Chief Executive John Lee has kicked off his trip to the Middle East by meeting with the Qatari leader and visiting the country's investment authority.

He's leading more than 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and the mainland in search of business opportunities in the region.

The delegation took a group photo at a hotel in Doha on Sunday morning, and the CE thanked the group in both Cantonese and Mandarin.

"I see that everyone's energetic after a long flight, and we all look forward to our trip in Qatar. Let's work hard," Lee said.

"I also see our comrades and representatives from the mainland, you all look energetic. I'm very much encouraged by this."

Lee then met with Qatar's Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the country's prime minister and foreign minister.

It is understood that the chief executive will take part in a luncheon hosted by a bank and have dinner with China's Ambassador to Qatar, Cao Xiaolin.

Earlier, Lee wrote on social media that Hong Kong will sign a series of memoranda of understanding with Qatar and Kuwait, covering areas such as trade, aviation and research.