Hong Kong is strengthening its global ties through culture and sport, with the city earning praise from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for hosting the Saudi Super Cup. Federation president Yasser Al-Misehal expressed satisfaction with the event, and said he is open to bringing the competition back in future years.

The city has drawn over 250,000 football fans since Manchester United’s visit in May, and just this past week nearly 100,000 people flocked to events ranging from the Saudi Super Cup to concerts and theatre productions – about half of them visitors.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po noted that these exchanges have expanded Hong Kong’s relationship with the Middle East beyond finance and trade, now embracing cultural, artistic and sporting connections. He added that the sharing of traditions and histories lays a solid foundation for broader cooperation.

With the National Games and major concerts still ahead, Hong Kong continues to show its role as a “super connector” under “one country, two systems”, aligning with China’s push for deeper collaboration with the Global South.