The International Exhibitions and Conferences Summit 2025 (IMS25) kicked off in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia , attracting over 3,000 participants, including industry leaders and international experts. The first day was marked by significant activity, featuring 20 major announcements, including the signing of six strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements are poised to reshape the landscape of the business events industry in the Kingdom and support its journey towards becoming a leading global destination in this vital sector.
General context: The exhibitions and conferences sector as a pillar of Vision 2030
The organization of this summit comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the major economic and social transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the framework of Vision 2030. Since the launch of the Vision, the Kingdom has been working to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil, with the tourism, entertainment, and business events (MICE) sector emerging as a key driver in achieving this goal. Through hosting and organizing major international events, Saudi Arabia aims to attract foreign investment, enhance knowledge and cultural exchange, create thousands of job opportunities for Saudi talent, and solidify its image as a global hub open to business and innovation.
Day 1 details: Strategic partnerships and accelerated growth
The first day's key announcements included confirmation from several major international trade fair organizers that they will officially enter the Saudi market by 2026. This expansion reflects growing international investor confidence in the Saudi business environment and the promising opportunities it offers. A major outcome of the summit was the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding ( MoUs) aimed at supporting the development of the sector's infrastructure. These include the establishment of a multi-purpose conference and exhibition center in Jazan, as part of the $2.9 billion Jazan Waterfront project, further demonstrating the geographical expansion of events beyond major cities.
Importance and expected impact: Enhancing regional and international standing
The significance of these partnerships lies in their anticipated impact across various levels. Locally , they will accelerate infrastructure development, empower local businesses, and train Saudi talent. Regionally , these steps solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading hub for business events in the Middle East, enhancing its competitiveness. Internationally , they strengthen the Kingdom's integration into the global economy and establish it as a platform for thought leaders and decision-makers from around the world to converge.
In this context, Fahd bin Abdulmohsen Al-Rasheed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Conferences and Exhibitions (SCEGA), stated that “the size and diversity of the announcements embody the established position that the business events industry in the Kingdom has attained as a major driver of economic transformation and the strengthening of global connectivity.”.
World-class infrastructure
The General Authority for Conferences and Exhibitions released its report, “Saudi Arabia’s Events Infrastructure 2025,” which revealed record growth. Capacity increased by 32% year-on-year, and exhibition space expanded by a staggering 320% since 2018, reaching over 300,000 square meters. This capacity is concentrated in Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province, with ongoing expansion into promising new destinations such as Al-Ula, Asir, and Najran, further enriching the Kingdom’s events landscape.
