Show launches creating a new platform that will enable companies from the participating sectors to position themselves prominently in the dynamic Saudi Arabian market ,” said Gerald Böse , CEO of Koelnmesse . “ Together with our long-term partner at FSB , the IAKS ( International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities ), and our new partner dmg events , we are delighted to establish this important industry event in Saudi Arabia .”
The FSB Sports Show Riyadh will focus on infrastructure for mass sports and sports facilities .
The launch of the show builds on the success of the FSB - International Trade Fair for Public Space , Sports and Leisure Facilities , which has been bringing together leading professionals , from the sports , leisure and public space sectors for 20 years .
Denton does acknowledge challenges in the Saudi market , particularly with venue availability . He told EW : “ The majority of our events are hosted in the RICEC and Riyadh Front and the teams in both venues are working hard with us to maximise the space available , while maintaining the visitor experience . However , the demand is so great we just can ’ t fit some events into the spaces available and are breaking up some broader events into multiple editions and topics . The Big 5 Construct Saudi in February is leading the charge with two editions across two weeks . We are taking the larger
Riyadh Front , maximising the available space with marquees and outdoor areas and focusing on heavy construction in Week 1 , then more design and fitout in Week 2 . We hope to create a fortnight of construction in Riyadh to celebrate the industry and opportunities .
“ It begs the question , given the demand and growth , of what we will do in 2026 , but we are working on that and the venues , authorities and Saudi events industry are being hugely supportive . All are working hard to address this venue shortage and we are party to many plans and initiatives . This phase will pass soon , as the industry and infrastructure mature and we progress towards Saudi Vision 2030 ,” Denton added . EW
Saudi launches International MICE Summit
Over 1,000 global cross-industry and government leaders are expected to attend a three-day interactive programme this December in one of the world ’ s fastest growing MICE destinations – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA ).
The Saudi MICE market is projected to expand exponentially with hallmark events such as World Expo 2030 , expected to attract 40.7m visits to KSA alone .
This growing demand is to be accommodated by the launch of a new airline and airport expansion , one million square metres of expected venue space and 854,000 hotel rooms by 2030 .
The International MICE Summit ( IMS24 ) is launching ( at very short notice ), 15-17 December 2024 at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City ( MISK ) in Riyadh , hosted by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority ( SCEGA ).
Under the theme of ‘ Expanding Horizons ’, the event programme is designed to unite MICE industry leaders , suppliers , associations , Giga-project leaders , disruptors and international
Above : SCEGA chairman , His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed speaking in Cologne
cross-industry and government leaders .
“ In a time marked by profound technological and environmental transformation , the MICE industry has emerged as an essential catalyst of change . By focusing on the future of the industry , IMS24 addresses the needs of a globalised world – reshaping how people , cultures and countries connect to create prosperity ,” IMS host and chairman of SCEGA , His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed told a C-suite gathering of exhibition organisers in Cologne for the UFI Global Congress recently .
The Kingdom is the fastest growing major MICE destination among G20 countries , His Excellency said , noting MICE events in Saudi Arabia had witnessed an increase of close to 15 % in 2023 , with almost 17,000 events .
IMS24 coincides with the Kingdom ’ s continued transformation as Saudi Arabia solidifies itself as a major global tourism and events destination . Welcoming almost 110m visitors in 2023 , tourism comprises six percent of Saudi Arabia ’ s GDP , equating to 255bn SAR ( US $ 68bn ), His Excellency said .
The Saudi MICE sector is expected to accelerate growth through the rapid expansion of transportation and event infrastructure , supported by the development of Giga-projects offering destination experiences , and enhanced connectivity between the Kingdom and the rest of the world .
SCEGA continues to drive these transformative developments , most recently by announcing an incentive programme to support marquee events in 2025 . EW www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 6 2024 29