Pakistani technology companies are expressing optimism about securing business deals totaling $50 million at the LEAP 2025 tech conference in Riyadh, according to Sajjad Mustafa Syed, chairman of P@SHA. The four-day event, which commenced on February 9 and concluded on February 12, has attracted entrepreneurs, investors, and startups from around the globe, with an anticipated attendance exceeding 170,000 visitors.
LEAP, now in its fourth edition, has rapidly become a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a global technology hub, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy. The previous year’s conference, LEAP 2024, witnessed a record-breaking $13.4 billion in investments and project commitments. This year’s theme, “Into New Worlds,” aims to further expand business networking and investment opportunities within the tech sector.
Pakistan’s participation in LEAP 2025 is particularly noteworthy. The country recorded its highest-ever monthly IT exports of $348 million in December 2024, marking a 15% year-on-year increase and a 12% rise from the previous month, according to official data. The conference provides a platform for Pakistani firms to collaborate with international stakeholders, explore new business opportunities, and showcase a diverse range of IT exports, including software development, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, gaming, and robotics.
“This year, we have one of the largest delegations ever at LEAP, with over 100 companies and more than 1,000 delegates participating. With this strong presence at LEAP, we expect to double our business this year and generate $50 million in deals.”
Prominent Pakistani IT companies such as Systems Limited, Abacus, and Excellence Delivered are among the participants. Additionally, several startups, including around 20 companies sponsored by P@SHA and others supported by PSEB, are attending the event. Some Pakistani firms have also joined independently. Syed highlighted the positive reception from Saudi investors during a meeting of the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum held ahead of the LEAP inauguration.
“There is growing excitement about Pakistan’s IT industry, which has now firmly arrived on the global stage. We are no longer at the startup or entry level; rather, we are now a recognized force in the global tech landscape, and this recognition is evident in Saudi Arabia.”
He emphasized that Pakistan’s tech solutions are “at par with the best in the world, if not superior,” citing advancements in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Former P@SHA chairman Muhammad Zohaib Khan, whose e-solutions company A2Z Creatorz is participating in LEAP, reflected on the event’s impact.
“Our participation in LEAP 2024 was a huge success as around 25 Pakistani companies registered in the Kingdom after that and secured some good business deals. This year, we hope more companies will have the opportunity to register in the Kingdom through collaborations with Saudi firms and secure significant business by establishing offices in Saudi Arabia.”
Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq, underscored the significance of the conference. “The participation of over 100 Pakistani IT companies at LEAP 2025 is a testament to Pakistan’s growing strength in the global technology sector,” he remarked. He highlighted that the Pakistani IT industry offers cutting-edge solutions in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development, positioning Pakistan as a key player in digital transformation.
To further strengthen collaboration and engagement, Ambassador Farooq hosted a networking dinner in Riyadh on February 8, bringing together over 400 distinguished guests, including business leaders, investors, and technology experts. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 presents immense opportunities and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering deeper cooperation through innovation in the region.
The LEAP tech conference plays a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global technology hub, aligning with its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy. As part of this initiative, the Kingdom has pledged $100 billion toward advancing its technology sector. LEAP 2025 introduced Tech Arena, a platform for emerging innovations, featuring a ‘Live TV’ stage hosted by BBC Click’s Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly. This is one of two new segments at LEAP 2025, alongside the SportsTech stage, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for innovation and technological growth.
Visitors explored advancements in AI, mixed reality, fashion tech, and brain-computer interfaces. Key highlights included Anouk Wipprecht’s Tech Couture exhibit, Adobe’s ‘Project Primrose’ digital dress technology, and Aramco-backed Terra Drone’s long-range medical delivery system. Saudi oil giant Aramco also showcased SARA, an AI-driven assistant for decision-making. Engine VR presented its Golden Gloves VR boxing platform with live demos by UFC fighter Andrew Sanchez, while Alwaleed Philanthropies showcased its Atlai AI program to support global deforestation monitoring. XPANCEO introduced smart contact lenses with integrated computing.
The conference also witnessed significant investment announcements. Salesforce revealed plans to invest $500 million in artificial intelligence-related initiatives in Saudi Arabia, including the introduction of Hyperforce, Salesforce’s platform architecture developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services. The company also announced collaborations with firms such as Capgemini, Deloitte, Globant, IBM, and PwC to expand the use of its customer service product, Agentforce. Additionally, Salesforce will provide Arabic language support for its AI product suite. The announcement was made at LEAP 2025, where Saudi Arabia attracted $14.9 billion in new AI investments. Salesforce also plans to set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh and train 30,000 Saudi citizens by 2030.
In another notable development, AI chip startup Groq announced that it has secured a commitment of $1.5 billion from Saudi Arabia to expand the delivery of its advanced AI chips in the country. Groq, founded by a former engineer from Alphabet, is known for producing AI inference chips that optimize speed and execute commands from pre-trained models. The startup already has an agreement with Aramco Digital, the tech subsidiary of the oil giant Aramco, to build an AI center in the region. The commitment was announced at LEAP 2025, contributing to the total of $14.9 billion in new AI investments secured by Saudi Arabia during the event.
These developments underscore Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on technology and innovation as central pillars of its Vision 2030 initiative. The Kingdom’s substantial investments in AI and related technologies aim to position it as a leading player in the global tech landscape, fostering collaborations with international partners and creating opportunities for companies worldwide.
For Pakistani tech firms, participation in LEAP 2025 represents a significant opportunity to engage with global industry leaders, explore new markets, and contribute to the burgeoning tech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The anticipated $50 million in business deals reflects the growing recognition of Pakistan’s capabilities in the IT sector and the potential for further growth through international collaboration.
