Riyadh is preparing to host the fifth edition of LEAP 2026 next week, from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, under the theme "Into New Worlds", in a global event bringing together technology and AI leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world.

The new edition follows four years of continuous growth for LEAP, which has outgrown the concept of a technology conference to become an international platform for investments, partnerships and technology projects, after the value of launches and investments announced at its four previous Riyadh editions passed USD 44.2 billion.

More Than 1,800 Tech Companies at LEAP 2026

The fifth edition features broad international participation, with more than 1,000 speakers and global experts, more than 1,800 technology companies, over 600 startups and more than 1,900 investors and venture capital representatives.

This participation gives LEAP 2026 a dimension beyond showcasing new technology. The event creates an environment that brings major companies, investors, startups and decision-makers together, opening the way for new partnerships and for exploring funding, investment and market expansion opportunities.

Topics on the agenda include artificial intelligence, data, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech and healthtech, smart cities, energy and climate, space, gaming, sports technology and digital commerce.

AI at the Top of the Agenda

Artificial intelligence takes center stage in the 2026 edition, in step with the rapid global shift toward AI across government, commercial and industrial sectors.

The conference gives companies, experts and investors a forum to discuss the future of these technologies and to present new applications and solutions related to data, cloud computing, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

The conference is accompanied by DeepFest 2026, in which the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) participates as a main partner, strengthening the presence of AI and deep technology within the event.

New Spaces and Experiences at LEAP 2026

The fifth edition introduces a number of specialized experiences and spaces, including LEAP Connect, designed to facilitate relationship and partnership building, the Sports Tech Hub, which showcases the future of sports technology, and the World Tech Zone for global innovations and technologies.

The program also includes LEAP Studios for live content production, along with dedicated programs for startups and investors and platforms for announcing new agreements, initiatives and technology investments.

From Riyadh to Hong Kong

The Riyadh edition follows an important milestone in the event's journey: the launch of its first international edition, LEAP East, in Hong Kong from 8 to 10 July 2026.

That edition attracted more than 25,000 visitors, 450 exhibitors and over 600 investors, marking a step in LEAP's move from an event launched in the Kingdom to a technology platform with international reach linking the investment and innovation ecosystems of the Middle East and Asia.

The choice of Hong Kong to host the Asian edition for the next three years reinforces this drive to build an international presence for an event whose journey began in Riyadh in 2022.

USD 44.2 Billion in Launches and Investments over Four Editions

The numbers show how far LEAP has grown since its launch. The 2022 edition drew more than 100,000 visitors, with announced launches and investments worth USD 6.4 billion.

In 2023 attendance rose to more than 172,000 visitors and the value of launches and investments reached USD 9.5 billion, before LEAP 2024 recorded more than 215,000 visitors and launches and investments worth USD 13.4 billion.

The 2025 edition welcomed more than 200,000 visitors and saw investments and projects worth USD 14.9 billion announced, bringing the total announced across the four editions to more than USD 44.2 billion.

These figures reflect LEAP's transformation into a platform that unites investment, technology and entrepreneurship, as the Kingdom expands its digital economy and attracts global technologies and companies.