LEAP 2026 Launches in Riyadh: AI Transforms from Digital Vision to Ground-Level Reality
Day 01 of LEAP 2026 in Riyadh marked a concrete shift from digital planning to physical execution, as AI technology converged with real estate assets, power, and smart infrastructure.
The 5th edition of LEAP 2026 opened in Riyadh under the theme "Into New Worlds" with massive global participation. Moving beyond future visions, Day 01 delivered practical actions to bring AI infrastructure into real-world operation:
Advanced Computing Goes Live: Companies like AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN launched live production of AI infrastructure at 250 MW, aiming for 1 GW by 2030.
Digital Demand Turned Physical: Groundbreaking began on Phase 1 (100 MW) of DataVolt and HUMAIN's AI data centers in Oxagon, demonstrating direct demand for land, facilities, and power.
Broad Creative Empowerment: Adobe, alongside MCIT, provided free access to creative tools for over 27M beneficiaries ($4B+ value commitment), including a Saudi-tailored Arabic image model.
Re-engineering Real Estate: stc showcased how AI and data manage the full lifecycle of real estate and smart cities—from pre-construction compliance to site operations.
NAMA’s perspective shows that behind every AI innovation is a physical real estate asset requiring power, land, and connectivity. Day 01 set the foundation, and tomorrow tests its real-world implementation!
