The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the State of Qatar (MCIT Qatar) participated in the second edition of the International Technical Conference "LEAP 23" organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the “Riyadh Front Center for Exhibitions and Conventions” in Riyadh, from Feb.6 to Feb.9, under the title "Towards New Horizons".

The State of Qatar was represented in the activities of the "LEAP 23" conference by an official ministerial delegation headed by His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, as well as a number of senior officials from MCIT Qatar and the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). After the inauguration, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, visited the exhibition accompanying the conference, during which briefed on the various sections and pavilions of the exhibition, and what this year's version of "LEAP 23" is presenting. The Exhibition presented artificial intelligence, the digital economy, smart cities, cybersecurity, financial and health technologies, the future of energy, and educational technologies.

The Digital Incubation Center (DIC), affiliated to MCIT Qatar participated in many events and activities of the "LEAP 23" conference, with 10 incubated companies, as these companies are interested in identifying opportunities for expansion and growth regionally and globally, and opening to more markets at home and abroad. During the visit to the exhibition accompanying LEAP 23 conference, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, briefed on the contributions of the Qatari companies participating in the conference. LEAP 23 conference and exhibition come as an important platform for meeting several leading technology experts and startups and learning about the latest developments in digital technologies and innovative solutions.

MCIT Qatar participates in the conference and shows interest in the various topics and issues discussed at the conference, and the number of challenges that are still awaiting innovative and smart solutions by harnessing the power of technology and its enormous potential. In addition to also showing interest in the issues that deal in their entirety with the future of technologies, their effective and influential role in various sectors, and solutions. The creativity that the ICT sector can provide to meet the most prominent challenges of the modern era in the economy, digital transformation, smart cities, clean energy, education, startups, and others.

The activities of the conference and exhibition focused mainly on the topics of startups, innovation and the knowledge-based economy. It is noteworthy that this year's edition of the "LEAP" conference included more than 700 male and female speakers from about 50 countries, representing prominent global players in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. More than 900 international and local companies such as Ericsson, STC, SAP, Aramco, and Amazon participated in the conference, as well as more than 400 international and local emerging technology companies.

On Sunday, February 5, Qatar's delegation also attended the meetings of the 2nd general assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), which was held in Riyadh. The State of Qatar attended as a guest at the invitation of Member States. The DCO is an international organization concerned with promoting cooperation in all areas driven by innovation and accelerating the growth of the digital economy.