Riyadh to host 2nd Saudi franchise expo in February

The Saudi International Franchise Expo 2019 is held in partnership with the General Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises.
Updated 09 January 2019
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Riyadh to host 2nd Saudi franchise expo in February

The second edition of the Saudi International Franchise Expo 2019, held in partnership with the General Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises, will take place from Feb. 4-6 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in the capital.

The event, which will gather decision-makers, pioneers, regional and international experts, and Saudi business entrepreneurs, will showcase the Kingdom’s prominent investment prospects.

The event, which is the first of its kind in the Saudi franchise industry, will include participants from the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain Egypt, Jordan, Japan, Canada, the USA, US, China, Spain, Malaysia and France. 

The exhibition reflects the Kingdom’s strategy to diversify the economy by attracting more investors and creating an investment climate. It is in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to support non-oil sectors.

The exhibition aims at exporting Saudi brands by granting franchise rights inside and outside the Kingdom.

Ahmed Al-Rifai, director of the exhibition, said: “The Saudi International Franchise Expo is an opportunity to empower local companies and upgrade them as it offers 40 workshops on different topics, such as the concept of ‘franchise,’ how they can set up a franchise, information on Saudi laws, how to draft franchise contracts, and promotion of the brand.”

He said the General Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises aims to regulate the SMEs sector in accordance with the best international practices to increase productivity, thereby increasing its contribution to the GDP.


LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign

Updated 25 February 2026
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LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.