IMS25 (International MICE Summit 2025) opened in Riyadh with more than 3,000 attendees from 76 countries in attendance – and delivered 20 commercial agreements and MoUs. The event confirmed new offices, new trade shows and record venue growth across Saudi Arabia’s business events sector.
Six global exhibition and event companies announced plans to open offices in Riyadh. These include Messe Frankfurt, Koelnmesse, MCH Group and Oak View Group. Comexposium and Honegger will also enter the Saudi market in 2026, marking a significant expansion of international operators across the Kingdom’s MICE landscape.
Two new global events were confirmed. Messe Munich will launch BAUMA Saudi Arabia, and RX Global will launch MIPIM Arabia – which will support infrastructure, construction and real-estate investment as Saudi Arabia continues large-scale development under Vision 2030.
SCEGA reported major increases in venue capacity; its new 2025 Saudi Venue Infrastructure Report shows capacity up 32% year-on-year across 923 accredited venues. The report notes that exhibition space has grown 320% since 2018, now totalling 300,520 sqm.
His Excellency Fahd bin Abdulmohsen Al-Rasheed, chairman of SCEGA, said: “The partnerships delivered through the International MICE Summit will strengthen the Kingdom’s infrastructure, empower Saudi talent, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for international collaboration, in support of Vision 2030.”
Six MoUs were also signed with national authorities and organisations. These agreements include plans for a multipurpose convention centre in Jizan City. It forms part of the Jaydana Waterfront project, valued at $2.9bn, which aims to support long-term events sector growth.
IMS25 continues on Thursday with sessions on investment, innovation clusters and the Future MICE Leaders Platform.
A gala dinner will also take place to recognise excellence in global events and exhibitions.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
Comments are closed.