LEAP 2026 is a large-scale tech conference and exhibition taking place August 31–September 3, 2026 at RECC Malham in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Co-organized by Tahaluf, it brings together 1,000+ speakers, 1,800+ exhibitors, 600+ startups, and 1,900+ investors, with 201,000+ attendees. The event spans 20+ tracks including AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and space. DeepFest runs alongside as a dedicated AI event. LEAP East will debut in Hong Kong in July 2026. Tickets can be purchased online; press passes are free for verified media. The venue is accessible and has on-site parking for certain pass holders.
Dates
31 Aug – 3 Sep 2026
City / country
Saudi Arabia
Venue
Riyadh Exhibition Convention Centre, Malham
Time
Visitors: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily (31 Aug – 3 Sep 2026) · Exhibitors: 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM daily
Companies exhibiting at LEAP 2026 include (NCBI), 2P Perfect Presentation, 3D Systems, 3Pillars for Communications and Information Technology and 4Rounds.
Event overview
LEAP is the global tech conference held in Riyadh from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at RECC Malham. The event features 1,000+ speakers, 1,800+ global tech brands, 600+ startups, 1,900+ investors, and over 201,000 attendees.
It covers themes such as AI, cloud, cybersecurity, fintech, health tech, smart cities, climate and energy, space, gaming, sports tech, and digital commerce. DeepFest, the region's leading AI event, runs concurrently.
LEAP also expands to Hong Kong with LEAP East in July 2026.
TL;DR
Visiting LEAP provides access to 1,800+ global tech brands, 600+ startups, and 1,900+ investors under one roof, with 20+ tracks covering the full spectrum of emerging tech. The event is designed for networking, partnership formation, and deal-making. DeepFest adds depth in AI. Ample on-site amenities, a dedicated app, and shuttle services facilitate a productive experience.
Exhibiting at LEAP offers access to a high concentration of decision-makers: 1,900+ investors, 1,000+ speakers, and 201,000+ attendees from across the global tech ecosystem. The event covers 20+ content tracks, enabling targeted lead generation and brand positioning in key verticals. Co-located DeepFest provides additional AI-focused exposure. Stand space can be secured by contacting sales@onegiantleap.com.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
3Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Entrances & gates
Falcon Gate
Main visitor entrance via Al-Qassim Road leads to main visitor parking areas.
Large surface visitor parking zones are located outside the main gates facing Hall 1, with shuttle connections to entry tents.
Venue includes step-free access, ramps, wide aisles, and accessible restroom facilities.
Dedicated men's and women's prayer rooms with ablution facilities located inside the main exhibition halls.
Cloakroom services available near main registration entrance points.
Storage facilities provided for bags and luggage near registration tents.
Mobile device charging stations situated across lounge areas, media hub, and hall concourses.
Internal buggy and shuttle service connecting parking zones to registration tents and main hall entrances.
Food options
Onsite Food Court & Food Trucks
On-site diningParking: On-site parking available for Priority Pass, VIP Pass, Founder Pass and Investor Pass holders. VIP Pass holders receive valet parking. Golf carts available at parking entrances from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Gate: Visitors enter via Falcon Gate on Al-Qassim Road. Registration desks for badge printing in registration tents at parking area facing Hall 1 and at main entrance of Hall 2. Digital badge holders can enter directly through any gate at Halls 1 and 2.
Attend
Event days & opening times
General admission
Access to exhibition, full conference across LEAP and DeepFest stages, pre/post networking via app, Rocket Fuel pitch competition, free entry to Diriyah World Heritage Site and dining discounts.
General admission
All General Pass benefits plus private workspaces, exclusive parking, private dining, golf cart transfers.
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Tickets are non-refundable; transfers may be possible before the event subject to approval. General Pass: $50; Priority Pass: $600 (standard pricing ends in 31 days from page timestamp); VIP Pass available; Investor Pass is application-based; Press passes free for verified media.
Build-up & tear-down
Who runs the show
What's on
DeepFest
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2024
Visitors: 215,000
Exhibitors: 1,800
Exhibitor countries: 180
Visitor countries: 180
This edition
2026
Visitors: 201,000
Exhibitors: 1,800
Next edition
2026
LEAP 2026 takes place August 31–September 3, 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham, expecting 201,000+ attendees, 1,800+ global tech brands, 1,000+ speakers, 600+ startups, and 1,900+ investors.
Shift in event timing to late August/September slot. Expanded focus on Generative AI, cloud infrastructure, quantum tech, and space innovation. Enhanced startup ecosystem programs including Rocket Fuel pitch competition stages.
