Exhibitions and Events Drive Middle East’s Economic Growth
Sector evolves into core economic infrastructure
CAIRO — Across the Middle East, exhibitions and large-scale events are increasingly shaping economic growth. Once mainly seen as platforms for visibility and networking, these gatherings now serve as vital economic infrastructure, influencing investment, forging partnerships, and boosting city competitiveness globally.
From business forums and cultural showcases to design-focused events, the exhibitions sector has become central to national development strategies across the GCC and wider region. Governments and private companies are investing heavily in venues, skills, and year-round programming, recognizing the strategic value of bringing markets together.
Saudi Arabia Leads the Way
Saudi Arabia exemplifies this shift. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is expanding its exhibition and conference infrastructure, with over 1 million square meters of additional space expected by 2030. This expansion supports Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a global hub for business, culture, and investment.
The cultural sector is set to increase its contribution to GDP to 3 percent, or roughly $48 billion, by 2030, up from under 1 percent, according to Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
To manage the sector’s growth, the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) has introduced a global exhibition season from October to May, clustering major international business, investment, and cultural events into a predictable schedule. Past events have included Cityscape Global, the Future Investment Initiative, the Fortune Global Forum, the Global Health Exhibition, and the International MICE Summit.
SCEGA reports that Saudi Arabia now hosts over 200 major international events annually, making it one of the fastest-growing business events markets among G20 countries. Investment in human capital has followed, with nearly 20 percent of global Certified in Exhibition Management holders now based in Saudi Arabia.
The economic impact of exhibitions is evident in tangible results. At the International MICE Summit in Riyadh, industry leaders signed 20 agreements on the first day alone, representing companies with combined revenues exceeding $9 billion. SCEGA CEO Hatim Al-Kahily told Arab News that the summit highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ability to bring global sector leaders together.
Events as Economic Accelerators
Lubna El-Masri, marketing director at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said exhibitions now function as economic accelerators.
“A strong exhibition doesn’t just attract visitors; it creates deals, jobs, and confidence. It benefits hotels, logistics, local SMEs, and creative industries,” she said. She added that venue design has evolved, treating spaces as “always-on” platforms rather than occasional event locations, incorporating flexible layouts, digital access, and data-driven services to improve experiences.
Exhibitions also help build international trust. “When partners see the scale and quality on the ground, it changes the conversation,” El-Masri said.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure
Exhibitions are influencing city development. Moath Al-Qahtani, events manager at Riyadh Exhibitions Co., said infrastructure projects increasingly integrate exhibition innovation.
“Venues and districts are now designed to support tech-enabled events, digital services, and immersive visitor experiences,” he said, noting this trend is especially visible in preparations for Expo 2030, which includes smart mobility, sustainable facilities, and advanced digital solutions.
Regional Impact
Beyond Saudi Arabia, exhibitions and cultural platforms are driving economic integration across the Middle East. Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatari Diar, highlighted design-led projects and cultural events as regional economic connectors.
“Design-driven investments and cultural exhibitions are powerful growth drivers. They attract tourism, support local industries, and create opportunities across construction, hospitality, and creative sectors,” Al-Thani said. He added that these platforms also strengthen global competitiveness, promote national strategies on sustainable development, and foster cross-border collaboration.
Events like Cairo Design Week demonstrate how exhibitions bring together designers, investors, and developers, encouraging regional partnerships and economic ties.
Looking Ahead
Industry leaders agree that exhibitions and events will remain central to economic development in the Middle East. As countries diversify their economies and cities compete for talent, capital, and influence, the ability to convene stakeholders and turn attention into results is becoming a strategic advantage.
The exhibitions and events sector is no longer a supplementary activity; it is a core element of the region’s economic infrastructure.
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