LEAP East is set to make its first appearance outside Riyadh in Hong Kong, marking a major step in the growing technology and fintech relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Asia-Pacific region.
The event, scheduled for July 8 to 10, 2026, has received formal support from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. This backing positions Hong Kong as a strategic gateway for deeper collaboration between Middle Eastern capital, Asian innovation hubs and global technology companies.
The move also highlights the increasing importance of cross-border investment corridors linking the Gulf region with Asia’s fast-growing digital economy.
Hong Kong Positioned as a Launchpad for Regional Expansion
Hong Kong’s role in the upcoming LEAP East event reflects its long-standing position as a financial and commercial gateway to mainland China and the wider Asia-Pacific market.
With its established financial infrastructure, international business environment and access to the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong offers a strong platform for technology firms, fintech companies, investors and policymakers seeking regional growth.
The event is expected to bring together public sector leaders, investors, startups and enterprise technology firms focused on areas including fintech, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance and enterprise software.
Saudi Arabia Expands LEAP’s Global Reach
LEAP’s original platform in Riyadh has grown into one of the world’s major technology gatherings. The event is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and Tahaluf.
The expansion into Hong Kong signals Saudi Arabia’s ambition to extend its digital economy strategy beyond the Middle East and create stronger links with Asia’s capital markets and engineering ecosystems.
For fintech companies, this could open new opportunities in payments, digital banking, cross-border settlement, regulatory technology and financial infrastructure.
Strong Public and Private Sector Support
LEAP East has also attracted support from a range of regional and industry organisations. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises is joining as a supporting partner, while other groups including the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund and the FinTech Association of Hong Kong are also involved.
Their participation is expected to help connect international companies with Hong Kong’s business ecosystem, while supporting dialogue around investment, regulation and market entry.
This combination of government support and private sector participation could make LEAP East an important meeting point for companies looking to operate across Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, mainland China and broader APAC markets.
Fintech, AI and Deep Tech Take Centre Stage
The event will feature speakers and organisations across fintech, artificial intelligence, enterprise technology and advanced computing.
Airwallex, Zhipu AI, Toshiba, Sony AI, Wipro and Insilico Medicine are among the companies represented in the programme. Topics are expected to include cross-border financial infrastructure, multi-currency settlement, artificial intelligence, privacy regulation, data sovereignty, digital transformation and life sciences innovation.
The involvement of HKAI Lab also points to Hong Kong’s growing role in the artificial intelligence startup ecosystem, particularly as companies and regulators consider how AI models should be deployed across highly regulated industries.
Investor Programme to Connect Startups With Capital
A key feature of LEAP East will be its Tech Investor Program, designed to connect startups with venture capital firms, institutional investors and strategic partners.
The programme is expected to include curated roundtables, investor matchmaking and closed-door discussions focused on market expansion, funding and policy alignment.
For startups in fintech and deep tech, this could provide a direct route to investors and enterprise partners across both Asia and the Middle East.
Why LEAP East Matters for Fintech
The launch of LEAP East in Hong Kong comes at a time when fintech companies are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets for growth.
Cross-border payments, embedded finance, digital assets, banking infrastructure and compliance technology all require strong regional partnerships. By linking Saudi Arabia’s digital economy ambitions with Hong Kong’s financial and technology ecosystem, LEAP East could help accelerate new fintech partnerships between the Gulf and Asia.
The event also reflects a broader shift in global technology investment, where capital, talent and regulation are becoming more interconnected across regions.
A New Saudi-APAC Innovation Corridor
LEAP East’s Hong Kong debut is more than a geographic expansion of a major technology event. It represents the formation of a new Saudi-APAC innovation corridor built around fintech, AI, digital infrastructure and investment.
With official Hong Kong government backing and strong participation from regional technology and finance organisations, the event could become a major platform for companies seeking to scale between the Middle East and Asia.
As global fintech markets continue to evolve, LEAP East may play a key role in shaping how capital, technology and policy move across these two fast-growing regions.