From March 4th to 7th, 2024, the third LEAP conference, known as the "Middle East's Davos," was successfully held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event attracted 215,000 visitors, including 55,000 global exhibitors, and recorded an impressive transaction total of $13.4 billion, setting a new record.
Since its inception in 2022, Chinese enterprises and global Chinese entrepreneurs have been deeply involved in the LEAP conference. Huawei, as the official strategic sponsor of LEAP 2024, marked a significant presence. Companies like Alibaba Cloud, ChinaSoft International, Tencent, SenseTime, and Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology participated across various sectors, making LEAP 2024 a vital catalyst for Chinese enterprises to deepen their roots in Saudi Arabia.
Cloud Computing:
Huawei Cloud made a remarkable appearance at the third LEAP technology exhibition in Saudi, showcasing its advanced cloud capabilities, ten systemic innovations for AI, extensive industry practices of the PanGu large model, and innovative AI solutions tailored for Saudi Arabia.
SCCC’s CEO Talal Albakr of Alibaba Cloud announced a plan to establish Alibaba Cloud Academy training centers in collaboration with Tuwaiq. The initiative aims to empower over 3,000 young talents in Saudi Arabia with Alibaba Cloud technology and course design.
Tencent Cloud announced a collaboration with Mobily at LEAP to launch the "Go Saudi" program, providing an integrated enterprise cloud platform with computing, networking, storage services, and more, to strengthen Saudi Arabia's digital ecosystem and global business development.
AIGC:
SenseTime, apart from its engaging 3D modeling machines, showcased an Arabic chatbot at LEAP and indicated future development plans for the Arabic language market.
Laihua exhibited an AI picture frame inspired by Dubai's gold frame at LEAP. Using AI digital human generation technology, it allows conversations with anyone in the world. Laihua has already collaborated with Riyadh's Victory Club and Moon Club, selling frames with AI digital representations of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, with booming sales.
Social Entertainment & Gaming:
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew remarked at LEAP, "Saudi Arabia is a very important country with a youthful and vibrant society. As part of the 2030 Vision plan, we are working with local organizations to create videos and enhance each other's strength."
BIGO participated in LEAP as an exhibitor and sponsor, showcasing its live streaming platform Bigo Live and short video community Likee, as well as the instant messaging tool imo.
Chuangmeng Tianxia, the only game developer at LEAP, presented its star product "Karappichu," a competitive shooting game combining 'string' gameplay with a two-dimensional theme, already popular on the domestic PC platform.
XbotPark Goes Global:
XbotPark's 20 companies showcased their latest solutions in smart cities, smart homes, drone applications, and education innovation. Participants included Yunjing Intelligent, Yidong Technology, Xidi Smart Driving, Oukazhibo, and Wuxiu Innovation, among others.
Founder Professor Li Zexiang gave a keynote speech on "From Laboratory to Start-up: A New Paradigm of Innovation," highlighting the shared reform genes and similarities in technological innovation and economic transformation between Shenzhen and Saudi Arabia, offering broad collaboration opportunities.
Capital:
Yida Capital, the official "Asian Partner," participated in LEAP for the third consecutive year. Acknowledged at LEAP 2023's opening ceremony by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communication and IT Industry, Yida Capital hosted several thematic roundtable events aimed at consolidating Asian strength and consensus.