By Muhammad Zeeshan TWA

Islamabad: The fourth edition of LEAP 2025, held in Riyadh, has further cemented Saudi Arabia’s status as a global leader in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure investments, with total commitments surpassing $14.9 billion.

As the region’s premier technology event, LEAP 2025 concluded at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham under the theme “Into New Horizons.” The event underscored the Kingdom’s growing influence in the digital economy and innovation landscape, attracting leading tech players from around the world, including strong participation from Pakistan’s technology sector.

The success of LEAP 2025 reflects the unwavering support of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, whose vision continues to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation. It aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in technology, AI, and entrepreneurship while strengthening regional collaborations.

LEAP has emerged as a global platform, bringing together top thinkers, industry leaders, and investors to foster innovation and accelerate the transition toward a dynamic and sustainable digital economy. This year, Pakistan’s participation showcased its growing tech ecosystem, with startups, IT firms, and innovators engaging in discussions on AI, fintech, and emerging technologies.

Organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones and Tahaluf Company, LEAP 2025 hosted over 200,000 attendees, featured 1,800 international and local entities, showcased 680 startups, and welcomed more than 1,000 global speakers. Notably, major deals were announced with asset managers overseeing $22 trillion in portfolios, further establishing Saudi Arabia as a leading innovation hub.

Among the landmark investments announced at LEAP 2025 were a $1.5 billion partnership between Groq and Aramco Digital to expand AI-powered cloud computing; a $2 billion deal between Saudi-based Alat and China’s Lenovo to develop an AI and robotics-driven technology hub; and the launch of several strategic digital infrastructure projects.

Pakistan’s delegation actively participated in discussions and networking opportunities, highlighting the country’s growing potential in the global tech landscape. The event provided a valuable platform for Pakistani startups and IT firms to explore partnerships, investment opportunities, and technological collaborations with global leaders.