Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the opening session of LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, alongside Abdullah bin Amer Al Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The session included a presentation by HUMAIN and several keynote speeches on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, and the future of modern technologies.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed emphasized that the Kingdom of Bahrain is continuing to strengthen its position in the global digital economy and establish itself as an attractive environment for innovation, investment, and advanced technologies. This effort is supported by advanced digital infrastructure, national expertise, and effective international partnerships. He highlighted the importance of adopting modern technologies and AI to support economic growth, strengthen sector competitiveness, and create wider opportunities for quality and sustainable investment.
He also stressed the need for strengthening international cooperation and building partnerships in technology, telecommunications, and AI. Exchanging expertise and experience with governments, institutions, and leading technology companies would help keep pace with global developments and benefit from innovative solutions and practices. This approach aims to support the development of Bahrain's digital ecosystem and enhance national expertise.
During LEAP 2026, the Transportation Minister toured the exhibition, exploring the latest technologies, innovations, and digital solutions from participating government entities and global technology companies. He reviewed advancements in AI, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies, examining modern solutions and applications for improving services and advancing digital transformation.
In addition, he visited Bahrain's pavilion at LEAP 2026, featuring 14 Bahraini information technology companies and start-ups, and Saudi Arabia's Digital Pavilion, where he reviewed initiatives and digital solutions. On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed met with Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Suwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority in Saudi Arabia, to discuss cooperation in digital government and AI applications.
He also engaged with Omar Saud Al Omar, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology of the State of Kuwait, to explore developing cooperation in telecommunications and information technology. They discussed exchanging expertise in digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, and strengthening coordination on regional and international issues.
The Transportation Minister further engaged with Olayan bin Mohammed Al Wetaid, stc Group CEO, Moaeed Al Saloom, stc Bahrain Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Khalid Al Osaimi, stc Bahrain CEO. They reviewed AI solutions for the government sector and discussed strengthening cooperation in telecommunications and digital solutions to support Bahrain's digital transformation.
He also met with Deemah bint Yahya Al Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organisation, to exchange views on digital cooperation and discuss strengthening communication to support digital economy development initiatives.
LEAP 2026 is recognized as a leading international technology event, held in Riyadh from August 31 to September 3. It sees broad participation from government entities, technology and telecommunications leaders, global companies, investors, and experts. The event serves as a platform to showcase innovations in telecommunications, AI, digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. It aims to strengthen cooperation between governments, the private sector, and global technology companies, support start-ups, exchange expertise, and connect with senior officials and global business leaders.