The fourth edition of LEAP, Saudi Arabia’s technology event, will take place from February 9-12 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham.

Under the theme ‘Into New Worlds,’ LEAP 2025 will be the event’s first ticketed edition, with a focus on industry attendees to enhance business networking and investment opportunities.

LEAP 2025 is co-organised by Tahaluf and the Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) – a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund. The event will feature new additions such as ‘LEAP Nights’ activities, the return of DeepFest, a dedicated Tech Arena, and a SportsTech Track. The programme will span over 20 stages, covering sectors including space, gaming, education, and smart cities.

The fourth edition is expected to attract increased engagement between exhibitors and visitors, featuring over 680 start-ups, more than 1,000 expert speakers, and over 1,800 global tech brands.

New features at LEAP 2025

A new SportsTech Track will explore the intersection of sports and technology. Attendees will have access to live demonstrations, industry announcements, and insights from clubs and sector leaders. Confirmed speakers include Patrice Evra, former Manchester United forward and France national team captain, and Mathieu Pierre Flamini, former French professional footballer and co-founder of GF Biochemicals.

The Tech Arena will showcase live product demos and prototypes, offering attendees a hands-on experience with emerging technologies. The Startup Stage will provide a platform for innovators and start-ups to pitch, network, and explore business opportunities.

Beyond the convention halls, LEAP Nights will feature cultural and networking events across Riyadh, including dinners, meetups, and live entertainment.

LEAP 2025 will also host investor-to-investor workshops, mentorship sessions, and a dedicated Investor Program. More than 1,500 global investors and start-ups are expected to participate in structured networking opportunities.

International speakers and participants

Confirmed speakers include Ken Kutaragi, former Chairman and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment; Javier Tebas, President of La Liga; Connie Chan, General Partner of Andreessen Horowitz; Andrea Vena, Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer of the European Space Agency; and Alex Hirschi, Chairwoman of Supercar Blondie.

Returning speakers include Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. Previous editions have featured Eric Yuan, Founder and CEO of Zoom; Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok; and Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google.

His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted LEAP’s role in advancing the Kingdom’s technology sector:

“LEAP has contributed to Saudi Vision 2030 by positioning the country as a global technology hub. Moving to a ticketed format makes LEAP a more tailored experience for industry professionals. LEAP 2025 will showcase technological innovations, business opportunities, and high-level content, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role in the global tech landscape.”

Faisal Alkhamisi, Chairman of SAFCP, added:

“LEAP has rapidly evolved, playing a key role in fostering talent, creativity, and investment. This is only the beginning. LEAP will continue to reflect the ever-changing tech landscape and bring together pioneers from around the world.”

Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, stated:

“Transitioning to a ticketed model will create a more focused experience, allowing exhibitors and participants to connect with a highly engaged audience, leading to meaningful collaborations and business opportunities.”

Over the past three years, LEAP has facilitated public and private investment exceeding $27.5bn, setting benchmarks for tech events globally and contributing to economic growth beyond the exhibition and conference floors. The upcoming edition aims to further enhance its impact and innovation potential.

ONE Development, the UAE’s AI-driven boutique lifestyle property developer based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai has launched ONE/AD, an innovative endeavour set to disrupt the hospitality industry with the first musical-themed boutique hotel integrating AI, music and wellness.

Co-founded by ONE Development and the Arab entertainment icon Amr Diab, DO Boutique Hotels will feature a ‘bold’ design, wellness, evocative music and AI.

The launch of the new hotel chain by ONE/AD is seen as another step in support of both the UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 and those of the countries it is operating in, not only contributing to local and regional progress in the industry, but also boosting the economy by facilitating the attraction of increased investment.

ONE Development strengthens partnership with Amr Diab

“Our partnership with global legend Amr Diab is a bold step towards redefining the hospitality Industry,” said Ali Al Gebely, founder and chairman of ONE Development.

“DO Boutique Hotels introduces a completely new disruptive hotel chain in the UAE, seamlessly blending music, design and AI to create spaces where luxury meets inspiration.”

