Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is making some serious moves in the tech world, and it's all thanks to the Vision 2030 plan. The government is pouring cash into tech initiatives, and the scene is buzzing like never before.

Investing $100 billion into advanced tech like AI, semiconductors, and smart cities is a huge deal, and it's creating a ton of opportunities.

Events like LEAP 2024, with over 170,000 attendees and deals worth $12 billion, are putting Saudi Arabia on the global tech map.

Big players like Amazon, Zoom, and Aramco are getting in on the action, investing billions and launching major projects.

So, if you're serious about leveling up your tech game, you need to hit up these events.

Not only will you get to learn from the best and get hands-on with cutting-edge tools, but you'll also meet people who could change the course of your career.

Just ask Thomas Davis from Riyadh – attending tech conferences has opened doors he never imagined.

Networking is key in this industry.

You never know who you might meet or what opportunities could arise. So, if you're ready to take your tech game to the next level, start marking your calendar for these must-attend events in Saudi Arabia.

Picking the top 10 tech meetups and conferences in Saudi Arabia was no easy task. We had to dig deep and leave no stone unturned to find the real deal events.

Here's how we separated the wheat from the chaff:

• Popularity: We went after the events that had people buzzing, you know? The ones that had a massive following and everyone was talking about on social media. We're talking major attendance numbers and industry cred, the kind that gets you respect in the tech circle.
• Relevance: These events had to be on the cutting edge, tackling the latest tech breakthroughs and challenges facing Saudi's tech scene. If it wasn't giving us valuable insights and knowledge to level up our game, it wasn't making the cut.
• Speaker Quality: We wanted the heavy hitters, the real OGs of the tech world. Events stacked with renowned experts, innovators, and thought leaders who could drop some serious knowledge bombs.
• Attendee Feedback: We scoured the internet for past attendees' experiences, looking for events that delivered on networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing. If people were raving about it, we knew it was worth checking out.

We left no stone unturned, scouring professional networks, industry forums, and local tech communities to find the hidden gems.

We even hit up Saudi tech influencers and insiders to get the inside scoop on the must-attend events.

"Scoring an invite to the right tech events can be a total game-changer for us Saudi techies. It opens up opportunities to connect with the right people, stay ahead of the curve, and level up our skills." - John Taylor, Tech Entrepreneur

With this rock-solid approach, our top 10 list is stacked with the best of the best when it comes to Saudi's tech scene.

These events are your golden ticket to growth, collabs, and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

The Saudi International Pharma Expo is a massive annual event that brings together over 15,000 people from the healthcare industry, including key buyers, medical practitioners, and government officials.

It's a platform to check out the latest innovations and connect with industry leaders. The 2025 edition promises to be even bigger, with participants ranging from healthcare service providers to tech gurus like IT managers and medical tourism experts.

But this expo isn't just about showcasing products and services.

It's a rich experience where you can interact with researchers and learn about groundbreaking innovations firsthand.

Networking is key in this industry, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to make valuable connections.

If you're into the pharma scene, this event is a no-brainer.

It's a chance to stay on top of the latest trends, regulations, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Plus, you'll get to witness live demos of cutting-edge medical tech and equipment that could revolutionize patient care. You might even stumble upon your next big business opportunity or investment prospect!

Arabnet Riyadh is the ultimate tech party in Saudi! This year's edition is going to be off the hook with over 10,000 people showing up to network, learn, and just crush it in the tech scene.

Check it out:

• Next-Level Sessions: They've got over 100 sessions covering everything from AI to blockchain to fintech. You'll hear straight from industry bosses dropping knowledge bombs on the latest trends and tips to level up your game.
• Startup Showdown: If you've got a killer startup idea, this is where you take the stage for the "Startup Battle." Pitch your heart out to investors and mentors who could make your dreams a reality with funding and growth opportunities. It's go big or go home!
• Hands-On Workshops: Theory is cool, but these workshops let you get your hands dirty with web dev, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more. One participant last year said, "The workshops were game-changers, translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills."

Speakers like John Hernandez from

The Passion Co. and Mudassir Sheikha, the big boss at Careem, are going to blow your mind.

Arabnet Riyadh is a can't-miss event for any tech junkie looking to take their game to the next level.

The Game EV & Mobility Tech Forum is where anyone hyped about the future of mobility! This epic meetup, happening on July 10-11, 2024 in Riyadh, is bringing together a stellar lineup of big shots from around the globe to talk electric rides, smart cities, and sustainable transportation.

