Over 680 Global Tech Talents Secure Saudi Premium Residency at LEAP 2025 Conference

On February 10, 2025, a significant announcement was made during the second day of the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology revealed that an impressive number of 685 exceptional talents and researchers in the technology sector have been granted Premium Residency under Saudi Arabia’s ‘Exceptional Competence Residency’ program.

The Inaugural Session and Keynote Highlights Minister Abdullah Alswaha inaugurated the conference with a theme, "Into New Worlds", underscoring Saudi Arabia's ambition to establish itself as a global hub for innovation. This initiative aligns perfectly with Vision 2030’s goal of advancing the Kingdom into new technological frontiers.

Top Specializations Among Residency Recipients The list is led by experts in 5G technology, comprising 16% of recipients, followed closely by specialists in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge fields. The initiative attracts top talents from countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Brazil, India, Pakistan, and Egypt, reflecting a global effort to enhance Saudi Arabia's digital economy.

Benefits of the Premium Residency Program The program offers several residency products, including Exceptional Competence Residency and Entrepreneur Residency, among others. These provide numerous benefits such as the ability to reside in the Kingdom with family, run businesses, own real estate, and enjoy privileges from government agencies.

Vision 2030: Fostering a Global Innovation Ecosystem The ‘Exceptional Competence Residency’ program is a strategic part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to position the country as an international leader in artificial intelligence and technology. The program is not just about attracting talent; it's also about creating jobs, facilitating knowledge transfer to national cadres, and fostering exchange of global experiences.

Saudi Arabia's commitment to innovation is evident through this significant move at the LEAP 2025 Conference, marking a pivotal step towards achieving its ambitious goals.