Growth over time
Edition recap
LEAP 2024 welcomed over 215,000 technology professionals, investors, and startup founders to Malham, Riyadh. Featuring over 1,800 exhibitors and 1,000 speakers, LEAP reinforced its position as the premier global platform for digital transformation and technological innovation in the Middle East.
New this edition
DeepFest Co-location Expansion
Dedicated artificial intelligence co-located event bringing together premier global AI research institutions and tech buyers.
SourcePhotos
Testimonials
The atmosphere here today is buzzing. That's the best word for it. This is my ninth time in Saudi Arabia. I love coming here. To see the growth, transformation and the appetite to transform even more.
This is my first LEAP and I'll be leaping again in the future. It's a place where global leaders and policy makers in this industry come together to do business and to learn.
LEAP is the biggest tech show I have seen in the Middle East and beyond. I've been here the first and second time, and this time it's bigger and much more impressive than it ever has been.
Impact
LEAP has established itself as the global epicenter for tech investment and digital ecosystem expansion in the Middle East. Across its four editions, the conference has facilitated over $42.4 billion in total tech infrastructure commitments and investment deals, while injecting hundreds of millions into the local Riyadh economy.
Audience quality
Attracts high-level decision makers including C-suite tech executives, government ministers, international venture funds managing trillions in AUM, and enterprise buyers across fintech, health, smart cities, and AI. Over 200,000 tech professionals attend from 180+ countries.
Exhibitor outcomes
Delivers immediate access to major Saudi public sector procurers and regional enterprise buyers, resulting in multi-billion dollar commercial deals and high-value strategic partnerships.
Intelligence
553
Exhibitors
16
Categories
33
Countries
12
Pavilions
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
Saudi Arabia
UAE
United States
United Kingdom
Turkey
India
Morocco
Taiwan
Egypt
Singapore
Jordan
Bahrain
High priority
Buyers sourcing
Artificial Intelligence
Buyers sourcing
Other Technology Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Technology Suppliers (profile Pending)
Buyers sourcing
Cloud and Enterprise Software
Buyers sourcing
Digital Transformation and Consulting
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Healthtech
Buyers sourcing
Fintech and Finance
Buyers sourcing
Telecom
Buyers sourcing
Robotics and Automation
Buyers sourcing
IoT and Edge Computing
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
LEAP has quickly grown into one of the world's most heavily attended technology trade shows, serving as a critical hub for sovereign tech funds, enterprise buyers, and global tech giants seeking deployment in the Middle East. With its focus on AI, smart cities, and fintech alongside international expansions like LEAP East, the event serves as an essential commercial catalyst for technology companies navigating the MENA market.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Climate Tech and Energy Transition
Dedicated tracks and exhibits highlight renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage, and sustainability solutions, reflecting global energy transition goals and MENA net-zero initiatives.
SourceGovTech and Digital Public Infrastructure
Governments across the Middle East are leveraging AI, automation, and data platforms to deliver smart public services, digital identity frameworks, and automated policymaking.
SourceFintech Innovation and Financial Inclusion
Strong regional focus on digital banking, blockchain, AI-driven financial tools, and open banking frameworks, driving financial inclusion and regulatory modernization.
SourceVenture Capital and Startup Ecosystem Expansion
Massive capital deployment connecting global venture capitalists, sovereign wealth funds, and early-stage founders through pitch competitions, seed matchmaking, and investor summits.
SourceGlobal Tech Event Brands Asia Expansion
Major Middle Eastern technology event organizers are expanding international footprints into Asia, exemplified by Tahaluf launching LEAP East in Hong Kong in July 2026.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
A core international calendar of cross-industry tech trade shows connecting global enterprise leaders, startup founders, policy makers, and investors across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
LEAP East 2026
Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
Inaugural edition co-organized by Tahaluf.
websiteWeb Summit 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
Held at MEO Arena & Feira Internacional de Lisboa.
websiteGITEX Global 2026
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Includes Summit on Dec 7 and Expo Dec 8–11 at Expo City Dubai.
websiteSpring Connectivity & Telecom Peak
Focus on telecom, 5G/6G, mobile software, and early-stage startup pitching.
Summer Asia-Middle East Bridge
Targeted trade and venture bridge connecting Middle Eastern capital with Asian startups.
Late Summer & Autumn Megashows
Large-scale tech ecosystem convenings focusing on founder-investor dealmaking and enterprise deployment.
Year-End Enterprise & AI Summit
Comprehensive regional enterprise exhibition and government digital transformation showcase.
Event dates derived directly from official event web portals and official press announcements.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
King Khalid International Airport
Primary international hub serving Riyadh. Located north of central Riyadh, making it relatively convenient to RECC Malham via Al-Qassim Road.
Approx. 25 km
to venue
20-30 mins depending on traffic
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–220 / night
Estimated rates during peak event dates. Offers basic amenities with accessible transit routes along King Fahd Road toward RECC Malham.
