Tech News
LEAP 2024: World’s Most-Attended Tech Event Returns to Riyadh with Sharpened Focus on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)

Organisers of LEAP 2024, the seismic technology event conceived to accelerate the adoption of technology and aid the ongoing transformation and diversification of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning economy, are predicting a record-breaking turnout of more than 172,000 visitors when the multi-award-winning event’s third edition gets underway on March 4 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Malham.
The four-day show, already a key enabler in driving monumental economic development and societal change in Saudi Arabia, will this year sharpen its focus on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI). To support this, DeepFest, co-located with LEAP and held in partnership with the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), is back and bigger than ever, with over 120 companies already confirmed to participate. The 2024 edition will unveil government AI initiatives and the latest innovations by incorporating a thought-leadership conference and a series of sector-dedicated tracks, trainings, live demos, innovation sessions, start-up pitches, and an exhibition that features the world’s top tech companies from across the world who are driving AI forward.
Investment and deal generation set to eclipse US$9bn
After the incomparable success of LEAP 2023, where on-event investment deals totalled more than US$9bn, organiser Tahaluf – a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP) and Events Investment Fund – predicted LEAP 2024 will continue rewriting tech industry event records.
Organised in partnership with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), LEAP 2024 visitor numbers are already on track to surpass the 172,000 attendees achieved last February – a feat that saw LEAP’s second outing confirmed as the world’s most-attended tech event.
Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, said: “In line with our goal to echo the spirit and build on the successes of our previous editions, LEAP 2024 will venture beyond imagined horizons. With a laser focus on AI, its myriad applications, and transformative advancements, LEAP 2024 is a continuation that will catapult the global tech industry into an elevated realm that is overflowing with untapped potential and unique experiences.”
With a new venue to increase capacity, LEAP 2024 will host more than 1,000 exhibitors displaying and demonstrating innovative tech breakthroughs to propel society into new worlds of living and working. An assortment of 1,000-plus international and regional experts will contribute to 25 content tracks, spotlighting next-gen tech frontiers, while seven new content features – dedicated to AI, Sustainability, Gaming, Space, Cybersecurity, Future Workforce, and Digital Twins – complete a robust conference and dynamic knowledge-sharing agenda.
Heavyweight names seize massive sponsor exposure and investment potential
LEAP’s unprecedented business power has generated new sponsorship pacts with some of the world’s leading players. With Ericsson, Huawei, Salam, Family Office, Tawuniya, and Elm already onboard as strategic sponsors, Neo Leap has signed up as a diamond sponsor, while Go Telecom, Lenovo, and Schneider Electric, PwC, and Hong Kong Science and Technology Park are all platinum sponsors. Gold sponsorship agreements have been secured with Mastercard, zoom, Cyberani, Cognizant, Arabsat, Deloitte, Perfect Presentation, and Dinar Investment.
Headline-makers in Main Stage ‘Acts’
A star-studded contingent of 130 headline-making celebrities and C-suite changemakers feature on LEAP’s Main Stage speaker platform, where discussions will follow a four ‘act’ format – Impulse, Accelerate, Momentum, and LEAP – aligned with ideation, business, and personal growth.
“The keynote stage will bring inspiring insights into the exciting evolution of the tech ecosystem and its role in humanity, security, and well-being,” added Champion. “This line-up will feature international tech leaders, global enterprises, policymakers, superstar athletes, and everything in between. Together, they will explore how exponential tech is expanding the social security sector and identify opportunities for shaping digital rights for the wellbeing of this and the next generation.”
Among the confirmed keynote cast to date are Angela Kane, Vice President and former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, International Institute for Peace – Vienna; Elizabeth Adams, Affiliate Fellow and Former Chief AI Ethics and Culture Advisor, Standford Institute for Human-Centered AI; Divya Gokulnath, Co-founder, Byju’s; Martin Vilig, Co-founder, Bolt; Borje Ekholm, CEO and President, Ericsson; Arvind Krishna, CEO, IBM; Martin Urrutia Islas, Global Head of Retail Innovation and Experience, The Lego Group; Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Office, Schneider Electric; Nicholas Dirks, President, The New York Academy of Sciences; Ott Velsberg, Government Chief Data Officer, Republic of Estonia; and Dr Anna Zeiter, VP – Chief Privacy Officer and Associate General Counsel of Privacy, Data and AI at eBay.
Tech News
Shure MEA unveils sector-focused immersive audio at new Experience Zone

