IBM strengthens commitment to Middle East with AI innovations and strategic investments at LEAP 2025

IBM’s presence at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh has been marked by groundbreaking announcements and a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to driving technological advancement in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region. The event, one of the world’s largest tech gatherings, has provided a platform for IBM to showcase its latest AI-driven solutions and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering digital transformation.

During a fireside chat, IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna and H.E. Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and IT, engaged in discussions about IBM’s expanding role in the region’s digital economy. A key highlight of the conversation was IBM’s Arabic Large Language Model (LLM), ALLaM, developed on watsonx, which underscores the company’s commitment to advancing AI solutions tailored for the Arabic-speaking world. This innovation is expected to revolutionize AI-driven applications across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, and government services.

Further emphasizing its investment in Saudi Arabia’s growing technology ecosystem, IBM announced its Software Lab initiative, aimed at creating new job opportunities for skilled IT professionals and fostering local expertise in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise software development. This aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global hub for digital innovation.

Another major milestone was IBM’s collaboration with Riyad Bank to enhance customer experience through AI-driven automation. IBM has launched an advanced omni-channel virtual assistant, fully integrated into Riyad Bank’s core business operations. This AI-powered solution will enable seamless, natural language interactions, improving service delivery and customer engagement.

At IBM’s booth, attendees have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of watsonx, exploring how AI and cloud solutions are transforming business operations. IBM is also partnering with Saudi Business Machines (SBM), eSolutions, Salesforce, Red Hat, and webMethods to showcase cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of enterprise technology.

With its strategic investments and continued innovation, IBM is reinforcing its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. By co-creating solutions with local and global partners, the company is empowering businesses and government institutions to harness the full potential of AI, cloud computing, and automation, paving the way for a more connected and intelligent digital future.