We're talking ministers, CEOs, and total game-changers in the mobility space, all under one roof!

But that's not all – this conference is packing some serious star power with sessions covering the coolest innovations.

Imagine hearing straight from the experts about self-driving cars, mobility as a service, and how tech is revving up the EV revolution. Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on Saudi's ambitious plans to power up their cities with sustainable transportation and renewable energy.

And let's not forget the epic networking game at this shindig! With thousands of attendees from all corners of the mobility world, you can bet there'll be prime opportunities to link up with potential partners, employers, or just connect with fellow tech enthusiasts.

It's the ultimate chance to network your way into Saudi's booming tech scene!

Alright, let's talk about the Global AI Summit in Saudi Arabia - it's the place to be if you're into cutting-edge AI tech! This massive event, organized by the Saudi Authority for Data and AI (SDAIA), brings together the sharpest minds and biggest names in artificial intelligence from across the globe.

We're talking heavy-hitters like Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of SDAIA, plus a ton of other AI experts, innovators, and thought leaders.

But this isn't just another boring conference - the Global AI Summit is all about hands-on experiences and mind-blowing tech demos.

You can expect to see the latest advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and AI applications, from cutting-edge robotics to mind-bending generative AI models.

And it's the perfect place to connect with like-minded techies, score internships, or even land your dream job at one of the top AI companies in the region.

Whether you're an AI newbie or a seasoned pro, the Summit has something for everyone.

You can attend workshops led by industry veterans, sit in on panel discussions about the ethical implications of AI, or just explore the exhibitions showcasing the coolest AI-powered solutions out there.

This is an event you won't want to miss if you're serious about staying ahead of the curve in the world of artificial intelligence.

TechConnect Conference is where it's at for all you tech geeks out there. This event is the ultimate gathering that brings together mad industries and the latest tech under one roof.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to dabble in this world, TechConnect has something for everyone.

They cover everything from mind-blowing AI and IoT solutions to the most cutting-edge advancements in cybersecurity and cloud computing.

It's like a buffet of tech goodness! And that's not all, they've got their hands in healthcare, energy, fintech, and manufacturing too.

For all you up-and-comers, TechConnect is a goldmine.

You can attend panel discussions and keynotes from the biggest names in the game, picking their brains and soaking up that knowledge. Plus, you'll get to network with like-minded people, maybe even find yourself a mentor to guide you through this wild world of tech.

And if that's not enough, you can get hands-on with the latest innovations and emerging trends at the exhibits and workshops. It's an experience like no other, trust me.

As Sarah Miller, a TechConnect attendee, said,

"This event is a true game-changer for anyone looking to dive into the world of technology. The breadth of knowledge and inspiration I gained here is unparalleled."

See, even the veterans are blown away by this event.

So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the tech extravaganza that is TechConnect Conference!

Leap Saudi Arabia is the place to be if you wanna stay ahead of the tech curve. This mind-blowing event in Riyadh hits different, bringing together all the tech gurus, big shot investors, and rad startups under one roof.

We're talking the world's most attended tech gathering with over 215,000 people last year from like 183 countries! It's basically a digital Davos where you can dive into game-changing tech like AI, 5G, metaverse, you name it.

But it's not just about geeking out over cutting-edge innovations; major companies like TONOMUS and Ericsson are aligning with Leap to showcase how their solutions are transforming industries and driving profits.

With mind-blowing showcases, inspiring talks from visionary leaders, and endless networking opportunities, Leap is an absolute must if you're serious about unlocking new worlds in tech.

The Middle East Cyber Security Conference is where it's at for anyone serious about staying on top of the latest cyber threats and strategies.

With hackers getting more sophisticated every day, this event is essential for learning how to level up your security game.

Cybercrime costs are projected to hit a mind-boggling $8 trillion globally by 2023, but conferences like this give you the tools to fight back and protect your digital turf.

Past events have been packed with eye-opening sessions, like that time cybersecurity pros broke down the rising threat landscape in the Middle East.

From state-sponsored attacks to critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, they didn't hold back on the harsh realities we're facing. But they also shared invaluable strategies for staying resilient against these evolving risks.

This year's lineup is shaping up to be just as insightful, with heavy-hitters like Eugene Kaspersky himself taking the stage to share his predictions for 2024.

You can also expect hands-on workshops from ethical hacking masters and deep dives into the wild world of AI in cybersecurity from leading researchers like Joseph Rodriguez.

It's an opportunity to gain knowledge that could make or break your organization's security posture in the coming year.

