Having been granted a Saudi investment licence by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) earlier this year, dmg events, a leading international events company, has now established a 100% owned business unit and opened a new office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which will be used as a base for the company’s events throughout the Kingdom. Initial priorities for dmg events will include a focus on its core construction, hospitality and design brands, such as The Big 5, The Hotel Show and INDEX, with editions of Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia, FM Expo, Saudi Clean Expo, HVAC-R Expo already underway and the launch of Saudi Entertainment and Amusement also planned. This expansion will now see dmg events operating in both Riyadh and Jeddah. The combination of core events and potential future launches will enable dmg events to expand into sectors that are set to grow as Saudi Arabia fulfills its Vision 2030 plan. The country’s 2018 budget was the largest in its history and set aside $14.4bn for infrastructure. The funding will go toward roads, ports, railways, airports, housing, and information technology.
“These ambitious plans clearly show why Saudi Arabia is an important market for our business,” said Matt Denton – President, dmg events – Middle East, Asia & Africa. “Establishing our own permanent presence in the country will enable us to build on the relationships we have worked hard to develop over the last six years of working with local partners. It also means we will be well placed to serve our customers better by being on the ground to understand market needs and nurture relationships.”
According to Denton the support of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), the Riyadh Exhibition Centre (RICEC) and in particular the Saudi Exhibitions and Convention Bureau (SECB) has been crucial to enabling this move by dmg events. The SECB has provided both market intelligence and also streamlined processes, making it easier to apply for event licences.
Such changes have been paired with improved ease of access to entry visas, helping to attract more attendees to events in Saudi Arabia. “The support we receive from our partners is vital to our success and the growth of our industry in Saudi Arabia. We are very grateful for their assistance. With their continued help we can support the country’s pursuit of the ambitious goals set out in Vision 2030 by bringing industries and industry leaders together at our events.”