LEAP, the technology event aiming to support the evolution and diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy, is set to return to Riyadh for a third time on 4 March 2024, predicting a record-breaking turnout.
Moving to the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, LEAP 2024’s four-day show will increase its focus on generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Michael Champion, CEO of the event organiser Tahaluf, explained: “With a laser focus on AI, its myriad applications, and transformative advancements, LEAP 2024 is a continuation that will catapult the global tech industry into an elevated realm that is overflowing with untapped potential and unique experiences.”
Organised in partnership with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), LEAP 2024 visitor numbers appear on track to surpass 170,000 attendees.
With the new venue increasing capacity, LEAP 2024 plans to host over 1,800 exhibitors, as well as an assortment of 800-plus international and regional experts. These experts will contribute to 15 content tracks, spotlighting next-gen tech frontiers, while seven new content features: AI, sustainability, gaming, space, cybersecurity, future workforce, and digital twins.
DeepFest, co-located with LEAP and held in partnership with the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), is also returning, with over 120 companies already confirmed to participate. The 2024 edition plans to unveil government-led AI initiatives, alongside the latest innovations through an exhibition featuring some of the top global tech firms driving AI innovation forward.
Shaping digital rights
Over 130 C-suite changemakers and celebrities will take centre stage on LEAP’s main speaker platform, where discussions will follow a four ‘act’ format: Impulse, Accelerate, Momentum, and LEAP – aligned with ideation, business, and personal growth.
“The keynote stage will bring inspiring insights into the exciting evolution of the tech ecosystem and its role in humanity, security, and well-being,” added Champion. “This line-up will feature international tech leaders, global enterprises, policymakers, superstar athletes, and everything in between. Together, they will explore how exponential tech is expanding the social security sector and identify opportunities for shaping digital rights for the wellbeing of this and the next generation.”
Among the confirmed keynote cast to date are:
- Angela Kane, VP and former UN high representative for disarmament affairs at the International Institute for Peace
- Elizabeth Adams, affiliate fellow and former chief AI ethics and culture advisor at the Standford Institute for Human-Centered AI
- Martin Vilig, co-founder of Bolt
- Borje Ekholm, CEO and president of Ericsson
- Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM
- Martin Urrutia Islas, global head of retail innovation and experience at The Lego Group
LEAP 2024 also boasts a number of new sponsorship pacts with some of the world’s leading players. Ericsson, Huawei, Salam, Family Office, Tawuniya and Elm are strategic sponsors, Neo Leap is now a diamond sponsor, while Go Telecom, Lenovo, and Schneider Electric, Pwc and Hong Kong Science and Technology Park are all platinum sponsors. Gold sponsorship agreements have been secured with Mastercard, Zoom, Cyberani, Cognizant, Arabsat, Delloite, Perfect Presentation and Dinar Investment.
