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Tahawul Tech
11-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
LEAP 2025 Opens with Announcement of Record-breaking US$14.9 Billion Investment in AI
LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia's award-winning global tech event, announced a record-breaking US$14.9 billion in new Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments that further cement the Kingdom's status as a world-leading AI hub. Revealed on the opening day of this year's four-day event, which is being held at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, the new announcements increase the total amount of technology-related infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia to more than US$42.4bn since LEAP debuted in 2022. The new investments in the Kingdom included an announcement between Groq and Aramco Digital confirming a US$1.5bn plan to expand AI-powered inference infrastructure and cloud computing; ALAT and Lenovo committing US$2bn to establish an advanced manufacturing and technology centre integrating AI and robotics; Google introducing new AI-driven digital infrastructure and the launch of a powerful computing cluster to meet regional and global demand; Qualcomm confirming the availability of its ALLAM language model on Qualcomm AI Cloud; and Alibaba Cloud launching the AI Enablement Programme comprising collaborations with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy to train national talent. Other announcements included Databricks investing US$300 million in integrated PaaS (Platform as a Service) solutions to empower application developers with cutting-edge AI tools; SambaNova committing US$140m to build advanced AI infrastructure; Global private equity firm KKR, in partnership with Gulf Data Hub, revealing a strategic investment in the development of data centres with a total capacity of up to 300 megawatts; Saudi Arabia's Salesforce investing US$500m to develop Hyperforce and enhance cloud capabilities for regional customers; and Tencent Cloud allocating US$150m to establish the Middle East's first AI-powered cloud region. Delivering a keynote address to formally open LEAP 2025, His Excellency Eng Abdullah Alswaha, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), insisted the new wave of investments brings one step closer His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision of the Kingdom's tech sector becoming a global beacon for innovation and advancement. 'LEAP 2025 is a defining moment because when the Kingdom works, the region works, and the whole world works,' said His Excellency. 'LEAP has evolved from a movement to a multiplier effect – but now is our defining moment. Technology has catalysed Saudi Arabia as the biggest success story in youth and female empowerment in the 21st Century, and we are laser-focused on continuing that success story. The intelligence age is here and, in partnership with you, we are going to take that leap together.' Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, which co-organises LEAP with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), added: 'The massive volume of new investments announced on day one builds on the progress made at LEAP and across the Kingdom in previous years, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's undisputed status as the primary digital accelerator in the Middle East and North Africa.' IBM's Arvind Kirshna Predicts Quantum Computing Breakthrough now only 'Three to Five Years Away' Eleven months after announcing IBM's plans to invest US$250 million into a global software development centre in the Kingdom, Arvind Krishna, Chairman & CEO of IBM, joined HE Alswaha on the LEAP Main Stage to discuss his experiences identifying 'early signals' to stay ahead of emerging industry trends. The trend that dominated the duo's conversation was quantum computing – a type of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that would take classical computers millions of years to complete – with Kirishna adamant the technology is getting ever closer. 'A breakthrough I think is only about three-to-five years in the future is quantum computing – I think we will see something amazing,' said Krishna. 'We're very excited to already be working on it with some partners in the Kingdom, but I believe quantum computing will open up areas that, for the Kingdom, will be very exciting. It will all be about materials, energy, oil and gas, possibly pharmaceuticals – all areas that are critical to the Kingdom and very much part of Vision 2030.' From Virtual Boxing to Futuristic Couture, Inaugural Tech Arena Opens Window to the Future LEAP's newly-added Tech Arena kicked off with a series of future-focused, interactive sessions highlighting some of the latest technological advancements shaping the technology of tomorrow. With groundbreaking prototypes in robotics, AI, fashion tech, and mixed reality all being explored, live demonstrations were conducted by global tech influencers alongside BBC Click presenters Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly. US-based Engine VR showcased Golden Gloves VR, a platform that uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive, gamified boxing experience for fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, and entertainment seekers. With professional boxer David Perez delivering a live demonstration to watching crowds, Aaron Sloan, the platform's Founder, said: ' I used to work as a cardiac nurse, but the only two things I ever really cared about were boxing and technology. So, I quit my nursing job and opened up my own boxing gym; it burned down within a month. It made me realise that building a business in a brick-and-mortar facility was going to be really hard. It just so happened that, around this time, the Quest One headset came out. Not only was it powerful, it was also wireless, which is so crucial for our system to work,' said Sloan. 