RIYADH — Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha inaugurated the fifth edition of LEAP 26, the annual global technology event, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham on Monday. The conference witnessed the announcement of significant launches, investments, and partnerships exceeding $15 billion in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. This reinforces the Kingdom's leadership in digital infrastructure and advanced computing, solidifying its position as a global destination for technology investments in the smart era. During the opening of the event under the theme "Into New Worlds,” the minister announced a series of new investments and mega projects in the technology and artificial intelligence sectors. “These launches and investments are made possible with the support of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman,” he said while emphasizing that the Kingdom is steadily progressing towards leading the age of intelligence, in partnership with major companies, innovators, and investors from around the world. Alswaha revealed that XAI will undertake its first expansion outside the United States in Saudi Arabia through a project with an initial capacity of 50 megawatts, which will be expanded to 500 megawatts in subsequent phases.The minister also highlighted announcement by NVIDIA, a global leader in AI computing, about establishing one of the world’s largest artificial intelligence factories in the Kingdom, describing the project as one of the “crown jewels” of the Saudi economy and a reflection of the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a global hub for artificial intelligence.Alswaha stated that his country’s digital economy is the largest, fastest-growing, and most dynamic, recording a growth rate of 70 percent. “Saudi Arabia ranks among the world’s most technologically advanced nations. Women’s empowerment in the sector has reached 36 percent, placing the Kingdom first among G20 countries,” he said.The minister also highlighted one of the greatest success stories in space exploration, with the Kingdom sending the first woman to the International Space Station.Alswaha explained that his country continues to work with its international partners to lead technological transformations and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, in support of the goals of Vision 2030 and to further strengthen the Kingdom’s position in the global digital economy.The fifth edition of LEAP 26 features more than 1,000 international speakers and experts, over 1,800 technology companies, more than 600 startups, and over 1,900 investors and representatives of venture capital funds.