The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has celebrated the successful conclusion of LEAP East 2026, the historic Asian debut of Saudi Arabia's premier technology conference brand, LEAP. The three-day event, held from July 14 to 16, 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. It brought together 300 startups and 600 investors, collectively representing more than US$6.5 trillion in assets under management, marking Hong Kong's largest-ever inaugural technology event.
Ms. Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, highlighted the significance of the event: "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." She credited close collaboration between the Hong Kong SAR and Saudi Arabian governments for making the milestone possible. The summit attracted over 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors, with a mix of 55% international and Chinese Mainland participants and 45% local attendance.
LEAP East's success underscores Hong Kong's growing importance as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The HKCEC's world-class facilities and services, including Muslim-friendly amenities, played a crucial role. The venue became the first Gold-standard Muslim-Friendly MICE Venue, offering halal dining options, prayer facilities, and dedicated bilateral meeting rooms. Ms. Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, praised the venue: "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."
The event's importance extends beyond immediate economic benefits. LEAP East 2026 secured an exclusive three-year deal for Hong Kong as the sole Asian host city, with plans to return to the HKCEC in 2027. This commitment reinforces Hong Kong's position as a global innovation and technology leader. Ms. Lee-Müller noted that the HKCEC has welcomed major Asian debuts or city's first-ever events this year, all showing strong desire to return with larger floor space and bigger crowds. "I am absolutely delighted that LEAP East is among them," she added.
The implications for the technology industry are significant. LEAP East bridged Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions with Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem, fostering synergies in AI, FinTech, and beyond. The gathering of 600 investors with over US$6.5 trillion in assets under management signals robust investment opportunities for startups and established tech firms alike. For Hong Kong, the event bolsters its role as a gateway for Chinese Mainland enterprises to connect with international partners, as highlighted by Ms. Lee-Müller: "The venue also serves as a gateway for enterprises from the Chinese Mainland to connect with international partners and engage with the global business community."
Looking ahead, LEAP East's three-year commitment provides stability and growth potential for Hong Kong's MICE sector. The event's success, combined with the HKCEC's proactive efforts to cater to diverse cultures, positions Hong Kong as a premier destination for international conferences. The hashtag #HKCEC and the venue's social media presence on LinkedIn and Facebook reflect its commitment to global engagement. As the city continues to host landmark events, its status as a super-connector between East and West is set to strengthen, driving innovation and economic growth.