Shure MEA has launched its Experience Zone in Dubai, a dynamic and multi-faceted training hub designed to showcase how audio innovation can transform collaboration, government meetings, and education across the region. The new facility is poised to provide hands-on demonstrations in realistic settings, reflecting the Middle East’s ballooning preference for advanced AV technologies in response to meeting spaces, digital governance, and modern learning environments that require clear audio delivery.
Addressing Sector-specific Needs
The launch places strong emphasis on three sectors driving the region’s digital transformation. In Unified Communication, the focus is on seamless integration with leading conferencing platforms, supporting the Middle East’s meeting spaces. In Government, Shure highlights secure and resilient systems that ensure clarity and confidentiality for official proceedings and public addresses. In Education, advanced solutions empower classrooms and lecture halls, enabling interactive, technology-driven learning both in-person and online.
The Experience Zone is divided into four demo spaces that mirror real-world environments. In small rooms, Shure highlights compact, easy-to-deploy solutions that emphasize clarity and reliability. The facility will feature medium rooms to showcase scalable systems designed to grow with organizational needs, larger rooms to demonstrate robust setups that ensure coverage and flexibility in complex environments, while the auditorium will illustrate how high-performance solutions deliver clear, consistent audio to large audiences. These immersive setups allow visitors to not only hear the difference but also to experience how Shure’s innovations adapt seamlessly to varied applications.
“The Experience Zone will demonstrate how audio can empower sector-specific needs. By immersing visitors in real-world scenarios, we’re not just showcasing products – we’re demonstrating how Shure solutions are shaping communication experiences,” said Antony Lovell, Sales Director, Shure MEA.
Key Features
Shure MEA’s Experience Zone is designed to be more than a demo room. It serves as a regional resource for partners, customers, and IT decision-makers, providing a robust environment that combines interaction with knowledge-sharing. By creating this platform, Shure is reinforcing its role not only as an innovator but also as a trusted partner within the Middle East’s expanding technology ecosystem.
With Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub and the region’s rapid pace of digital transformation, the launch underscores Shure MEA’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable growth. By combining immersive demos with sector-driven insights, the Experience Zone sets a new benchmark for how audio solutions are experienced in the Middle East.
Tech News
FORTES EDUCATION APPOINTS DR. SREEJIT CHAKRABARTY AS GROUP HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY, AI & INNOVATION

Fortes Education, a global leader in delivering world-class, holistic education, has announced the appointment of Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty as the Group Head, Technology, AI & Innovation, further strengthening its vision to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies into education and investments.
This appointment comes at a time when the UAE is accelerating its national agenda around AI adoption, digital learning, and future-ready skills development. With schools across the country being encouraged to embed technology into learning, Fortes Education aims to lead the way in shaping a progressive academic ecosystem that equips students with the tools of tomorrow.
Dr. Chakrabarty, a globally recognised voice in EdTech and emerging technologies, brings an exceptional academic and professional background. Holding a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, an MBA in Systems, and a Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives across K-12 education and beyond. His pioneering contributions include setting up laboratories on AI, robotics, extended reality, smart farming, and autonomous systems in schools, as well as leading one of the world’s first K-12 blockchain-based pilots for issuing digital passports and micro-credentials.
Speaking about his appointment, Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty said, “I am deeply honoured to take on this role at Fortes Education. The UAE has demonstrated bold leadership in placing AI and digital learning at the core of its future vision, and I look forward to advancing this mission within Fortes Education. My focus will be on creating impactful innovations that will prepare students for the future and bridge the gap between technology and real-world problem-solving.”
His thought leadership has been showcased on CNN International, and he has been honoured with titles such as CIO of the Year and Education Influencer of the Year. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Chakrabarty has addressed global audiences at FORBES 30 Under 30, GITEX, GESS, BETT, and the World AI Show, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer at the intersection of innovation and education.
Commenting on the key appointment of the year, Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education, Fortes Education said, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Chakrabarty to the Fortes family. His global expertise, pioneering initiatives, and forward-looking mindset align seamlessly with our mission to nurture learners who are future-ready. With his leadership, we are confident of advancing our technology and AI-driven education strategies, empowering students and teachers alike to thrive in the digital age.”
With this appointment, Fortes Education reaffirms its commitment to being at the forefront of educational innovation, echoing the UAE’s national drive to champion AI, robotics, and digital transformation across sectors.
Tech News
ServiceNow AI Experience Redefines Enterprise Workflows

