Lead

Hong Kong has cemented its position as a global hub for innovation and technology by securing a three-year deal to host LEAP East, the Asian edition of Saudi Arabia’s flagship tech conference. The inaugural event, which concluded on Friday, drew more than 25,000 visitors over three days, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The city will serve as the event’s sole Asian host for the next three years.

The announcement came as Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po used the opening ceremony to unveil plans for another business delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year, underscoring deepening ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East.

Coverage Comparison

Three reports from the South China Morning Post provide a consistent and largely positive narrative of Hong Kong’s growing role in the global technology landscape and its strengthening relationship with Saudi Arabia. All three articles emphasize the strategic significance of the LEAP East partnership, the city’s appeal as a gateway to mainland China, and the potential for cooperation between the two regions.

The first report focuses on the Tourism Board’s assessment that the exclusive hosting arrangement “affirms” Hong Kong’s status as a global I&T hub. The second highlights the interest of Elm, a Saudi Arabian tech firm backed by the kingdom’s sovereign Public Investment Fund, in partnering with local authorities on a smart city project. The third centers on Chan’s delegation plans and his remarks about the “enormous potential” for collaboration, linking the initiative to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 blueprint.

While the reports differ in their lead emphasis, they share a positive tone and rely on direct quotes from officials and company executives, presenting the developments as mutually beneficial.

Key Claims

  • Hong Kong hosted the LEAP East exhibition, which drew more than 25,000 visitors over three days. The three-day conference in Wan Chai attracted about 35,000 participants from more than 30 countries and territories, according to one report.
  • Hong Kong will be the sole Asian host for the LEAP East exhibition for the next three years. The Tourism Board confirmed the city’s exclusive role, with chairman Peter Lam Kin-ngok calling it a “significant partnership” that demonstrates global industry confidence.
  • A Saudi Arabian tech giant has expressed strong interest in partnering with local authorities to co-develop a smart city in Hong Kong. Majid Saad Al-Arifi, executive vice-president of marketing at Elm, said the visit marked the firm’s first step into the Asian market. He noted that while discussions with Hong Kong officials were brief, the company had a strong “appetite” for exploring the Northern Metropolis project.
  • Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po plans to lead a business delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year. This will be his second trip to the kingdom since October 2025. The delegation will include representatives from infrastructure, green technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, as well as finance and investment professionals.
  • Saudi Arabia has a strategic development blueprint called Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the kingdom’s economic reliance on crude oil. Chan referenced the plan in his remarks, saying it “inspires” him on every visit.
  • Hong Kong has hosted other innovation and technology events such as Consensus Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival. These events, along with LEAP East, have made the city a “convergence point” for three of the world’s top I&T events, according to Lam.

Perspectives

Hong Kong Government and Tourism Board: Officials, including Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Tourism Board chairman Peter Lam, frame the LEAP East hosting as a validation of Hong Kong’s global I&T standing and a catalyst for deeper ties with Saudi Arabia. Chan highlighted the “enormous potential” for cooperation and described both regions as “gateways” to their respective markets.

Saudi Corporate Sector: Majid Saad Al-Arifi of Elm expressed strong interest in entering the Asian market through Hong Kong, citing the city as a strategic gateway. He indicated the firm’s desire to explore partnerships, particularly around the Northern Metropolis project.

Saudi Government (as reflected in official remarks): Saudi Arabia’s consul general in Hong Kong, Mazin Alhimali, was quoted earlier saying that Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to mainland China was a key reason it was chosen to host the forum, reinforcing the kingdom’s interest in leveraging the city’s connectivity.