'In order for us to get the traction we needed, we had to replicate as best we could what trainers and boxers were doing in the gym. After a number of different variations, we now have a platform that is being used by sporting bodies across the world, including the Olympics. The system also allows people of determination to take part, making the sport far more inclusive.' Elsewhere, TJ Rhodes, the Senior Research Scientist and Engineer on Adobe's Project Primrose, talked audiences through the Middle East debut of its latest wearable technology. First premiered at Adobe Max in 2023, the Project Primrose dress uses non-emissive textiles and can change the way we merge fashion and technology. 'It has so many use cases beyond the catwalk; it can be a canvas for new designs or even a low-power billboard that can flash text-based advertisements,' said Rhodes. 'It is also a non-emissive material that can be cut to any shape and dynamically diffuses light. Most special effects can only be experienced on the big screen, but what Project Primrose allows us to do is transform it from the big screen to reality. Imagine if Elsa from Frozen was able to transform her dress to match her actions in a live performance. We're still discovering the possibilities of what this technology can do.' More than 1,800 tech brands and 680 start-ups are exhibiting at LEAP 2025 this week, alongside a stellar lineup of 1,000-plus expert speakers across 15 stages, highlighting the tech that is shaping tomorrow. For more information on the event and ticket options, visit Image Credit: LEAP
TECHx
11-02-2025
- Business
- TECHx
LEAP 2025 Announces $14.9B AI Investment - TECHx Media LEAP 2025 Announces $14.9B AI Investment
LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia's premier tech event, kicks off with a groundbreaking announcement of $14.9 billion in AI investments, further establishing the Kingdom as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The announcement, made on the first day at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, pushes Saudi Arabia's technology-related infrastructure investments beyond $42.4 billion since LEAP's launch in 2022. Massive AI and Cloud Investments Fuel Saudi Digital Transformation Among the major investments are a $1.5 billion collaboration between Groq and Aramco Digital to enhance AI and cloud computing infrastructure and a $2 billion pledge by ALAT and Lenovo to build an AI and robotics-integrated manufacturing hub. Key announcements include: Google launching new AI-driven infrastructure and a high-powered computing cluster. launching new AI-driven infrastructure and a high-powered computing cluster. Qualcomm unveiling its ALLAM language model on Qualcomm AI Cloud. unveiling its ALLAM language model on Qualcomm AI Cloud. Alibaba Cloud launching the AI Enablement Programme in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy to train local talent. launching the in partnership with and to train local talent. Databricks investing $300 million in AI-powered PaaS solutions. investing in AI-powered solutions. SambaNova committing $140 million to advanced AI infrastructure. committing to advanced AI infrastructure. KKR , with Gulf Data Hub , investing in data centers with 300 MW capacity . , with , investing in data centers with . Salesforce Saudi Arabia investing $500 million to enhance cloud capabilities through Hyperforce . investing to enhance cloud capabilities through . Tencent Cloud investing $150 million in the Middle East's first AI-powered cloud region. AI Supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng Abdullah Alswaha, highlighted the alignment of these investments with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030. He stressed the importance of technology in advancing youth and female empowerment in the Kingdom. Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, emphasized that Saudi Arabia continues to be the MENA region's digital accelerator. IBM's CEO Discusses Quantum Computing's Potential Arvind Krishna, IBM Chairman & CEO, took the stage to discuss future industry trends. He predicted that quantum computing could revolutionize industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas within three to five years. Tech Arena Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovations The debut of the Tech Arena at LEAP 2025 highlighted futuristic advancements, including: Engine VR's Golden Gloves VR , a virtual reality boxing experience. , a virtual reality boxing experience. Adobe's Project Primrose, unveiling a wearable display dress blending fashion with digital designs. LEAP 2025: A Global Tech Platform With 1,800+ tech brands, 680+ startups, and 1,000+ speakers across 15 stages, LEAP 2025 is set to redefine the tech landscape and solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global AI powerhouse.
