LEAP 2025: Saudi tech event ends with $15bn of deals signed and major announcement for 2026
LEAP 2025 has concluded in Saudi Arabia with almost $15bn of deals signed and a major announcement for 2026.
The fourth annual LEAP25 conference, the region's premier technology event, concluded on Wednesday at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham under the theme 'Into New Worlds.'
The conference marked another success for the Kingdom as a global hub for investments in artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, and cloud computing, with total investments exceeding $14.9bn.
LEAP 2025 in Saudi Arabia
The achievement reflects Saudi Arabia's position as a key centre for innovation and advanced technologies, as well as its growing role in the digital economy.
Its success reflects the support and empowerment provided to the sector by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reinforcing the Kingdom's commitment to achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 and solidifying its global leadership in technology, AI, and entrepreneurship.
LEAP is considered a global platform that brings together leading thinkers and practitioners in the digital field, empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation in the era of AI, and driving the transition toward a thriving and sustainable digital economy.
Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones board Chairman and Tahaluf Company board chairman Faisal Al Khamisi emphasised that LEAP25 was not just a tech conference but a global platform that hosted its largest edition yet, contributing to innovation, connecting startups with investors, and opening new opportunities for entrepreneurs.
He pointed out that the conference was not only about major investments of nearly $15bn but witnessed dynamic interactions between startups and investors, leading to significant deals and support for new entrepreneurial projects.
Al Khamisi indicated that LEAP has become a global benchmark for the speed of deal-making and project launches, enabling major tech companies to close deals in just a few days—processes that would typically take a year.
Additionally, he announced that LEAP will expand beyond the Kingdom, with two editions set for next year—one in Riyadh and another in Hong Kong—further solidifying Saudi Arabia's role as a global hub for digital economy, innovation, and AI.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Gulf Business
From Saudi to Hong Kong: Tahaluf, ewpartners take LEAP global with Asia debut
Annabelle Mander, EVP at Tahaluf, along with Jessica Wong, founder and managing partner of ewpartners. Tahaluf, the organiser of Saudi Arabia's flagship technology event LEAP, has announced a strategic partnership with global investment firm ewpartners to launch LEAP East, a new Asia-Pacific edition of the mega event. It will take place in Hong Kong from 8-10 July 2026, marking the first time LEAP is held outside the Kingdom. The move underscores Saudi Arabia's deepening strategic focus on Asia and positions Hong Kong as a new gateway for Middle Eastern engagement with China and the broader region. 'With this timely and strategic expansion, we are bringing LEAP's award-winning vision and world-class innovation into this exciting new Hong Kong venture, creating a powerful platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to connect, collaborate and build the future of technology,' said Faisal AlKhamisi, chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), during an announcement at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh. 'Attendees will engage directly with the world's leading innovators, investors, and industry pioneers, making LEAP East a must-attend event for anyone shaping the digital future,' he added. LEAP East is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors, more than 200 speakers, and 300+ exhibitors across AI, fintech, healthtech, deeptech and more. Featured speakers will include Luanne Lim, CEO of HSBC Hong Kong; Jeanne Lim, CEO of beingAI and co-creator of Sophia the Robot; and Harry Man, founding partner at Matrix Partners. The event will also feature investment zones, startup showcases and exclusive networking sessions such as LEAP East Nights. The announcement was made during the opening of ewpartners' new Hong Kong office, attended by over 100 senior officials and business leaders from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. Attendees included representatives from OASES, HKEX, UBS, and HSBC. Peter Yan, director general of Hong Kong's Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), said LEAP East 'could serve as a dynamic bridge between Hong Kong and the Middle East, empowering enterprises to collaborate, co-develop innovations, and unlock new market opportunities together. We appreciate ewpartners' pivotal role in making this initiative a reality, strengthening cross-regional partnerships, driving global growth through shared success, and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a global innovation hub.' LEAP was launched in Riyadh in 2021 through a partnership with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and SAFCSP. In 2025, the event drew 215,000+ attendees, 1,800+ exhibitors, and 1,600+ investors, generating $14.9bn in announced deals and an economic impact of $820m. Annabelle Mander, executive vice president at Tahaluf, said: 'LEAP was created in Riyadh to position Saudi Arabia as a global innovation hub. After four record-breaking editions, we're taking our next bold step, bringing LEAP to Hong Kong. This city is not only a gateway to Asia, but a proven launchpad for global ambitions. Through our partnership with ewpartners, we're proud to build a platform that unites Saudi and Asian-Pacific innovators on one world stage.' Jessica Wong, founder and managing partner of ewpartners, added: 'Our mission at ewpartners is to unlock high-value opportunities between the Middle East and Asia. We have been partnering with Tahaluf on LEAP for 5 years, and LEAP East further reflects that mission in action. Hong Kong has the connectivity, credibility, and creativity to host Asia's most ambitious tech platform, and we are honoured to help bring it to life.' The collaboration aims to mirror the impact of LEAP's Riyadh editions and drive significant business tourism and cross-border partnerships across Asia.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Ewpartners expands to Hong Kong backed by Saudi Vision for global growth
