What Was LEAP 2024 in Saudi Arabia?
LEAP 2024 was a major technology event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 4 to 7 March 2024. Backed by the Saudi government, LEAP is one of the world's fastest-growing tech shows, built to drive innovation and grow the Kingdom's startup scene. The official page sat on the LEAP site. Held under the Vision 2030 plan, the event sat far beyond crypto, covering AI, cloud, robotics, and Web3 side by side.
LEAP draws global tech giants, founders, and investors at a huge scale. For builders, the blockchain and Web3 zones were a key draw. To follow similar shows, see CoinGabbar's Web3 tech events list and the crypto events calendar.
Key Themes at LEAP
LEAP sits where many tech trends meet. Common threads were:
- AI and data at national scale, a focus you can explore on our crypto AI events hub.
- Blockchain and Web3 for finance, identity, and supply chains.
- Startups and venture funding across the Gulf.
- Cloud, robotics, and deep tech for enterprise.
The Web3 and fintech zones connected builders with Gulf capital. Many guests also tracked broader blockchain events on CoinGabbar.
How Crypto and Blockchain Stand in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is cautious on coins but bold on blockchain, so it is worth being precise. Back in 2018, a standing committee that includes the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) declared virtual currencies unlicensed and warned the public, and banks still need SAMA approval to touch crypto. Yet the state is investing heavily in the underlying technology. SAMA hired a head of virtual assets and CBDC work in 2024 and joined the Bank for International Settlements' mBridge project, a multi-country digital-currency system for cross-border payments.
The numbers show fast change. Reports point to about 154% year-on-year growth in Saudi crypto activity between mid-2023 and mid-2024, reaching roughly USD 31 billion in value. The Kingdom now hosts close to 4% of global crypto mining, up from under 1% in 2020, much of it on renewable power. In May 2025, SAMA even took a small stake in Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), giving it indirect Bitcoin exposure, and in late 2025 officials signalled plans for regulated stablecoins under SAMA and the Capital Market Authority. The fintech sector has passed 280 active firms. All of this fits Vision 2030's goal of an economy that runs on more than oil. For more regional shows, see CoinGabbar's digital asset events page.
Impact of the Event on Saudi Tech and Web3
A show the size of LEAP helps Saudi Arabia in clear ways. It brings global tech firms and capital into Riyadh at scale. It links AI, cloud, and Web3 teams who might never meet otherwise. And it gives founders a stage to raise money and find partners inside a market with deep state backing. Each edition strengthens the Kingdom's pitch as a rising tech hub.
Why Sponsors, Exhibitors and Projects Should Join
A giant tech expo in a capital-rich market is a powerful stage. Top fits include:
- Blockchains and infrastructure: win Gulf developers and enterprise users.
- AI and data firms: meet builders at the AI-Web3 crossover.
- Fintech and payment platforms: reach banks and sovereign-backed funds.
- Tokenization and RWA projects: fit Vision 2030's capital-market plans.
- Funds and angel investors: source deals in a deep-pocketed market.
To grab a booth or speaking slot at a future edition, you can list a crypto event or contact the CoinGabbar team for sponsor packages.
Why KOLs, Media and Influencers Attend
LEAP is a media magnet. KOLs and influencers find big news, top speakers, and a glossy backdrop for content. Media meet government leaders and founders in one place. Coverage can travel further through the crypto press release network.
Why Builders and Participants Join
For builders, LEAP means reach and capital. You meet funds, enterprise buyers, and partners who want into the Gulf. You learn what Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 market needs. Many leave with a meeting, a pilot, or a regional backer.
Tickets and PR Offers With CoinGabbar
Want to attend a Saudi tech event for less? CoinGabbar offers ticket discounts at partner events and free or discounted press release publishing for projects booked through us. To sponsor, partner, or add your event to our crypto conferences list, email event@coingabbar.io.
How the Event Concluded and What Came Next
The Riyadh edition wrapped up with packed halls and a fresh round of deals between global tech firms, Web3 projects, and Gulf investors. Many partnerships and funding talks started on the floor. By drawing the world's tech players into the Kingdom, LEAP added to Saudi Arabia's rise as a regional innovation hub, a path backed by Vision 2030, growing blockchain investment, and new digital-asset plans. It also helped pave the way for more Saudi tech and Web3 events. To track those follow-on shows, browse the crypto events calendar and the digital asset events page.
Glossary of Key Terms
- SAMA: the Saudi Central Bank, the Kingdom's main financial regulator.
- Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia's plan to diversify its economy beyond oil.
- mBridge: a multi-country project building a shared digital-currency payment system.
- CBDC: a central bank digital currency, a state-issued digital form of money.
- RWA: real-world assets, like bonds or property, turned into blockchain tokens.
Disclaimer
This page is for general information only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Saudi Arabia maintains a cautious stance on cryptocurrency trading; this article does not encourage any unlawful activity. The event described here was held in March 2024; future dates and details may differ. Please confirm with the official source and do your own research. Digital assets are volatile and can lose value.
