The LEAP 2026 technology conference concluded on Thursday in Riyadh, recording investments, announcements, and agreements totaling nearly $15 billion. The four-day event, held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, drew global participation and reinforced Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading hub for digital economy and artificial intelligence.
Organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, Tahaluf, and the Investment Events Fund, the conference operated under the theme “Into New Worlds.”
Major Investments and Partnerships
Artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure dominated the investment landscape, with several high-profile announcements.
AWS Cloud Region and AI Expansion
Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of its first cloud infrastructure region in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for December 2026. This forms part of a planned investment exceeding $5.3 billion. AWS also expanded its partnership with Humain to provide up to 50 megawatts of capacity within the country’s first dedicated AI zone, targeted for 2028.
Other Significant Tech Investments
- Al Moammar Information Systems committed $1.2 billion to expand its data center operations.
- NHC Innovation announced an $800 million investment to develop the “Digital Khuzam Valley.”
- Snowflake pledged $300 million through 2030 to grow its presence in the Kingdom.
Local Manufacturing and Creative AI
In a move highlighting local tech manufacturing, Lenovo showcased its first laptop produced in Riyadh, developed in partnership with Alat. This aligns with Saudi efforts to localize technology industries and develop national talent.
Adobe announced a commitment exceeding $4 billion, expanding its collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Humain. This includes providing AI-powered creative tools free of charge to over 27 million eligible citizens and residents, as well as developing an image generation model tailored to Saudi culture and local context.
Startup Funding and Talent Development
Venture capital investments, funding rounds, and announced funds during the conference reached approximately $857 million, aimed at supporting tech and startup companies in AI, biotechnology, fintech, and deep tech sectors.
Several initiatives were launched to boost digital skills, targeting millions of beneficiaries:
- Google’s Gemini technologies will be made available to over one million university students in Saudi Arabia.
- ServiceNow Academy aims to train one million learners.
- The “Alf for Applied Generative AI” initiative seeks to qualify 100,000 beneficiaries by 2030.
Official Statements and Future Plans
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, stated that the results of the fifth edition reflect the Crown Prince’s support for building a competitive digital economy and cementing the Kingdom’s status as a global tech and AI hub.
Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, called the 2026 edition the best since the conference’s inception. He noted participation from over 165 countries, more than 1,300 speakers, and over 1,500 investors managing assets exceeding $18.3 trillion. Across all five editions, LEAP has facilitated deals and announcements worth nearly $60 billion and hosted around 5,000 speakers.
LEAP organizers announced that the sixth edition will take place from April 12 to 15, 2027, continuing its mission to attract investments, build global partnerships, and foster innovation and talent in the Kingdom.