At Riyadh summit, international giants and local firms unveil training initiatives and strategic collaborations, signaling a long-term commitment to the Kingdom’s events industry.
(RIYADH) – The strategic development of local human capital and the formation of key partnerships emerged as central themes at the International MICE Summit in Riyadh, underscoring the sector’s maturation beyond immediate event execution to long-term, sustainable growth.
Industry leaders used the platform to detail concrete plans for investing in Saudi nationals and forging alliances that will support the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for its events and exhibitions landscape.
Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
A key takeaway was the focus on cultivating homegrown talent. Debbie Kristiansen of Oak View Group Middle East, which is expanding its presence with a new Riyadh office, stated that the company is committed to exceeding the government’s Saudization targets.
“We’ve already made a commitment to achieve the platinum level,” Kristiansen said, emphasizing that their goal is to “create a sustainable workforce and a long-term legacy.” She identified youth engagement and training the next generation of venue managers as a top priority for the international group.
Forging Strategic Alliances
The summit also acted as a catalyst for new business collaborations. Abdullah Al-Hazzaa, CEO of Al Diriyah Solution, formalized an agreement with the Saudi Exhibition and Conferences Association to provide enhanced support to event companies operating in the market.
Echoing the focus on future readiness, Al-Hazzaa announced community initiatives, including free soft-skills training for university students. “We want to train them… until they graduate. (That way), they will have a good job,” he explained, framing it as a voluntary contribution to the sector’s ecosystem.
Expanding the Scope of the Events Industry
Further highlighting the sector’s diversification, Mahmoud Alawadi, CEO of Thalath International Co., spotlighted niche exhibitions like the International Exhibition for the Nonprofit Sector, which is planned for a US debut in 2026.
These projects illustrate how the Saudi MICE industry is expanding into new, impactful fields, driving not only economic growth but also social welfare objectives. The collective message from the summit was clear: the future of Saudi Arabia’s events sector is being built today through strategic investment in its people and partnerships.
