Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo Event Manager Mohammed Faisal on the annual trade show in Saudi Arabia
Interview by Martin Palicki
This May 28-30, 2023 Riyadh will play host to the Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo. The trade show has recently become popular with attractions industry professionals seeking business in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region. We asked Event Manager Mohammed Faisal for information on this year’s event.
What can people expect when attending SEA?
The 2023 edition of Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo is going to be the most exciting edition yet. The event will continue to foster relationships between key buyers and sellers in the entertainment and leisure markets, with over 300 global manufacturers and suppliers participating with their latest developments and solutions. The show has grown by 35% in less than a year, it is a thriving market, and SEA Expo offers an opportunity to get access to a wide range of products, learn about latest industry trends and interact with over 100 expert speakers sharing updates on the multi-billion dollar projects happening in the region.
From what parts of the world do you draw the most visitors from?
Last year, we welcomed visitors from over 56 countries, with many now taking advantage of eased travel restrictions and a quicker Saudi visa process. This year, we aim to attract even more visitors from the Middle East and beyond. We expect a roughly 80%/20% ratio of local versus international attendees.
Can you give us an update on the Saudi attractions market?
From Qiddiya to NEOM, Saudi Arabia is host to billion-dollar giga-projects and attractions in development as part of the country’s Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s aim is to diversify the economy and reduce the reliance on oil. The industry is rapidly growing with the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman recently confirming Diriyah as the fifth giga-project after the Neom, Red Sea, Qiddiya and Roshn developments.
For example, NEOM’s first luxury island, Sindalah, is due to open in early 2024, covering 840,000 sqm. NEOM also includes The Line, a zero-carbon city with vertically layered buildings for work, living and leisure. The residents will have access to all facilities within a five-minute walk. Trojena is a mountain resort with a ski village, ski slope and a nature reserve which has been chosen to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Saudi Arabia has many smaller projects in development also. Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) recently announced a $13 billion investment in 21 entertainment destinations across the country. In addition, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund issued a request for proposals from global oil & gas contractors to build a $5 billion oil rig theme park called The Rig. Finally, Al Hokair Group, a hospitality and entertainment pioneer in Saudi Arabia, continues to expand and invest in bringing new entertainment experiences to the country – all of which clearly show the scale of opportunities the Kingdom presents for companies locally and globally to be a part of the fastest growing market in the world.
Will there be social activities for attendees?
We are working behind the scenes with our partners on exciting networking events outside of the trade show floor. Details on this will be announced in the next few weeks. Check the event website for the updates.
When is the right time for people to consider booking their travel and hotel arrangements?
We recommend international visitors start booking flights and hotels two months before the show takes place (28 – 30 May) as the hotels around the venue sell out quickly. We have partnered with Hotel Maps, who offer great deals and discounted rates, check out our website for offers.
Do you have any advice for people visiting KSA for the first time?
Saudi Arabia is rich in heritage and history. The country is home to hundreds of historically important sites, and visitors can use the opportunity to visit places like AlUla, one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula. We recommend traveling beyond the big, known cities, like Riyadh and Jeddah, but also exploring the less well-known sites. The country is safe, has sophisticated infrastructure and is very hospitable.
