Riyadh is set to host the fifth edition of LEAP 2026, a major technology conference running from Monday for four days. The event will bring together leading technology executives, investors, founders, and innovators from around the world, featuring major announcements, live tech demonstrations, and interactive experiences. Since its launch in 2022, LEAP has grown into one of the most significant global tech gatherings, attracting top companies, startups, and thought leaders.
Key Speakers and Industry Leaders at LEAP 2026
The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of influential figures from the global tech sector. Notable speakers include Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha; Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD; Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco Systems; Tariq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN; theoretical physicist Michio Kaku; Javier Tebas, President of Spain’s La Liga; and senior executives from NVIDIA, Google, Roblox, Uber, Meta, Lenovo, Nokia, and Luma AI.
AI Takes Center Stage
Artificial intelligence is a major focus across all conference tracks, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of AI. The emphasis is on moving AI from theoretical discussions to practical applications. The event features 16 platforms and over 20 content tracks covering AI, advanced computing, mobility, gaming, sports, and emerging technologies. New zones and experiences reflect the conference’s evolution over its five editions.
Interactive Tech Showcases
In the tech arena, attendees can see live demonstrations of Unitree robots, the Agibot A2 Ultra humanoid robot, and Conjunction technology, which allows users to control devices via brain signals. The Future Mobility Zone showcases autonomous taxis, delivery drones, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The GameX Creative area offers gaming experiences, including new game reveals and a conference-specific obstacle course game on Roblox, plus an esports racing simulator in partnership with ESL FACEIT Group. The SportsHub provides an interactive Formula 1 racing experience, supported by the Saudi Motorsport Company and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, featuring race simulations and a historical display of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Investor Presence and Startup Opportunities
LEAP 2026 has confirmed the attendance of 1,289 investors representing 1,016 companies, managing a combined $14.5 trillion in assets. The Rocket Fuel competition will see 100 finalist startups compete for $1 million in funding without giving up equity, selected from over 3,000 applications. The Ecosystem Xchange platform helps founders access new markets and build partnerships, while LEAP Connect offers networking opportunities for the global tech community beyond the main stages.
LEAP Nights: Extending the Experience Across Riyadh
The conference extends beyond the venue with LEAP Nights, running from August 30 to September 4, featuring 60 events across more than 15 locations in Riyadh. These events blend business, culture, and entertainment. A new partnership with the Saudi Motorsport Company offers conference attendees early access to tickets for the 2027 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (F1) in Jeddah at a 20% discount.
Anabel Mander, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of LEAP, noted that the conference started five years ago with the goal of creating a platform in Riyadh to unite the global tech community and turn ambitions into practical steps. She emphasized that the event’s impact goes beyond its size, focusing on the people, partnerships, and opportunities that emerge. The fifth edition marks a new milestone in the growth of both LEAP and Saudi Arabia’s technology ecosystem.
LEAP 2025 attracted over 200,000 participants, making it one of the world’s largest tech events by attendance. LEAP 2026 aims to continue this momentum by showcasing the latest technologies, applications, and case studies from around the world, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for technology and innovation. For more details, visit the official LEAP website.