Riyadh to Host HORECA, Salon du Chocolat, Saudi Elite Chefs and Host Arabia from December 15–17, Attracting Many Professionals and Exhibitors in the Event

Published on December 9, 2025

From December 15–17, 2025, Riyadh will turn into a globally leading hospitality and foodservice innovation platform as it hosts the kingdom’s largest-ever week of events: HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, Saudi Elite Chefs, and Host Arabia. It aims to attract 50,000 professionals and 500 exhibitors from around the world to present high-end products, culinary talent, competitions, expert talks, and workshops. International guests include famous French chef Guillaume Gomez and famous chocolatier Pierre Marcolini.

The mega-event is expected to give Saudi Arabia’s tourism and travel industry a fillip, in which Riyadh will emerge as a place to be visited by business and leisure travelers alike. With tourism and the hospitality sector becoming significant pillars of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, this event will serve as a vital catalyst for attracting international visitors and enhancing the kingdom’s global gastronomic profile.

A Major Opportunity for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Growth

The hospitality week in Riyadh represents a unique convergence of business tourism and leisure travel, driving both local and international interest in the Saudi tourism sector. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism offerings, this event is expected to draw significant international attention, not just from those in the hospitality industry, but also from travel enthusiasts, culinary tourists, and event-goers.

Jad Taktak, CEO of Semark Group, the event’s organizer, highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “This edition marks the greatest alliance of hospitality exhibitions in Saudi Arabia. We are confident that this collaboration will elevate industry standards, create exceptional business opportunities, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hospitality landscape.” This alignment with Vision 2030 — which aims to diversify the economy and attract millions of international visitors annually — underscores the significance of the event in bolstering the kingdom’s tourism sector.

Hospitality and Culinary Events Driving International Tourism

HORECA Riyadh and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh are not just about showcasing foodservice innovations; they also create major tourism opportunities. The city will host thousands of global attendees and professionals, making it a prime location for travel industry stakeholders. The event’s international scope will attract foreign visitors, boosting hotel bookings, flights, local transportation, and other tourism-related services.

This event will serve as a significant draw for business travelers and culinary tourists, many of whom will extend their visits to explore Riyadh’s historical landmarks, such as Diriyah, Al Masmak Fortress, and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. The combination of business events and leisure attractions will further strengthen **Riyadh’s position as a top-tier business tourism destination.

The city is also expected to see an increase in demand for luxury travel, particularly among high-net-worth individuals attending exclusive events such as the Salon du Chocolat. Events like these cater to the affluent traveler, driving luxury tourism, and encouraging extended stays in the region.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Position as a Global Gastronomy Hub

Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on culinary tourism continues to grow, with events like Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie promoting the kingdom as an emerging destination for gastronomic travelers. The city’s world-class chefs, high-end culinary experiences, and innovative pastry displays will capture the attention of food lovers around the globe.

With an emphasis on high-end products and local culinary talent, these events not only boost the food tourism sector but also introduce Saudi Arabia’s unique culinary offerings to the world. The global chocolate and pastry markets are expected to engage with the kingdom’s growing food industry, creating new partnerships and sparking interest in Saudi gastronomy tourism. The event’s recognition of local talent and its focus on international chefs and pastry masters will elevate Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a culinary destination for tourists from around the world.

Driving Sustainable Tourism and International Investment

Beyond its immediate impact on local tourism, the event will play an important role in fostering sustainable tourism. As the HORECA Riyadh platform continues to grow, it encourages investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure, supporting the kingdom’s broader environmental goals. The exhibitions will explore sustainable foodservice practices, innovations in eco-friendly hospitality solutions, and ways to address the challenges of overtourism and resource management.

This shift toward sustainability aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of creating a green economy, promoting sustainable practices in travel, and encouraging the development of eco-tourism in parallel with its booming tourism industry. The collaboration between local and global stakeholders at the event is expected to drive international investment in the kingdom’s tourism infrastructure, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Economic Impact: Boosting Local Businesses and Tourism Infrastructure

The hospitality week will also have a positive economic impact on local businesses and Saudi tourism infrastructure. Increased demand for accommodation and transport services during the event will lead to significant revenue generation for hotels, restaurants, local tour operators, and transport providers. Riyadh’s economy will benefit from the influx of international visitors, who will spend money across various sectors.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure — including airports, hotels, and transportation systems — is set to receive increased attention as global players in the hospitality and travel sectors recognize the kingdom’s growing potential as a travel hub. This could lead to more international investment in tourism infrastructure, further boosting the country’s global appeal.

Riyadh’s Future as a Major Global Travel and Tourism Hub

The upcoming Hospitality Week in Riyadh represents a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s tourism and foodservice industries. Thousands of international professionals, food lovers, and business investors are set to make this mega-event a big boost for the kingdom’s tourism sector. Harnessing opportunities for culinary tourism, luxury travel, and sustainable tourism, Saudi Arabia is strongly positioning itself as among the top global tourism destinations. As the country pursues its path toward diversification of its economy, this event will play an important role in the shaping of Riyadh’s future as a dynamic, globally connected travel and tourism hub.