The fifth edition of the LEAP conference launches in Riyadh on August 31, 2026, and continues for four days with the participation of technology companies, investors, founders, and innovators from various countries. The conference places artificial intelligence at the center of its program, alongside advanced computing, mobility, gaming, sports, and emerging technologies, across 16 stages and more than 20 content tracks.
The main stage will feature Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, Lisa Su, chair and chief executive officer of AMD, Chuck Robbins, chair and chief executive officer of Cisco Systems, and Tareq Amin, chief executive officer of HUMAIN. The speaker lineup also includes Michio Kaku, Javier Tebas, and executives from NVIDIA, Google, Roblox, Uber, Meta, Lenovo, Nokia, and Luma AI.
From Discussion to Hands-On Experience
The focus on artificial intelligence is linked to the announcement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, according to the source material. The technology’s presence at LEAP is not limited to sessions; the event includes live demonstrations of Unitree robots and the Agibot A2 Ultra humanoid robot, as well as Conjunction technology, which enables communication with and control of devices through brain signals.
The Future Mobility Zone showcases autonomous taxis, autonomous delivery aircraft, and eVTOL flying taxi vehicles. The GameX Creative Zone includes the unveiling of new games, a touch-based obstacle course game on the Roblox platform, and an esports simulation experience in partnership with ESL FACEIT Group. The SportsHub Zone also offers an interactive Formula 1 racing experience supported by the Saudi Motorsport Company and the Saudi Grand Prix.
Capital and Startups
A total of 1,289 investors representing 1,016 investment firms are participating in the conference, with total assets under management of $14.5 trillion. One hundred finalist startups are competing in the Rocket Fuel competition for a $1 million funding prize without giving up equity, after receiving more than 3,000 applications.
The Ecosystem Xchange and LEAP Connect platforms also provide channels for accessing new markets, building partnerships, and connecting with the international technology community beyond the main stages.
Why Does This News Matter?
What is changing in practical terms in this edition is the conference’s expansion from a session program into a space combining viewable technology demonstrations, funding opportunities, and experiences in fields that are still under development, such as humanoid robotics and air mobility. This matters to startups, investors, and professionals seeking to follow the transition of artificial intelligence from public discourse to use cases and direct experiences.
However, the announced figures measure the scale of participation and the opportunities on offer, and alone do not prove the success of products or the completion of specific partnerships and investments. The results of the Rocket Fuel competition, and what the demonstrations and partnerships produce in terms of real-world applications, remain outside the scope of the information available in the source material.
The LEAP Nights program runs from August 30 to September 4 at more than 15 locations in Riyadh and includes 60 events combining networking, business, culture, and entertainment. A partnership with the Saudi Motorsport Company has also been announced, giving conference guests early access with a 20% discount on tickets for the 2027 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula 1 race in Jeddah.