Arabian Business
10-02-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
LEAP 2025: Saudi technology event sees $15bn of AI deals in one day
A major Saudi technology event witnessed almost $15bn of AI deals in just one day, as the Kingdom continues to establish itself as a hub for the rapidly growing industry. LEAP 2025 officially launched in Riyadh, bringing together global technology and innovation leaders to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a primary hub for digital transformation and an attractive destination for tech investments. On the first day of the event, investments and projects worth over $14.9bn ($bn) in the artificial intelligence sector were announced, solidifying the Kingdom's role as a key global player in shaping the digital future. AI in Saudi Arabia These investments are designed to empower digital skills development, foster the growth of tech startups, and enhance innovation in Saudi Arabia. They further establish the Kingdom as a hub for technology and innovation, positioning it as an attractive environment for leading global technology companies and reinforcing its status as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement was made during the keynote address by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha, as the conference, which runs until Wednesday, commenced under the theme 'Into New Worlds.' Minister Alswaha emphasised that these significant investments and initiatives were made possible through the support and empowerment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These initiatives aim to enable the technology sector and accelerate Saudi Arabia's transition toward an innovative and sustainable AI-driven economy, in line with Vision 2030 objectives. LEAP 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company—a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa PLC, supported by the Events Investment Fund. The first day of the event witnessed the announcement of several major investments and projects in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation, including; Groq and Aramco Digital announced a $1.5bn investment to expand AI-powered cloud computing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Alat and Lenovo confirmed a $2bn investment to establish an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology centre in Saudi Arabia and to open Lenovo's regional headquarters in Riyadh. Google unveiled plans for an AI infrastructure investment, launching a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand. Qualcomm introduced the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the launch of the ALLaM AI PC, enabling cloud-based AI solutions for developers and accelerating technological innovation. Alibaba Cloud launched an AI empowerment program in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and STC, to train local talent in advanced technologies and contribute to building a sustainable digital future. Databricks committed $300m in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, supporting app developers and fostering data engineering and AI expertise to boost Saudi Arabia's digital economy. SambaNova pledged $140m to develop advanced AI infrastructure in the Kingdom, reinforcing its role as a regional innovation hub. KKR and Gulf Data Hub announced a major investment in Saudi Arabia's data centre development, with a total capacity of up to 300 megawatts, enhancing cloud computing and AI capabilities. Salesforce committed $500m to expand its Hyperforce platform, serving its regional customers from KSA. Tencent Cloud pledged a $150m investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching from Saudi Arabia with integrated AI capabilities.