ServiceNow has unveiled AI Experience, a next-generation interface designed to unify people, data, and workflows across enterprises. Launched in Dubai, the platform introduces a seamless, multimodal environment that places AI at the center of the user experience. With built-in governance and security, ServiceNow AI Experience is positioned to transform sales, service, and customer loyalty strategies at scale.
A Unified Front Door for Enterprise AI
Enterprises today face fragmented systems, with employees managing dozens of siloed applications and disconnected AI solutions. As a result, workers often lack access to the right data at the right time. ServiceNow AI Experience addresses this challenge by bringing workflows, data, and AI models onto a single intuitive interface.
By combining context-aware functionality with multimodal inputs — including voice, text, image, and web — the new interface simplifies adoption and reduces employee learning curves. Furthermore, it ensures that AI becomes embedded across every workflow rather than being bolted onto existing systems.
Transforming How Work Gets Done
AI Experience introduces a role-aware, intelligent interface that supports instant access to AI-powered agents. These agents learn continuously, operate transparently, and provide full visibility for employees. Consequently, tasks can be resolved faster, decisions are made more effectively, and organizations experience measurable gains in productivity.

Amy Lokey, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at ServiceNow, explained:
“By creating a unified, contextual, and intuitive AI Experience for the enterprise, we’re putting AI into the flow of work. ServiceNow is empowering people to collaborate with AI agents seamlessly and without friction.”
Key Capabilities of ServiceNow AI Experience
ServiceNow highlighted four major innovations within the new platform:
- AI Voice Agents: Provide natural, hands-free support that can retrieve information, update records, and solve complex issues.
- AI Web Agents: Navigate third-party apps and websites, completing tasks without APIs or manual integrations.
- AI Data Explorer: Connects insights across internal and external data sources, helping users track trends and pinpoint causes directly within workflows.
- AI Lens: Turns any on-screen element into instant action, allowing users to automate tasks and accelerate decisions in real time.
AI Experience and Customer Relationship Management
The platform also reshapes Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Traditionally, CRM systems act as static records of customer interactions. In contrast, ServiceNow AI Experience transforms CRM into an AI-first system of action.
For service teams, automation accelerates ticket resolution and request fulfillment. Meanwhile, sales teams benefit from an AI-powered Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solution that streamlines proposals. Therefore, employees can focus on building relationships while AI handles repetitive and manual tasks.
This approach not only reduces costs but also improves customer satisfaction, as interactions become more proactive, personalized, and efficient.
AI Control Tower: Governance and Security
A critical element of the new release is the AI Control Tower, a central hub for governing and monitoring AI assets. It ensures organizations can deploy ServiceNow AI Experience confidently while maintaining transparency, compliance, and security. In addition, ServiceNow announced expanded model provider flexibility. Companies can now select from ServiceNow’s platform-native LLMs or third-party providers such as Azure OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, and Google Gemini.
By aligning the most suitable model to each workflow, enterprises gain flexibility without sacrificing security. This makes ServiceNow AI Experience not just powerful, but also enterprise-ready.
Driving Transformation in the AI Era
The introduction of ServiceNow AI Experience marks a fundamental shift in how people interact with technology. It places AI at the forefront of workflows, ensuring that human employees can focus on higher-value tasks while AI agents handle routine, repetitive work. Moreover, it creates a foundation for organizations to scale AI responsibly, with governance and transparency built in from the start.
Visitors attending GITEX Global 2025 can see AI Experience in action at ServiceNow’s stand in Hall 3. With its multimodal, intelligent design, the platform demonstrates how enterprise-ready AI can drive efficiency, resilience, and lasting customer loyalty.
Read our previous post on IBM nybl AI Solutions Transform Industrial Operations
-
Tech News1 year ago
Denodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR6 months ago
Microsoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech Interviews2 years ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News3 months ago
Nothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
Tech News2 years ago
Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
Editorial10 months ago
Celebrating UAE National Day: A Legacy of Leadership and Technological Innovation
-
VAR1 year ago
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Cover Story7 months ago
Unifonic Leading the Future of AI-Driven Customer Engagement