Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said Sunday that Saudi Vision 2030 has introduced transformative sectors such as tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment, which are poised to significantly impact the exhibitions and conferences industry.
In remarks at the inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24), organized by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) in Riyadh from December 15 to 17, Al Khateeb highlighted the importance of strategic investments, tourism growth, and public-private partnerships in elevating the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for exhibitions and conferences.
He emphasized that these efforts will drive innovation and shape the future of the global event industry.
With over 1,000 leaders from the global exhibitions and conferences sector representing 73 countries in attendance, the minister underscored the critical role of leading events in shaping the Kingdom’s future. He pointed out that Riyadh is rapidly advancing toward becoming a global center for exhibitions and conferences, supported by projects such as new airports, hotels, resorts, and advanced infrastructure designed to realize this vision.
Al Khateeb also emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in supporting Saudi Arabia's economy, with an ambitious goal to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, further solidifying the Kingdom’s status as a premier global destination.