USD 250–450 / night
Estimated rates during peak event dates. Convenient location along the northern corridor with modern business services and good highway access.
USD 550–1100 / night
Estimated rates during peak event dates. Full luxury hospitality including Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and JW Marriott, offering premium concierge and private transfer options.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Official Event Shuttle Bus (SAB Metro Route)
Operates from SAB Metro Station to venue every 15 minutes (12:00 PM–5:30 PM); return shuttles run every 30 minutes (2:00 PM–10:00 PM).
Ride-Hailing (Uber / Careem)
Primary private door-to-door transport option. Event promotional discount code LEAP5 applies during show days.
Hotel Dedicated Shuttle Service
Select official and premium partner hotels run scheduled motorcoach shuttles directly to event drop-off gates.
On-Site VIP & Passholder Parking
Dedicated surface parking zones accessible exclusively to Priority Pass, VIP Pass, Founder Pass, and Investor Pass holders.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-visa | — | — | — | |
| Visa on arrival | — | — | — | |
| E-visa / Visa on arrival | — | — | — |
Citizens of more than 60 countries may be eligible for e-visa or visa on arrival. Travelers with a valid and previously used US, UK or Schengen visa, or permanent residency, may also be eligible.
Official visa pageWeather
Late August and early September in Riyadh are extremely hot, with daytime high temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F) to 43°C (109°F) and mild evening temperatures around 27°C-30°C. Venue halls and transport are heavily air-conditioned.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
RECC Malham is situated along the main Al-Qassim Road (Highway 65) north of central Riyadh. Attendees access the venue predominantly via ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem), private taxis, or event-organized shuttle buses running from designated hub locations and major hotel zones across Riyadh.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business Attire & Dress Code
Business casual or smart professional attire is standard. While dress codes have relaxed significantly in Saudi Arabia, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appropriate for professional settings. National dress (Thobe/Abaya) is widely worn and welcome.
Prayer Times & Daily Rhythm
Prayer breaks occur five times daily. Event schedules typically accommodate prayer times, and dedicated prayer rooms and ablution facilities are provided throughout the venue.
Social Etiquette & Networking
Business cards are widely exchanged. Respect local customs when taking photos or recording video of individuals, and use appropriate professional greetings.
Heat & Hydration Preparedness
Temperatures outside during late August/early September are high. Limit outdoor exposure during peak daylight hours and maintain hydration when traveling to and from the venue.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: RUH - King Khalid International Airport
Book flights early due to high demand for international tech delegations arriving in Riyadh.
Book flightsGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: 20-30 minute drive via Highway 65 / Al-Qassim Road from King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
Hotel → venue: 30-50 minute drive depending on hotel location in Riyadh; early morning departure recommended.
Ride-hail: Uber and Careem provide widespread coverage with drop-off directly at Falcon Gate.
Public transit: SAB Metro Station serves as the central hub connecting Riyadh Metro to the free SAB LEAP shuttle buses.
Parking: On-site parking available for Priority Pass, VIP Pass, Founder Pass, and Investor Pass holders.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: August / September
Temperature: 27°C - 43°C (81°F - 109°F)
Seasonality: Hot summer dry season; virtually no precipitation.
Packing: Lightweight breathable fabrics for outdoor transit, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a light jacket/layer for cold indoor AC halls.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 2026-09-01
Day 2 (Tuesday, Sept 1) offers peak floor activity, complete speaker availability, and prime networking momentum after initial opening-day setup crowds.
Apply for KSA e-Visa or EVW (Electronic Visa Waiver) and confirm travel validity — Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity from date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
Book accommodation in Northern Riyadh or near Metro corridor and lock in airport transfers — Hotels fill rapidly during LEAP show dates; select properties near SAB Metro station for easy shuttle access.
Complete online visitor registration on official portal and download digital badge pass — Digital badge holders enjoy direct fast-track entry via Falcon Gate at RECC Malham.
Download official LEAP app and set up LEAPConnect profile for meeting requests — Pre-book 1-on-1 buyer or investor networking slots before on-site capacity fills up.
Review SAB Metro shuttle schedules and plan daily transit route to RECC Malham venue — Shuttle buses run every 15 mins starting from 12:00 PM; allow 45+ minutes transit time.
Depart central/northern Riyadh hotel via SAB Metro or Uber shuttle toward RECC Malham venue.
SAB Metro Station / Northern CorridorBadge pickup and fast-track entrance via Falcon Gate; explore main hall exhibition stands.
Falcon Gate / Hall 1 & Hall 2, RECC MalhamAttend keynote panel sessions and global tech speaker presentations on the Main Stage.
