LEAP 2025 concludes with multi-billion dollar investments and global expansion

Updated 14 February 2025

Arab News

February 14, 2025 16:01

The fourth edition of LEAP 2025, held in Riyadh, has reinforced Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure investments, securing total investments exceeding $14.9 billion.

It was the region’s premier technology event, which concluded at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham under the theme “Into New Horizons.”

The milestone highlighted the Kingdom’s growing influence in the digital economy and innovation landscape.

The success of LEAP 2025 is a testament to the unwavering support of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, whose vision continues to drive Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.

This aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives, solidifying the Kingdom’s leadership in technology, AI, and entrepreneurship.

As a global platform, LEAP brings together top thinkers, industry leaders, and investors to drive innovation and accelerate the shift toward a prosperous and sustainable digital economy.

Organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones and Tahaluf Company, LEAP 2025 featured over 200,000 attendees; participation from 1,800 international and local entities; more than 1,000 global speakers; a showcase of 680 startups; and major deals with asset managers overseeing $22 trillion in portfolios

These figures underscore Saudi Arabia’s role as a global innovation hub, attracting top-tier companies and talent in the tech sector.

LEAP 2025 witnessed the announcement of landmark investments that will accelerate digital growth in the Kingdom, including a $1.5 billion partnership between Groq and Aramco Digital to boost AI-powered cloud computing investments; a $2 billion investment between Saudi-based Alat and China’s Lenovo to establish an advanced AI and robotics-driven manufacturing and technology hub; and the launch of several digital infrastructure and innovation projects, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a top destination for global tech investments.

Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, minister of communications and information technology, emphasized that LEAP 2025 reflects the Kingdom’s leadership in global technology innovation.

He said that the international investments and success achieved by Saudi Arabia’s technology sector "are a direct result of the support and empowerment" of the crown prince.

"This momentum drives Saudi Arabia toward its Vision 2030 goals, strengthening its position as a leader in AI, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship,” he added.

Faisal Al-Khamissi, chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones and Chairman of Tahaluf, said: “None of these achievements would have been possible without the support and vision of the crown prince, who has transformed Saudi Arabia into a global hub for advanced technology, innovation, and a sustainable digital economy.

“LEAP 2025 was not just a tech event — it was the largest and most impactful edition to date. It connected startups with investors, drove innovation, and unlocked new opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

Al-Khamissi added: "LEAP will expand globally, with two editions planned for 2026 — one in Riyadh and another in Hong Kong. This marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global digital economy and AI-driven innovation."

LEAP 2025 has already accelerated the growth of several startups, with notable success stories including Ejari, which started with a small booth at LEAP and secured a $1 million seed round, followed by another $15 million investment. It has since expanded its team to over 30 employees and attracted $50 million in business opportunities.

Data Lexing, a Saudi startup that debuted at LEAP 2022, has since expanded to 10 international markets with over 2,000 clients, 65% of whom are outside Saudi Arabia.

Quant secured $2 million in investment in a single day at LEAP.

With its record-breaking deals, global partnerships, and visionary expansion plans, LEAP continues to shape the future of AI, innovation, and technology investment worldwide.

Dyson continues its expansion in KSA with Red Sea Mall opening

Updated 10 March 2025

Arab News

March 10, 2025 23:41

Dyson continues its expansion in KSA with Red Sea Mall opening

Updated 10 March 2025

Arab News

March 10, 2025 23:41

Dyson is reinforcing its commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new Dyson Demo Store in Jeddah, further solidifying the importance of the Saudi market with its growing presence in the region. Opened at Red Sea Mall in Jeddah, the new store will offer immersive experiences that bring Dyson’s pioneering technology to life.

The new Dyson Demo Store will showcase the brand’s full product portfolio, including hair care, floor care, environmental care, and audio innovations.

Customers will have the opportunity to receive personalized technology demonstrations and expert advice from brand specialists, ensuring an interactive and educational shopping experience.

The Red Sea Mall store in Jeddah opened Feb. 27, spanning 120 sqm and strategically located at the mall’s main entrance, opposite Bateel Café.

The store features two private styling stations and for the first time in the Kingdom a wash basin. The styling stations are suitable for veiled customers, allowing visitors to trial Dyson’s advanced hair care technology and book styling sessions upon request.

