Riyadh Becomes the New Global Hub for Blockchain and AI at 2026 Show
Riyadh is quickly turning into a major center for new technology. The recent Global Blockchain Show held in the city showed how
Event Highlights and Big Numbers
The show took place on June 29 and 30, 2026. It was co-located with events on AI and games. Over 15,000 people registered, and more than 6,700 attended in person. There were 100 speakers, 100 exhibitors, and a large group of top executives from over 80 countries. The focus was on real business deals and new ideas rather than just talk.
One big announcement was the launch of VAP Ventures. This new effort aims to support 100 startups by the year 2030. It shows a strong push to help early-stage projects grow in the Web3 space.
Key Themes: From Speculation to Real Use
Sessions at the event made it clear that blockchain has moved past simple hype. It is now becoming a solid part of everyday business. Talks covered how networks can work together smoothly and handle large amounts of data. This helps companies move away from old systems that are slow and costly.
A main idea was
Important Talks and Speakers
Meow, co-founder of Jupiter, spoke about how decentralized finance can mix with traditional systems. He said the goal is to build something more open and strong for everyone. Shabir Momin from TorusChain also shared ideas on how blockchain will grow with better enterprise use and new tools.
Other discussions looked at digital banking, tokenization, cybersecurity, and how AI works with blockchain. These topics showed ways to create safer online economies and smarter automation across industries.
AI, Games, and Tokenization Come Together
The event also explored links between AI, gaming, and blockchain. Tokenization lets people own digital assets more easily. This changes how investments work and brings better access to global markets. The exhibition area let companies show new tools for finance, identity, and smart systems.
Looking Ahead to Abu Dhabi
The Riyadh event ended on a high note. Leaders said the future of blockchain depends on working together. Plans are now moving forward for the next show in Abu Dhabi. This will keep the momentum going for new projects and partnerships in the region.
Overall, the 2026 show proved that Saudi Arabia is serious about becoming a leader in emerging tech. With strong focus on