Al Gebely added: “Music has always been my way of connecting with people; this vision now reaches into hospitality. DO Boutique Hotels create inspiring spaces where innovation, culture and wellness meet, offering today’s travellers exclusivity, creativity and meaningful connections.”

DO Boutique Hotels: Music is a key element

Amr Diab, founder of DO Boutique Hotels, said: “Music has always been my way of connecting with people; this vision now reaches into hospitality.

“DO Boutique Hotels create inspiring spaces where innovation, culture and wellness meet, offering today’s travellers exclusivity, creativity and meaningful connections.”

DO Boutique Hotels, under the slogan “Live the Beat”, offers an aspirational holistic lifestyle, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Each venue will serve as a vibrant hub of creativity and connection, according to the founders.

The Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) returns for its second year, with Dubai selected as the host city. The ceremony will take place at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29, coinciding with the TOKEN2049 conference. The event will bring together industry professionals to recognise achievements in blockchain and cryptocurrency.

MEBA 2025 comes as blockchain adoption continues to grow across the MENA region. Recent data from Chainalysis ranks the region as the world’s seventh-largest cryptocurrency market. Between July 2023 and June 2024, MENA recorded an estimated on-chain transaction value of $338.7bn, representing 7.5 per cent of global volume.

The UAE has positioned itself as a key player in digital asset adoption. According to Henley & Partners, the UAE ranks third globally in digital currency usage. Chainalysis data shows the UAE received approximately $34bn in cryptocurrencies between June 2023 and July 2024, marking a 42 per cent year-on-year increase. Cities such as Dubai have played a role in fostering blockchain-related initiatives.

Max Palethorpe, Founder and CEO of Hoko Group, the official organiser of MEBA, said: “The Middle East Blockchain Awards provides a platform to recognise achievements in blockchain and digital transformation. With the UAE leading developments in Web 3.0, this year’s event will highlight the work of industry leaders shaping the sector’s future.”

Returning as a judge for the second year, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI for Dubai at the Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre, said: “I am pleased to be part of the judging panel again and to witness the continued development of blockchain technologies in the MENA region. The UAE’s regulatory approach and innovation ecosystem are driving adoption across Web 3.0 technologies.”

Other judges for this year’s Middle East Blockchain Awards include:

• Jumana Al Darwish, Impact Entrepreneur, Web3 Investor and Founder of The Happy Box
• Scott Melker, Host of The Wolf of All Streets Podcast and Crypto TownHall
• Mario Nawfal, Host of Largest Show on X and Founder of International Blockchain Consulting Group
• Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of Dubai Digital Assets Association and Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis
• Matthies Mende, Founder and CEO of Bonuz and Co-Founder of Dubai Blockchain Center

MEBA seeks to highlight innovation and excellence in blockchain and Web 3.0 projects across the region. In 2023, its inaugural edition partnered with Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association (MEAACBA).

Submissions are now open at www.mebawards.io, where participants can find details on categories and the nomination process.

The UAE’s foreign trade reached an unprecedented milestone in 2024, surpassing Dhs3tn for the first time, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, announced today.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed attributed the country’s exceptional economic performance to the strategic leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stating that the nation has consistently exceeded its development goals at a faster rate than initially projected.

“My brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, has spent years strengthening economic ties with nations worldwide… Today, we see the results,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

UAE’s foreign trade expanded at 14.6 per cent in 2024

While global trade grew by only 2 per cent in 2024, the UAE’s foreign trade expanded at a remarkable 14.6 per cent, outpacing the global average by seven times.

The country’s non-oil foreign trade reached Dhs2.997tn ($815.7n) by the end of the year, marking a 14.6 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Sheikh Mohammed credited the UAE’s comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs), which were spearheaded by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, for contributing Dhs135bn to the nation’s non-oil trade. This represented a 42 per cent year-on-year increase.

“At this pace, we will reach our 2031 goal of Dhs4tn in annual foreign trade years ahead of schedule,” Sheikh Mohammed noted. “In 2021, we set a target of Dhs4tn by 2031, and by the end of 2024, we have already achieved 75 per cent of that target.”

