Suitable Facilities for Hosting Outstanding Events
The Importance of Investing in Infrastructure and Suitable Facilities for Hosting Outstanding Events
The events and business tourism industry is a key driver of advanced economies. In Saudi Arabia, this sector is no longer merely a leisure option but a strategic imperative within the framework of Vision 2030. The importance of investing in suitable infrastructure and facilities lies in their being the foundation upon which the visitor and investor experience rests. Without world-class facilities, it is impossible to attract events that reshape the economic and cultural landscape. The Kingdom continuously invests in its infrastructure to support growing demand, including developing facilities and venues that meet the highest international standards, while simultaneously building human capital and specialized companies capable of professionally managing this system.
Saudi Arabia is no longer just a regional player in the business sector; it has become a leading global destination for organizing major events. This transformation is driven by Vision 2030, which has established the business and events tourism sector as a fundamental pillar for diversifying national income sources. Investing in infrastructure and facilities is not merely about constructing concrete buildings; it aims to establish an integrated system that supports the growing demand for high-quality events and creates a unique experience for both investors and visitors.
First: The Role of Infrastructure and Facilities in Creating Excellence
The Kingdom continuously invests in its infrastructure to accommodate events with thousands of participants from around the world. This includes developing world-class facilities and venues, such as conference centers equipped with the latest presentation and communication technologies.
Advanced Exhibition and Conference Centers
The Kingdom already boasts massive centers like the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center and the Jeddah Center for Forums and Events, but its ambitions extend beyond this to include the creation of entire conference cities. These facilities are not simply halls; they are smart environments that support live streaming, AI-powered simultaneous interpretation, and augmented reality technologies, making it easier for international companies to move their events to the Kingdom without worrying about technical infrastructure.
Specialized and Professional Companies
In parallel with urban development, specialized event management companies have emerged in the Kingdom, adopting global quality standards. These companies act as strategic partners for international event organizers, providing integrated logistics solutions from initial planning to on-site execution, ensuring that conferences and exhibitions reflect the Kingdom’s international standing.
Second: Pioneering Projects and Redefining Future Cities
The Kingdom is undergoing a transformation in its infrastructure, based on the concept of “mega-projects” unparalleled globally.
NEOM: The Global Innovation Lab
NEOM is the most prominent example of this future transformation. It integrates diverse sectors such as transportation, energy, and tourism into a single system. The Oxagon Industrial City within NEOM stands out as a next-generation logistics and manufacturing hub, powered entirely by renewable energy. For business tourism, NEOM provides a unique platform for scientific and technological conferences that discuss the future of humanity, attracting scientists, innovators, and investors from around the world.
Diriyah and the Cultural Dimension of Events
Event organization is not limited to the technical aspect but extends to the cultural dimension. Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is transforming into a tourist and cultural destination that supports global trade. Hosting business events in a historic setting offers international delegations an unforgettable experience, where the charm of the past blends with the ambition of the future, enhancing the Kingdom’s “soft power.”
The Eastern Province and Dammam International City
In the Eastern Province, the Dammam International City project is set to become a major tourist and commercial hub. This project combines cultural, entertainment, and commercial attractions and is part of a multi-billion riyal investment aimed at reshaping the entertainment landscape, making the Eastern Province a magnet for energy and industrial events due to its strategic location.
Third: Transportation Improvements as a Key Element for International Connectivity
Transportation infrastructure is the lifeblood of the events sector. Without easy and seamless access, the business tourism sector cannot thrive.
Aviation Revolution
Massive investments are underway in airports, most notably King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, which is expected to become one of the world’s largest airports, with a capacity of up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030. This expansion, along with the Red Sea International Airport and the development of regional airports, ensures the Kingdom’s connection to more than 250 global destinations, facilitating the arrival of international delegations from Europe, Asia, and Africa via direct and short-haul flights.
