Everything that Happened at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh

The future landed in Riyadh, and it wasn’t subtle. From the moment attendees stepped into LEAP 2025, they weren’t just witnessing the future—they were walking straight into it.

At the fourth edition of LEAP, next-gen AI, immersive VR, and the collective energy of over 170,000 visionaries came together to shape what comes next.

Before the event, Soul of Saudi explored what was in store for attendees at LEAP 2025—expectations, major themes, and the innovations set to take center stage. Now that the event has wrapped up, let’s take a look at how it all unfolded.

LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, held between 9th and 12th February, was a spectacle of innovation, investment, and groundbreaking ideas. With record-breaking AI funding, a revolutionary event format, and global tech leaders converging in Riyadh, this year’s edition once again proved why it’s the world’s most-attended tech gathering.

If you missed out, don’t worry. Soul of Saudi has got you covered with all the major announcements, partnerships, and trends that defined LEAP 2025.

LEAP 2025 in Saudi Arabia at a Glance

TeleiosX, a simulation experience at the LEAP conference in Saudi Arabia – (Credits LEAP)

LEAP is Saudi Arabia’s flagship technology conference, connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Asia with the global tech ecosystem. As part of Vision 2030’s push to make Saudi Arabia a digital powerhouse, LEAP has become a launchpad for billion-dollar investments, innovative startups, and next-gen technology. The 2025 edition proved bigger and bolder than ever, with over 170,000 attendees and some of the most influential names in tech taking the stage.

Riyadh became the epicenter of digital evolution with over $14.9 billion worth of investments announced for technology and AI. Here’s a closer look at the top funding announcements:

AI Takes the Lead

Aramco Digital and Groq announced a $1.5 billion AI initiative, while Google unveiled AI-powered digital infrastructure projects tailored for the region.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, underscored the importance of such endeavors, emphasizing,

“These initiatives are critical to empower the technology sector and accelerate Saudi Arabia’s transition to an innovative economy driven by artificial intelligence. They are also aligned with the goals of Vision 2030.”

With Saudi Arabia’s cloud services sector expanding rapidly, investments in next-gen data centers are ensuring the region stays at the forefront of digital progress.

Expanding Horizons

From space tech to smart cities, gaming, and education, LEAP 2025 in Riyadh showcased groundbreaking projects across multiple industries.

LEAP 2025 Immerses You into the Future

A speaker at LEAP 2025 in Saudi Arabia – (Credits Arabian Business)

This year’s LEAP wasn’t just bigger—it was more immersive. Attendees got hands-on with cutting-edge tech, explored interactive showcases, and networked in ways never seen before.

LEAP Nights

As the sun set over Riyadh, the energy didn’t fade. Instead, it shifted to LEAP Nights, a brand-new format where networking blended seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s vibrant cultural scene. Business discussions over Arabian coffee, and finalizing deals under the desert stars redefined networking like never before.

Tech Arena

LEAP 2025 ensured that the future was experienced. Attendees had the chance to interact with live product demos, immersive tech showcases, and hands-on experiences, including the much-talked-about Golden Gloves VR.

SportsTech at Center Stage

With the Kingdom gearing up for the FIFA World Cup, LEAP also introduced a dedicated SportsTech track, showcasing how AI, data analytics, and wearable technology are redefining the game.

Powerful Partnerships & Collaborations

LEAP 2025 in Riyadh set the stage for high-impact collaborations with global tech leaders teaming up with Saudi enterprises to drive AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure advancements.

Zoom and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) launched Zoom AI Companion in Saudi Arabia to enhance workdays and assist with various tasks within the Zoom Workplace app.
Saudi Telecom Company collaborated with Shaffra and introduced AI-powered solutions to automate workflows and improve productivity for local enterprises across industries.

A Launchpad for Acceleration

LEAP has always been an epicenter for startups, and 2025 was no different. From innovative AI solutions to game-changing fintech models, the Startup Stage was buzzing with energy. Key highlights included:

Pitch competitions with major funding opportunities for emerging startups.
A dedicated showcase highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing startup ecosystem and its appeal as a launchpad for entrepreneurs.

A standout example is Merit Incentives, a technology solutions and loyalty management software company, which secured $28 million in Series B funding to further enhance its e-gift cards, digital cards, and rewards programs designed to boost customer engagement.

A Global Hub for Connections

With over 170,000 attendees, networking at LEAP was electrifying. Exclusive lounges and curated networking sessions made it easier than ever to connect with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers—all under one roof.

What’s Next After LEAP 2025?

A woman and a robot at LEAP in Riyadh – (Credits Gulf Business)

As the last sessions wrapped up and attendees left Riyadh, one thing was certain: this wasn’t just another tech event. It was a turning point.

Every innovation showcased, every deal signed, and every startup launched is part of a bigger picture: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With record-breaking investments in AI, cloud computing, and emerging tech, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global leader in digital transformation.

So what happens next?

More jobs, more opportunities, and a Saudi Arabia that is building the future instead of waiting for it —and if LEAP 2025 in Riyadh was any indication, the world is paying attention.

So, if you missed out this year, mark your calendars because LEAP 2026 is already on the horizon, and next year, it’s not just staying in Riyadh. It’s landing in Hong Kong too.

FAQs

What is LEAP 2025 in Riyadh?
LEAP 2025 is Saudi Arabia’s premier tech conference, featuring AI, VR, and cutting-edge innovations with over 170,000 attendees.

What were the major announcements at LEAP 2025?
Key highlights included $14.9 billion in AI investments and Aramco Digital’s $1.5 billion AI initiative. There were also several new partnerships in tech and cybersecurity.

What industries were featured at LEAP 2025?
The event covered AI, cloud computing, space tech, smart cities, gaming, education, and sports technology.

What was unique about LEAP 2025?
The event introduced immersive experiences like LEAP Nights, interactive tech showcases, and an exclusive SportsTech track.

When and where is LEAP 2026 happening?
LEAP 2026 will return to Riyadh and expand to Hong Kong, bringing global tech leaders together once again.