Saudi Arabia is preparing to host LEAP 2025, its flagship technology event, from February 9 to 11 in Riyadh.

This year’s event anticipates participation from over 170,000 visitors, with attendees including global visionaries, innovators, and investors seeking to shape the future of technology.

Under the theme "Into New Worlds," LEAP 2025 aims to enhance business networking and investment opportunities in the technology sector.

The event is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to establish itself as a global technology hub as outlined in the Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy.

The Kingdom has committed approximately $100 billion to advance its technology sector.

A World Economic Forum report forecasted that investments in research, development, and innovation could contribute an estimated $16 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030. The Saudi government has pledged to allocate 2.5 percent of its annual GDP towards technology and innovation by 2040.

LEAP 2025 is co-organized by Tahaluf and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with partners including Informa PLC and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones.

The event will showcase over 680 tech startups, 1,100 speakers, and 1,800 tech brands, reinforcing its role as a pivotal platform in the global tech landscape.

Industry leaders view LEAP 2025 as a key driver in realizing Saudi Arabia's technological goals.

Mamdouh Al-Doubayan, managing director of Globant for the Middle East and North Africa, stated that the event reflects how technology is integral to advancing major projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, illustrating the Kingdom's commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy.

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, highlighted the introduction of a ticketed format for this year, suggesting that it aims to create a more exclusive atmosphere relevant to the global technology elite.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Charbel Aoun, smart city lead at NVIDIA for EMEA, and Arvind Krishna, chairman and CEO of IBM.

Other notable figures from various industries will also speak, including representatives from major firms such as Saudi Aramco, PepsiCo, and Logitech.

LEAP 2025 will introduce new segments, such as the SportsTech Track, which will feature live demonstrations and insights from prominent athletes.

The conference will also include Tech Arena for hands-on technology experiences and a Startup Stage for entrepreneurs.

Additionally, the conference will encompass topics ranging from electric vehicles to advancements in cybersecurity and blockchain technology, with panels addressing digital privacy and emerging tech challenges.

Leading companies such as Tesla and Microsoft are expected to discuss the future of mobility and cybersecurity.

With last year's conference reportedly being the largest attended technology event globally, drawing over 215,000 visitors and achieving high hotel occupancy in Riyadh, expectations are high for LEAP 2025 to further solidify Saudi Arabia's position in the international technology arena.