Pakistan’s technology sector is looking toward Saudi Arabia with growing interest as dozens of local technology companies travel to Riyadh for LEAP 2026, one of the world’s leading technology and innovation events. This year, Pakistani firms are aiming for more than simply displaying their products and services. Many are hoping to find new customers, develop strategic partnerships and create a long-term presence in the Kingdom’s rapidly developing digital economy.
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LEAP 2026 has attracted a major international gathering of technology companies, startups, investors and industry experts. More than 1,800 technology companies, 600 startups, 1,900 investors and over 1,000 speakers are expected to participate in the four-day event. The scale of the gathering reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in technology, digital services and innovation as the country continues its economic transformation under Vision 2030.
Pakistan is maintaining a dedicated presence at the event, with a national pavilion featuring 20 technology companies. The participation is being supported by the Pakistan Software Export Board and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. In addition to the companies represented at the pavilion, a number of Pakistani startups and technology businesses are also attending LEAP independently to explore potential customers, investors and business partners.
For several Pakistani companies, LEAP has already become an important gateway to the Saudi market. Karachi-based ByteCorp Technologies is attending the event for the fourth time. The company’s repeated participation has helped it develop industry contacts, gain a deeper understanding of the Saudi business environment and establish relationships that could lead to new opportunities. The experience demonstrates how international technology events can help Pakistani businesses move beyond initial introductions and build meaningful commercial connections.
Pakistan’s participation at LEAP reached a record level in 2025, with more than 100 Pakistani companies and over 1,500 delegates taking part. According to a post-event report from the Pakistan Software Export Board, the participation generated around $9.74 million in business and produced 78 leads. These results have encouraged more Pakistani technology companies to view Saudi Arabia as an important destination for international expansion.
For some businesses, the opportunities created through LEAP have already resulted in plans for a physical presence in Riyadh. Khizer Ahmed Siddiqui, founding member and director of KAACIB, said his company’s participation in LEAP 2025 helped open the way for establishing an office in the Saudi capital. The company is now working toward developing its local operations, with the aim of building stronger connections and finding additional business opportunities.
The decision by Pakistani companies to establish offices in Saudi Arabia reflects a broader shift in strategy. Instead of relying entirely on cross-border services, businesses are increasingly looking at local operations as a way to understand customers better, build trust and compete more effectively in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in digital transformation is creating opportunities across areas such as software, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud technology and other digital services.
As LEAP 2026 gets underway, Pakistani technology companies are therefore looking beyond immediate deals. Their larger objective is to develop long-term partnerships, attract investment and become more closely connected with Saudi Arabia’s expanding technology ecosystem. With the Kingdom pushing ahead with its Vision 2030 agenda, Pakistan’s growing presence at LEAP could provide local technology firms with a valuable route toward international expansion and a stronger foothold in one of the region’s fastest-growing digital markets.
