FROM RIYADH TO THE WORLD THE PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS AND AMBITION BEHIND LEAP
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2026
COUNTDOWN TO LEAP 2026 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE EVENT’S MILESTONE EDITION FROM RIYADH TO HONG KONG HIGHLIGHTS OF LEAP’S INTERNATIONAL DEBUT POWERED BY PARTNERSHIPS THE ALLIANCES BEHIND LEAP’S SUCCESS
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C O N T E N TS
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Editor-in-chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
INSIDE LEAP: THE FACTORS POWERING SAUDI ARABIA’S TECH SHOWCASE As LEAP marks its fifth edition, co-founders Mike Champion and Annabelle Mander tell us what it takes to organise a tech event on a global scale
Managing partner and group editor Ian Fairservice Chief commercial officer Anthony Milne Anthony@motivate.ae
Group content director Thomas Woodgate Thomas.Woodgate@motivate.ae Publishing director Manish Chopra Manish.Chopra@motivate.ae
EDITORIAL
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Group editor Gareth van Zyl Gareth.Vanzyl@motivate.ae
Editor Neesha Salian Neesha.Salian@motivate.ae
18 STRATEGIC PARTNERS POWERING LEAP 2026’S TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE The flagship tech event will bring together top telecom giants, AI pioneers, cloud leaders, investors and government innovators
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A GULF BUSINESS INITIATIVE
Rajiv.Pillai@motivate.ae
Reporter Nida Sohail Nida.Sohail@motivate.ae
Senior art director Freddie N. Colinares This issue’s images, vectors and fonts credits: Getty Images / The noun project / Typography
TURNING CONNECTIONS INTO GLOBAL GROWTH STORIES LEAP events director Basma Dawwas on how the tech event has new initiatives to boost meaningful business connections
Deputy editor Rajiv Pillai
Freddie@motivate.ae
PRODUCTION General manager – production S Sunil Kumar Production manager Binu Purandaran Assistant production manager Venita Pinto
SALES & MARKETING Digital sales director Mario Saaiby Mario.Saaiby@motivate.ae
Sales manager Hitesh Kumar Hitesh.Kumar@motivate.ae 0 0 3
INSIDE LEAP
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SAUDI ARABIA’S TECH SHOWCASE
WORDS RAJIV PILLAI 0 0 4
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AS LEAP MARKS ITS FIFTH EDITION, CO-FOUNDERS MIKE CHAMPION AND ANNABELLE MANDER TAKE GULF BUSINESS BEHIND THE SCENES OF BUILDING ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST TECHNOLOGY EVENTS
PLANNING BEGINS BEFORE THE DOORS CLOSE
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isitors arriving at Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre for LEAP 2026 will see more than 150,000 square metres of exhibition space filled with global technology companies, AI innovators, investors, startups and policymakers. They will navigate keynote stages, startup competitions, networking lounges and product showcases that appear to operate with remarkable ease. What they won’t see is that LEAP effectively began before the previous edition had even finished. Now in its fifth edition, LEAP has evolved from an ambitious technology conference into one of the world’s largest gatherings for the global innovation ecosystem, attracting more than 200,000 attendees and positioning Riyadh among the world’s most influential technology meeting places. But according to the executives who helped create it, its success has never been measured simply by visitor numbers. And the support and partnership of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) have been instrumental in LEAP’s unprecedented growth. Every decision—from speaker selection and exhibition design to investor matchmaking and visitor flow—is built around one objective: creating commercial outcomes. That philosophy has helped transform LEAP into more than an exhibition. It has become a platform where investment is secured, partnerships are formed and companies make decisions about entering one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.
For Annabelle Mander, executive vice president of Tahaluf and co-founder of LEAP, the event follows a continuous cycle rather than an annual calendar. Tahaluf is considered one of Saudi Arabia’s largest exhibitions companies. “The next LEAP begins before the current one has really ended,” Mander reveals. While visitors are still exploring exhibition halls, Tahaluf’s teams are already analysing movement patterns, identifying where conversations naturally develop and examining which experiences generated the strongest engagement. Once the event concludes, every aspect—from commercial performance and partner feedback to visitor behaviour—is reviewed before planning for the next edition begins. Those early discussions determine far more than logistics. They shape which industries LEAP will prioritise, the international audiences it wants to attract and the technology conversations it aims to lead over the following year. From there, every department moves in parallel. Content teams begin developing conference programmes while commercial teams engage exhibitors and sponsors. Marketing, production and operations work simultaneously rather than sequentially, allowing each function to influence the others as plans evolve. For Mander, that collaborative approach has become one of Tahaluf’s defining strengths. She adds: “One of the things I’m proudest of is our people. LEAP only works because we have an exceptionally adaptable team that embraces change rather than resisting it. Plans evolve constantly, priorities shift and new opportunities 0 0 5
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emerge throughout the year, yet the team consistently responds with energy, creativity and an incredible willingness to support one another.” That culture has become increasingly important as LEAP has expanded in both size and complexity.
