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The memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen bilateral capabilities through the exchange of expertise and best practices to counter emerging cyber threats, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The pact was signed at LEAP 2026, Saudi Arabia’s flagship technology conference that ran from August 31 to September 3 and attracted more than 1,800 technology brands, 600 startups and 1,900 investors. IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja led the Pakistani delegation, delivered a keynote address and formally inaugurated the Tech Destination Pakistan Pavilion at the event.
The ministry described Pakistan’s participation as one of its largest national presences at the conference, with the pavilion featuring 25 startups and more than 50 leading technology companies showcasing solutions in artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies. This effort sought to facilitate business-to-business partnerships, attract international investment and expand market access for the country’s technology sector. The conference provided a platform aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which has driven substantial investment in digital infrastructure across the kingdom.
Among the outcomes announced by the ministry, Edversity, an Ignite-supported startup operating under the ministry, secured a $400,000 investment from Rapidev Group. The funding will support the company’s international expansion and help scale its artificial intelligence-powered education platform. Edversity was among the entities highlighted for converting exhibition participation into tangible commercial results.
Office Flow AI signed an incubation partnership agreement with Dhahran Techno Valley, one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent technology ecosystems, the ministry reported. The deal focuses on developing and scaling the startup’s artificial intelligence-powered business automation platform throughout the region. These agreements reflect broader interest from Saudi entities in Pakistani technological capabilities.
Pakistan’s information technology exports reached a record $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2026, marking a 21 percent increase from the previous year, according to data compiled by Topline Securities. The sector has shown consistent growth, with monthly exports rising 18 percent year-on-year to $417 million in July 2026, the same research firm reported. Such figures underscore the momentum Pakistani firms have carried into high-profile events like LEAP, where connections with Gulf markets have become increasingly important.
The ministry noted that Khawaja held bilateral meetings with several counterparts during the conference, including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha. These discussions built on existing technology ties between the two countries. Participation at LEAP 2026 also involved nearly 1,000 Pakistani delegates in total, according to separate reporting on the event.