The ongoing development of Saudi Vision 2030 is unlocking industry opportunities and accelerating cross-border cooperation with international investors, particularly in the rapidly growing capital markets sector. In collaboration with CMF Hong Kong, co-hosted by Saudi Tadawul Group and HKEX, ewpartners co-organized a luncheon that brought together over 100 key figures from government, investment, and entrepreneurial sectors across Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and China. The new ewpartners office in Hong Kong was officially opened, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighting the city's strategic role as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East, fostering innovation and growth. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Driven by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, industrial growth has accelerated, fostering stronger cross-border cooperation, particularly with Asia. The capital markets between Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and China have witnessed unprecedented vitality, with landmark deals such as CATL's $5.3 billion IPO and BYD's HK$43.5 billion H-share placement attracting substantial participation from Middle Eastern investors. Additionally, the Premia BOCHK Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk ETF began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a significant development announced during the second edition of CMF Hong Kong. During CMF Hong Kong, the luncheon co-hosted by ewpartners, CMF Hong Kong, Saudi Tadawul Group (STG), and HKEX marked a key milestone in strengthening capital market ties between Asia and the Middle East. Over 100 key representatives from government agencies, investment institutions, and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong attended the event. The opening of ewpartners' new Hong Kong office was the main highlight of the luncheon, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasizing the city's strategic role as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East, driving innovation and growth. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu graciously provided the following message for the opening of ewpartners' Hong Kong office: 'Fostering Strategic Partnerships across Borders, Driving Innovation, Growth, and Prosperity.' This message reflects Hong Kong's commitment to serving as the premier platform connecting Asia and the Middle East. Mohammed Al-Rumaih, CEO of Saudi Exchange, stated, 'We are seeing strong growth in the Saudi capital markets, with record IPOs and increased investor participation, reinforcing our position as a leading global exchange. The Saudi-Hong Kong collaboration is key to this success, exemplified by Sahm Capital, supported by ewpartners, becoming one of Saudi Arabia's fastest-growing fintech companies.' Dr. Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, highlighted Hong Kong's unique position as a global business hub, offering a mix of international and China advantages. 'With the rule of law, free capital flow, a competitive tax system, and world-class infrastructure, Hong Kong provides unmatched benefits for businesses worldwide, including those from the Middle East.' Cliff Chau, Managing Partner of ewpartners, said, 'Since our 2017 launch in Saudi Arabia, ewpartners has successfully bridged capital and expertise between Asia and the Middle East through over 20 projects. Our Hong Kong office will drive cross-regional collaboration, innovation, and growth, aligning with Hong Kong's role as a 'super connector.' We're excited to contribute to the ongoing success of Asia-Middle East cooperation.' With eight years of experience, ewpartners has formed strategic partnerships with leading Hong Kong-based tech companies, including Alibaba Cloud (HKG:9988), J&T Express (HKG:1519), and Leshines, a Lenovo supply chain arm (HKG:0992). These collaborations support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, enabling businesses to leverage Hong Kong's strategic position and technology to create new industry opportunities in partnership with Saudi Arabia. These insights were outlined in ewpartners' whitepaper, Asia to Arabia: Strategic Investment Pathways in the GCC, released during the luncheon. The event highlights a new chapter in deepening ties between Asia and the Middle East, with Hong Kong emerging as a key investment and innovation hub, and ewpartners positioned as a central player in this transformation. About ewpartners ewpartners (formerly eWTP Arabia Capital) is an international investment firm specialising in cross-border investments between Asia and the Middle East. Backed by Sovereign Wealth Funds and investors from ASIA and the GCC, the firm has been active in Saudi Arabia since 2017 and was the first investment firm to launch a cross-border platform between the Kingdom and China. Headquartered in Riyadh, ewpartners focuses on building value across borders by establishing strategic partnerships with exceptional companies. Our team's expertise in shaping innovative conducive policy frameworks can support governments in fostering economic transformation and diversification driven by innovation and technology. We are committed to investing in, supporting, and growing successful businesses across the Asia and Middle East regions, with a focus on key industries and themes such as digital infrastructure & solutions, advanced manufacturing & energy transition, and logistics & consumer enablement. To Access White Paper:
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