Pics: Supplied
TURNING AN EMPTY VENUE INTO A TECHNOLOGY CITY
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Constructing LEAP is less about assembling exhibition stands than creating an environment where thousands of business conversations can happen simultaneously. Across more than 150,000 square metres, hundreds of contractors, production specialists, exhibitors, technology providers and logistics partners work in coordination to transform an empty venue into what is effectively a temporary technology city. Mander believes the biggest challenge is not scale itself, but ensuring that visitors never feel overwhelmed by it. “People often assume the challenge is building one of the world’s largest technology events. It isn’t. The real challenge is making something of that scale feel intuitive.” That principle influences every operational decision during the final build. As structures rise and exhibitors install demonstrations, Tahaluf’s teams repeatedly test the venue from different perspectives. She asks some pertinent questions. Can founders move efficiently between startup pitches and investor meetings? Can CEOs navigate strategic discussions without wasting valuable time? Can first-time visitors instinctively understand where they need to be? “If those people have to think about logistics, we’ve probably failed somewhere,” Mander says. Rather than focusing purely on operational precision, the objective is to remove friction so visitors can spend their time building relationships instead of navigating the venue.
That philosophy extends beyond exhibition design to transport planning, digital tools, venue layout and visitor services—all intended to make the operational complexity virtually invisible. Of course, the support of LEAP’s partners has been instrumental to the invisibility of its operations too, explains Mander. “LEAP doesn’t exist in isolation, and its growth over the past four editions would not have been possible without the incredible partnership of SAFCSP and MCIT. From the very beginning, both organisations understood what we were trying to build — not just an event, but a platform capable of connecting Saudi Arabia with the world’s leading innovators. Their support, trust and strategic guidance have been fundamental at every stage of our journey. Both SAFCSP and MCIT challenged us to think bigger, move faster and deliver greater impact.” CURATING CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER
One of LEAP’s defining characteristics is the calibre of executives who take its stages. The 2026 edition will feature leaders from companies including AMD, Qualcomm and HUMAIN. But attracting globally recognised CEOs is not simply about prestige. According to Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf and co-founder of LEAP, every invitation is assessed against two straightforward questions.
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PEOPLE OFTEN ASSUME THE CHALLENGE IS BUILDING ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST TECHNOLOGY EVENTS. IT ISN’T. THE REAL CHALLENGE IS MAKING SOMETHING OF THAT SCALE FEEL INTUITIVE.”
hasn’t fully discovered yet. Today’s unknown founder, researcher or engineer is often tomorrow’s industry leader.” The objective is not simply to assemble the most recognisable speaker line-up, but to create discussions that influence business decisions long after delegates leave Riyadh. AI MOVES FROM THEORY TO APPLICATION
“We apply two simple tests. Is this person genuinely shaping the future of technology? And is what they’re building relevant to where Saudi Arabia is heading?” If the answer to both is yes, they belong at LEAP. That approach ensures the programme reflects both global technology trends and Saudi Arabia’s ambitions under Vision 2030. Equally important, Champion says, are the entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators who have yet to become household names. “Some of the most important voices at LEAP are people the world
Artificial intelligence has become inseparable from LEAP’s identity, but its role has evolved significantly over the event’s first five editions. Early editions focused largely on AI’s future potential. Today’s conversations are markedly different. Businesses are increasingly focused on implementation, governance and competitive advantage rather than speculation. That shift is reflected in both LEAP’s 2026 theme— “Into New Worlds”—and the continued growth of DeepFest, now one of the region’s largest dedicated AI events. For Mander, the theme reflects the speed with which emerging technologies are moving into mainstream business. “Technology is moving faster than ever before. Our responsibility is to ensure people don’t simply leave excited by that future—they leave feeling equipped to participate in it.” Rather than presenting AI as an isolated discipline, LEAP integrates it across sectors ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to finance and digital infrastructure. DeepFest, meanwhile, provides a deeper exploration of artificial intelligence itself— from foundation models and infrastructure to governance and frontier research—while LEAP
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAS BEEN A RECURRING THEME THROUGHOUT LEAP’S EVOLUTION
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FROM THE BEGINNING, WE WANTED LEAP TO BE RECOGNISED AS A PLACE WHERE INVESTMENT DECISIONS HAPPEN, NOT SIMPLY SOMEWHERE INVESTMENT IS DISCUSSED.” demonstrates how those technologies are transforming industries. Visitors will also experience significantly more live demonstrations this year, with the vast majority of sessions in the Tech Arena featuring working prototypes or inventor-led presentations, including AI-powered prosthetics and brain-computer interfaces. Instead of discussing future possibilities in abstract terms, LEAP increasingly focuses on technologies that organisations can deploy today.
