Ericsson showcases 5G advanced and AI networks at LEAP 2026

Riyadh — Ericsson has announced its participation in LEAP 2026, marking its fifth consecutive year at the premier technology event in Saudi Arabia. Operating under the theme "Enter New Horizons," the telecommunications multinational will showcase its latest developments in 5G Advanced, AI-powered networks, and mission-critical connectivity. The announcement highlights Ericsson's ongoing commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's broader digital transformation initiatives, positioning the company as a key enabler of the region's technological ambitions. The event provides a platform for the company to demonstrate how its advanced connectivity solutions can support the rapidly evolving digital landscape in the Middle East. The participation of Ericsson at LEAP 2026 comes at a significant milestone for the company, as the event coincides with Ericsson's 150th anniversary globally and nearly 50 years of partnership with Saudi Arabia. This historical context underscores the depth of the company's involvement in developing the region's telecommunications infrastructure. Over the past five decades, Ericsson has played a foundational role in establishing and upgrading the networks that connect individuals and businesses across the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy, the demand for resilient and high-performing digital infrastructure has never been greater. Ericsson's presence at the event signals its intent to remain a central figure in this ongoing evolution, introducing next-generation network capabilities to the Saudi market and supporting the nation's strategic objectives for digital leadership. A central focus of Ericsson's showcase will be its demonstrations of 5G Standalone (SA) and programmable networks. As telecommunications providers seek to monetize their 5G investments and deliver differentiated services, the transition to 5G SA architecture is becoming increasingly critical. Unlike non-standalone networks that rely on existing 4G infrastructure, 5G SA provides a dedicated, cloud-native core network. These technologies enable advanced features such as network slicing, which allows operators to create multiple virtual networks on a single physical infrastructure, each optimized for specific use cases. This capability, combined with ultra-low latency, is essential for supporting advanced enterprise applications, industrial automation, and mission-critical services that require guaranteed performance levels. The shift towards programmable networks also empowers operators to dynamically adjust network resources based on real-time demand, improving overall efficiency and service quality. The company will also present its advancements in AI-driven automation designed to improve network operations. As telecommunications networks become more complex and dynamic, manual management processes are no longer sufficient to maintain optimal performance. By integrating artificial intelligence into network management, service providers can optimize performance, predict maintenance needs before they cause disruptions, and significantly reduce operational costs. These AI networks are positioned as foundational elements for supporting emerging applications that require high reliability and dynamic resource allocation. The automation of network operations not only enhances efficiency but also enables operators to respond more rapidly to changing demands and network conditions, ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience across diverse applications and services. Håkan Cervell, President of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, emphasized that the showcased innovations will enable service providers and enterprises to strengthen their digital infrastructure. This aligns directly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the development of a robust digital economy and the diversification of the Kingdom's technological capabilities. By providing the tools and technologies necessary to build advanced, programmable networks, Ericsson is supporting the Kingdom's efforts to create a globally competitive digital ecosystem. The deployment of these technologies is expected to facilitate innovation across various sectors, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and logistics, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens and residents throughout the region. The deployment of 5G Advanced and AI-powered networks is expected to have practical implications across various sectors in Saudi Arabia. From smart city initiatives to industrial IoT applications, enhanced connectivity and programmable networks provide the underlying infrastructure necessary for digital transformation. For instance, in the context of smart cities, these networks can support the massive deployment of sensors and connected devices required for intelligent traffic management, environmental monitoring, and efficient public services. Ericsson's focus on miss