LEAP 2025, held from February 9 to 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked a significant milestone in the global technology landscape. The event witnessed groundbreaking announcements and substantial investments, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global tech hub.
Record-Breaking Investments in Artificial Intelligence
On the opening day, LEAP 2025 unveiled a record-breaking US$14.9 billion in new Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments. This surge in funding elevates the total tech-related infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia to over US$42.4 billion since LEAP’s inception in 2022.
Key announcements include:
- Groq and Aramco Digital Partnership: A US$1.5 billion collaboration to expand AI-powered inference infrastructure and cloud computing.
- ALAT and Lenovo Commitment: A US$2 billion investment to establish an advanced manufacturing and technology center integrating AI and robotics.
- Google’s AI Hub: Plans to launch a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand.
Strategic Collaborations and Technological Advancements
The event also highlighted several strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating technological adoption in the Kingdom:
- IBM and Lenovo: Announced an expansion of their technology partnership to accelerate generative AI adoption in Saudi Arabia.
- Qualcomm and Aramco Digital: Unveiled a collaboration to develop the world’s first AI-enabled industrial 5G smartphones with native support for the 450-megahertz spectrum.
Innovations at the Tech Arena
LEAP 2025’s Tech Arena served as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies:
- Adobe’s Project Primrose: Introduced an interactive dress made from non-emissive textiles, allowing for the display of digital content.
- Golden Gloves VR: Presented an immersive virtual boxing training experience, demonstrating the fusion of sports and technology
Conclusion
LEAP 2025 not only showcased Saudi Arabia’s rapid technological advancements but also emphasized its role as a burgeoning global tech hub. The event’s success reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering innovation and attracting significant investments in the tech sector.
Did you attend LEAP 2025? If so, what was your favorite part of the event?