Pics: Supplied
ENGINEERING INVESTMENT, NOT JUST ATTENDANCE
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If the exhibition floor is LEAP’s public face, its investment ecosystem has become one of its biggest commercial differentiators. Over five editions, LEAP has evolved into a marketplace where founders, venture capital firms, sovereign investors and corporate buyers meet with a clear objective: turning introductions into longterm business relationships. For Tahaluf, that requires far more than bringing thousands of investors under one roof. Champion says the ambition from the outset was to position LEAP as a place where investment decisions are made, not merely discussed. “From the beginning, we wanted LEAP to be recognised as a place where investment decisions happen, not simply somewhere investment is discussed.” That ambition is reflected in the numbers. More than 5,000 investors have participated across LEAP’s first four
editions, with more than 1,900 expected at this year’s event. Yet Champion insists attendance alone says little about the platform’s success. Champion adds: “Access is no longer the challenge. Relevance is.” Rather than maximising the number of meetings, Tahaluf spends months curating introductions based on investment priorities, sector focus and company maturity. Through LEAP Connect, structured matchmaking, curated networking and dedicated investor and founder programmes, the objective is to create conversations that have a realistic chance of progressing beyond the event. “Our teams spend months preparing those connections before anyone arrives in Riyadh. Success isn’t measured by the number of meetings that take place. It’s measured by what happens afterwards.” For Champion, the true indicators of success are tangible business outcomes: investment rounds completed, strategic partnerships formed and international companies choosing Saudi Arabia as their regional base. Those same principles underpin Rocket Fuel, LEAP’s flagship startup competition. While its $1m equity-free prize fund attracts global attention, Tahaluf sees the programme as much more than a pitch competition. “The $1m prize fund is significant, particularly because it’s entirely equity-free. Founders shouldn’t have to give away part of the business they’ve spent years building simply to gain recognition,” he says. Instead, Rocket Fuel is designed to provide founders with access to investors, customers, mentors and commercial partners who can support long-term growth. Champion points to EduFi as an example of the ecosystem working as intended. After winning at LEAP 2025, the startup subsequently secured investment from Alumni Ventures, whose representative had first encountered the company while judging the competition.
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“The best event technology is the technology people barely notice because everything simply works,” she adds. Ultimately, Mander believes success is measured less by crowd management than by how easily visitors can move between conversations, meetings and discoveries. “If visitors can spend less time navigating the event and more time having valuable conversations, discovering new ideas and building relationships, then we’ve designed the experience well.” A TEST BEHIND THE SCENES
“Winning a prize lasts a moment. Building a business takes years. Rocket Fuel is designed for the second part.” DESIGNING THE VISITOR JOURNEY
As LEAP has grown beyond 200,000 attendees, the challenge has shifted from accommodating more visitors to creating experiences tailored to very different audiences. Investors, founders, corporate executives, government officials and students all arrive with different objectives. Rather than treating every attendee the same, Tahaluf has increasingly used ticketing and digital tools to personalise how people experience the event. Mander says: “Introducing a ticketed model wasn’t simply about managing attendance. It was about creating a more intentional experience for every person who comes to LEAP.” That insight allows organisers to recommend relevant content, facilitate targeted meetings and connect visitors with the companies and communities most relevant to them. Operational improvements have accompanied that evolution. Additional exhibition space, redesigned visitor routes, improved transport planning, expanded parking and enhanced digital navigation have all been introduced to minimise unnecessary friction.
One of LEAP’s biggest operational challenges this year happened long before visitors arrived. The decision to move the 2026 edition to a later date, following regional disruption, required thousands of exhibitors, speakers, partners and visitors to revise their plans within a compressed timeframe. For Champion, the episode demonstrated the resilience that has become part of Tahaluf’s culture. “What impressed me most wasn’t the scale of the challenge—it was the response.” Communication began immediately, responsibilities were clearly defined and partners understood the rationale behind the decision. While attendees will largely be unaware of the work involved, Champion believes those moments reveal the strength of the organisation behind the event. “The Tahaluf team deserves enormous credit. They demonstrated exactly the qualities that have helped build LEAP over the past five editions: adaptability, professionalism, resilience and an extraordinary willingness to support one another,” he says proudly.
SINCE THE INAUGURAL EDITION, THE EVENT HAS WELCOMED MORE THAN 5,000 INVESTORS
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FROM RIYADH TO THE WORLD
LEAP 2025 GENERATED APPROXIMATELY $820M IN ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR RIYADH
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Reaching a fifth edition represents an important milestone for LEAP, but Tahaluf sees it as the beginning of a broader international chapter rather than the culmination of its journey. That ambition is already taking shape with the launch of LEAP East in Hong Kong in 2026, marking the first time the Saudi-born technology platform will expand beyond the kingdom. For Mander, the move reflects the growing maturity of an event that has become recognised well beyond the Middle East. “The first five editions proved that Saudi Arabia could build one of the world’s leading technology platforms. The next chapter is about deepening its impact through stronger commercial outcomes, greater international collaboration and even more opportunities for the people developing, financing and adopting technology.” Champion believes LEAP’s growing international profile can be measured by the calibre of executives who now plan their annual calendars around attending Riyadh, as well as the wider economic value the event creates for the kingdom. Independent analysis estimated that LEAP 2025 generated approximately $820m in economic impact for Riyadh, extending well beyond the exhibition halls into aviation, hospitality, transport and local businesses. For him, those outcomes demonstrate that LEAP has evolved into something much larger than an annual technology exhibition. “The launch of LEAP East in Hong Kong reinforced that journey even further. It showed that a platform born in Saudi Arabia can now contribute meaningfully to innovation ecosystems internationally.” As visitors arrive for LEAP’s milestone fifth edition, they will see keynote speeches, startup pitches, AI demonstrations and exhibition halls buzzing with activity. What they may not appreciate is the year of planning, thousands of coordinated decisions and hundreds of people working behind the scenes to make those four days appear effortless. That, perhaps, has become LEAP’s greatest achievement. Beyond the scale, the headline speakers and the investment announcements, it has matured into a platform designed to create lasting commercial outcomes— connecting entrepreneurs with investors, global technology leaders with new markets, and Saudi Arabia with innovation ecosystems around the world.