Domestic Connectivity Networks and Logistics
The expansion of railway networks (such as the Haramain High-Speed Railway and SAR trains) and highways facilitates movement between economic cities. This connectivity strengthens economic clusters focused on tourism and entertainment, allowing conference attendees in Riyadh to easily travel to Jeddah or Al-Ula, maximizing the economic benefits of business tourism.
Fourth: Urban Development and Enhancing the Visitor Experience
Urban developments contribute to strengthening the hospitality and support services sector.
Green and Recreational Spaces
Projects like King Salman Park and the Riyadh Sports Track are not only for local recreation but also attract business tourists. The presence of these open spaces encourages visitors to extend their stay, increasing revenue for nearby hotels and restaurants.
The Legislative and Social Environment
The easing of social restrictions and the provision of convenient services for tourists, along with the streamlined e-visa system, have made the Kingdom a comfortable and attractive environment. Reforms have instilled confidence in global companies to hold their regional events in the Kingdom, where guests find a welcoming and open environment that meets international standards.
Fifth: Economic Diversification and the MICE Market
Vision 2030 focuses on fostering new industries and attracting international investment. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors.
Economic Figures and Indicators
The business tourism sector is expected to contribute approximately $36 billion to the national economy. The travel and tourism market is projected to maintain an annual growth rate of 3.51%, reaching $4.70 billion by 2029. The MICE sector specifically is expected to reach $6.19 billion by 2025, highlighting the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination in the Middle East.
Private Investment and Family Wealth
Vision 2030 plays a pivotal role in attracting investments from high-net-worth individuals and family wealth management firms. These investors see the tourism and events infrastructure sector as a golden opportunity for growth, particularly in clean technology and sustainable tourism, contributing to a diversified economy that is not reliant on a single source.
Sixth: Emerging Opportunities and Digital Transformation
The growth trajectory of the business tourism sector is supported by diverse opportunities, most notably the increasing interest in sports and digital innovation.
Sports Tourism and Major Events
The Kingdom has become the fastest-growing destination for sports tourism globally. Hosting events such as Formula 1, Riyadh Season, and international football matches has led to a massive increase in leisure tourism, reaching 656% at certain times. These sporting events require highly advanced infrastructure, which the Kingdom consistently succeeds in providing.
Read also: Criteria for Choosing a Sports Events Management Company in Saudi Arabia
Empowering Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses
Government support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector, through initiatives such as the “Arab Women in Tourism and Hospitality Program,” ensures the creation of job opportunities and the provision of qualified national talent to manage event facilities in the future. This empowerment enhances the sector’s sustainability and ensures its growth stems from a broad societal base.
Seventh: Conclusion and Future Vision
As we approach 2030, it is clear that Saudi Arabia has successfully built a unique model for business tourism. The integration of hard infrastructure (airports, cities, and centers) and soft infrastructure (legislation, digital transformation, and human capital) has created an unparalleled competitive environment.
The future holds not only growth in the number of events but also a transformation in their quality. The Kingdom will become the leading hub for artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and global innovation conferences. The convergence of government investments with the ambition of the private sector positions the Kingdom as an indispensable player on the global business events map, reinforcing its status as a true gateway to the future at the heart of the world.
How can we help you leverage this infrastructure for the success of your events?
With the Kingdom’s massive infrastructure development, your need for a local partner with the expertise to transform this potential into tangible reality is paramount. We are here to be your one-stop shop for accessing the Kingdom’s world-class facilities, offering comprehensive solutions such as:
- Event and Conference Management: Leveraging our deep understanding of the new facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM, we provide you with an event organized to match your brand’s prestige.
- Travel and Hospitality Management: Thanks to our extensive partnerships, we offer the best hotel booking options, ensuring proximity to the event venue, along with flexible flight arrangements for international and domestic delegations.
- Logistics and Transportation: To ensure smooth operations, we provide luxury and economy car rental services, with or without drivers, guaranteeing your guests arrive on time and in maximum comfort.
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