Hong Kong Emerges as a Global Innovation Capital as LEAP East 2026 Brings Saudi Arabia’s World

Hong Kong Emerges as a Global Innovation Capital as LEAP East 2026 Brings Saudi Arabia’s World-Famous Technology Summit to Asia for the First Time, Creating a Landmark Platform for Startups, Investors and Digital Transformation

Hong Kong has reinforced its position as a leading global technology and innovation hub following the successful completion of LEAP East 2026, the first Asian edition of Saudi Arabia’s internationally acclaimed LEAP technology event. Organised as a major international gathering for the technology ecosystem, the three-day event marked a significant milestone by bringing together global innovators, investors, entrepreneurs and technology leaders in Hong Kong for the first time.

Hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the event demonstrated the city’s growing influence in the global technology sector while creating new opportunities for cross-border collaboration, investment and innovation.

LEAP East 2026 Creates Historic Technology Platform in Hong Kong

LEAP East 2026 became one of the most significant technology events ever hosted in Hong Kong, establishing a new benchmark for large-scale innovation gatherings in the city. The event occupied more than 35,000 square metres of exhibition and conference space across Hall 1 and Hall 3 of the HKCEC, creating a comprehensive platform for companies, investors and technology experts to showcase ideas, explore partnerships and discuss the future of digital transformation.

Positioned along the world-famous Victoria Harbour waterfront, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre provided an internationally recognised venue for the event. The location further strengthened Hong Kong’s image as a destination capable of hosting major global business events that connect Asia with markets worldwide.

The first-ever Asian edition of LEAP represented a major expansion of the event’s international footprint beyond the Middle East. Its arrival in Hong Kong highlighted the city’s strategic importance in the global technology landscape and reflected increasing demand for international platforms that bring together innovation communities from different regions.

The event attracted more than 25,000 participants from across the world, including technology specialists, investors, entrepreneurs, government representatives and industry professionals. The strong attendance demonstrated the rising importance of Hong Kong as a meeting point for global technology exchange and investment opportunities.

Global Investors and Startups Drive Innovation Growth at LEAP East

A key highlight of LEAP East 2026 was the strong participation from startups and investment communities. The event welcomed 300 startups alongside 600 investors, representing a combined asset base of more than US$6.5 trillion under management.

The presence of leading investors created valuable opportunities for emerging technology companies seeking funding, partnerships and international expansion. Startups were able to present innovative solutions across multiple technology sectors while engaging directly with global decision-makers and potential investment partners.

The participation of such a large investment community also reflected the growing connection between technology development and financial markets. As innovation continues to reshape industries worldwide, events like LEAP East provide important platforms where entrepreneurs can access resources, build relationships and accelerate growth.

The event also supported greater collaboration between international and Chinese Mainland technology communities. With 55% of attendees arriving from international markets and the Chinese Mainland, the summit highlighted Hong Kong’s ability to bridge different technology ecosystems. Local participants accounted for 45% of attendance, demonstrating strong domestic engagement and interest in global innovation trends.

Hong Kong Expands Role as Asia’s Technology and Innovation Gateway

The successful launch of LEAP East 2026 further strengthened Hong Kong’s reputation as a global centre for technology, business and innovation. The event showcased the city’s ability to attract international technology communities while providing a platform for meaningful cooperation between investors, businesses and innovators.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML) also recognised the importance of continued support from stakeholders in developing the city’s convention and exhibition sector. The organisation welcomed Tahaluf’s commitment to making Hong Kong the exclusive Asian host city for LEAP East through a three-year programme, reinforcing confidence in the city’s long-term potential as a destination for major international technology events.

The continued hosting of LEAP East is expected to create further opportunities for knowledge exchange, business connections and technology partnerships in the coming years. It will also contribute to Hong Kong’s broader ambition of strengthening its position within the global innovation network.

With its world-class infrastructure, strategic location and strong international connectivity, Hong Kong continues to emerge as a key destination for technology conferences, investment forums and innovation-driven events. The success of LEAP East 2026 marks an important step in expanding the city’s role as a global technology hub and demonstrates its ability to bring together leading minds shaping the future of digital innovation.

Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, commented, “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 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 or city’s 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.”

Ms Lee-Müller added, “In support of Hong Kong’s strategic development plans, HML will continue to position the HKCEC as a leading platform where diverse industries can demonstrate 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 Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) hub in Asia. The venue also serves as a gateway for enterprises from the Chinese Mainland to connect with international partners and engage with global business community. Simultaneously, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for visitors of all cultures. Our proactive efforts to introduce Muslim-friendly facilities and services have earned the HKCEC the distinction of being the first venue accredited as a Gold-standard Muslim-Friendly MICE Venue—contributing to the success of LEAP East.”

Ms Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, commented, “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. From outstanding halal dining options for our Saudi visitors to dedicated bilateral meeting rooms and prayer facilities, the venue provides everything I could want as both a host and an attendee. It has been perfect for us.”

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Corporation (HML) has welcomed Tahaluf’s decision to establish Hong Kong as the sole Asian host destination for LEAP East for a three-year period. The organisation also expressed appreciation to the Government for its continuous backing and strong commitment to strengthening the city’s convention and exhibition industry.

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