DeepFest returns to Riyadh with AI demos and global speakers

DeepFest will return to Riyadh from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, 2026, alongside LEAP 2026, as Saudi Arabia marks 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence. The event will spotlight real-world AI use cases, new exhibitors and sponsors, and the Kingdom’s push to position itself as a regional AI hub.

Why it matters: - DeepFest is becoming a key venue for Saudi Arabia’s AI push, linking a national priority with global technology companies, investors and policymakers. - The event is designed to show AI in practical use, which matters as enterprises move from experimentation to deployment. - Saudi Arabia’s 2026 Year of Artificial Intelligence campaign gives DeepFest added strategic weight.

What happened: - DeepFest 2026 will take place from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham. - The event is co-located with LEAP 2026 in Riyadh. - DeepFest returns as the dedicated AI and deep technology platform for the region. - The program will focus on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and real-world deployment.

The details: - Saudi Arabia is marking 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, backed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also Prime Minister and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. - DeepFest will cover AI governance, sovereign infrastructure, autonomous systems, healthcare, supply chains, media and the creator economy. - Live demos will include real-time deepfake detection and AI-generated music performances. - Confirmed speakers include Michio Kaku of the City College of New York, Chandra Donelson, Daniel Bedingfield and Dr. Jack McCauley of UC Berkeley and former Oculus VR co-founder and engineer. - First-time exhibitors and sponsors include Google Cloud, AMD, Salesforce, EY, Cerebras, Supermicro, Blaize and Xerox. - The partner and exhibitor base now spans more than 1,800 global technology brands. - LEAP 2026 is expected to draw more than 201,000 visitors, along with more than 600 startups and 1,900 investors. - DeepFest is part of a broader event platform that also brings together leaders across fintech, health technology, cybersecurity, climate technology and smart cities. - More information about Tahaluf is available here.

Between the lines: - The mix of enterprise sponsors, infrastructure-focused sessions and live AI demos suggests DeepFest is trying to move beyond hype and toward applied technology. - The emphasis on Gulf-region AI infrastructure signals Saudi Arabia’s bid to become a regional center for compute, governance and enterprise adoption. - Speaker and exhibitor additions point to growing international interest in the Kingdom’s technology ecosystem.

What's next: - Organizers will use the 2026 edition to showcase new AI applications and deepen industry participation ahead of and during the event. - The program is expected to further highlight data readiness, governance and scalable infrastructure as companies expand AI use. - DeepFest and LEAP will continue positioning Riyadh as a major stop on the global tech conference circuit.

The bottom line: - DeepFest 2026 is being framed as both a showcase and a signal: Saudi Arabia wants to be seen not just as a host for AI discussion, but as a place where AI is built and deployed.