MIKE Champion
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ike Champion is a British business leader and international events strategist, currently serving as chief executive officer of Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s leading business events company. Widely regarded as having had an unprecedented impact on the events landscape in the Middle East, Champion has been instrumental in positioning the Kingdom as a major new force in international trade, investment, and soft power through large-scale events. Since co-founding Tahaluf in 2022, Champion has led the company through a period of exceptional growth – scaling revenues by over 100 per cent year-on-year to reach SAR1bn in 2025, and establishing Tahaluf as one of the top 20 events organisers in the world. Champion was also a co-creator of LEAP, which has redefined the global tech conference landscape in just a few years. The event now serves as a powerful example of how emerging markets can lead in convening the future of global innovation.
ANNABELLE Mander
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nnabelle Mander is the executive vice president of Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s largest exhibitions company, and co-creator of LEAP, one of the world’s fastest-growing and most attended tech mega events. She leads Tahaluf’s technology division which includes LEAP, Money20/20 Middle East, Black Hat MEA, and DeepFest – events now recognised as the biggest in their fields and commended by His Royal Highness at the Saudi Arabia Council of Ministers.
INFOGRAPHICS
LEAP 2026 AT A GLANCE INTO NEW WORLDS
The fifth edition of LEAP explores how AI, robotics, advanced computing and digital infrastructure are reshaping industries, business and society.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026 93% OF TECH ARENA SESSIONS WILL FEATURE
STARTUP ZONE
Expect technologies including: AI-powered prosthetics Brain-computer interfaces Next-generation robotics Enterprise AI applications
Rocket Fuel $1m Equity-free prize fund Founders also gain: Investor matchmaking Corporate introductions Customer opportunities Mentorship LEAP Connect networking Success is measured by long-term commercial outcomes, not just prize money.
HEADLINE SPEAKERS
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
AMD Cisco Systems Hewlett Packard Enterprise Qualcomm HUMAIN
CEOs Investors Founders Government leaders Students
Alongside emerging founders, researchers and innovators shaping tomorrow’s technology landscape.
Enhanced digital tools, expanded exhibition space, improved transport planning and smarter visitor flows aim to make navigating the event seamless.
Live demonstrations Working prototypes Inventor-led discussions
AMONG THE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY LEADERS CONFIRMED
LEAP HAS REDESIGNED THE EVENT AROUND PERSONALISED JOURNEYS FOR
THE BIG PICTURE Edition: 5th Theme Into New Worlds Host Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Focus AI, advanced computing, robotics, digital infrastructure, startups and investment Why it matters LEAP has evolved from a technology exhibition into one of the world’s largest platforms for innovation, investment and business partnerships.
INVESTMENT
MORE THAN 5,000 INVESTORS HAVE PARTICIPATED ACROSS LEAP’S FIRST FOUR EDITIONS.
1,900+ investors expected in 2026 The emphasis has shifted from simply increasing meetings to facilitating highly targeted introductions between investors and founders.
DEEPFEST
THE DEDICATED AI PLATFORM RUNNING ALONGSIDE LEAP EXPLORES Foundation models AI infrastructure Governance Frontier research Responsible deployment
While DeepFest focuses on AI itself, LEAP showcases how AI is transforming every industry.
BY THE NUMBERS
150,000 SQ M
EVENT FOOTPRINT
$14.9BN
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND DEALS LINKED TO LEAP 2025
$820m ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT GENERATED FOR RIYADH BY LEAP 2025
200,000+
EXPECTED ATTENDEES
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THE LEAP CURVE — FIVE EDITIONS OF GROWTH EDITION-WISE GROWTH METRICS
LEAP SUCCESS STORIES (2022-2025)
(2022–2026) TOTAL NUMBER OF ATTENDEES
2025:
201,000+
ATTENDEES
2024: 215,000+ attendees 2023: 172,000+ attendees 2022: 100,000+ attendees NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS 2025:
TOTAL INVESTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
$42.4 BILLION+ IN DEALS ANNOUNCED SINCE 2022 $6.4BN (2022) + $9.5BN (2023) + $11.9BN (2024) + $14.9BN (2025)
1,890
EXHIBITORS 2024: 1,800+ exhibitors 2023: 900 exhibitors 2022: 716 exhibitors NUMBER OF STARTUPS PARTICIPATING 2025:
725
STARTUPS 2024: 680 startups 2023: 500 startups 2022: 403 startups NUMBER OF INVESTORS ATTENDING 2025:
1,900
INVESTORS 2024: 1,600+ investors 2023: 1,026 investors 2022: 330 investors 0 1 2
TOTAL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION
4,900+
exhibiting companies across four years 700 (2022) + 900 (2023) + 1,800 (2024) + 1,500 (2025)
TOTAL INVESTMENT COMMUNITY
4,856+
investors from around the world 330 (2022) + 1,026 (2023) + 1,600 (2024) + 1,900 (2025)
KEY MILESTONES OR HIGHLIGHTS FROM EACH EDITION LEAP 2025 Positioned as the world’s most commercially high-value tech platform, driving a record-breaking $14.9BN in localised sovereign commitments and private tech investments on opening day alone 2022 Officially verified as the largest debut technology event in history, generating $6.4BN in immediate on-floor investment agreements and tech transactions
VERIFIED GROWTH TRAJECTORIES (2022 → 2025) ATTENDANCE GROWTH
+100% (100k → 201k) INVESTMENT GROWTH
+133% ($6.4BN → $14.9BN) STARTUP GROWTH Sustained global participation,
now > 680 startups annually
BUSINESS GROWTH
+114% (700 → 1,500 exhibitors) SPEAKER GROWTH
+100% (500 → 1,000 speakers) INVESTOR GROWTH
+476% (330 → 1,900 investors)
F E AT U R E
Pics: Supplied
LEAP EAST
TECH, TALENT AND TRILLIONS LEAP EAST DELIVERS A POWERFUL HONG KONG DEBUT
THE INAUGURAL EDITION DREW 25,000 ATTENDEES, ATTRACTED INVESTORS MANAGING MORE THAN $6.5TN IN ASSETS AND SECURED A THREE-YEAR COMMITMENT TO KEEP THE EVENT IN HONG KONG
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T
he inaugural edition of LEAP East concluded in Hong Kong after three days of discussions, investment announcements and partnership agreements, reinforcing the city’s position as a growing bridge between Asia and the Gulf for technology, innovation and cross-border investment. Held from July 8-10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, LEAP East brought together more than 25,000 attendees, including 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors, 300 startups and 600 investors representing more than $6.5tn in assets under management. The event marked LEAP’s first expansion outside Saudi Arabia, building on the success of the Riyadh 0 1 3
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well-positioned to serve as a super-connector and facilitator for international exchange,” Sun said.
