The third edition of the internationally renowned technology conference "LEAP 24" commenced this morning in Riyadh. During the opening of the conference, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, stated that "LEAP" investments have been supported by the Crown Prince for the growth of the digital economy, emphasizing that the Kingdom has empowered women in the digital field, deep technologies, and space. Al-Swaha predicted that investments during the conference would reach $12 billion, while the previous edition saw investments estimated at $9 billion. He added, "The announced investments are aimed at supporting emerging technologies, deep tech, innovation, and cloud computing."
During the opening session, Saudi Aramco launched the world's first generative artificial intelligence model in the industrial sector. Al-Swaha remarked that the "language model" to be launched by Aramco is backed by data extending over 90 years and contains billions of metrics. Generative artificial intelligence is defined as utilizing machine learning techniques and deep neural networks to simulate human capability in creating new data and original, innovative content.
This edition of the conference, held under the slogan "New Horizons," features the participation of more than 1,800 international and local exhibitors, over 1,000 technical experts, and 600 startups. Through the joint organization by the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and other strategic partners, the conference aims to enhance the region's and the world's standing in the technological field.
"LEAP" is an exceptional platform that brings together innovators and investors in technology, focusing on supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and aims to create a collaborative environment that fosters growth and development of the digital economy, with an emphasis on innovation and technological advancement.
The current edition of the conference includes international technology exhibitors such as Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Dell, Cisco, SAP, Amazon Web Services, Alibaba, Huawei, Ericsson, and other global companies, alongside several platforms and stages, notably "Deep Fest," the Investors' Platform, and the Creative Economy Theater. The conference will also showcase government entities and national companies presenting their digital products and services, based on innovative models using emerging technologies, in addition to signing strategic agreements and launching new services, and holding panel discussions involving several ministers and officials, as well as workshops in the field of digital transformation.
