The first LEAP East summit, held outside Saudi Arabia, concluded in Hong Kong on July 10, 2026, drawing more than 35,000 technology professionals, policymakers, and investors from 30 countries and regions. The three-day event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre featured over 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors, and over 400 investors, covering artificial intelligence, deep tech, smart cities, and new energy industries.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG), highlighted the significance of the turnout, stating, 'This turnout speaks volumes about the global appeal of LEAP East and the strength of our shared vision.' He also announced that the conference will continue to be held in Hong Kong for the next three years.
The event underscored the deepening partnership between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, attended the opening ceremony alongside Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSARG.
Chan emphasized Hong Kong's unique advantages as a gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world. 'Hong Kong is perhaps the only city in the world that connects seamlessly to both the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world at the same time,' he said. He noted the city's common law system, robust intellectual property protection, free flow of capital, goods, talent, and data, as well as its simple and low tax regime.
Inviting Saudi and Gulf enterprises to use Hong Kong as an international fundraising and risk-management platform, Chan expressed the HKSAR's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia in innovation, infrastructure, green technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and professional services.
Professor Sun highlighted the HKSARG's progress in promoting innovation and technology (I&T). The number of start-ups in Hong Kong has surged by 40% since 2021, reaching 5,200 in 2025. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally in the Global Innovation Index 2025, and Hong Kong ranked fourth globally in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025 and second in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026. Hong Kong also topped the world in IPOs in 2025, with 119 listings raising approximately US$35 billion.
Professor Sun met with Mr. Alswaha to discuss I&T collaborations. 'This international gathering reflects the rising global I&T momentum, and Hong Kong is proud to serve as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' for international exchanges,' he said.
Chan revealed plans to lead a Hong Kong delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year, bringing leading companies in infrastructure, green tech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, along with finance and professional services professionals, to explore concrete projects and partnerships.
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