PARTNERSHIPS AND INVESTMENT MOMENTUM
technology conference, which has become one of the world’s largest technology gatherings since its launch in 2022. Organised by Tahaluf in partnership with Hong Kong’s Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), LEAP East served as a platform to connect governments, investors, technology companies and entrepreneurs from Asia, the Middle East and international markets. Discussions centred on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, smart cities, fintech, healthcare, sustainability and emerging technologies, reflecting growing demand for crossborder technology collaboration.
Pics: Supplied
GOVERNMENTS REINFORCE TECHNOLOGY TIES
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The event opened with senior government leaders from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong underscoring their commitment to strengthening innovation and investment ties between the two regions. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, highlighted Asia’s growing role in the global technology economy, noting the region’s $34tn in economic activity and leadership in artificial intelligence. Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasised the complementary strengths of both markets. “Both of us are gateways to our respective regions. There is enormous potential for Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia to do more together, connecting ideas, capital and opportunities across regions and cultures,” Chan said. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, highlighted the Hong Kong SAR Government’s continued investment in innovation, noting that the city’s startup ecosystem has expanded by nearly 40 per cent since 2021 to more than 5,200 startups in 2025. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has opened extraordinary opportunities for technological development, digital transformation, and new industries. Hong Kong is
Commercial partnerships emerged as a key outcome of the event, with Saudi digital solutions company Elm announcing a strategic partnership with Huawei to strengthen cooperation across artificial intelligence, smart city applications, IT infrastructure and technology-driven operational support. Majid bin Saad Al Oraifi, vice president of Strategic Relations at Elm, said the agreement reflected the company’s strategy to deepen its presence in Asia while expanding Saudi digital innovation into international markets. The event also highlighted accelerating commercial ties between Asia and Saudi Arabia, with Saudi companies, startups and investment organisations showcasing technologies while exploring opportunities across Asian markets. Participants included Invest Saudi, Aramco Digital, Made in Saudi and investment organisations such as HUMAIN, PIF and 500 Global. Amal Dokhan, managing partner for MENA at 500 Global, said investors were increasingly seeking founders capable of building globally scalable businesses.
F E AT U R E LEAP EAST
“The Asia-Middle East corridor is becoming one of the most exciting pathways for the next generation of globally relevant startups,” she said. The growing relationship was also reflected in Asian companies expanding into Saudi Arabia. Hong Konglisted technology company Newborn Town highlighted its decision to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh, citing Saudi Arabia’s long-term growth potential and expanding digital economy.
HONG KONG SECURES LONG-TERM HOSTING RIGHTS
One of the event’s most significant announcements came at its conclusion, when ITIB, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Tahaluf agreed to a three-year strategic partnership that secures Hong Kong as LEAP East’s exclusive Asian host city through 2029, with the next edition scheduled for December 2027. Professor Sun said the partnership would strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a two-way platform connecting mainland Chinese enterprises with Saudi and Middle Eastern companies while creating new opportunities for international collaboration. Dr Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said the agreement demonstrated international confidence in Hong Kong as both an innovation hub and a global meeting destination.
