Three of the world’s top 10 exhibition companies have announced the opening of offices in Saudi Arabia, tapping into the rapid growth of the sector in the Kingdom. This was revealed on the opening day of the International Exhibition and Conference Summit, taking place in Riyadh from December 15 to 17.
Moreover, 19 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed during the event to support the development of the exhibitions and conferences sector.
Fahd Al-Rasheed, Chairman of the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences, described the first day of the summit as highly successful, with significant announcements, including the launch of 12 new events and the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding. These steps underscore Saudi Arabia’s emergence as one of the world’s premier destinations for exhibitions and conferences.
Al-Rasheed highlighted the strategic role of the exhibitions and conferences sector in driving transformation. He noted that the sector showcases the unprecedented opportunities available in the Kingdom under Vision 2030 while fostering innovation, attracting investment, and building partnerships across diverse economic sectors.
Leading global companies RX Global, Messe Munich, and Clarion announced the establishment of new offices in Saudi Arabia. The move aims to support the Kingdom’s ambitious growth plans for its exhibitions and conferences industry over the next decade.
The summit saw the signing of four key memorandums of understanding with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Events Investment Fund, and the National Events Center.
Over the next two days, the summit will focus on encouraging investment in the exhibitions and conferences sector, developing innovative and future-focused event spaces, and addressing global sustainability challenges within the industry.
The inaugural edition of the International Exhibition and Conference Summit is being hosted in Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk), with participation from over 1,000 global leaders in the exhibitions and conferences industry. Representatives from 73 countries are attending, working together to reshape the future of the sector.