Stylists will demonstrate the latest products, including the Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler, the Supersonic Nural hair dryer, the Dyson Airstrait and Dyson Corrale cord-free straightener, offering personalized sessions tailored to each visitor’s needs to help them choose which device to take home.

Additional to the styling stations, the store offers customers access to Dyson’s full range of its newest innovations such as the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum, the Big+Quiet Purifier, and the sleek OnTrac headphones, which offer 55-hour run time.

The new store opening represents another significant milestone in Dyson’s expansion in the Kingdom, following the successful launch of the flagship store in Nakheel Mall, Riyadh last year.

Dyson remains dedicated to providing consumers with direct access to its cutting-edge technology, creating dedicated spaces for immersive, hands-on experiences.

The brand continues to focus on enhancing the in-store experience, allowing customers in Saudi Arabia to explore, test, and discover its revolutionary technology up close.

All Dyson’s products are available for purchase online at www.dyson.sa or from Dyson stores located in Nakheel Mall in Dammam and Riyadh, and now in Red Sea Mall.

AUS partners with Group AMANA to drive student development

Updated 10 March 2025

Arab News

March 10, 2025 23:40

AUS partners with Group AMANA to drive student development

Updated 10 March 2025

Arab News

March 10, 2025 23:40

American University of Sharjah’s Engineering Al Nukhba Program has welcomed Group AMANA, a regional leader in design-build construction, as its newest industry partner. The memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties will offer AUS students professional training, career development and research opportunities, strengthening the link between academia and industry.

The AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program, designed to foster immersive industry partnerships, gives engineering students a competitive advantage by connecting them with leading firms across multiple disciplines. Through hands-on training, mentorship and research collaboration, the program ensures students are equipped with the practical skills needed to succeed in an evolving job market.

Dr. Fadi Aloul, dean of the AUS College of Engineering, emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership, stating: “Building meaningful partnerships with industry is key to equipping our students with the tools to excel in an increasingly complex and competitive global market.

“Our collaboration with Group AMANA aligns with our vision to produce engineering graduates who are future-ready—combining technical expertise with practical industry insights and leadership capabilities. Together, we are preparing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of construction and engineering.”

Joe Labaki, chief operating officer, at Group AMANA: “I would like to thank American University of Sharjah for this valuable opportunity to collaborate with the next generation of leaders. This MoU marks a significant step in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange and a shared commitment to shaping the future of engineering.”

“This partnership will help empower these future leaders with real-world insights and hands-on experience. We are excited to welcome them to our sites across the UAE, where they will have the chance to witness the impact of cutting-edge engineering solutions that are transforming the industry,” said Labaki.

Under the agreement, Group AMANA will recruit and train AUS students through several professional development pathways, including internships, graduate recruitment and AMANA’s Graduate Program “AMANA.Seed”— an intensive track designed to develop high-potential individuals for leadership roles within the company.

DP World, Mawani inaugurate SR3-billion terminal in Jeddah

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:06

DP World, Mawani inaugurate SR3-billion terminal in Jeddah

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:06

DP World and Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani, have unveiled the new state-of-the-art South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a major milestone in DP World’s SR3 billion ($800 million) expansion and development program to upgrade the terminal and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global trade hub.

The three-year project has transformed South Container Terminal into one of the region’s most advanced and sustainable container terminals, while also more than doubling the capacity from 1.8 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs. The expansion paves the way for a future capacity of 5 million TEUs, with additional ship-to-shore equipment to be deployed as demand grows.

Since becoming DP World’s first concession outside the UAE in 1999, the Jeddah terminal has played a crucial role in regional trade. This latest expansion, under a 30-year build-operate-transfer agreement, cements Jeddah’s status as a critical trade gateway and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of boosting trade connectivity and economic diversification.

An official ceremony was held to mark the opening, attended by the Saudi minister of transport and logistic services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser; DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and managing director of DP World GCC; and other senior representatives from DP World and Mawani, government entities, and key customers.

Sulayem said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our long-term strategic investment in Jeddah Islamic Port. This expansion builds on our 25-year legacy in Jeddah and reinforces our commitment to driving trade growth in the region. With this modernized terminal, we are enhancing efficiency, improving supply chain resilience and creating new trade opportunities for the Kingdom and beyond for decades to come.”

