Saudi Arabia’s biggest technology gathering is set to return this spring. LEAP 2026 will take place in Riyadh from 31 August to 3 September 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, bringing together global tech leaders, investors, startups, policymakers, and innovators for four days of large-scale conversations around the future of technology. With its strong focus on business, investment, public policy, and emerging innovation, the event is expected to once again stand out as one of the region’s most important technology gatherings.
What is LEAP 2026?
LEAP has grown into far more than a standard industry conference. It has become a major platform where technology companies showcase what they are building, startups seek visibility and funding, and decision-makers come to understand where global innovation is heading next. LEAP 2026 will feature more than 1,000 speakers across four days, covering conversations designed to support real decisions and real-world impact.
That scale is part of what makes LEAP stand out. It is not only a place for product launches or keynote sessions. It is also where regional ambition meets international attention. For Saudi Arabia, LEAP continues to reflect the Kingdom’s growing role in technology, entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, and future-focused investment. This is one of the reasons the event continues to attract such broad interest each year.
Why LEAP 2026 Should Be on Your Calendar
Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, developer, AI enthusiast, corporate leader or student, LEAP 2026 offers opportunities to learn from global technology leaders, discover emerging innovations, connect with potential partners and investors, and experience the latest advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, cloud computing, cybersecurity and smart cities. With keynote sessions, product launches, networking events and one of the region's largest technology exhibitions, LEAP provides valuable insights into the technologies shaping the future while creating opportunities to build meaningful business and professional connections.
What to Expect at LEAP 2026
The global technology event is expected to welcome more than 201,000 attendees, alongside 1,800 international technology brands, including companies such as AWS, Google and Cisco. Across more than 14 stages, over 1,000 speakers will contribute to sessions covering more than 20 technology and business tracks.
Visitors can explore large exhibition floors dedicated to artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, smart cities, cloud computing, cybersecurity, green technology and other emerging sectors. The event brings together established global companies, startups, government entities and investors, allowing attendees to see new products, demonstrations and industry solutions in one place.
DeepFest and the Future of Artificial Intelligence
DeepFest will take place alongside LEAP as a co-located event focused entirely on artificial intelligence. Its programme explores AI adoption, governance, machine learning and the practical use of intelligent technologies across industries. For visitors interested in how AI is being implemented beyond research and experimentation, DeepFest offers access to discussions, demonstrations and solutions addressing real-world business and public-sector applications.
Startup Opportunities and the Rocket Fuel Competition
Entrepreneurs can also follow the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, where selected startups present their ideas to investors, industry leaders and judges. The competition offers up to $1 million in equity-free prize money, making it one of LEAP’s most important opportunities for early-stage companies seeking visibility, funding and industry connections. Beyond the competition, founders can meet investors, potential partners and other entrepreneurs through dedicated startup areas and networking activities.
Networking Through LEAPConnect
LEAPConnect is designed to help attendees arrange meetings before and during the event. Through the official platform and dedicated matchmaking areas, visitors can schedule investor meetings, connect with founders, join selected mixers and access specialised networking lounges. This structure makes the event particularly useful for professionals attending with clear business goals, whether they are looking for investment, partnerships, clients, suppliers or career opportunities.
Partnerships, Investments and Major Announcements
LEAP is also known for major business announcements and partnership signings. A dedicated MOU stage is used for the formal announcement of international investments, technology contracts and collaborations between companies, governments and institutions. These announcements often provide insight into the sectors receiving new investment and the technologies expected to shape Saudi Arabia’s digital economy.
LEAP Nights Across Riyadh
The experience continues after the exhibition closes at 9:00 p.m. LEAP Nights includes curated networking, social and cultural events held at different venues across Riyadh. These evening gatherings give attendees a more informal setting to continue conversations, meet other delegates and experience the city beyond the exhibition centre.
The Theme of LEAP 2026: Into New Worlds
The theme for LEAP 2026, "Into New Worlds," explores how emerging technologies are transforming the way people live, work and innovate. From artificial intelligence and robotics to space technology and next-generation digital infrastructure, the event focuses on ideas and breakthroughs that are redefining industries and creating new possibilities. Through keynote sessions, exhibitions and live demonstrations, attendees can explore how these technologies are shaping the future of business, society and the global economy.
New for 2026: GameX Creative
Where Gaming Meets Storytelling and Digital Culture
One of the biggest additions to LEAP 2026 is GameX Creative, a new dedicated zone celebrating gaming, storytelling and digital culture. Designed for creators, studios, brands and fans, it combines live talks, gaming exhibitions, immersive experiences and creative showcases in one space. Visitors can also hear from leaders across gaming, film and entertainment, including representatives from Savvy Games Group, ESL FACEIT Group, the Red Sea Film Foundation and MDLBEAST. As one of LEAP's newest flagship experiences, GameX Creative reflects Saudi Arabia's growing investment in gaming, esports and the wider creative economy.
Plan Your Visit to LEAP 2026
Whether you're attending to discover emerging technologies, build business relationships, explore investment opportunities or hear from some of the world's leading technology experts, LEAP 2026 offers something for every part of the technology ecosystem. With four days of keynote sessions, exhibitions, startup competitions and networking experiences, the event provides a comprehensive look at the innovations shaping the future. If you're planning to attend, purchasing tickets and organising accommodation early is recommended, as LEAP continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Riyadh each year.