Meanwhile, LEAP East’s Rocket Fuel startup competition awarded $100,000 in equity-free funding to three emerging companies. Finland’s ROTOBOOST claimed the top prize, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Uvera Inc and Hong Kong’s Meinong Robot, with the competition showcasing innovations spanning energy, agriculture and advanced manufacturing. Annabelle Mander, executive vice president of Tahaluf, said the inaugural edition had exceeded expectations. “The scale of engagement, quality of conversations and level of investment interest underline Hong Kong’s strategic importance as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East. The partnerships and investment commitments announced this week reflect the real business outcomes generated by the event,” she said. For Tahaluf — the strategic alliance between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and the Events Investment Fund — LEAP East represents the international expansion of a Saudi-born technology platform that has announced $44.8bn in investments since 2022. Its Hong Kong debut signalled a new chapter in connecting capital, innovation and technology ecosystems across Asia and the Gulf, while positioning the city as a long-term hub for crossborder partnerships and investment. 0 1 5
FROM STARTUPS TO UNICORNS THE LEAP FORMULA TURNING CONNECTIONS INTO GLOBAL GROWTH STORIES BASMA DAWWAS, DIRECTOR LEAP EVENTS, SAYS EXHIBITION SUCCESS IS NO LONGER DEFINED BY BOOTH LOCATION BUT BY STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT, PURPOSEFUL NETWORKING AND SUSTAINED FOLLOW-UP, AS THE GLOBAL TECH EVENT INTRODUCES NEW INITIATIVES TO DRIVE MEANINGFUL BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
B Y N I DA S O H A I L
F
or years, exhibitors have debated one key question before major industry events: does securing the best location on the exhibition floor guarantee better results? According to Basma Dawwas, director LEAP Events, the answer is changing. At a global
technology gathering on the scale of LEAP, success is no longer determined simply by where a company’s booth is located. Instead, businesses that create meaningful engagement, build anticipation and develop strategic connections before the event are increasingly the ones achieving the strongest outcomes. With LEAP bringing together more than 201,000 visitors and 1,800 exhibitors in 2025, Dawwas believes the future of exhibitions is moving away from passive visibility and towards purposeful interaction. “Location certainly influences visibility, but it no longer determines success,” Dawwas said. 0 1 6
CREATING DEMAND BEYOND THE EXHIBITION FLOOR
Dawwas explained that successful exhibitors are adopting a more proactive approach to participation. Rather than depending solely on visitor traffic, leading companies are creating their own momentum through targeted campaigns, product announcements, speaking opportunities and pre-arranged meetings. “Businesses that announce product launches, secure speaking opportunities, schedule meetings in advance and build anticipation through their own marketing consistently outperform those who simply wait for footfall,” she said. This shift reflects a broader change in how companies measure exhibition success. The traditional approach of attracting large crowds to a booth is increasingly being replaced by strategies focused on relevance, engagement and high-value conversations.
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THE REAL VALUE BEGINS AFTER THE EVENT ENDS
While exhibitions often focus on what happens during the event itself, Dawwas highlighted that the weeks following LEAP can be even more important for businesses looking to convert conversations into opportunities. “The most successful exhibitors understand that LEAP isn’t the finish line, it’s the beginning of the relationship,” she said. According to Dawwas, repeat exhibitors stand apart because they act quickly after the event, identifying their strongest leads, personalising follow-ups and maintaining engagement while discussions remain fresh. “The weeks immediately after the event are often where the greatest commercial value is created,” she said. Rather than measuring success through the number of business cards collected, leading companies focus on the strength and longevity of the relationships they establish. “The companies that generate the greatest long-term return don’t measure success by the number of business cards they collect. They measure it by the quality of the relationships they continue building long after the exhibition closes,” Dawwas said. “In many cases, what happens after LEAP determines whether the event becomes a cost, or a catalyst for growth,” she said. FROM STARTUPS TO UNICORNS: LEAP’S GROWTH STORIES
One of the most significant outcomes of LEAP’s evolution, according to Dawwas, has been watching companies grow through the opportunities created at the event. She highlighted the journey of Ejari as an example of how participation can support long-term business development. After first connecting with investors during LEAP 2023, the company secured an initial $400,000 investment before raising further funding. The company is now returning to LEAP 2026 with a Unicorn Booth. “One of the most rewarding aspects of reaching our fifth edition is seeing businesses that first joined LEAP as startups return years later as scale-ups, industry leaders and even unicorns,” Dawwas said. A PLATFORM CONNECTING MULTIPLE TECHNOLOGY FRONTIERS
Dawwas said LEAP’s ability to bring together multiple technology sectors under one platform is one of its
THE COMPANIES THAT GENERATE THE GREATEST LONG-TERM RETURN DON’T MEASURE SUCCESS BY THE NUMBER OF BUSINESS CARDS THEY COLLECT. THEY MEASURE IT BY THE QUALITY OF THE RELATIONSHIPS THEY CONTINUE BUILDING LONG AFTER THE EXHIBITION CLOSES.”
defining characteristics. “LEAP differentiates itself by bringing together multiple technology industries that might often sit in separate forums,” she said. The event focuses on demonstrating how technology applications can create practical solutions across industries, moving beyond traditional discussions and presentations. “LEAP also pioneers immersive and experiential activations that go beyond traditional panels,” Dawwas said. “From AI-guided robotic surgery simulations to brain–computer interfaces translating neural signals into speech, visitors are not just hearing about future technologies, they are interacting directly with the organisations building them.” THE RISE OF NEW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY MARKETS
Dawwas also pointed to a major transformation taking place across the global technology landscape: the rise of emerging markets as centres of innovation. “One of the biggest shifts in global tech is that innovation is no longer concentrated in a handful of traditional hubs,” she said. Markets that were once considered secondary are increasingly becoming destinations where companies launch products, secure investment and expand internationally. She believes LEAP reflects this changing environment by providing a platform where startups, investors and technology leaders can experience the growth of the Middle East’s technology ecosystem firsthand. As technology events continue to evolve, Dawwas believes the winners will be companies that look beyond visibility and focus on building meaningful connections, creating experiences and sustaining relationships long after the exhibition doors close.
Pics: Supplied
“As LEAP has evolved, we’ve also invested heavily in making business connections more intentional,” Dawwas added. For 2026, LEAP will introduce LEAP Connect, a dedicated platform designed to support curated meetings and networking opportunities. The initiative aims to help companies build relationships based on shared objectives rather than relying on chance encounters across the exhibition floor. “Today, relevance beats proximity. The right conversation will always outperform passing foot traffic,” Dawwas said.
