Industry leaders shift focus to sustainable growth, highlighting local talent development and strategic partnerships as key to the Kingdom’s burgeoning events sector.
(RIYADH) – The International MICE Summit in Riyadh moved beyond conventional trade discussions this week, placing a strong emphasis on community development and cultivating the next generation of Saudi talent as the bedrock of the industry’s future.
The event, which has “grown tremendously” according to one veteran executive, served as a platform for major international and local firms to announce initiatives focused on training, mentorship, and strategic partnerships aimed at creating a sustainable legacy in the Kingdom.
Investing in the Local Workforce
Debbie Kristiansen, Senior Vice President of venue development and operations at Oak View Group Middle East, highlighted her company’s deep commitment to the Saudi market. Having opened a Riyadh office, the group is targeting to exceed the Kingdom’s ‘Saudization’ (Nitaqat) requirements, aiming for the platinum level of 44.02% and beyond.
“It’s important to create a sustainable workforce and create a long-term legacy,” Kristiansen told Arab News. “Youth engagement and training the next generation of venue leaders and managers is among the group’s highest priorities. It’s important for us to give back.”
Strategic Partnerships for Sector Growth
The summit also facilitated key collaborations. Abdullah Al-Hazzaa, CEO of consulting firm Al Diriyah Solution, signed an agreement with the Saudi Exhibition and Conferences Association to bolster support for event companies.
Aligning with this community-first ethos, Al-Hazzaa announced plans for free, voluntary training programs for university students. “We want to train them, to give them our full support until they graduate. (That way), they will have a good job,” he stated.
Spotlighting New Economic Frontiers
Further diversifying the events landscape, Mahmoud Alawadi, CEO of Thalath International Co., unveiled two key projects: the fourth edition of the International Exhibition for the Nonprofit Sector and the Saudi International Exhibition for Animal Protection.
He emphasized the economic and social impact of such “new fields,” noting that the nonprofit exhibition is set to launch internationally in Washington, D.C., in 2026. These initiatives reflect a broader trend of using the MICE platform not just for business, but for fostering social welfare and cross-sector collaboration within the Kingdom.
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