Main Stage / Track ArenasExplore DeepFest co-located venue to inspect live AI demos and venture scaleup pitches.
DeepFest HallPre-booked 1-on-1 networking meetings with investors and buyers using LEAPConnect platform.
LEAP Connect ZoneWrap up hall visits and take return shuttle bus or taxi back into central Riyadh.
Falcon Gate Transport ZoneParticipate in unofficial LEAP Nights side gatherings and evening networking dinners.
KAFD / Boulevard City, RiyadhBoulevard City & Boulevard World
Entertainment & Dining Complex
approx. 25 minutes south of RECC Malham
Premier night-time destination featuring global cultural zones, outdoor dining, and leisure attractions.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
Financial & Business Center
approx. 20 minutes from RECC Malham
Futuristic architectural hub housing leading Saudi tech companies, corporate dining, and luxury cafes.
Diriyah & At-Turaif World Heritage Site
Cultural Heritage & Fine Dining
approx. 30 minutes from venue
Historic birthplace of the Saudi Kingdom, featuring mud-brick architecture alongside modern fine dining at Bujairi Terrace.
LEAP Connect Zone
Official Hosted Lounge
A dedicated networking environment for curated conversations, small-group sessions, and pre-scheduled 1-on-1 business meetings[cite: 1].
Sports Tech Hub Lounge
Official Vertical Lounge
A dedicated lounge space focused on connections and collaboration around sports tech innovations[cite: 1].
LEAP Nights Venues (Citywide)
Evening Cultural & Networking Events
Curated evening networking gatherings across select Riyadh dining and cultural hotspots extending the event experience after hours.
Budget
Official stand options for LEAP 2026 include Startup Pod, Shell Scheme (6x6), Space Only (Small), Space Only (Medium), and Space Only (Large). Specific per-square-meter pricing is provided upon request via the commercial inquiry form.
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Visitor Pass Registration
visitor · Standard Visitor Pass
—
Saudi Tourist / Event e-Visa
both · Standard Visa Fee + Insurance
USD 140–160 / person
Mid-Range Hotel Accommodation
both · 4-Star Business Hotel in Northern Riyadh
USD 250–450 / night
Exhibitor Shell Scheme Space Rate (Planning Estimate)
exhibitor · Standard Shell Scheme
USD 650–850 / sqm
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Pass Registration | visitor | Standard Visitor Pass | — | official | 2026-07-23 |
| Saudi Tourist / Event e-Visa | both | Standard Visa Fee + Insurance | USD 140–160 / person | estimate | 2026-07-23 |
| Mid-Range Hotel Accommodation | both | 4-Star Business Hotel in Northern Riyadh | USD 250–450 / night | estimate | 2026-07-23 |
| Exhibitor Shell Scheme Space Rate (Planning Estimate) | exhibitor | Standard Shell Scheme | USD 650–850 / sqm | estimate | 2026-07-23 |
Decision
Answer these quick questions regarding your commercial objectives, budget, and region readiness to receive a tailored LEAP 2026 participation recommendation.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary commercial focus in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA tech ecosystem?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Recommended when evaluating Saudi tech growth, sourcing global vendors, pitching investors, or attending DeepFest without stand commitments.
Best for
Tech leaders, investors, founders, and buyers seeking high-level market intelligence, strategic networking, and 1-on-1 meetings.
Min. budget
$2,000.00
Timeline
2–4 weeks for visa, flight booking, and LEAPConnect meeting schedules.
Risks
Large crowd density and expansive hall layout (RECC Malham) requires rigorous advance schedule planning.
Hotel prices in Riyadh spike significantly during show week.
exhibit
Recommended when actively expanding in the GCC region, seeking enterprise government contracts, or launching major tech products.
Best for
Enterprise software providers, AI scaleups, and tech brands targeting Saudi Vision 2030 digital transformation procurement.
Min. budget
$12,000.00
Timeline
2–4 months for stand design, Tahaluf contract sign-off, graphics approval, and freight logistics.
Risks
High total spend requires dedicated pre-show lead qualification to ensure positive ROI.
Complex local customs rules for imported demo hardware.
skip
Recommended if budget cannot cover peak Riyadh accommodation or if business model is purely focused on non-MENA local markets.
Best for
Companies with zero commercial alignment to MENA region or limited travel budget.
Timeline
None.
Risks
Missing the premier regional tech gathering and major Vision 2030 announcement ecosystem.
Book with
Swapcard
Official event mobile app platform enabling digital badges, interactive agenda, and lead scanning.
Official event mobile app platform
HotelMap
Official partner providing special rates and group hotel bookings in Riyadh during LEAP dates.
Official housing partner portal
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Trust footer
15
References
10
Publishers
0
Date checked
Gulf Business
Economy Middle East
Tech Africa News
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