At Leap 2025, Pakistan to showcase commitment to digitally empowered future

At Leap 2025, Pakistan to showcase commitment to digitally empowered future
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Updated 08 February 2025

At Leap 2025, Pakistan to showcase commitment to digitally empowered future

At Leap 2025, Pakistan to showcase commitment to digitally empowered future

Pakistan is making bold strides in the global tech landscape, emerging as a key player in artificial intelligence, digital finance, and startup innovation. As the nation prepares to take the spotlight at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh from Feb. 9-12, it presents a compelling narrative of digital transformation, investment potential, and technological excellence. This marks Pakistan’s biggest ever participation at an international event with over 100 companies and 1,000+ delegates on board, showcasing a booming IT industry, progressive policies, and a rapidly growing talent pool that is poised for unprecedented growth in the digital economy.

A digital nation on the rise

At the heart of Pakistan’s transformation is the Digital Nation Pakistan Act. This landmark policy is designed to bolster innovation, attract both foreign and domestic investment, and empower entrepreneurs. By strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and nurturing a knowledge-driven economy, the DNP Act is positioning Pakistan as a premier destination for global tech players looking for new markets and opportunities. Working under the proactive guidance of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, alongside the broader Digital Pakistan Policy, these initiatives are cultivating an environment where technology fuels every aspect of economic and social development.

A strategic tech partnership

and Pakistan share a long-standing relationship that is now evolving into a powerful alliance in technology and innovation. Both nations are increasingly exploring avenues for collaboration in digital transformation and tech-driven projects. Early initiatives and discussions ranging from cybersecurity and smart infrastructure to startup investments, signal a growing commitment to shared growth. Moreover, Pakistan’s robust business ties with the Kingdom are underscored by the significant presence of Pakistani companies operating in , further strengthening economic bonds and opening up new markets for innovation.

A unified digital vision for LEAP

In line with LEAP’s focus on shaping the future of technology, Pakistan is presenting a unified digital vision that weaves together its advancements in AI, fintech, and digital solutions. A key component of this vision is the work undertaken by the National Center of Artificial Intelligence, a collaborative network of research labs across leading universities. The NCAI has already developed over 221 AI-driven solutions that are transforming sectors such as healthcare, media monitoring, and intelligent transportation. By integrating AI into its digital strategy, Pakistan strengthens its commitment to innovation and leadership in emerging tech.

A flourishing startup ecosystem

Pakistan’s startup landscape is experiencing remarkable growth. With over $800 million raised in venture capital funding in recent years, the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in its dynamic ecosystem. A youthful, tech-savvy population combined with forward-thinking policies and an investor-friendly climate has given rise to groundbreaking startups in fintech, edtech, AI, and e-commerce. At LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Pakistan will not only showcase its vibrant startup ecosystem from its dedicated pavilion but is also expecting to generate approximately $15 million in business over the next year.

A vision for digital empowerment

Pakistan’s commitment to digital empowerment spans all sectors. Government initiatives, led by the Ministry of IT and Telecom, are driving the adoption of smart technologies in education, healthcare, and public services, ensuring that the benefits of digital innovation reach every corner of society. This strategic approach is designed to create an ecosystem where technology acts as a catalyst for inclusive growth, enhanced quality of life, and sustainable development. By nurturing local talent and fostering innovation hubs, Pakistan is building a resilient digital economy that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Why Pakistan? 

Several factors make Pakistan an attractive hub for technology and innovation:

  • Strategic location: Positioned as a gateway to South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Pakistan offers access to diverse and emerging markets.
  • World-class talent: With over 600,000 IT professionals and more than 75,000 IT graduates entering the workforce annually, Pakistan boasts a robust talent pool ready to drive technological advancements.
  • Proactive policies: The government’s commitment to digital transformation is reflected in its investor-friendly regulations, special tech zones, and substantial incentives for startups and tech companies.
  • Expanding digital infrastructure: Rapidly growing broadband access, advanced research hubs, and cloud computing developments are laying the groundwork for a future-ready digital ecosystem.

A call to global innovators

Pakistan is not only transforming its own digital landscape but is also building bridges with key partners like to catalyze regional innovation. This strategic collaboration is opening up exciting opportunities for cross-border investments, joint research projects, and talent exchanges that promise to accelerate technological advancements on both sides.

At LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Pakistan extends an open invitation to investors, innovators, and tech leaders to join in its extraordinary journey toward a digitally empowered future. With its robust ecosystem, forward-looking policies, and strong international partnerships, Pakistan is ready to shape the future of technology for generations to come.


to host Global IoT Congress 2025

 to host Global IoT Congress 2025
Updated 06 August 2025

to host Global IoT Congress 2025

 to host Global IoT Congress 2025
  • The Kingdom ranks first among the top three Arab countries in smart city investments and leads the Arab world in the Government AI Readiness Index as well as the 2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index

has emerged as the Middle East and North Africa’s largest digital economy, with a market value exceeding SR495 billion ($132 billion) over the past few years. Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s Internet of Things market specifically is estimated to grow 12-18 percent year-on-year to reach a market size of SR25.8 billion, reflecting the technologically progressive approach that has taken to building the country’s future. The Kingdom also ranks first among the top three Arab countries in smart city investments and leads the Arab world in the Government AI Readiness Index as well as the 2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index.
Global investments in IoT are forecast to exceed SR4.5 trillion by 2026, and in the Middle East and North Africa, the IoT market is projected to reach SR90 billion by the same year.

FASTFACT

’s IoT market specifically is estimated to grow 12-18 percent year-on-year to reach a market size of SR25.8 billion.

As the region’s largest IoT market, Riyadh is set to host the Global Internet of Things Congress 2025 on Oct. 21. The three-day event — the largest dedicated IoT event in the Kingdom and the wider MENA region — will put the Saudi capital in the spotlight as a regional powerhouse of emerging IoT technologies.
More than 200 prominent exhibitors and speakers ranging from industries like IoT, artificial intelligence, smart cities, energy, healthcare, and other emerging technologies, are expected from all over the world to address over 5,000 high-profile attendees such as industry leaders, C-level businesspeople and governmental stakeholders.
The Congress, organized by the Internet of Things Association, is set to host public entities, academic institutions, private companies, investors, entrepreneurs, and media representatives from all over the world. This landmark event will feature keynote sessions, interactive workshops, a technology exhibition, and strategic partnership announcements.
Abdullah bin Salem Al-Bedaiwy, chairman of the board at the IoTA, said: “As a nonprofit organization, the association is committed to development and innovation, encouraging investment, enhancing local content, and increasing localization within the IoT sector. Our initiative aims to launch a global IoT platform in its largest market, the Kingdom of . We extend our sincere gratitude to all our partners who contributed to making this vision a reality, and we look forward to the support of both the public and private sectors to ensure the success of this global event on Saudi soil.”
He added: “As a nonprofit organization, the IoTA is committed to fostering innovation and advancing both human and technological capital in the IoT sector. Our vision is to host the region’s largest dedicated IoT event in its biggest market, the Kingdom of . We extend our sincere gratitude to all our partners who have contributed to making this possible, and we look forward to the support of both the public and the private sector, to ensure the success of this global gathering in .”

Global Internet of Things Congress 2025 will cultivate cross-border and cross-sector knowledge exchange, drive innovation, and unlock investment opportunities, aligned with the objectives of digital transformation in ’s Vision 2030.

 


4th EV Auto Show to spotlight full spectrum of green mobility

The exhibition will deliver hands-on access to the latest in electric mobility.
The exhibition will deliver hands-on access to the latest in electric mobility.
Updated 06 August 2025

4th EV Auto Show to spotlight full spectrum of green mobility

The exhibition will deliver hands-on access to the latest in electric mobility.
  • Expecting more than 120 exhibitors and over 12,000 attendees from across 90+ countries, EV Auto Show 2025 is positioned to be a focal point for investment, innovation, and sector-wide collaboration in sustainable transportation

Leading electric mobility event EV Auto Show Riyadh will return for its fourth edition from Oct. 27 to 29, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. Building on the strong foundation of its previous three editions, EV Auto Show Riyadh 2025 returns with greater scale and impact, building on the momentum of three successful editions to deepen its focus across the entire electric mobility value chain. This year’s edition features an even stronger lineup of top-tier OEMs, high-quality exhibitors, and influential stakeholders, with expanded technical and commercial dialogue. The show continues to serve as a dynamic platform that brings together electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, battery technologies, component manufacturers, fleet solutions, and key government representatives under one roof, in one of the world’s most ambitious mobility markets.