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
LEAP 2025 opens with announcement of record-breaking $14.9bln investment in artificial intelligence
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia's award-winning global tech event, announced a record-breaking US$14.9 billion in new Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments that further cement the Kingdom's status as a world-leading AI hub. Revealed on the opening day of this year's four-day event, which is being held at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, the new announcements increase the total amount of technology-related infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia to more than US$42.4bn since LEAP debuted in 2022. The new investments in the Kingdom included an announcement between Groq and Aramco Digital confirming a US$1.5bn plan to expand AI-powered inference infrastructure and cloud computing; ALAT and Lenovo committing US$2bn to establish an advanced manufacturing and technology centre integrating AI and robotics; Google introducing new AI-driven digital infrastructure and the launch of a powerful computing cluster to meet regional and global demand; Qualcomm confirming the availability of its ALLAM language model on Qualcomm AI Cloud; and Alibaba Cloud launching the AI Enablement Programme comprising collaborations with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy to train national talent. Other announcements included Databricks investing US$300 million in integrated PaaS (Platform as a Service) solutions to empower application developers with cutting-edge AI tools; SambaNova committing US$140m to build advanced AI infrastructure; Global private equity firm KKR, in partnership with Gulf Data Hub, revealing a strategic investment in the development of data centres with a total capacity of up to 300 megawatts; Saudi Arabia's Salesforce investing US$500m to develop Hyperforce and enhance cloud capabilities for regional customers; and Tencent Cloud allocating US$150m to establish the Middle East's first AI-powered cloud region. Delivering a keynote address to formally open LEAP 2025, His Excellency Eng Abdullah Alswaha, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), insisted the new wave of investments brings one step closer His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision of the Kingdom's tech sector becoming a global beacon for innovation and advancement. 'LEAP 2025 is a defining moment because when the Kingdom works, the region works, and the whole world works,' said Alswaha. 'LEAP has evolved from a movement to a multiplier effect – but now is our defining moment. Technology has catalysed Saudi Arabia as the biggest success story in youth and female empowerment in the 21st Century, and we are laser-focused on continuing that success story. The intelligence age is here and, in partnership with you, we are going to take that leap together.' Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, which co-organises LEAP with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), added: 'The massive volume of new investments announced on day one builds on the progress made at LEAP and across the Kingdom in previous years, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's undisputed status as the primary digital accelerator in the Middle East and North Africa.' IBM's Arvind Kirshna Predicts Quantum Computing Breakthrough now only 'Three to Five Years Away' Eleven months after announcing IBM's plans to invest US$250 million into a global software development centre in the Kingdom, Arvind Krishna, Chairman & CEO of IBM, joined HE Alswaha on the LEAP Main Stage to discuss his experiences identifying 'early signals' to stay ahead of emerging industry trends. The trend that dominated the duo's conversation was quantum computing - a type of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that would take classical computers millions of years to complete - with Kirishna adamant the technology is getting ever closer. 'A breakthrough I think is only about three-to-five years in the future is quantum computing – I think we will see something amazing,' said Krishna. 'We're very excited to already be working on it with some partners in the Kingdom, but I believe quantum computing will open up areas that, for the Kingdom, will be very exciting. It will all be about materials, energy, oil and gas, possibly pharmaceuticals – all areas that are critical to the Kingdom and very much part of Vision 2030.' From Virtual Boxing to Futuristic Couture, Inaugural Tech Arena Opens Window to the Future LEAP's newly-added Tech Arena kicked off with a series of future-focused, interactive sessions highlighting some of the latest technological advancements shaping the technology of tomorrow. With groundbreaking prototypes in robotics, AI, fashion tech, and mixed reality all being explored, live demonstrations were conducted by global tech influencers alongside BBC Click presenters Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly. US-based Engine VR showcased Golden Gloves VR, a platform that uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive, gamified boxing experience for fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, and entertainment seekers. With professional boxer David Perez delivering a live demonstration to watching crowds, Aaron Sloan, the platform's Founder, said: ' I used to work as a cardiac nurse, but the only two things I ever really cared about were boxing and technology. So, I quit my nursing job and opened up my own boxing gym; it burned down within a month. It made me realise that building a business in a brick-and-mortar facility was going to be really hard. It just so happened that, around this time, the Quest One headset came out. Not only was it powerful, it was also wireless, which is so crucial for our system to work,' said Sloan. 