LEAP 2025: Event Summary
LEAP 2025, held from 9 to 13 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased the Kingdom's commitment to technological advancement and innovation. The event featured a series of keynotes, panel discussions, and government-led initiatives, highlighting Saudi Arabia's strategic focus on technology in line with Vision 2030.
Keynote Highlights
The conference commenced with an opening address by His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology. He announced a record-breaking investment of US$14.9 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, underscoring the Kingdom's dedication to becoming a global leader in the tech sector. citeturn0search3
Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, delivered a keynote focusing on the transformative potential of AI and cloud computing. He emphasised IBM's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's digital transformation through strategic partnerships and investments.
Panel Discussions
A notable panel addressed the integration of AI in various industries, featuring experts from leading technology firms. Discussions centred on the ethical implications of AI deployment, strategies for ensuring data privacy, and the role of AI in driving economic diversification.
Another significant panel explored advancements in smart city solutions. Representatives from NVIDIA and local government officials discussed the implementation of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance urban living and sustainability in Saudi cities.
Government-Led Initiatives
The Saudi government utilised LEAP 2025 as a platform to announce several strategic initiatives:
stc's AI-Powered Agentic Solutions: Saudi Telecom Company (stc), in partnership with Shaffra, introduced AI-powered agentic solutions aimed at automating complex workflows and enhancing efficiency across key industries in the Kingdom.
Elm and Integrated Telecom Company Collaboration: Elm signed a partnership agreement with Integrated Telecom Company (Salam) to explore business opportunities in the public sector. The collaboration focuses on enhancing technology, smart city solutions, and digital infrastructure within Saudi Arabia.
Zoom's AI Companion Powered by Oracle Cloud: Zoom announced the deployment of its AI Companion in Saudi Arabia, utilising Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to ensure data sovereignty and compliance with local regulations. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's digital transformation goals.
Strategic Partnerships and Investments
LEAP 2025 facilitated several significant partnerships and investment announcements:
Deloitte and Qiddiya Investment Company: Deloitte announced a strategic partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company to implement a Dynamic Guest Management System, aiming to revolutionise guest experiences across Qiddiya's attractions.
T2's Acquisition of Moola: T2, a leading Saudi technology services provider, acquired a majority stake in the Saudi startup platform Moola, marking its entry into the fintech market and expanding its range of services.
RasMal's Pre-Series A Investment Round: RasMal, the first cap table management and investment governance platform in the MENA region, announced the closing of its Pre-Series A investment round, raising $4.8 million to enhance its digital solutions for private companies and investors.
Focus on Emerging Technologies
The conference placed a strong emphasis on emerging technologies, with dedicated tracks and stages covering areas such as AI, fintech, smart cities, and health tech. The DeepFest stage, co-located with LEAP, served as a premier meeting place for the global AI ecosystem, featuring thought leaders and innovators discussing the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. citeturn0search0
Conclusion
LEAP 2025 reinforced Saudi Arabia's position as a burgeoning hub for technology and innovation. Through substantial investments, strategic partnerships, and a focus on emerging technologies, the Kingdom demonstrated its commitment to leveraging technology as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 objectives.
