Saudi: LEAP 2025 expands ‘Into New Worlds’

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s global award-winning tech event LEAP is ready to break new ground when a revamped fourth edition returns from Feb. 9-12, 2025 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. Being held under the theme “Into New Worlds,” LEAP 2025 will be the pioneering tech event’s first ticketed outing to date, encompassing a higher percentage of influential industry attendees to elevate business networking and investment opportunities across the technology landscape.

LEAP 2025 is co-organized by Tahaluf and the Ministry for Communications and Information Technology — a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and Events Investment Fund. The event will deliver advanced features, including a new series of “LEAP Nights” activities, the return of DeepFest, a dedicated Tech Arena and a SportsTech Track. It also plans to host and enhance innovation across multiple sectors, such as space, gaming, education and smart cities, over 20 stages.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha said, “LEAP has made an outstanding contribution to the realization of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals and has rightly positioned the country as a global technology hub. The decision to move to a ticketed format this year makes LEAP more of an exclusive experience for attendees and relevant to today’s global technology elite".

"LEAP 2025 will showcase exceptional technology innovations, business opportunities and content — ensuring Saudi Arabia becomes the world’s undisputed technology aggregator", he added.

Tahaluf expects the fourth edition to witness a surge in interactions between exhibitors and visitors, as LEAP 2025 guests will engage with more than 680 startups, 1000-plus expert speakers and over 1,800 global tech brands.

LEAP 2025 will feature more exclusive experiences for attendees, focusing on connecting the right people with the world’s latest and most exciting technologies. A new SportsTech Track will see the world of sports meet the latest tech trends. Attendees will be able to step into the future of sports and experience live demos, industry announcements, and the latest technology innovations from clubs, industry leaders and pioneers of the sector.

Confirmed speakers include Patrice Evra, the successful entrepreneur and former Manchester United forward and France national team captain, who makes his return to LEAP, as well as Mathieu Pierre Flamini, also a former French professional footballer and co-founder of GF Biochemicals. The Tech Arena is also a new addition to LEAP 2025, where attendees will witness live product demos, get hands-on with prototypes and see cutting-edge technology in action.

The Tech Arena will host a lineup of interactive engagements, connecting participants directly with tomorrow’s breakthrough technologies and innovations. The Startup Stage will see LEAP dedicate a platform to the brightest innovators and startups. Whether attendees are pitching, networking or exploring, the Startup Stage will be the place where ideas take flight and the future of tech unfolds.  LEAP 2025 is expanding beyond the convention halls this year with LEAP Nights.

Attendees can immerse themselves in Riyadh’s vibrant cultural scene, with an exciting lineup of dinners, meetups and live entertainment. LEAP Nights will provide participants with the perfect backdrop for networking, socializing and soaking in the city’s pulse — all whilst forging new connections across the global tech community.  Faisal Alkhamisi, chairman of the SAFCP, said the new LEAP 2025 initiatives reflected the event’s role in mirroring the rapid pace of tech industry developments and hinted at even more to come.

“Over the past three years, LEAP has evolved at a rocket-fueled pace, playing a critical role in nurturing talent, creativity and investment. Yet, this is just the beginning. LEAP will continue to reflect the ever-changing tech landscape and inspire pioneers from across the globe,” he said.

Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s largest B2B event organizer, said “by transforming LEAP, we are creating a more curated experience. Transitioning to a ticketed model will allow exhibitors and participants to benefit from direct access to a highly engaged and laser-focused audience, leading to more meaningful collaborations and business opportunities".