'In order for us to get the traction we needed, we had to replicate as best we could what trainers and boxers were doing in the gym. After a number of different variations, we now have a platform that is being used by sporting bodies across the world, including the Olympics. The system also allows people of determination to take part, making the sport far more inclusive.' Elsewhere, TJ Rhodes, the Senior Research Scientist and Engineer on Adobe's Project Primrose, talked audiences through the Middle East debut of its latest wearable technology. First premiered at Adobe Max in 2023, the Project Primrose dress uses non-emissive textiles and can change the way we merge fashion and technology. 'It has so many use cases beyond the catwalk; it can be a canvas for new designs or even a low-power billboard that can flash text-based advertisements,' said Rhodes. 'It is also a non-emissive material that can be cut to any shape and dynamically diffuses light. Most special effects can only be experienced on the big screen, but what Project Primrose allows us to do is transform it from the big screen to reality. Imagine if Elsa from Frozen was able to transform her dress to match her actions in a live performance. We're still discovering the possibilities of what this technology can do.' More than 1,800 tech brands and 680 start-ups are exhibiting at LEAP 2025 this week, alongside a stellar lineup of 1,000-plus expert speakers across 15 stages, highlighting the tech that is shaping tomorrow. For more information on the event and ticket options, visit About LEAP: Saudi Arabia's desire to shoot for something beyond the realms of the possible presents the ultimate backdrop for LEAP. LEAP showcases the Kingdom's technology ambition on a global stage as it continues to grow as a hub connecting three continents. The figures speak from themselves as LEAP 2024 had an attendance of over 215,000, making it the most attended tech event in the world. LEAP features the inspiring tech of tomorrow across all major sectors including health, finance, energy, education, digital entertainment, transport, smart cities and more. The event is also led by a speaker faculty of globally celebrated technology innovators, focussing on the most innovative tech case studies from around the world. LEAP is not like any other tech event, from the ground up the community, stakeholders and project team are challenged every day to do something wildly creative and bold, something that reflects the seismic advances in tech adoption being seen in Saudi Arabia. About Tahaluf: Headquartered in Riyadh, Tahaluf brings together strategically important commercial communities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf region, and from around the world to a portfolio of world-class exhibitions and digital platforms. Tahaluf is a joint venture partnership between Informa PLC, the world's largest trade show organiser, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Events Investment Fund (EIF). Sela, the Saudi-owned event production company renowned for its creation of spectacular event experiences, intends to join the joint venture in the near future. In 2024 Tahaluf was responsible for the award-winning tech events LEAP & DeepFest, as well as 24 Fintech, the Global Health Exhibition, Cityscape Global, Black Hat MEA and CPHI. For more information about Tahaluf, visit
Gulf Business
09-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
LEAP 2025 launches in Riyadh, unveiling $14.9bn in AI investments
Image: Saudi Press Agency LEAP 2025, a flagship event bringing together global technology and innovation leaders, officially launched in Riyadh on Sunday, February 9. On the first day of the conference, investments and projects totaling over $14.9bn in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector were announced, the Saudi Press Agency reported. These major investments solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global player in shaping the digital future. The investments aim to foster digital skills development, support the growth of tech startups, and encourage innovation within the kingdom. They further solidify Saudi Arabia's standing as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, creating a thriving environment for global tech companies. The announcement was made during the keynote address by Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. LEAP 2025 positions Saudi Arabia as a tech leader As 'Into New Worlds', Minister Alswaha highlighted that these investments and initiatives were made possible through the support of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 'These initiatives are integral to empowering the technology sector and accelerating Saudi Arabia's transition towards an innovative, AI-driven economy,' said Alswaha. 'They are also aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030.' LEAP 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company — a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa, with support from the Events Investment Fund. Several high-profile investments were unveiled on the event's first day, including: Groq & Aramco Digital : A $1.5bn investment to expand AI-powered cloud computing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI. Alat and Lenovo : A $2bn investment to create an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology centre in Saudi Arabia and establish Lenovo's regional headquarters in Riyadh. Google : Plans to launch a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand through an AI infrastructure investment. Qualcomm : Introduction of the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the ALLaM AI PC, advancing cloud-based AI solutions. Alibaba Cloud : An AI empowerment program in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and STC to train local talent and support a sustainable digital future. Databricks : A commitment of $300m in platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solutions to foster data engineering and AI expertise. SambaNova : A $140m pledge to enhance advanced AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. KKR and Gulf Data Hub : A major investment in Saudi Arabia's data centre development with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts. Salesforce : A $500m commitment to expand its Hyperforce platform in Saudi Arabia. Tencent Cloud : A $150m investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching integrated AI capabilities from Saudi Arabia. Read:
