Tahaluf’s vision: Saudi Arabia’s major events expansion with 20 new exhibitions in 18 months

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Tahaluf, the strategic partnership formed by Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF), has unveiled an ambitious expansion initiative that stands as the most extensive events program in Saudi history. The plan encompasses the introduction of 20 new events tailored to specific sectors for both trade and consumers within the Kingdom over the next 18 months.

This expansive endeavor will mark the introduction of renowned Informa brands such as CPHI and Cosmoprof in Saudi Arabia, catering to the global pharmaceutical and beauty sectors. It aims to elevate existing flagship events, such as Cityscape Global, focused on real estate, and introduce novel titles and concepts aligned with the strategic goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

This development solidifies Tahaluf’s position as the premier event organizer based in Saudi Arabia in terms of both square footage and revenue, making it one of the largest in the Middle East. The planned events will concentrate on crucial sectors outlined in Vision 2030, including technology, real estate, infrastructure, aviation, pharmaceuticals, food, health and beauty, tourism, finance, and hospitality.

Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, emphasized that the expansion is poised to generate unparalleled growth in the global events industry, contributing significantly to job creation, fostering new business opportunities, supporting economic diversification, and delivering tangible economic impact.

The economic impact is projected to exceed US$1 billion in Riyadh, stemming from exhibitor and delegate spending on travel and hospitality. This macroeconomic effect will complement Tahaluf’s investments in new office spaces in the capital and its plans to hire over 200 professionals in the coming year, including Saudi nationals.

Moreover, the expanded portfolio aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for live events, showcasing the nation as a dynamic and inviting marketplace for investment, collaboration, and tourism on the global stage.

Since its inception a year ago, Tahaluf has garnered acclaim for organizing record-breaking events, including LEAP, Cityscape Global, DeepFest, ‘InFlavour,’ the Global Health Exhibition, and Black Hat MEA. The success has attracted investments from SAFCSP, EIF, and soon, Sela, the PIF-owned event production company.

Champion highlighted that Tahaluf’s strengthened shareholder base sets it apart, enabling the company to deliver exceptional quality events and drive transformation in Saudi Arabia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The expanded portfolio is anticipated to increase the MICE sector’s share of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP, attracting global expertise and foreign direct investment while fostering economic and environmentally sustainable partnerships.

Champion emphasized that the planned events will serve as strategic platforms, featuring investment-enabling formats, business matchmaking, and start-up pitching programs. These initiatives aim to bring advanced technical knowledge to the Kingdom, catalyze cross-border collaboration, partnerships, and inward investment, ultimately accelerating ventures’ entry into Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The inclusion of high-profile Informa events from the USA, Europe, and Asia exemplifies a business-focused approach to the new launches.

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