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F E AT U R E PA R T N E R S H I P S
FROM AI LEADERS TO CLOUD GIANTS: THE STRATEGIC PARTNERS POWERING LEAP 2026’S GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE
SAUDI ARABIA’S FLAGSHIP TECHNOLOGY EVENT IS ASSEMBLING AN UNPRECEDENTED ECOSYSTEM OF TELECOM GIANTS, AI PIONEERS, CLOUD LEADERS, INVESTORS AND GOVERNMENT INNOVATORS AS RIYADH PREPARES FOR LEAP 2026
B Y N I DA S O H A I L
Pics: Supplied
S
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audi Arabia is preparing to turn Riyadh into the centre of the global technology conversation once again as LEAP 2026 brings together one of the most ambitious partner ecosystems ever assembled for a technology event in the region. Scheduled from August 31 to September 3, 2026, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, the fifth edition of LEAP will take place under the theme “Into New Worlds”, with organisers expecting more than 201,000 visitors, 1,800 global technology brands, 1,900 investors, 1,000 speakers and over 600 startups. Behind these impressive numbers lies a vast network of organisations spanning telecommunications, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, consulting, digital transformation, defence technology and enterprise solutions. Rather than functioning as a traditional technology exhibition, LEAP 2026 is positioning itself as a strategic platform connecting global innovation with Saudi Arabia’s wider economic transformation agenda.
TELECOM LEADERS ANCHOR SAUDI ARABIA’S DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PUSH
Saudi telecommunications powerhouse stc has been named Strategic Partner of LEAP 2026, placing connectivity and digital infrastructure at the heart of the event. The partnership reflects the growing importance of advanced networks, cloud platforms and high-speed connectivity as Saudi Arabia accelerates investment in smart cities, artificial intelligence applications and connected technologies. Mobily will participate as Digital Enabler, while Zain KSA joins as a Diamond Sponsor and Salam participates among the Strategic Sponsors. Together, these telecom players highlight the critical role communication networks play in enabling the kingdom’s digital economy. AI TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT LEAP 2026
Artificial intelligence emerges as one of the defining themes across the LEAP 2026 partnership structure. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has been named a Strategic Sponsor,
GULF BUSINESS TECH
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY GIANTS BRING INTERNATIONAL WEIGHT
LEAP 2026 has attracted some of the world’s most recognised technology companies, strengthening its position as a global marketplace for innovation. Companies including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, Ericsson, NTT DATA and Oracle are listed as Diamond Sponsors. Hewlett Packard Enterprise joins as a Platinum Sponsor, while Dell Technologies, Nutanix and Snowflake appear as Gold Sponsors. Nokia is listed as a Silver Sponsor. Their involvement demonstrates LEAP’s growing importance as a meeting point between technology providers, investors, government organisations and enterprise buyers. Previous editions have already produced significant commercial announcements. At LEAP 2025, Lenovo and Saudi technology company Alat announced a $2bn commitment for an advanced manufacturing and technology centre focused on artificial intelligence and robotics. Additionally, Aramco Digital and Groq announced a $1.5bn partnership focused on AI inference infrastructure and cloud computing. These developments highlight why LEAP has become more than a showcase event, evolving into a platform for major technology investments and strategic partnerships. SAUDI COMPANIES SHOWCASE LOCAL INNOVATION STRENGTH
Saudi organisations form a major part of the LEAP 2026 ecosystem, reflecting the rapid development of the kingdom’s homegrown technology sector. Elm has been named Business Solution Partner, while SITE serves as Secure Technologies Partner and
Takamol takes the role of Economic Transformation Partner. Other Saudi organisations participating include Tamkeen Technologies, Saudi Aramco, Ejada, GO Telecom and The Garage. The presence of these organisations reflects a technology landscape that now spans cybersecurity, government platforms, software development, defence technology, startups and artificial intelligence. With more than 600 startups and 1,900 investors expected at LEAP 2026, entrepreneurial companies will also have opportunities to connect with venture capital firms, corporate partners and international technology leaders. CONSULTING, GOVERNMENT AND KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS EXPAND LEAP’S REACH
Beyond technology vendors, LEAP 2026 includes consulting and knowledge organisations that support companies navigating digital transformation. EY has been named Knowledge Partner, while PwC, Accenture and Devoteam bring expertise in areas such as AI adoption, business transformation and technology strategy. Their involvement reflects a growing reality in the digital economy: successful transformation requires more than purchasing technology. Organisations must also redesign operations, develop talent, strengthen cybersecurity and establish effective governance. Government participation further strengthens LEAP’s national significance. The Ministry of Interior and Ministry of National Guard are listed as Strategic Government Sponsors, while the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme participate as Diamond Government Sponsors.
ORGANISERS EXPECT MORE THAN 201,000 VISITORS, 1,800 GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY BRANDS, 1,900 INVESTORS, 1,000 SPEAKERS AND OVER 600 STARTUPS
A TECHNOLOGY ECOSYSTEM DESIGNED FOR TRANSFORMATION
LEAP 2026’s partner network represents far more than a collection of sponsors. It reflects the essential building blocks of a modern digital economy: connectivity, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, investment, cybersecurity, government support and enterprise innovation. Supported by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and co-organised by Tahaluf and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, LEAP has evolved into a global platform where ideas can become partnerships and technology discussions can turn into commercial opportunities. With additional partners potentially joining before the event begins, LEAP 2026 is set to reinforce Riyadh’s growing role as a global hub for technology, investment and digital transformation.