If you're all about staying ahead of the curve in the mind-blowing world of the Internet of Things (IoT), then the Saudi IoT conference is an absolute must! This jam-packed event is the place to be for getting your hands on the latest IoT innovations that are straight-up transforming industries left and right.

Whether you're a total pro or just dipping your toes into this wild world, IoT Saudi has something epic in store for everyone:

• Hands-on Workshops: Get up close and personal with cutting-edge IoT tools and solutions in these interactive sessions led by the real deal experts. Previous editions covered mind-blowing stuff like smart city tech, industrial IoT, and top-notch security practices.
• Keynote Sessions: Brace yourselves for game-changing insights from renowned IoT pioneers taking the stage. In 2024, get ready to be blown away by heavyweights like Elizabeth Perez dropping knowledge bombs on [Topic], and Jennifer Hernandez spilling the tea on [Topic].
• Networking Opportunities: This is your chance to connect with fellow tech wizards, potential clients, and IoT innovators from all over the globe. The event's chill networking lounges and dedicated meetup sessions are perfect for making those game-changing connections.

But it's not just us techies who can cash in on this epic event.

IoT Saudi is a goldmine for industries like healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Companies in these sectors can level up their game by learning how to harness the power of IoT for boosting efficiency, slashing costs, and crushing the competition.

As one past attendee put it,

"IoT Saudi opened my eyes to the mind-blowing potential of IoT in my industry. The knowledge I gained has been invaluable."

Get ready to have your mind totally blown at the Virtual Reality Expo Riyadh! This insane event is all about transporting you to wild virtual worlds that will make you question reality itself.

Coming up in 2024, it's gonna be an epic celebration of the sickest VR tech out there. Here's a sneak peek at some of the mind-melting gadgets they've had at previous expos:

• Haptic Feedback Suits: These futuristic bodysuits let you actually feel stuff in the virtual world, like you're legit there. Mind. Blown.
• Omni-Directional Treadmills: Imagine being able to explore virtual landscapes just by walking and running on these bad boys. Talk about an immersive experience!
• Holographic Displays: These trippy holograms make 3D environments pop out at you, practically erasing the line between what's real and what's not.

The Light Art VR crew who were at the expo last time couldn't stop raving about how insane it was.

One of their devs, Thomas Taylor, said:

"The Virtual Reality Expo Riyadh is a true glimpse into the future of human-computer interaction. The level of immersion achieved is simply breathtaking."

You know it's legit when the experts are freaking out!

But it's not just about the wild tech.

The expo also has dope panels and workshops led by the VR pioneers themselves. You can learn all about developing VR games, filming in 360-degrees, and even how VR is changing the game in fields like healthcare and education.

If you're into pushing the boundaries of what's possible, the Virtual Reality Expo Riyadh is an absolute must. Get ready to have your perception of reality permanently altered!

The Big Data and Analytics Forum in Saudi Arabia is where it's at if you wanna stay on top of the latest tech trends. This event is a game-changer, especially with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 pushing for digital transformation.

Get ready to dive deep into the world of data-driven insights and explore the cutting-edge tools that'll give you a serious competitive edge.

According to the Saudi Arabia Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Market report, this industry is set to skyrocket from $0.38 billion in 2024 to a whopping $2.19 billion by 2029.

That's insane growth, and you don't wanna miss out on the action. The forum is your golden ticket to unlocking the full potential of big data and analytics.

Get ready for mind-blowing sessions like "Data Visualization and Storytelling," where you'll learn how to turn complex data into visuals that'll make your boss drool.

Or check out "Machine Learning and AI in Data Analytics" to discover how these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the game. Or for those interested in healthcare, the "Big Data in Healthcare" track is a must-attend, exploring how data is transforming everything from personalized medicine to disease prevention.

It's like having a crystal ball for the future of healthcare, and you'll be ahead of the curve.

But it's not just about the sessions; the networking opportunities at this forum are off the charts.

You'll get to rub shoulders with industry bigwigs, data scientists, and tech gurus from all kinds of sectors. It's the perfect chance to expand your network and learn from the best in the biz.

As one of the past attendees, Richard Gonzalez said, "The forum opened my eyes to the latest trends and introduced me to some incredible people. It was a game-changer for my career."

If you're serious about staying ahead of the curve in the world of big data and analytics, the Big Data and Analytics Forum Saudi is an absolute must.

With its cutting-edge content, expert speakers, and unbeatable networking opportunities, it's the perfect launchpad to take your career to new heights. Saudi Arabia's tech scene is on fire, and this forum is your ticket to the hottest party in town!