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.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed said 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, supported by advanced digital infrastructure, national expertise and effective international partnerships. He emphasised the importance of continuing to adopt modern technologies and AI to support economic growth, strengthen the competitiveness of sectors, and create wider opportunities for quality and sustainable investment.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening international cooperation and building partnerships in technology, telecommunications and AI, as well as exchanging expertise and experience with governments, institutions and leading technology companies. This would help keep pace with global developments, benefit from innovative solutions and practices, support the development of Bahrain’s digital ecosystem and develop national expertise.
The Transportation Minister toured the LEAP 2026 exhibition, where he viewed the latest technologies, innovations and digital solutions presented by participating government entities and global technology companies, as well as developments in AI, telecommunications, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies. He also reviewed modern solutions and applications and opportunities to use them to improve services and advance digital transformation.
He visited Bahrain’s pavilion at LEAP 2026, which features 14 Bahraini information technology companies and start-ups. He also visited Saudi Arabia’s Digital Pavilion and reviewed its initiatives and digital solutions.
On the sidelines of LEAP 2026, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed met with Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Suwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority in Saudi Arabia. They discussed means to strengthen cooperation in digital government and digital transformation, exchange best practices, and cooperate on AI applications and emerging technologies in the government sector.
He also met Omar Saud Al Omar, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology of the State of Kuwait. They discussed means to develop cooperation between Bahrain and Kuwait in telecommunications and information technology, exchange expertise in digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, and strengthen coordination on regional and international issues and initiatives of mutual interest.
The Transportation Minister met with Olayan bin Mohammed Al wetaid, stc Group CEO. The meeting was attended by Moaeed Al Saloom, stc Bahrain Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Khalid Al Osaimi, stc Bahrain CEO. They reviewed the group’s AI solutions for the government sector in Saudi Arabia and discussed opportunities to benefit from these solutions in Bahrain. They also discussed the latest digital developments and solutions offered by stc Bahrain, and means to strengthen cooperation in telecommunications and digital solutions and support Bahrain’s digital transformation.
He also met Deemah bint Yahya Al Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organisation. They exchanged views on digital cooperation and discussed means to strengthen communication and coordination to support efforts and initiatives aimed at developing the digital economy and benefiting from opportunities created by modern technologies.
LEAP 2026 is one of the leading international technology events. It is being held in Riyadh from August 31 to September 3, with broad participation from government entities, technology and telecommunications leaders, global companies, investors and experts. The event provides a platform to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in telecommunications, AI, digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, strengthen cooperation and partnerships between governments, the private sector and global technology companies, support start-ups and investment, exchange expertise, discuss future technology trends, and connect with senior officials, decision-makers and global business leaders.
Last Updated Date: 02-09-2026
