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LEAP 2026 opened on Monday at the Malham Conference Center north of Riyadh, bringing together global technology companies, startups and investors as Saudi Arabia’s digital economy expands to more than $139 billion. The fifth edition, running from August 31 to September 3, features more than 1,000 global speakers, 600 startups and 1,900 investors, with attendance exceeding 200,000 visitors from 180 countries based on figures from previous editions.

Egyptian FinTech Presence at LEAP 2026

Egyptian financial technology companies are making a visible appearance at LEAP 2026, with executives and representatives from Fawry and Paymob taking part in the event, while MNT-Halan is also prominent in the wider regional FinTech landscape.

Hossam Ezz of Fawry appeared in a session held as part of LEAP 2026, confirming his participation in the conference.

Paymob has also confirmed the attendance of one of its representatives at LEAP 2026, with materials linked to the company’s presence at the event. 

MNT-Halan, meanwhile, has appeared in regional FinTech and technology-related content.

LEAP Expands Beyond a Technology Event

Launched in 2022 as a technology-focused event, LEAP has evolved into a global investment platform bringing together more than 1,800 companies and 1,900 investors, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to move from being primarily a technology consumer market toward becoming a producer and exporter of technology.

The 2026 edition is being held from August 31 through September 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham under the theme “Into New Worlds.” The event is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and Tahaluf.

AI, FinTech and Emerging Technology Sectors

The conference comes as venture capital investment in Saudi Arabia has reached $1.72 billion, putting the Kingdom at the top of the region for the third consecutive year.

LEAP 2026’s agenda covers artificial intelligence through the DeepFest program, alongside financial technology, healthcare, sports, space, gaming and infrastructure.

The event also features new platforms, including Sports Tech Hub and World Tech Zone, expanding its focus across emerging technology sectors.

Saudi Digital Showcase and Global Expansion

Alongside LEAP 2026, the “Saudi Digital” exhibition is showcasing more than 20 government digital launches, while the program includes the signing of 30 agreements and 15 panel discussions.

The conference is also extending its international reach with the launch of LEAP East in Hong Kong, aimed at connecting technology ecosystems between East and West.

The event comes amid a broader government focus on communications, technology and artificial intelligence, with the Ministry of Media scheduled to host a government press conference featuring Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha. The session is expected to address key achievements and developments in communications, technology and AI, as well as partnerships, investments and technologies anticipated at LEAP 2026.