At LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, Honor introduced its latest innovation, the ‘Robot Phone,’ which the company describes as a world first. This marked the device’s international debut in the Middle East and Africa, aligning with Honor’s broader strategy to expand beyond smartphones into a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered devices.
Alpha Plan: From Vision to Reality
During the conference, Honor presented its vision under the theme ‘Alpha Plan: From Vision to Reality,’ showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, cinematic imaging, and connected devices. This initiative runs parallel to the company’s new brand direction, ‘DARE TO BE.’
Li Kunming, Honor’s Executive Director of Marketing for the Middle East and Africa, noted that the company’s participation at LEAP 2026 demonstrated the transition of the Alpha Plan from concept to practical application. He emphasized that the Robot Phone and related robotics innovations illustrate how AI can be made more accessible and relevant to everyday user needs. Kunming also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in Honor’s growth and innovation journey in AI and digital technologies.
Robot Phone: A New Category of Device
The Robot Phone was the centerpiece of Honor’s exhibition, representing a new category of devices that merge AI, robotics, and cinematic imaging. The phone features an integrated robotic mechanical stabilization system that enables it to move, track individuals, and interact with its surroundings. This capability opens up new possibilities for more automated content creation.
LEAP 2026 served as the first international venue for the Robot Phone in the Middle East and Africa, making the region the first external market to experience the device.
Collaboration with ARRI for Cinematic Excellence
Honor also showcased its partnership with ARRI, a leader in professional cinema and imaging technology. The collaboration aims to combine ARRI’s cinematic expertise with Honor’s AI and robotics capabilities to develop more advanced photography and videography experiences.
Beyond the Phone: An Integrated Smart Ecosystem
Honor’s presence at LEAP extended beyond the Robot Phone. The company displayed a range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearables, all designed to work seamlessly within a unified ecosystem for work, entertainment, fitness, and learning.
Additionally, Honor unveiled the ‘HONOR Robotics D1,’ reflecting its vision for a future where humans, AI, and robots coexist. The company reiterated its goal to enhance user capabilities rather than replace them.
The ‘DARE TO BE’ strategy underscores Honor’s commitment to developing an open, interconnected ecosystem of devices and AI technologies, supported by innovations such as Agentic OS and AiMAGE.
Strong Growth in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia
Honor reported a 35% growth in its Middle East and Africa business during the first half of 2026, despite a 13% decline in the regional smartphone market over the same period. The company also claimed the second position among major smartphone brands in the Middle East, following a 73% year-on-year growth in the first quarter.
Saudi Arabia has become Honor’s leading market for tablet market share, and its AIoT (AI of Things) segment has seen growth exceeding 500%. Sales of the HONOR Earbuds Clip surpassed 100,000 units in the Saudi market, indicating the company’s expanding presence in the connected smart devices sector.
Looking ahead, Honor plans to continue its expansion in the Kingdom by strengthening its retail network and after-sales services, developing local partnerships, and deepening collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s technology and innovation ecosystem.