The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has marked the successful conclusion of LEAP East 2026, the historic Asian debut of Saudi Arabia's premier technology conference brand, LEAP. Staged over three days, the inaugural event utilized over 35,000 square meters of rentable space across Hall 1 and Hall 3, positioning itself as a global bridge on the Victoria Harbour waterfront. The summit brought together 300 startups and 600 investors, collectively representing more than US$6.5 trillion in assets under management.
HML, the management company of HKCEC, confirmed that LEAP East was Hong Kong's largest-ever inaugural technology event, drawing over 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors. The participation mix comprised 55% international and Chinese Mainland attendees and 45% local participants. The event also solidified Hong Kong's role as a 'super-connector' and 'super value-adder' bridging economies, innovation, capital, and cultures, according to Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML.
The success of LEAP East underscores Hong Kong's strategic importance in the global technology ecosystem. With a three-year exclusive deal secured with Tahaluf, the co-creator of LEAP, the event is set to return to HKCEC in 2027, reinforcing the city's global leadership in innovation and technology. Ms Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf, highlighted the synergies between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, particularly in AI and FinTech, and praised HKCEC's facilities, including halal dining options and prayer rooms, which contributed to the event's success.
HML's proactive efforts to introduce Muslim-friendly facilities and services have earned HKCEC the distinction of being the first venue accredited as a Gold-standard Muslim-Friendly MICE Venue. This accreditation played a key role in hosting LEAP East and enhancing Hong Kong's appeal as a premier MICE hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The venue also serves as a gateway for Chinese Mainland enterprises to connect with international partners.
The significance of this event extends beyond the immediate economic impact. It positions Hong Kong as a critical link between the Middle East and Asia, attracting significant investment and fostering collaboration in cutting-edge technologies. For readers, this development signals increased opportunities for business networking, investment, and access to global tech innovations in Hong Kong. The three-year commitment from Tahaluf ensures that Hong Kong will continue to be a focal point for tech summits, potentially driving further growth in the local tech ecosystem and reinforcing the city's status as a leading international business hub.
HML expressed gratitude for the close collaboration between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the unwavering support from the Government for the convention and exhibition sector. For more information, visit HKCEC's website and follow their updates on LinkedIn.
