The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) celebrated 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, positioned on the Victoria Harbour waterfront. The summit served as a global bridge, bringing 300 startups and 600 investors—collectively representing more than US$6.5 trillion in assets under management—under one roof.
HML welcomed the first flagship edition of LEAP ever held outside the Middle East, marking Hong Kong's largest-ever inaugural technology event. The summit attracted over 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors, with a mix of 55% international and Chinese Mainland and 45% local participation. Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, stated, '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 added that the event has shown a strong desire to return to the HKCEC next year with larger floor space, bigger crowds, and even bolder ideas.
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. The venue also serves as a gateway for enterprises from the Chinese Mainland to connect with international partners. HML's proactive efforts to introduce Muslim-friendly facilities and services 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.' She praised the HKCEC for providing outstanding halal dining options, dedicated bilateral meeting rooms, and prayer facilities, making it the ideal venue.
HML applauds Tahaluf's commitment to making Hong Kong the exclusive Asian host city for LEAP East through a three-year run, and extends sincere thanks to the Government for its unwavering support of the convention and exhibition sector. The success of LEAP East reinforces Hong Kong's position as the premier MICE hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
