From Saudi to Hong Kong: Tahaluf, ewpartners take LEAP global with Asia debut

Gulf Business

15 hours ago

Annabelle Mander, EVP at Tahaluf, along with Jessica Wong, founder and managing partner of ewpartners.
Tahaluf, the organiser of Saudi Arabia's flagship technology event LEAP, has announced a strategic partnership with global investment firm ewpartners to launch LEAP East, a new Asia-Pacific edition of the mega event.
It will take place in Hong Kong from 8-10 July 2026, marking the first time LEAP is held outside the Kingdom.
The move underscores Saudi Arabia's deepening strategic focus on Asia and positions Hong Kong as a new gateway for Middle Eastern engagement with China and the broader region.
'With this timely and strategic expansion, we are bringing LEAP's award-winning vision and world-class innovation into this exciting new Hong Kong venture, creating a powerful platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to connect, collaborate and build the future of technology,' said Faisal AlKhamisi, chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), during an announcement at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh.
'Attendees will engage directly with the world's leading innovators, investors, and industry pioneers, making LEAP East a must-attend event for anyone shaping the digital future,' he added.
LEAP East is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors, more than 200 speakers, and 300+ exhibitors across AI, fintech, healthtech, deeptech and more. Featured 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 feature investment zones, startup showcases and exclusive networking sessions such as LEAP East Nights.
The announcement was made during the opening of ewpartners' new Hong Kong office, attended by over 100 senior officials and business leaders from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. Attendees included representatives from OASES, HKEX, UBS, and HSBC.
Peter Yan, director general of Hong Kong's Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), said LEAP East 'could serve as a dynamic bridge between Hong Kong and the Middle East, empowering enterprises to collaborate, co-develop innovations, and unlock new market opportunities together. We appreciate ewpartners' pivotal role in making this initiative a reality, strengthening cross-regional partnerships, driving global growth through shared success, and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a global innovation hub.'
LEAP was launched in Riyadh in 2021 through a partnership with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and SAFCSP. In 2025, the event drew 215,000+ attendees, 1,800+ exhibitors, and 1,600+ investors, generating $14.9bn in announced deals and an economic impact of $820m.
Annabelle Mander, executive vice president at Tahaluf, said: 'LEAP was created in Riyadh to position Saudi Arabia as a global innovation hub. After four record-breaking editions, we're taking our next bold step, bringing LEAP to Hong Kong. This city is not only a gateway to Asia, but a proven launchpad for global ambitions. Through our partnership with ewpartners, we're proud to build a platform that unites Saudi and Asian-Pacific innovators on one world stage.'
Jessica Wong, founder and managing partner of ewpartners, added: 'Our mission at ewpartners is to unlock high-value opportunities between the Middle East and Asia. We have been partnering with Tahaluf on LEAP for 5 years, and LEAP East further reflects that mission in action. Hong Kong has the connectivity, credibility, and creativity to host Asia's most ambitious tech platform, and we are honoured to help bring it to life.'
The collaboration aims to mirror the impact of LEAP's Riyadh editions and drive significant business tourism and cross-border partnerships across Asia.