UAE versus global trade trends

The UAE’s trade performance in 2024 stood in stark contrast to global trade trends.

According to data from the World Trade Organization (WTO), global merchandise trade saw modest growth of 2.4 per cent in volume and 1.6 per cent in value between January and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

A significant driver of the UAE’s strong trade performance was the surge in non-oil goods exports, which soared to Dhs561.2bn in 2024, marking a 27.6 per cent increase from the previous year.

As a result, non-oil exports now account for 18.7 per cent of the UAE’s total foreign trade, up from 16.8 per cent in 2023 and 14.1 per cent in 2019.

The UAE’s trade with its top 10 global partners grew by 10 per cent, while trade with other nations expanded by 19.2 per cent in 2024.

Non-oil exports under the CEPA agreements accounted for Dhs135bn, reflecting a 42.3 per cent increase and making up 24 per cent of total non-oil exports.

Among the top export commodities in 2024 were gold, jewellery, cigarettes, petroleum-based oils, aluminium, copper wires, printed materials, perfumes, and iron-based products, all of which saw a combined growth of 40.8 per cent compared to 2023.

In addition, the UAE’s re-export sector performed strongly, reaching Dhs734.4bn in 2024. This represented a 7.3 per cent increase from the previous year and was 14.1 per cent and 36.2 per cent higher than in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

On the imports side, the UAE’s non-oil imports grew by 14.2 per cent in 2024, reaching Dhs1.701tn.

Imports from the top 10 trade partners rose by 6.7 per cent, while imports from other nations increased by 22.3 per cent.

Key imported goods included gold, mobile phones, petroleum oils, automobiles, jewellery, diamonds, and computers.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the UAE’s continued focus on building strong economic partnerships around the world is essential for its growth. “The UAE has a clear vision and bold ambitions. In this world, success belongs to those who know exactly where they are headed,” he said.

Dubai Duty Free has partnered with TerraPay to enhance shopping for over 100 million customers. The partnership will help individuals or travellers shop by using their home-country wallets at the Dubai Duty Free.

Read: Dubai Duty Free reports record annual sales of Dhs7.9bn in 2024

What is TerraPay?

TerraPay is a global money movement company that provides shoppers with access to one of the world’s most expansive cross-border payment networks, regulated in over 30 global markets.

What does the platform do/intend?

• It enables payments to over 150 receiving countries, more than 210 sending countries, 3.7 billion mobile wallets, 7.5 billion bank accounts, and over 12 billion cards.
• It makes money transfers instant, transparent, and fully compliant.

Must know-DXB: How many passengers did Dubai airport handle in 2024?

How will the partnership benefit travellers/shoppers?

According to a report in the Dubai Media Office website, This partnership allows travelers to make purchases using their home-country digital wallets, providing an extremely convenient and accessible shopping experience.

With leading mobile money operators like Airtel Money, M-PESA, and MTN MoMo already partnered with TerraPay, shoppers will be able to use their home-country wallets to shop at Dubai Duty Free.

Not only will this enhance convenience, but it will also offer shoppers a preferred alternative to existing payment methods.

Partnership benefits for Dubai Duty Free

This alliance provides Dubai Duty Free with access to:

• TerraPay’s extensive global network, including over 3.7 billion mobile wallets.
• An effective cross-border payments infrastructure to accept users’ preferred payment methods.

The future of digital wallets

Digital wallets are set to dominate the payment landscape worldwide.

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They are expected to account for 52 per cent of the world’s e-commerce sales and 30 per cent of point-of-sale transactions, as well as 35 per cent of all cross-border payments this year.

Facts about Dubai Duty Free

• Founded in 1983
• Recorded first-year sales of US$20 million
• Became one of the biggest travel retail operators globally, with a sales turnover of US$2.164 billion in 2024
• Employs over 6,000 people
• Operates in around 40,000 square meters of retail space across Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports