Arab News :RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s LEAP technology conference, which generated more than $42 billion in investment across its first four editions, has been rescheduled to August from April amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The fifth edition of the event will take place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham after organizers said the revised timing followed consultations with partners and stakeholders to ensure strong international participation and a full program of speakers, investors and technology companies. 

The scheduling adjustment comes as several major events across the Middle East have been disrupted by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel, which has affected travel, logistics and large gatherings in the region. 

In a statement, organizers cited extensive consultation with partners and stakeholders as central to the decision to move the event to late summer. 

“LEAP has always been about bringing the world’s most ambitious minds together to shape what’s next,” said Annabelle Mander, executive vice president at Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP.  

She added: “Hosting LEAP 2026 through early September ensures we continue to deliver the global participation and world-class experience that our community expects.” 

Since launching in 2022, LEAP has grown into one of the world’s largest technology gatherings, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees and thousands of companies from around the world. The 2025 edition drew more than 200,000 visitors, according to organizers. 

Last year’s conference secured investment commitments exceeding $14.9 billion, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to position itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital infrastructure. 

Among the largest deals announced at LEAP 2025 was a $1.5 billion partnership between Groq and Aramco Digital to expand AI-powered cloud computing investments, alongside a $2 billion investment between Saudi-based Alat and China’s Lenovo to establish an advanced AI- and robotics-driven manufacturing and technology hub in the Kingdom. 

The 2026 program is set to bring together founders, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore transformative technologies including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, deep tech, gaming, and digital infrastructure. 

The event, which showcases Saudi Arabia’s technology ambition on a global stage as the Kingdom continues to grow as a hub connecting three continents, features the latest technology across major sectors including health, finance, education and smart cities. 

The statement clarified that further announcements regarding speakers, partners and program highlights will be revealed in the coming months as preparations continue for the conference. 

LEAP’s postponement comes as other major events in the region are also being pushed in the wake of the US-Israel war with Iran. 

The Arabian Travel Market has been postponed by three months and will now take place from Aug. 17 to 20, due to safety and well-being concerns.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix have been called off for April, with Formula 1 determining it is unsafe to race due to the ongoing conflict. Crypto conference TOKEN2049 has also pushed its Dubai edition back to 2027.