Saudi Arabia Declares 2026 Year of AI as DeepFest Returns to Riyadh

DeepFest returns to Riyadh this August as Saudi Arabia officially designates 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence, a national initiative championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to cement the kingdom's role as the region's primary AI convening hub. The event, co-located with the massive LEAP 2026 technology conference at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre from August 31 to September 3, gathers global technology leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore real-world AI deployment and emerging technologies. This gathering serves as the principal platform where Saudi Arabia's national AI agenda meets the global ecosystem, featuring critical discussions on AI governance, sustainability, cybersecurity, and robotics that directly impact governments and enterprises worldwide. By hosting this flagship deep-tech gathering, Saudi brands and the government are actively positioning the country as the central meeting ground for the global artificial intelligence community.