Meet the consultancies shaping the agenda of Saudi Arabia’s major tech event LEAP
Kicking off today in Riyadh, LEAP is the Middle East’s leading global technology and innovation conference and an important part of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish itself as a global technology and investment hub under Vision 2030. As in previous editions, consulting firms are playing an integral role in shaping the agenda.
LEAP is returning this year for its fifth, biggest and boldest edition. Taking place from August 31 to September 3 in Riyadh, the event brings together technology companies, startups, investors, government leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world, with a program spanning major technology themes including AI, cloud, cybersecurity, fintech, health, smart cities, climate, energy, space, gaming, sports technology and digital commerce.
According to the latest statistics released by the organizers, more than 201,000 attendees are expected to visit the event, alongside 1,000 speakers, 1,800 global technology brands, 600 startups and 1,900 investors.
The consulting firms shaping the agenda
LEAP is supported by a large group of leading organizations serving as Sponsors, Enablers and Partners, including stc as Strategic Partner, SDAIA as Strategic Sponsor and HUMAIN as Global AI Partner. The cohort also includes more than a dozen consulting firms, spearheaded by EY as Knowledge Partner, Elm as Business Solution Partner and SITE as Secure Technologies Partner.
Saudi Arabia-based Tamkeen Technologies has been named Digital Transformation Partner, while NTT DATA will serve as a Diamond Sponsor and IBM Consulting as a Gold Sponsor. Deloitte and Tech Mahindra, meanwhile, will serve as Bronze Sponsors.
LEAP has also appointed companies to lead specific technology themes. PwC is the overall Data & AI Partner, Accenture is leading the Generative AI agenda, and Devoteam is the overall AI Transformation Partner.
Comments from consulting leaders
Commenting on their presence at LEAP and contribution to the event’s agenda, consulting leaders told Consultancy Middle East:
Omar Boulos, Chief Executive Officer of Accenture in the Middle East and Africa, said: “The Middle East has moved beyond discussing AI sovereignty and is now putting it into practice. Our research shows that while the region has made significant progress in infrastructure, investment and national AI strategies, many organizations are now building the enterprise-scale capabilities needed to turn that ambition into measurable value.”
“Sovereignty is not about full autonomy across the AI stack. It is about securing AI where it matters most, building the right partnerships and creating the leadership accountability needed to generate long-term economic value. That is the conversation we want to have with clients and partners at LEAP.”
Rami Beidas, Managing Director of NTT DATA’s Saudi business, said: “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has set a bold roadmap for AI-enabled cities and public services, and LEAP is where ambition meets execution. This year, our leadership teams will be engaging with government leaders, clients and partners to showcase real-world AI innovations, strengthen strategic collaborations and help translate national AI priorities into tangible outcomes across Saudi Arabia.”
Vision 2030
LEAP forms an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to become a global technology leader, with a focus on areas including artificial intelligence, 3D printing, robotics, fintech, 5G, biotechnology and the Internet of Things.
To drive its digital agenda, Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars in technology and innovation, with significant additional investments committed for the second half of its ambitious Vision 2030 program. LEAP serves as a key platform for bringing together the government, technology companies, investors and professional services firms helping turn that ambition into reality.
