LIVE: ‘LEAP’ tech conference in Riyadh enters second day

The LEAP conference in Riyadh kicks off second day of highly engaging networking and insightful sessions around technology.

Held over three days, the event picks up from the opening on Tuesday, where many tech deals were announced, and the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in technology renewed. 

In a keynote address, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha said the government has invested around $6.4 billion in future technologies, enumerating local companies leading in this front. 

Several global tech giants also revealed investment plans in the Middle East, in line with a regional trend that sees technology as a driving force for economic diversification, particularly for Gulf countries. 

The second day will feature more sessions on how society is adapting to the developments in modern technology. 

Saudi energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, is expected to deliver a keynote speech.

Other notable speakers include Frank Salzgeber from the European Space Agency, Nele Leosk from the government of Estonia, and Abdullah Sharif Al-Ghamdi, the president of Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.