Massive turnout for LEAP tech conference in Riyadh proves to be a mixed blessing

Massive turnout at the global tech conference. (AN photos/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 08 February 2023
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Massive turnout for LEAP tech conference in Riyadh proves to be a mixed blessing

  • For two days in a row, attendees have braved Riyadh’s rush-hour traffic and capacity crowd to gain admission
  • Event has proved a great opportunity for investments, partnerships, meetings and networking with people in tech

RIYADH: Such has been the overwhelming popularity of this year’s LEAP, a four-day annual tech conference hosted in the Saudi capital Riyadh, that organizers were forced to close the doors to new attendees on Tuesday after the venue reached maximum capacity. 

Held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, the event’s second edition has seen a massive turnout, as some of the biggest names in the tech world showcase their products and discuss new industry trends.

For two days, students, entrepreneurs and startup owners have braved Riyadh’s rush-hour traffic and large crowds to gain admission — a challenge one attendee described as “a logistical nightmare,” as more than 250,000 registrations were recorded on the first day alone.

Amal Al-Khalid, 24, traveled from the Eastern Province to take part in one of two contests — the Rocket Fuel competition and Alibaba Cloud hackathon — with a SR6 million ($1.5 million) prize pool aimed at rewarding Saudi-based startups and boosting cloud technologies.

“I came with the intention of checking out the competition with my three colleagues as our startup is focused on providing water treatment solutions for domestic use,” she told Arab News on the sidelines of the event.

“Our idea came up as we kept hearing about the problems with the quality at home. I knew it was going to be crowded as many members of our entrepreneurial community spoke of LEAP for months, but I did not expect to see crowds of this kind.”

The Rocket Fuel competition, supported by the National Information Technology Development Program and the Misk Foundation, aims to help new businesses, highlight entrepreneurial projects, and build innovative solutions that address technical challenges.

As many as 90 local startups will compete for a chance to be one of 15 awarded a share of SR4 million, with a top prize of almost SR940,000. The event is a great opportunity as far as investments, partnerships and meetings are concerned, to say nothing of connecting with new people in tech from around the world.

Several young tech entrepreneurs were drawn by the prospect of competing in the contests and the chance to network on LEAP’s sidelines. However, the event’s enormous popularity appeared to overwhelm the available facilities.

“User journeys were not planned out correctly,” Ghaliah Al-Sukait, an experience and planning development manager, told Arab News.

“Only the main pathway had ushers organizing the human traffic. All the other pathways were disorganized and not clear. The distribution of booths did not allow for smooth transitions from one space to the other, but rather created even more traffic.

“Given the huge anticipated footfall, there should have been multiple entrances and exits to the space to allow users to move freely. Instead, there was only one main entrance (for regular tickets) and one main exit at the opposite side, forcing users to walk through the entire space within the traffic.

“The exit was positioned far away from the parking, leading users to walk through the parking after an already long walk through the space. This resulted in increased frustration from users.”

Roads to and from the venue were also packed, with attendees spending hours stuck in traffic.

“Having left my house at around 1 p.m., and there was a lot of traffic, it took me over an hour to get there,” one visitor from the US told Arab News.

“It was a mess with the traffic. The venue was large. It’s at least a 2-3 mile walk because it’s so huge and overwhelming, though nice. But there were no legends or maps to tell you where to go. They (the crowd) were just standing there,” she added.

LEAP will run until Feb. 9, and features an exhibitor and convention line-up of transformational talent, a product showcase of advanced and generative technology potential, and a celebrity guest list of billionaire entrepreneurs, business magnates, sporting heroes, and musical icons-turned futurists and financiers.

On Monday, the conference announced more than $9 billion in investments to support future technologies, entrepreneurship, and tech startups to enhance the Kingdom’s position as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa region.


Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Updated 19 April 2025
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Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

  • The session included participation from several high school students
  • Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science.
The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.
During the session, Iijima shared his academic journey and the early challenges he faced, discussing the motivations that led him to discover carbon nanotubes using an electron microscope.
Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology. His efforts established a new field in solid-state physics and materials science.
The discussion also addressed the importance of nanomaterials for future applications and their use in diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage and biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.
Iijima answered numerous questions related to scientific research and offered advice and encouragement to those interested in science and technology.
King Salman Science Oasis is a leading national initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and stimulating creativity and innovation across all segments of society.


Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

  • The three-day program equips participants with essential skills
  • Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes

JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon.
The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools.
Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The training is a key step ahead of the main event, set for April 24–27.
The Transformation Hackathon is a strategic initiative to enhance education at King Saud University, support national talent in data and AI, and advance Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation and future-ready skills.


Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Updated 19 April 2025
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Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 20,688 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,372 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,750 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,566 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,264 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 93 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 27 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

Updated 19 April 2025
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Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

  • Ministry warns against scams on social media

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stressed that individuals intending to perform Hajj this year must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, which is integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for issuing official permits.

It also said that no type of visa grants the right to perform Hajj, and that full compliance with regulations is essential to ensure the safety of pilgrims and a smooth Hajj experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry warned against fraudulent activities and deceptive Hajj campaign advertisements on social media that falsely promise accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.

The ministry urges the public to report suspicious activities by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other areas of the Kingdom. Misleading ads should also be reported to relevant authorities in all countries.

The ministry has announced that April 29 is the final departure date for Umrah visa holders, in preparation for the Hajj season, the SPA reported.

The General Directorate of Public Security has said that Hajj regulations will begin on April 23. All residents intending to enter Makkah must obtain a valid entry permit from the relevant authorities. Those without a permit will be denied entry at security checkpoints, the SPA added.

The directorate emphasized that Hajj procedures will be strictly enforced. Vehicles and residents without a work entry permit, a Makkah resident ID or an official Hajj permit will be turned back.

It further clarified that entry permits for residents working during Hajj are issued electronically via the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal, through integration with the unified digital Hajj permit platform.


KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

Updated 19 April 2025
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KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs is taking part in the 30th Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair, running until April 27 in the Moroccan capital.

It reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote the Kingdom’s message of moderation and tolerance, and its commitment to printing, publishing and teaching the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry’s pavilion features a section from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, showcasing a wide range of printed Qur’ans and translations in various languages.

Another section highlights the Makkah Library, displaying rare and historical Islamic manuscripts from renowned writers, linguists and scholars.

Represented by the General Secretariat for Exhibitions and Conferences, the ministry is also presenting a range of digital applications and programs for fair visitors.

The Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is also taking part, showcasing initiatives aimed at advancing the publishing industry and enriching cultural activities.

These include supporting Saudi publishers and literary agents globally, presenting the Kingdom’s intellectual heritage, highlighting its cultural traditions and promoting local literary output.