The next iteration of the global technology gathering, LEAP, is scheduled to unfold at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Saudi Arabia, from the 4th to the 7th of March, 2024. The third installment of what has become the most populous tech event worldwide bears the theme ‘New Worlds’ and is anticipated to assemble in excess of 1,000 companies and over 1,000 speakers from 180 nations, putting a spotlight on the technological horizon, especially on artificial intelligence (AI).
Spanning an extensive range of subjects such as AI, sustainability, gaming, space, cybersecurity, and digital twins, LEAP24 is set to showcase industry luminaries including Angela Kane, Elizabeth Adams, Divya Gokulnath, and many others. The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) is teaming up for DeepFest once more, promising a diverse mix of stages, sessions, and showcases, all while celebrating the contribution of burgeoning startups and established tech giants in the realm of AI.
Abdullah Al Swaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasizes that the forthcoming LEAP event is poised to reinforce the Kingdom’s stature as a nexus for tech innovation, drawing substantial investments into the region. The Kingdom’s digital economy has seen remarkable growth, supported by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with its tech market now the largest in its region, boasting an investment influx exceeding $43 billion. Venture capital contributions have also reached a new high, with $1.3 billion in 2023, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s status as the MENA region’s premier investment destination.
The nation has also emerged as the premier hub for digital expertise in the area, cultivating a workforce of over 354,000 young professionals. Notably, female participation in the tech sector has soared to 35%, outstripping figures in the European Union, G20, and even Silicon Valley. The Chairman of The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), Faisal Al-Khamisi, along with Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, shared their anticipation for the event, recalling the previous LEAP’s triumph, which concluded with over $9 billion in investments and drew a crowd of more than 172,000 attendees.
By continuing its successful trajectory, LEAP 2024 aims to remain a cornerstone platform for investors, startups, technocrats, and enthusiasts alike, driving digital transformation and nurturing tech enterprises and investments on both a local and international stage.