The terminal’s modernization integrates advanced automation and digitalization to improve operational efficiency. Smart systems will slash gate transaction times — from two minutes to just 10 seconds — supported by IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered cargo tallying for precise record keeping.

In line with its global sustainability strategy, DP World is implementing initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions at South Container Terminal by 50 percent in the next five years. Measures include the electrification of yard cranes and trucks, solar panel installations, exploration of floating solar platforms, along with green building designs and water recycling systems.

These efforts will significantly cut emissions, enhance air quality and establish DP World’s Jeddah terminal as a model for sustainable port operations.

Adjacent to the terminal, DP World is investing in the 415,000 square meter Jeddah Logistics Park, the largest integrated facility of its kind in the Kingdom, which will offer state-of-the-art warehousing, distribution and freight forwarding services, further strengthening Jeddah’s position as a key hub connecting trade routes across Asia, Africa and Europe.

Integrated with the terminal, Jeddah Logistics Park will streamline cargo transfers and enhance efficiency, with completion scheduled for Q2 2026.

Saudi Awwal Banks wins the Sustainability Program Award

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:05

Saudi Awwal Banks wins the Sustainability Program Award

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:05

Saudi Awwal Bank has been awarded the Sustainability Program of the Year 2024 at the Capital Markets Forum, organized by the Saudi Stock Exchange Group (Tadawul).

This achievement makes SAB the first bank in the Kingdom to receive this prestigious recognition and acknowledges its leading efforts and prominent role in advancing environmental, social, and corporate governance practices within the Saudi economy and market.

The winners were selected by independent committees composed of a distinguished group of sector experts, carefully chosen by the CFA Society Saudi Arabia and the Middle East Investor Relations Association. Competitors were evaluated according to stringent criteria to ensure the highest levels of excellence in their respective fields.

Tony Cripps, managing director & CEO of SAB, said: “Receiving this prestigious award reflects our steadfast commitment to applying best practices and reinforces our focus on responsible banking. Our sustainability strategy is a core part of our operations, and we are dedicated to contributing to continued progress and development in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.”

He added: “This recognition further strengthens our position in the banking sector, and we will continue working to enhance the environmental and social impact of sustainability, solidifying our role as a key contributor to achieving related national goals.”

SAB continues its leadership role as the first bank in Saudi Arabia to implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy, including commitments to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2035 and net-zero financed emissions by 2060.

The bank has also allocated SR 34 billion for sustainable financing by 2025 in line with Saudi Green Initiative. Additionally, SAB chairs the advisory committee on sustainable banking under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank further cementing its position as a leader in sustainable finance.

Gulf Air announces strategic partnership with SalamAir

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:03

Gulf Air announces strategic partnership with SalamAir

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:03

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced a strategic partnership with SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, formalized through a memorandum of understanding.

This MOU will see Gulf Air provide SalamAir with a comprehensive suite of technical services encompassing line maintenance, base maintenance and specialized workshop support.

This partnership not only offers SalamAir innovative operational solutions, it also positions Gulf Air as a key player in the regional maintenance, repair and operations landscape.

Gulf Air chief technical officer Mazin Saleh said: “This agreement with SalamAir is a significant step toward Gulf Air’s vision to become a preferred provider of quality MRO services. By sharing our expertise and resources, we are fostering new avenues of growth for Gulf Air.”

Adil Al Sheibani, director of engineering of SalamAir, said: “At SalamAir, we continuously seek strategic partnerships that not only enhance our operational efficiency but also ensure the highest standards of maintenance and reliability for our fleet.

“With the current fleet of six A320neo and seven A321neo aircraft, and the additional delivery of two new A321neos expected in June and July, the collaboration with Gulf Air is fitting to support our expansion. As part of our growth strategy, we recently released an RFP for an additional ten A320neo aircraft, with deliveries planned from 2026 through 2028.

“Partnering with Gulf Air allows us to leverage their technical expertise and MRO capabilities, further strengthening our commitment to safety, performance, and a cost-effective operation.”

“We look forward to working closely with Gulf Air to optimize our maintenance support and drive operational excellence.”

LEAP 2025 concludes with multi-billion dollar investments and global expansion