International event organiser dmg events has announced two new major events in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Germany’s Koelnmesse.
A strategic joint venture between the partners paves the way for expansion into the Saudi Arabian hardware industry, with The International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia offering a platform for international and local industry players, while expanding Koelnmesse’s portfolio in the Middle East.
The new trade fair will take place annually at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC), with the first edition scheduled to run, 16-18 June 2025. It will offer international and local suppliers in the hardware and tools sector a unique opportunity to forge important business relationships with distributors, retailers and major customers who play a significant role in the burgeoning Saudi Arabian market.
“The launch of the International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia sends a strong message about our ambitions for global growth. We are leveraging our extensive know-how and the proven success of the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair in Cologne to establish a new platform in the rapidly growing Saudi Arabian market. Alongside our partner dmg events, we are excited to introduce this key industry event in Saudi Arabia,” said Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse.
Koelnmesse believes that, while other events focus only on specific segments, this trade fair is the first to provide a comprehensive, cross-industry platform dedicated exclusively to the hardware and tool sector in Saudi Arabia.
“We are excited to combine the strengths of two global event organisers, dmg events and Koelnmesse, to deliver more value for our customers. As the leading international event organiser in Saudi since 2011, we run over 30 events in the Kingdom, including the highly successful Big 5 Construct series, now in its 15th edition. Our local presence and strong relationships with key stakeholders offer unparalleled access to the Saudi market. This partnership aligns with our strategy of collaborating with the best to create opportunities, and we’re confident that together, we will unite a global and local community to meet the demands of the Saudi market,” said Matt Denton, president, dmg events.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing robust economic growth, with the construction industry in particular witnessing a surge in demand for building materials, DIY products, hardware and tools. The Saudi Arabian market for hardware and building materials is expected to generate sales of $9.27 n in 2024. For the tools and machinery market, sales are projected to reach $1.18bn in 2024.
The show launch follows the International Hardware Fair Italy in Bergamo and International Hardware Fair India in New Delhi, which had their premieres in 2023. In July 2024, El Gran Salón Ferretero took place in Bogotá for the first time, also with the participation of Koelnmesse.
The same partnership is also set to host the FSB Sports Show Riyadh, 16-18 June 2025 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC).
The Saudi Arabian sports market is experiencing remarkable growth, too. According to Bassem bin Khalil Ibrahim, director of investment development in the sports sector at the Ministry of Investment, the market rose to $7.2bn in 2023 and is expected to reach $22.4bn by 2030.
“With this trade fair, we are 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 key areas such as infrastructure for mass sports and sports facilities, as well as innovative solutions for modern exercise areas that meet the specific requirements of the region.
The launch of the FSB Sports Show Riyadh builds on the success of the FSB - International Trade Fair for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities, which has a legacy of more than 20 years in bringing together leading professionals, innovators and decision-makers from the sports, leisure and public space sectors.
“Leveraging the strength of the FSB brand and our long-standing expertise in organizing world-class events in Saudi Arabia, including Big 5 Construct Saudi and Saudi Infrastructure Expo, we are confident that FSB Sports Show Riyadh will deliver tremendous value for our local and global customers. This new event also supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, advancing the Kingdom's ambition to become a top global sports destination,” said Matt Denton, president, dmg events.
