Gulf Business’ Saudi Business and Investment Summit at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers
Saudi Arabia’s events industry is on track to generate a total economic impact of $17.6bn between 2023 and the end of 2025, underscoring the Kingdom’s emergence as a global hub for business and investment.
The figure, highlighted by Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, in his opening keynote at the Gulf Business Saudi Business and Investment Summit, held on 3 September, reflects $5.2bn in direct spend and $12.4bn in at-event transactions. This momentum places Saudi Arabia’s events sector on par with some of the world’s largest gatherings, such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
Champion noted that Tahaluf — the joint venture driving many of these large-scale conferences and exhibitions — has been cited in 36 per cent of cabinet mentions by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the highest recognition for any single event organiser in the Kingdom. With over 1 million attendees expected in 2025, including 100,000 international visitors, the sector is not only fueling business tourism but also reinforcing the Kingdom’s strategic positioning as a magnet for global commerce.
Champion revealed that the scale of economic activity that is being witnessed in Saudi Arabia is transformative, framing the events industry as both a catalyst for diversification under Vision 2030 and a showcase of the region’s ability to host world-class platforms for international trade and collaboration.
For businesses eyeing the Saudi market, the forecast signals unprecedented opportunities across sectors ranging from hospitality and aviation to technology and professional services, with the region emerging as a critical node in the global events calendar.
