Riyadh: The Syrian communications and information technology sector is participating for the first time in the LEAP 2026 conference and exhibition, hosted in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from August 31 to September 3. The sector is represented by a national pavilion led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It includes the Telecommunication and Post Regulatory Authority, the Syrian Sovereign Fund, telecommunications operators, two organizations from the technology community, and seven Syrian startups operating in various fields.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this participation is part of the ministry's initiative to strengthen Syria's digital industries and connect the local telecommunications and technology sector with vital investors and partnerships. Its goal is to enhance infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation programs. Additionally, it aims to highlight investment opportunities and create avenues for Syrian startups and technical talent to reach regional and international investors and markets.
Furthermore, the participation seeks to connect Syrian startups with Saudi and regional venture capital funds, enhance communication with Syrian technical talent working in Saudi companies, and leverage their expertise and networks to build partnerships between the technology sectors of both countries.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal stated: 'LEAP has evolved into a global platform gathering decision-makers, investors, companies, and technical talents. Our involvement allows us to highlight the ongoing transformations and opportunities within Syria's communications and technology sector, while also creating new avenues for Syrian companies and talents.'
He added: 'Our participation also helps bolster technical and investment connections between Syria and Saudi Arabia, especially as Saudi investments in the Syrian telecommunications sector grow, most notably the Silk Link project, which is now underway. We aim to expand this progress by encouraging Saudi companies to participate in the digital transformation program, promoting venture capital investments in Syrian startups, and utilizing the expertise of Syrian professionals in the Saudi tech industry as a link for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two nations.'
Haykal concluded: 'Our foreign visits with an investment focus aim not just for the ministry and its agencies to participate, but to ensure that the Syrian presence represents the entire sector, including officials in digital transformation from ministries and agencies, the private sector, national investment entities, and technical association representatives. We will strive to enhance this collective presence in the future.'
During LEAP 2026, the delegation will meet with telecommunications and technology companies, investment funds, and entities focused on digital transformation and infrastructure to explore specific opportunities for collaboration and investment.
The pavilion will serve as a platform for Syrian startups to present their solutions to venture capital investors interested in the Syrian market, as well as to potential clients and partners. It will also offer opportunities to explore entry into the Saudi and regional markets.
The Syrian pavilion will welcome visitors to the exhibition at booth H3.G190 from August 31 to September 3, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
LEAP is a premier international technology event that convenes industry leaders, decision-makers, investors, global and emerging companies, and entrepreneurs to explore the key transformations shaping the future of technology and the digital economy.