KSA to host largest gathering of events industry professionals

Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) is currently working on a broad framework for entertainment services in all cities across the country.
Updated 17 September 2019
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KSA to host largest gathering of events industry professionals

Saudi Arabia is poised to become the central destination for events in the Middle East by 2020. This is the prediction of events and entertainment industry experts who are gathering at the upcoming Saudi Event Show, which will be held Sept. 25-26 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

“The Saudi Event Show is an ideal platform for events and entertainment industry professionals to learn about the advancements and how to overcome any challenges they are experiencing in the market,” said Amar Daginawala, exhibition manager at Informa Middle East. “The show will provide participants with an opportunity to understand the latest trends driving the local events industry, meet and learn from the thought-provoking industry leaders and attend informative seminar sessions.”

Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) is currently working on a broad framework for entertainment services in all cities across the country.

“The Kingdom will invest $64 billion in the entertainment sector over the coming decade, which proves the huge market potential for everyone in the events and entertainment industry,” he added.

Daginawala said: “Saudi Arabia is the region’s largest untapped market in terms of events and entertainment. Therefore, advancing the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions) and entertainment sector is one of the major parts of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms.”

The Saudi Event Show will feature more than 25 seminars and entertainment sessions, keynote speeches and panel discussions, covering everything about the Kingdom’s event industry, including market updates, visas and regulations, trends, eSports events, catering, marketing, the latest event tech, and much more. 

Participants will get the chance to connect with more than 2,000 events and entertainment professionals and 50 innovative exhibitors, including organizers, entertainment professionals, marketing, PR and creative specialists, operations experts, event technology and solution providers, regulators and other stakeholders.

Some prominent speakers at the two-day event include Mohammed Tayem, CEO, entourage marketing & events, who will talk about “Recruiting Your ‘Dream Team’ in the Saudi Arabian Events & Entertainment Sector,” Philip Wride, CEO of Cheesecake Digital, who will present ideas around “Getting Started In Esports,” and Sujoy Cherian, CEO, Option 1 Event Services, who will talk about “Services Innovation & the Future in Event Technology.”


ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Updated 07 January 2026
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ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has launched the second edition of its off-road initiative — an immersive driving experience designed to engage guests and showcase the real-world capabilities of Toyota’s SUV lineup in the Kingdom’s desert terrains. The activation takes place on weekends, starting initially in Riyadh and continuing through Jeddah, before concluding in Dammam on Jan. 24.
The multi-city activation is designed to engage guests through Toyota’s SUV lineup in fun and exciting ways, offering a hands-on opportunity to experience vehicle performance, control, and versatility. The lineup features a wide range of Toyota SUV models, including the Land Cruiser HEV Max, a hybrid vehicle built for performance. Beyond the off-road drives, the activation offers a welcoming weekend setting with supporting activities suitable for families and younger guests, creating a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which welcomed more than 4,500 participants and attracted over 10,000 attendees, the second edition continues to focus on meaningful guest engagement through interactive and experiential driving activities while emphasizing safety, trust, and enjoyment. Through this approach, ALJ Motors champions Toyota’s off-road legacy while creating an experience that further connects guests with Toyota’s renowned SUV lineup.
Shahad Nassier, managing director of marketing communications at ALJ Motors, said: “Following the strong response to the inaugural season, the return of this off-road experience allows us to continue engaging our guests in an authentic and exciting way. In this second edition, we have further refined the driving routes and elevated the overall experience to better serve our guests and their families. By bringing Toyota’s SUV lineup into real desert environments, we provide an opportunity for guests to experience vehicle performance firsthand, while reinforcing the values of reliability and capability that have long defined Toyota’s presence in the Kingdom.”
The experiential initiative deepens guest relationships, supports informed vehicle choice, and reflects ALJ Motors’ ongoing role in delivering reliable and diversified mobility solutions across the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. 
Guests interested in participating in the off-road experience can register for the upcoming activations in Jeddah on Jan. 9-10, followed by Dammam on Jan. 16-17 and 23-24, through ALJ Motors’ official social channels.