London Business School to launch first programmes in Riyadh as school is ranked first globally in the FT Executive Education open programme rankings 2025
LBS secures top global positions in the 2025 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings, placing first worldwide in Open Programmes and second in Custom Programmes LBS has also seen a significant rise in participation from Saudi executives in its open enrolment Executive Education programmes in recent years, growing by more than 250% in just four years RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: London Business School (LBS) has today been ranked among the world's leading providers of Executive Education in the newly released 2025 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings. Building on this global recognition, LBS announced the launch of its first Executive Education open programmes in Saudi Arabia, which will be delivered in the new executive office in Riyadh. The programmes will commence in the 2025–2026 academic year and aim to support the Kingdom's priorities for economic diversification, innovation, and leadership capability in line with Saudi Vision 2030. This announcement follows the School's commitment, shared in April, to open an office in Riyadh dedicated to advancing human capability and leadership development in the region. The new Riyadh programmes represent the next phase in LBS's regional strategy, building on the School's established presence in Dubai and its long-standing engagement with Gulf organisations and executives. Reflecting on the School's latest recognition, Helen Kerkentzes, Associate Dean of Executive Education and General Manager, Riyadh office, said, 'We are delighted to be acknowledged by our clients and participants for the impact of our programmes on leaders globally. Our success is driven by our dedicated faculty, staff and learning partners, and the high standards of our participants. Launching our open programmes in Riyadh strengthens our commitment to supporting leaders and working more closely with our partners in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.' Professor Florin Vasvari, Executive Dean of Executive Education, Middle East and General Manager, Riyadh office said, 'Launching our first programmes in Riyadh is a natural next step as we deepen our long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. We are proud to support the human capital behind the Kingdom's transformation driven by Vision 2030, equipping leaders and organisations with the skills and perspective to thrive in a rapidly changing world.' Three New Programmes to Advance Leadership in the Kingdom Launching in the coming academic year, the following open programmes will be delivered in Riyadh: Women in Leadership: Empowering women executives with the skills to lead confidently, supporting Saudi Arabia's ambition to increase female participation in the workforce. Leading Teams for Emerging Leaders: Equipping rising leaders with strategies to build high-performing teams and drive organisational success in a dynamic economic environment. Next Level Leadership: Providing senior executives with advanced tools to navigate complexity, align with Vision 2030's priorities, and lead transformative change. Programmes will be in-person and are designed for leaders across all sectors. Global Recognition in the 2025 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings London Business School has once again been recognised as one of the world's leading providers of Executive Education in the Financial Times (FT) 2025 Executive Education Open and Custom rankings. This marks the fifth consecutive year that LBS has improved its position in these prestigious global rankings. In the latest results, LBS achieved the number one spot worldwide for Open Executive Education Programmes, rising from second place last year. The School's open programmes ranked first globally for 'quality of participants. The School attracts world class, diverse participants, and equips them with the future ready skills they need to lead, which highlights the unique calibre and impact of their community. LBS's Custom Executive Education Programmes also saw a significant rise, climbing five places to second globally, and ranked first for 'New Skills & Learning'. LBS is the only business school to be ranked in the top three for both the FT Open and Custom Executive Education Rankings in 2025, reflecting the depth and relevance of their tailored learning experiences. With the opening of its Riyadh office and its established Dubai campus, London Business School is strengthening its regional presence to meet the evolving needs of Gulf organisations. The School continues to invest in executive education that supports the Gulf's vision for knowledge-based, inclusive, and sustainable growth. About London Business School London Business School's vision is to have a profound impact on the way the world does business and the way business impacts the world. The School is widely acknowledged as a centre for outstanding research. As well as its highly ranked degree programmes, the School offers award-winning Executive Education programmes to business leaders from around the world. As well as its main campus in London, London Business School has a campus in Dubai, and a presence in three additional international cities: New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The School equips its diverse student body with the tools needed to tackle today's business challenges and connects them with many of the world's leading thinkers. The School has more than 53,000 alumni working in more than 157 countries. Together, they are a community defined by a wealth of knowledge, business experience and worldwide networking opportunities. London Business School's 259 faculty members come from over 30 countries. They cover seven subject areas: accounting, economics, finance, management science and operations, marketing, organisational behaviour, and strategy and entrepreneurship.
