Where Asia Meets the Middle East: LEAP East Establishes Hong Kong as Technology's Newest Global Bridge
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Hong Kong has strengthened its position as one of Asia's leading innovation hubs after hosting the first ever LEAP event outside the Middle East. Bringing together more than 25,000 technology professionals, 300 startups and 600 global investors managing over $6.5 trillion in assets, LEAP East made a landmark debut at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC.) This success has already been confirmed by an exclusive three year agreement that will keep the event in the city through 2027.
by Archie Marshall || 23 July 2026
Staged over three days at HKCEC, LEAP East 2026 occupied more than 35,000 square metres across Halls 1 and 3, transforming Hong Kong's iconic waterfront venue into a meeting place for entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and technology leaders from around the world.
The inaugural Asian edition also became the first LEAP event ever held outside Saudi Arabia, highlighting Hong Kong's growing role as a gateway connecting the technology ecosystems of Asia, the Middle East and the wider international business community. More than half of attendees came from overseas or mainland China, with 55% international and mainland participation and 45% local visitors, reflecting the event's global reach.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural edition, Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), (pictured below) said:
"The resounding success of LEAP East perfectly demonstrates Hong Kong's strategic role as a 'super-connector' and 'super value-adder' bridging economies, innovation, capital, and cultures. We are deeply grateful for the close collaboration between the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which made this milestone possible. This year, HML has welcomed major Asian debuts and first-ever events with tremendous success. These events have shown a strong desire to return to the HKCEC next year with larger floor space, bigger crowds, and even bolder ideas and I am absolutely delighted that LEAP East is among them."
"HML will continue to position the HKCEC as a leading platform where diverse industries can demonstrate the latest achievements, exchange insights and unlock new opportunities. Through our world-class facilities and professional services, the HKCEC plays a pivotal role in reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the premier MICE hub in Asia."
The event's organisers also see Hong Kong as the ideal long-term base for LEAP's expansion across Asia. Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, (pictured below) said:
"LEAP East is far more than just an event; it is a bridge to the wider technology ecosystem. We see immense synergies between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, particularly in their shared ambitions and thriving technology hubs across AI, FinTech, and beyond. Hong Kong was the natural choice to launch a brand like LEAP, and the HKCEC has proven to be the ideal venue to foster collaboration and innovation."
With the successful inaugural edition now complete, Tahaluf has confirmed Hong Kong as the exclusive Asian host city for LEAP East under a three year agreement. The long term commitment not only secures the event's return to the HKCEC through 2027 but also reinforces Hong Kong's growing role as a strategic meeting point where technology, investment and international collaboration converge.
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