RISE UP Global Summit to Convene Top Tech Leaders and Startups in Riyadh

The RISE UP Global Summit, the MENA region's largest innovation and entrepreneurship event, is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from May 7-9, 2024. The summit will bring together over 300 international speakers, 300 startups, and dozens of investors and talents at the Riyadh Front Exhibition Conference Center.

Key highlights of the event include the SEA Summit, featuring sessions on consumer behavior, market analysis, future trends, and insights from industry leaders. Keynote panels will focus on tactics to reach a global audience and boost Saudi entertainment's international appeal. Executive think tank panels will cover topics such as the fusion of design, technology, and storytelling in Saudi entertainment, nurturing partnerships between local investors and international brands, and educational opportunities within theme parks.

The summit will also examine innovations linked with Web3, the new stage of the internet driven by blockchain technology. Experts will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries, with musicians and artists exploring AI as a tool for inspiration and enhancing their artistic processes. Immersive experiences merging the physical and digital worlds will be showcased, along with the potential for artists to create unique digital pieces, secure ownership rights, and sell their work to collectors using Web3 technology.

Why this matters: The RISE UP Global Summit represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to position itself as a hub for technology and innovation in the region. By attracting top tech leaders, startups, and investors, the kingdom aims to diversify its economy and build a thriving tech industry to complement its oil dominance.

The event is part of Saudi Arabia's broader vision to become a global destination for tourism and entertainment. The kingdom has been investing heavily in infrastructure, real estate, and tourism transformation, with plans to deliver 320,000 new hotel rooms at a cost of $37.8 billion by 2030. Saudi Arabia surpassed its initial tourism target of 100 million annual visitors seven years ahead of schedule in 2023, and has set a new goal of 150 million annual visitors by 2030.

According to event organizers, the RISE UP Global Summit aims to "enable greater access to the freedom of expression and a circular economy required to enable more expression for all." The summit presents a valuable opportunity for startups, investors, and industry leaders to connect and benefit from the growing tech market in the region and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• RISE UP Global Summit, MENA's largest innovation event, to be held in Riyadh, May 2024.
• Event to feature 300+ speakers, 300+ startups, and dozens of investors and talents.
• Highlights include SEA Summit, Web3 innovations, AI impact on creative industries, and immersive experiences.
• Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a tech and innovation hub, diversifying its economy.
• Summit aims to enable greater access to freedom of expression and a circular economy.