Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a vibrant hub for technology conferences, IT forums, and innovation expos in the Middle East. In 2025, the country is hosting an outstanding lineup of tech events, AI summits, cybersecurity conventions, and digital transformation conferences. This article explores the top gatherings, complete with their date, venue, overview.
LEAP 2025 – Innovation & Tech Investments
Date: February 9–12, 2025
Venue: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Overview:
LEAP 2025 is emerging as the world’s most attended tech gathering, known for blending innovation, startup showcases, and major technology investments. This edition opened with announcements totaling $14.9 billion in tech investments in the Kingdom. Expect sessions on AI, fintech, blockchain, smart cities, and deep tech. LEAP is where tech vision meets real-world economic transformation.
DeepFest – AI & Human-Centric Technology
Date: March 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Venue: Malham, Riyadh
Overview:
DeepFest, running alongside LEAP, focuses on human-centric AI, generative AI, and ethical tech. Organized by SDAIA, it offers ground-breaking sessions on AI policy, AI ethics, robotics, and media tech integration. It attracts over 48,000 attendees and invites global giants like Google, Meta, and NVIDIA.
Smart Data & AI Summit 2025
Date: August 27–28, 2025
Venue: JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh
Overview:
The Smart Data & AI Summit taps into the explosive growth of data analytics and machine learning across industries. Aligned with Saudi’s Project Transcendence, it convenes CDOs, CIOs, AI directors, and data professionals to discuss data governance, predictive analytics, and AI-driven transformation.
Mid‑East Business & IT Resilience Summit
Date: October 1–2, 2025
Venue: Riyadh
Overview:
This summit combines business continuity, digital resilience, and IT strategy. It’s a go-to event for C-level executives, working on digital infrastructure, cyber resilience, and risk management in the face of evolving threats.
Also Read: Trade Shows in Saudi Arabia
Annual Kingdom Digital Twin Conference
Date: October 8, 2025
Venue: Riyadh
Overview:
This conference spotlights the future of digital twins—virtual replicas that model real-world systems. It’s ideal for those in urban planning, smart infrastructure, IoT, and digital modeling, exploring how digital twins reshape everything from cities to utilities.
Black Hat Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Date: November 24–26, 2025
Venue: Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center, Malham
Overview:
Black Hat MEA is one of the region’s largest and most respected cybersecurity conventions. Featuring CISOs, ethical hackers, and security experts, it includes trainings, Capture-the-Flag, briefings, and a start-up challenge. Last edition drew 45,000+ attendees.
Esports World Cup 2025
Date: July 8 – August 24, 2025
Venue: Riyadh
Overview:
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is the biggest gaming tournament globally, featuring over 25 titles and a massive prize pool. Highlights include new games like VALORANT, online chess, Crossfire, and Fatal Fury, with 26 events across 25 esports titles. It’s a must for gamers, tech spectators, and e-sports professionals.
Summary Table of Key 2025 Events
| Event | Date | Venue | Keywords |
| LEAP 2025 | Feb 9–12, 2025 | Riyadh | innovation summit, startup tech, fintech, smart cities |
| DeepFest | Mar 2025 (TBA) | Malham, Riyadh | human‑centric AI, AI ethics, robotics |
| Smart Data & AI Summit | Aug 27–28, 2025 | JW Marriott, Riyadh | data analytics, machine learning, AI-governance |
| IT Resilience Summit | Oct 1–2, 2025 | Riyadh | IT resilience, digital infrastructure, risk management |
| Kingdom Digital Twin | Oct 8, 2025 | Riyadh | digital twins, urban planning, IoT |
| Black Hat MEA | Nov 24–26, 2025 | Riyadh Exhibition Center, Malham | cybersecurity conference, ethical hacking, infosec |
| Esports World Cup (EWC) | Jul 8–Aug 24, 2025 | Riyadh | esports, gaming tournament, competitive gaming, VALORANT |
Why These Events Matter in 2025
- Tech Startup Growth
- LEAP and DeepFest help startups connect with investors and global partners.
- LEAP and DeepFest help startups connect with investors and global partners.
- AI & Data Innovation
- Smart Data & AI Summit brings key AI and analytics trends to the forefront.
- Smart Data & AI Summit brings key AI and analytics trends to the forefront.
- Resilience & Digital Continuity
- Business resilience and digital twin conferences build stronger infrastructure.
- Business resilience and digital twin conferences build stronger infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity Maturity
- Black Hat MEA pushes Saudi into the center stage of global cyber defense.
- Black Hat MEA pushes Saudi into the center stage of global cyber defense.
- Massive Esports Engagement
- EWC mirrors global game culture—Saudi ranks as a powerhouse for digital entertainment and e-sports.
- EWC mirrors global game culture—Saudi ranks as a powerhouse for digital entertainment and e-sports.
Boost Your Visibility in the Tech Ecosystem
Attending these events offers more than insights. They’re your chance to:
- Build global technology partnerships
- Showcase IT products or solutions at expos
- Gain developer certifications and attend masterclasses
- Join workshops on AI policy, data ethics, or cyber attack simulations
- Network across industry, government, and academia
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s 2025 calendar is packed with leading IT & technology events, from AI summits and cybersecurity expos to global gaming tournaments. Whether you’re a tech innovator, data professional, or e-sports enthusiast, these conferences offer top-tier opportunities—and they’re designed to drive real digital transformation aligned with Vision 2030. Mark your calendar and immerse yourself in tech evolution.
FAQs
Are these events open to international participants?
Yes. Most events welcome global attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.
How do I register or exhibit?
Visit each event’s official website. Many offer sponsorship and exhibitor options.
Do any offer certifications or training?
Yes. Black Hat MEA includes training and certification; other summits offer workshops and innovation labs.
Can one person attend multiple events?
Absolutely! You can attend events like DeepFest, LEAP, and Smart Data & AI as they are scheduled in different months.
Are there virtual or hybrid options?
Some events may offer hybrid attendance—check the individual event pages for details.