Pic: Supplied
reinforcing the event’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s national efforts to build advanced AI capabilities and develop a data-driven economy. Meanwhile, Tahakom serves as Strategic AI Partner, while Cisco takes the role of AI Enablement Partner. PwC is listed as AI and Data Partner, Accenture as Generative AI Partner and Devoteam as AI Transformation Partner. The diversity of AI-focused partnerships reflects how the artificial intelligence industry has expanded beyond algorithms and research. Today’s AI ecosystem depends on cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, consulting expertise and enterprise implementation. The focus on AI is also closely linked to DeepFest, the AI-focused platform held alongside LEAP, which brings together researchers, policymakers, technology companies and businesses looking to transform AI concepts into practical solutions.
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F E AT U R E THE NEW EDITIONS
LEAP WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING: HOW TAHALUF IS BUILDING SAUDI ARABIA’S NEXT GLOBAL EVENT EMPIRE WITH NEW LAUNCHES SPANNING GAMING, PHARMACEUTICALS, BIOTECH AND FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY, TAHALUF IS MOVING BEYOND EXHIBITIONS TO CREATE GLOBAL BUSINESS ECOSYSTEMS THAT COULD RESHAPE SAUDI ARABIA’S ROLE IN THE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS INDUSTRY
B Y N I DA S O H A I L companies, policymakers and innovators. The event’s success has provided a model for creating specialised platforms that support fast-growing industries, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, gaming, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and fintech. EXPANDING INTO GAMING, HEALTHCARE AND FINTECH
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audi Arabia’s event landscape is rapidly evolving as Tahaluf expands beyond its flagship technology event, LEAP, to create a portfolio of global industry platforms focused on gaming, healthcare, biotechnology and financial technology. Since its establishment in Riyadh in 2022, Tahaluf has developed from an exhibition organiser into a creator of large-scale business ecosystems. Its events aim to attract international investment, connect global companies with Saudi opportunities and support industries aligned with the kingdom’s economic transformation goals. LEAP has become the foundation for Tahaluf’s expansion strategy by bringing together startups, investors, technology 0 2 0
Kingdom of Gaming, launching in Riyadh in December 2026, represents Tahaluf’s entry into the gaming sector. The event will connect developers, investors, gaming companies, creators and communities, helping position Saudi Arabia as both a major gaming market and a future development hub. CPHI Middle East strengthens Tahaluf’s healthcare portfolio by creating a pharmaceutical marketplace connecting manufacturers, suppliers, investors and healthcare organisations. The event focuses on the full pharmaceutical value chain, including manufacturing, packaging and drug delivery solutions, supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing healthcare ambitions. Alongside it, BIO Middle East will focus on biotechnology and scientific innovation, covering areas such as gene therapies, genomics, synthetic biology and artificial intelligence in healthcare. The platform aims to connect researchers, startups, investors and companies to transform scientific discoveries into commercial opportunities. Money20/20 Middle East highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing fintech influence by connecting financial institutions, investors, regulators and technology providers. Evolving from the earlier 24 Fintech event, it focuses on innovation in payments, banking technology and financial infrastructure.
TAHALUF EVENTS CALENDAR 2026–2027 DATE (2026)
EVENT
LOCATION
SECTOR
August 31 – September 3
LEAP 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Technology, startups, AI, digital economy
August 31 – September 3
DeepFest 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Artificial intelligence
September
Black Hat MEA 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Cybersecurity
September/October
LEAP East 2026
Asia-Pacific
Technology, innovation
October
CPHI Middle East 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Pharmaceuticals, healthcare
October
BIO Middle East 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Biotechnology, life sciences
October/November
Global Health Exhibition 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Healthcare
October/November
Money20/20 Middle East 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fintech, financial services
November
Cityscape Global 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Real estate, investment, urban development
Q4
Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2026
Saudi Arabia
Religious tourism, infrastructure
Q4
Maritime-focused events (new portfolio platforms)
Saudi Arabia
Maritime sector
TAHALUF 2027 CALENDAR (AVAILABLE INFORMATION) DATE (2027)
EVENT
LOCATION
SECTOR
Q1 2027
LEAP 2027
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Technology, AI, startups
Q1 2027
DeepFest 2027
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
AI and deep technology
Q2/Q3 2027
Black Hat MEA 2027
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Cybersecurity
2027 TBC
Cityscape Global 2027
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Real estate
2027 TBC
Money20/20 Middle East 2027
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fintech
2027 TBC
Global Health Exhibition 2027
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Healthcare
2027 TBC
CPHI Middle East 2027
Saudi Arabia
Pharmaceuticals
2027 TBC
BIO Middle East 2027
Saudi Arabia
Biotechnology
2027 TBC
LEAP East 2027
Asia-Pacific
Technology
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Image: Supplied
BOTS WITHOUT BORDERS Humanoids and robot dogs take their positions at AiMOGA Robotics’ global delivery ceremony in Wuhu, China. The Chery-backed robotics company marked a milestone in July as overseas deliveries surpassed 2,000 units, with its robots and services now reaching more than 60 countries and regions.
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