NTT DATA showcases sovereign AI and smart cities at LEAP 2026

NTT DATA has confirmed its participation in [LEAP 2026], scheduled to run from August 31 to September 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The global IT services provider will showcase a comprehensive suite of AI-powered intelligent infrastructure and digital transformation solutions. Operating under the theme "Cities that Think: How AI is Reshaping the Future of Urban Life," the company aims to demonstrate the practical applications of advanced technologies in urban environments. This focus aligns closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and the Kingdom's designation of 2026 as the 'Year of AI,' a period marked by significant national investments, including a reported $40 billion AI fund. Visitors to the event can locate NTT DATA's exhibition at Hall 1, Stand C60. The presence of such a major player underscores the growing importance of the Middle East as a hub for technological innovation and deployment. The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the region's digital economy, as governments and enterprises increasingly seek to leverage artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and economic diversification. By positioning its offerings within the context of sovereign AI and smart cities, NTT DATA is directly addressing the strategic priorities of regional stakeholders. The LEAP 2026 platform provides an opportunity for the company to articulate its vision for the future of urban living, where technology serves as a foundational element for sustainable and intelligent development. The core of NTT DATA's presentation at LEAP 2026 will center on the integration of artificial intelligence into city-scale operations. The showcase is designed to highlight specific capabilities in sovereign AI and agentic AI, reflecting a growing regional interest in localized, autonomous intelligent systems. By emphasizing sovereign AI, the company addresses the increasing demand for data sovereignty and localized AI models that comply with national regulations and cultural contexts. This approach is particularly relevant in the Middle East, where governments are prioritizing the development of indigenous technological capabilities to ensure security and strategic independence. Agentic AI, which involves systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action, will be presented as a mechanism for enhancing operational efficiency across various sectors. These systems represent a shift from passive data analysis to active, intelligent automation, offering the potential to streamline complex urban processes. Furthermore, the exhibition will feature practical applications of digital twins and robotics. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets or systems—are increasingly utilized for urban planning, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring. When combined with robotics, these technologies offer potential solutions for complex urban challenges, from traffic management to infrastructure maintenance. The integration of AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations), cloud computing, and cybersecurity will also be highlighted, underlining the necessity of a robust and secure foundation for these advanced applications. A significant aspect of NTT DATA's presence at the event will be the emphasis on its strengthened regional capabilities. This strategic positioning follows the company's recent acquisition of Zero&One, a move designed to enhance its AI and cloud services footprint across the Middle East and Africa. The integration of Zero&One's expertise is expected to bolster NTT DATA's ability to deliver tailored digital transformation solutions to regional enterprises and government entities. This acquisition signals a commitment to expanding its market share in a rapidly growing digital economy, positioning the company to better serve the complex needs of its regional client base. The strategic focus on the Middle East aligns with broader industry trends, where global technology firms are increasingly investing in regional hubs to capitalize on government-led digital initiatives. Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Vision 2030 framework, represents a critical market for these services. By enhancing its local presence and capabilities, NTT DATA aims to position itself as a key partner in the Kingdom's digital transformation journey, offering solutions that range from cloud migration to advanced AI implementations. The acquisition of Zero&One provides NTT DATA with specialized local knowledge and technical capabilities, enabling a more nuanced and effective approach to regional market demands. During LEAP 2026, key executives from NTT DATA will participate in high-profile speaking sessions, providing insights into the evolving technology landscape. Denzil Samuels, Burcak Soydan, and Bill Wilson are scheduled to address topics such as AI advantage and enterprise IT transformation. These sessions are anticipated to offer a deeper understanding of the company's strategic direction and its perspective on