Tahaluf, the organizer behind Saudi Arabia’s major tech event LEAP, has joined forces with global investment firm ewpartners to introduce LEAP East, a new Asia-Pacific edition set for Hong Kong from July 8-10, 2026. This marks the first time LEAP will be hosted outside Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing focus on Asia and positioning Hong Kong as a key entry point for Middle Eastern partnerships with China and the region.
His Excellency Faisal AlKhamisi, chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), announced the expansion at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, noting that LEAP East will offer a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders to collaborate and shape the future of technology.
According to the organizers, LEAP East is expected to draw over 25,000 visitors, feature more than 200 speakers, and host upwards of 300 exhibitors across sectors like AI, fintech, healthtech, and deeptech. Notable speakers will include Luanne Lim, CEO of HSBC Hong Kong; Jeanne Lim, CEO of beingAI and co-creator of Sophia the Robot; and Harry Man, founding partner at Matrix Partners. The event will also include startup showcases, investment zones, and exclusive networking opportunities.
The partnership was unveiled during the opening of ewpartners’ new Hong Kong office, attended by more than 100 senior officials and business leaders from both Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. Peter Yan, director general of Hong Kong’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), highlighted LEAP East’s potential to strengthen collaboration and innovation between the Middle East and Asia.
Since its inception in Riyadh in 2021 through a collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and SAFCSP, LEAP has rapidly grown. The 2025 edition attracted over 215,000 attendees, 1,800 exhibitors, and 1,600 investors, generating $14.9 billion in deals and an economic impact of $820 million, according to the organizers.
Annabelle Mander, executive vice president at Tahaluf, emphasized that expanding to Hong Kong is a strategic move to connect Saudi and Asia-Pacific innovators on a global stage. Jessica Wong, founder and managing partner of ewpartners, stated that LEAP East reflects their commitment to building high-value opportunities between the Middle East and Asia.
This collaboration aims to replicate LEAP Riyadh’s success and boost business tourism and cross-border partnerships throughout Asia.
