attract investment to the region.
He added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support for technology contributed to the Kingdom’s leadership in the growth of the digital economy in the region.
He added that the total venture capital investments in 2023 place the Kingdom as the largest country in the region to receive investments exceeding the threshold of $1.3 billion, which represents more than half of the investments achieved in the Middle East and North Africa region. .
The Kingdom is now the largest center for talent and digital capabilities, as it includes more than 354,000 young men and women, and is witnessing qualitative growth in women’s empowerment in the sector, which has now reached 35 percent, exceeding the average of the European Union, the G20, and Europe. Silicon Valley.
Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SAFCSP, said: “Our goal is to present a distinguished edition this year, especially since we concluded the LEAP edition last year with investments and launches exceeding $9 billion. With more than 172,000 visitors attending, LEAP asserts itself as the largest of its kind in the world.
“With a keen focus on artificial intelligence and its countless applications and transformative developments, LEAP 2024 is a continuation that will catapult the global technology industry into the sky,” said Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf.
LEAP represents an influential platform for investors, startups, experts and enthusiasts. The conference attracts technology companies and encourages investments, making it an important hub in the digital transformation process locally and globally.