International exhibition organiser dmg events is set to launch two new events in Saudi Arabia: the Saudi Sports and Leisure Facilities (SSLF) Expo and Sports Build Show. The launches are part of the organiser's 2024 expansion plan for a bigger portfolio across sports and leisure sectors in the Kingdom. The new launches are also expected to drive economic and investment opportunities in the Kingdom's booming billion-dollar sports and leisure sectors.
The co-location of the events, which take place 8–10 October 2024 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, brings products and services from build to fit out and management stages.
Saudi Arabia is currently investing big in sports projects, such as the 135km-long Sports Boulevard, Trojena by NEOM (host of the Asian Winter Games in 2029) and Qiddiya, the Kingdom’s emerging capital for entertainment, sports and culture. The events, SSLF Expo & Sports Build Show will provide a platform for global and local suppliers to do business with over 7,000 key buyers.
With around SAR10bn pegged for new sporting facilities, coupled with the Kingdom's goal of hosting approximately 400 sporting events annually, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative boom as it aggressively looks to develop as a global sports and leisure destination. GDP from sports in the Kingdom grew from SAR2.4bn (US$640m) in 2016 to SAR6.5bn in 2019, and the Ministry of Sports expects the figure to grow further to SAR18bn by 2030.
The Sports Build Show, says dmg events, aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 commitment to sporting excellence and hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The Saudi authorities predict the market value of the sports industry in the country to hit SAR84bn by 2030.
“The forecast ties directly into the momentum generated by these new events in Saudi Arabia. The exhibitions will help businesses leverage the opportunities created by the booming sports infrastructure industry and allow local and international exhibitors to meet prospective buyers to expand their businesses,” said Muhammed Kazi, vice-president – construction at dmg events.
“Drawing from our extensive experience in the events industry, exemplified by our successful organisation of the Big 5 construction events, we are now breaking new ground with the Sports Build Show. This venture signifies our commitment to innovation and diversification, as we explore the intricacies of the sports construction vertical,” added Kazi.
Andy White, senior vice-president, design and hospitality at dmg events says the swift transformation of Saudi Arabia's sports industry has turned it into a formidable global player.
“This is why our launches of the two events, together with the expansion of our portfolio next year is so significant; it marks an important chapter for us at dmg events as we direct our attention towards cultivating fresh opportunities in the nation's sports and leisure sector, while also highlighting investment prospects for our international partners,” said White.
Running for three days, SSLF Expo and Sports Build Show will feature summits and workshops. For more information on the events, visit www.saudisportsfacilities.com and www.sportsbuildshow.com.