The EV Auto Show serves as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable mobility, says Dr. Omaima Bamasag, Deputy of the General Authority for Transport Enablement

Expecting more than 120 exhibitors and over 12,000 attendees from across 90+ countries, EV Auto Show 2025 is positioned to be a focal point for investment, innovation, and sector-wide collaboration in sustainable transportation.
Taking place in the heart of Riyadh, the EV Auto Show 2025 will host a high-level conference program built around the Kingdom’s electric mobility priorities. This year’s agenda will spotlight national infrastructure strategies, fleet electrification, and the localization of EV manufacturing. Attendees can expect deep-dive sessions, expert panels, and keynote talks featuring leaders from global OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, utilities, regulatory bodies, investment groups, and emerging technology disruptors. The program is designed to accelerate cross-sector collaboration and unlock new pathways for ’s green mobility future.
The exhibition will also deliver hands-on access to the latest in electric mobility through product launches and technology showcases. With participation from leading global and regional brands, it brings together top manufacturers, solution providers, and innovators from across the electric and sustainable transport ecosystem. 

Exhibitors span sectors including EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure, battery technologies, autonomous systems, and energy management.
Dr. Omaima Bamasag, deputy of the General Authority for Transport Enablement, said: “The EV Auto Show serves as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable mobility, bringing together leading companies in the vehicle and charging station sectors. We believe this will drive the government and the Kingdom toward achieving the sustainability goal of zero emissions by 2060.”
This year’s edition places a sharper spotlight on international collaboration, with dedicated delegations from Europe, Asia, and beyond exploring joint ventures and strategic entry into the Saudi EV market.

 


Bigo Live and MLBB drive next chapter of esports in Kingdom

Photo/Social media
Photo/Social media
Updated 06 August 2025

Bigo Live and MLBB drive next chapter of esports in Kingdom

Photo/Social media
  • Bigo Live and MLBB have partnered on multiple successful events, including livestreaming the M6 World Championship and the MPL MENA 2025

is fast becoming a powerhouse in global gaming. The Esports World Cup 2025 featuring a record-breaking $70 million prize pool and 24 official game titles underscores this shift from niche to mainstream gaming prominence. Under Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, the Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector is expected to contribute $13.3 billion to GDP and generate more than 39,000 jobs by 2030. With 21 million gamers across the country and $1.1 billion in annual revenue, the groundwork for a thriving, sustainable digital economy is already taking shape.
But sustaining this growth requires more than investment and infrastructure. It requires building meaningful ecosystems where creators, communities, and intellectual property thrive together. That’s the shared focus of Bigo Live and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, who are working together to define the next chapter of esports in the region.
Bigo Live and MLBB have partnered on multiple successful events, including livestreaming the M6 World Championship and the MPL MENA 2025. The M6 event drew more than 4.13 million peak viewers globally, with an average of 709,000 viewers across 120 hours of live broadcast, making it one of MLBB’s most-watched tournaments to date.
The collaboration is now evolving into something more ambitious: a blueprint for hybrid esports experiences. These new formats combine physical and virtual elements, such as pro-player and streamer crossover leagues, offline community events, and gamified, storyline-driven tournaments designed to engage audiences across platforms and locations.
Bigo Live has reported a 19.05 percent month-on-month increase in new gaming users in MENA, indicating strong regional resonance with its esports programming.

Crucially, Bigo Live’s esports strategy is anchored in a framework of creator enablement: supporting streamers with tools, infrastructure, and monetization options that make esports a sustainable path. Its three-tier approach (Support, Belonging, and Appreciation) aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of digital transformation and cultural enrichment.

 


SDB partners with Italian institute to train Asir craftsmen

A partnership was signed between the Social Development Bank and the Italian Institute of Contemporary Art.
A partnership was signed between the Social Development Bank and the Italian Institute of Contemporary Art.
Updated 04 August 2025

SDB partners with Italian institute to train Asir craftsmen

A partnership was signed between the Social Development Bank and the Italian Institute of Contemporary Art.
  • The event witnessed the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the SDB and the IICA

The Social Development Bank hosted an event to train and empower local craftsmen and jewelry designers in the Asir region, in association with the Italian Institute of Contemporary Art, one of the world’s leading institutes specializing in contemporary craft design and artistic jewelry making.
The event, “Asir: Craftsmanship Celebration,” offered specialized training in creating handicrafts using copper and gold leaf, reflecting the artists’ national identity while aligning with contemporary artistic trends. It drew inspiration from local cultural heritage, particularly Asir’s Al-Qatt art form, to reimagine traditional techniques in a modern context, capturing the spirit and cultural uniqueness of the region.

