LEAP to bring together best minds in technology to tackle global challenges LEAP 2022 set to become the largest global platform to connect pioneers, innovators, and disruptors to explore and engage with the latest in technology RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will be hosting in Feb. 2022 the largest technology event ever, LEAP. Taking place on Feb. 1-3 in Riyadh, it is set to become a global platform for the entire innovation ecosystem, connecting pioneers and disruptors with business and government leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and more to experience and learn about the technologies of the future, according to a statement. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said: “Technology and innovation have enormous potential to transform economies and societies. We live in a time where you either leap or be left behind. We are proud to host LEAP to help the region lead and leapfrog with technology and innovation.” The event will welcome speakers from all around the world including: Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and co-founder, Kaspersky Raghu Raghuram, CEO, VMware Maelle Gavet, CEO, Techstars Youngcho Chi, President and Chief Innovation Officer, Hyundai Motor Group Peggy Johnson, CEO, Magic Leap Nnenna Nwakanma, Chief Web Advocate, World Wide Web Foundation Siim Sikkut, Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO), Estonia Regional experts including: Olayan Alwetaid, Group CEO, stc Salman Al Badran, CEO, Mobily Ghinwa Baradhi, CIO MENAT region for HSBC Sky Kurtz, founder and CEO at Pure Harvest Over 700 emerging technology start-ups prepare to showcase their solutions to the world in LEAP, the statement said. Organised and produced by Informa Markets, LEAP is sponsored by leading local and international companies including, Microsoft, CISCO, KPMG, SoftwareAG, Nutanix, STC, Zain, Mobily and Ericsson, who will act together as strategic partners to bring this event to life. “Informa are delighted to have launched LEAP in Saudi Arabia. It is clear to us that with the enormous technology projects happening in the country, there is no hub in the world better placed to host such an amazing event,” said Mike Champion, Regional Executive Vice President of Informa Markets, the largest events company in the world. “In its first year, LEAP will be the largest debut technology event in history, and there can be no better evidence than that to prove Saudi Arabia is a future global technology hub.” Registration to attend LEAP is now open. Further keynote speaker announcements will be shared in the coming months, the statement said. To find out more about LEAP, visit www.OneGiantLeap.com. You can stay up to date with the latest announcements from LEAP via @leapandinnovate on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Snapchat.