The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) hosted the first LEAP East from July 12-14, 2026, marking the inaugural technology summit in Asia for Saudi Arabia's premier tech conference brand. The event, which utilized over 35,000 square meters across Hall 1 and Hall 3, drew 300 startups and 600 investors representing more than US$6.5 trillion in assets under management, with total attendance exceeding 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors.
The summit's composition was 55% international and Mainland Chinese participants and 45% local attendees, underscoring Hong Kong's strategic role as a bridge between global markets. Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, stated that the event's success demonstrates Hong Kong's function as a 'super-connector' and 'super value-adder' bridging economies, innovation, capital, and cultures. She credited close collaboration between the Hong Kong SAR and Saudi Arabian governments for making the milestone possible.
HML confirmed that LEAP East will return to HKCEC under an exclusive three-year deal, with the next edition scheduled for 2027. This commitment follows a pattern of major Asian debuts and city-first events choosing HKCEC, with many expressing intentions to expand floor space, crowds, and ideas in subsequent years. The venue's management highlighted its role in supporting Hong Kong's strategic development as a premier MICE hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Ms Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, emphasized that the event serves as a bridge to the wider technology ecosystem, noting synergies between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong in AI, FinTech, and other sectors. She praised HKCEC's facilities, including halal dining options, bilateral meeting rooms, and prayer facilities, which contributed to the event's success.
The summit's impact extends beyond immediate attendance figures. For business leaders and technology executives, LEAP East represents a platform for cross-border investment and collaboration, particularly in AI and financial technology. The presence of 600 investors with substantial assets under management signals significant capital flows into the region's tech ecosystem. For Hong Kong, securing a three-year commitment for a major international tech summit reinforces its position as a global innovation hub, competing with other Asian tech destinations.
HML's proactive efforts to introduce Muslim-friendly facilities and services earned HKCEC accreditation as the first Gold-standard Muslim-Friendly MICE Venue, a factor that contributed to LEAP East's success. The venue's management stated it will continue positioning HKCEC as a platform for diverse industries to demonstrate achievements, exchange insights, and unlock opportunities.
For more information, visit the HKCEC website or follow their updates on LinkedIn.