HIGHLIGHT

This agreement is part of the bank’s efforts to expand its international partnerships and transfer global expertise to the local market by offering specialized training programs.

This initiative enhanced participants’ technical and production skills in metal forming and professional techniques, ensuring they can produce high-quality pieces that meet market demands. Additionally, the aim is to transform these skills into sustainable economic opportunities by enabling participants to design and implement marketable models for the hospitality, hotel, and luxury gift sectors.
The event witnessed the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the SDB and the IICA. This agreement is part of the bank’s efforts to expand its international partnerships and transfer global expertise to the local market by offering specialized training programs in several regions of the Kingdom, supporting the empowerment of productive groups, and enhancing their competitiveness.
The event also hosted a session titled “Asir’s Most Splendid Diwaniya,” which featured a group of entrepreneurs, investors, and local experts. It addressed strategic themes related to the integration of the crafts and tourism sectors, the role of freelance work in enhancing project readiness and reducing costs for seasonal establishments, and ways to invest in local resources and develop culturally relevant products. Participants spotlighted the significance of raising the economic value of national crafts and linking them to tourism and hospitality.
The “Asir: Craftsmanship Celebration” event reflects the SDB’s commitment to empowering craft and creative project owners by transforming skills into economic opportunities. Since launching its specialized training program in 2023, the bank has trained more than 300 beneficiaries, created 250 quality products, and qualified 30 percent of participants for financing, enabling more than 150 productive families to expand their businesses. Over the last two years, the initiative has conducted more than 15 training programs, with 40 percent of participants receiving funding, resulting in a 40 percent increase in sales for existing projects. The program also organized seven dialogue forums to foster collaboration with supporting entities.
The event serves as a key interactive track within this training program, linking productive families and self-employed individuals with investors, and enhancing the integration of crafts and tourism in the Asir region. It highlights the crucial role of handicrafts in the tourism experience and the importance of self-employment in the local hospitality sector.

 

 


Petromin Express marks 25 years with ‘Millionaire’ campaign

Yazid Waleed Al-Mutairi has been announced as the first winner.
Yazid Waleed Al-Mutairi has been announced as the first winner.
Updated 04 August 2025

Petromin Express marks 25 years with ‘Millionaire’ campaign

Yazid Waleed Al-Mutairi has been announced as the first winner.
  • Yazid Waleed Al-Mutairi has been announced as the first winner, walking home with a new Jeep Grand Cherokee

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Petromin Express, one of the Kingdom’s leading names in fast automotive maintenance services, has launched a campaign titled “25 Years of Leadership, Your Chance to Become a Millionaire!” The aim is to thank loyal customers and attract new ones.
As part of this new marketing initiative, Petromin Express is offering exclusive deals and prizes, including raffle draws with valuable rewards. The grand prize is a staggering SR1 million ($266.6 million) and additional prizes include free maintenance vouchers, ACDelco batteries, Nexen tires and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The raffle events are conducted in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the ECOPON platform.
Yazid Waleed Al-Mutairi has been announced as the first winner, walking home with a new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Running until Aug. 13, the campaign is open to individuals aged 18 and above. To participate, customers simply need to visit any Petromin Express branch. Officially licensed by the Ministry of Commerce, the campaign has received extensive media coverage and support from influencers and celebrities across various platforms, highlighting the significance of the initiative and the strong reputation Petromin holds in the Saudi market.
In line with its continued commitment to digital transformation and enhancing the customer experience, Petromin Express has introduced an interactive chatbot service — “Virtual Assistant” — on WhatsApp, offering fast and responsive support. The company launched the “Petromin It” mobile app, designed to provide a suite of smart services that efficiently and conveniently meet customer needs.
Tariq Javed, CEO of the National Automotive Services Company, a subsidiary of Petromin Group, said: “Petromin Express has successfully built a strong brand since its inception. The company has established a notable presence both locally and internationally, with operations in Egypt, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, and the UAE.”
“Our customers are integral to our success,” he added. “This exceptional campaign shows our ongoing commitment to strengthening our relationship with them, offering innovative, interactive experiences that reflect Petromin Express’s leadership in the automotive maintenance sector. The campaign also represents our aspirations to reach the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.”
Since its inception, Petromin Express has served over 10 million customers through a wide network of more than 650 service centers across .