Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation

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Live car wrapping, real-time product demos and the new Label, Saudi Signage expo promises an engaging visitor experience for three days. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Live car wrapping, real-time product demos and the new Label, Saudi Signage expo promises an engaging visitor experience for three days. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center spotlighting innovation. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center spotlighting innovation. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center spotlighting innovation. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Updated 20 May 2025
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation

  • Explore over 2,500 products and solutions ranging from printers and LED displays to packaging automation, recycling equipment and labelling solutions
  • Live car wrapping, real-time product demos and the new Label, expo promises an engaging visitor experience

RIYADH: The Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo, the Middle East’s leading event for the digital, print, graphic and imaging sectors, opened on Tuesday at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, spotlighting innovation and new solutions in the signage and labeling sectors.

Held in conjunction with the inaugural Saudi Paper and Packaging Expo, it will run until May 22 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors from the retail, real estate, tourism, entertainment and hospitality sectors, fuelling demand for signage, labelling, paper and packaging solutions.

“The events arrive at a time of continued industry growth driven by infrastructure investments, a growing retail sector and a demand for modern, sustainable product solutions in the Kingdom. We look forward to cooperation with local partners,” Ashraf Bastawesy, executive manager at CMYK digital print solutions, told Arab News.

“Specializing in digital printing and signage, we have displayed our big machines here demonstrating our technology and innovation in the sector. From our experiences last year, and operations in Saudi Arabia, I am very much optimistic about this expo. Saudi market is growing now and we have many opportunities in digital printing and signage and labelling,” he added.

Commenting on diversity in product sectors, he said the expo this year is bigger and better, and that his company is happy to be here.

Bringing more than 150 top-tier brands from more than 15 countries, including Belgium, China, France, Turkiye, Italy and India, the exhibition presents over 2,500 products.

Visitors over the three days canill explore a diverse range of products and solutions in signage, printing, labelling, packaging automation, paper recycling and waste equipment as well as paper machinery and equipment to address evolving market demands.

Among the major features at this year’s expo are the live car wrapping and real-time printing demonstrations, offering attendees a chance to see industry skills and product capabilities first hand.

Some of the key brands presenting live demos of their solutions, latest machinery, materials and wrapping techniques include CMYK, Digital Star Machinery and Equipments, Euro Media, WellCare Trading, City Sign Trading Services and Al Rish Al Khaleeji.

Visitors will be able to watch live product demonstrations from exhibitors including Gulf Sparrows, a leading distributor of signage, advertising and LED solutions; Desert Sign Arabia, a leading distributor of a wide range of advertising, sign and graphics supplies, equipment and machinery; and Alnab Almoudei Trading, a leading supplier for advertising materials, display stands.

These demos offer a close-up view of new technologies in action, including printing hardware, digital signage, packaging and labelling systems.

Elsewhere on the exhibition floor, Label It, developed in collaboration with Lawazen Trading Group, will challenge participants to test their speed and accuracy in a high-pressure labelling showdown.

This interactive challenge invites visitors to race against time to match product labels to their correct containers. Winners stand a chance to earn gift vouchers worth SR500 ($133) and the title of labelling champion.

“We are proud to return with the second edition of Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo. This year promises three engaging days where we look forward to welcoming buyers who are ready to explore new ideas, opportunities and partnerships,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president at DMG Events.

Abdul Wahab Al Marzouq, general manager of Kuwait-based K4 General Trading & Contracting Co. told Arab News: “We were here at the inaugural signage expo last year, this year we have doubled the size for commitment towards the signage and labelling, we are optimistic about the growing market in view of the transformation under Saudi Vision 2030. We are expanding our business in Saudi Arabia and this is a good opportunity to work with local companies.

“Our expectation is that we will be more engaged with Saudi companies to do mega projects here. We are here to show our capacity and capability on the projects that we have done in the region,” he added.

As a response to the Kingdom’s evolving demand for signage and packaging industries, the events come at a time when the country’s signage market is projected to reach $492 million by 2027, driven by increased adoption in the retail, hospitality, transport, healthcare and corporate sectors. At the same time, the paper and paperboard packaging market is estimated to hit $2.84 billion by 2029.


Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church

People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus’ Dwelaa.
Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church

  • Syria’s health ministry said an attack on a church in Damascus on Sunday killed 20 people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a suicide attack on a church in Damascus that killed at least 20 people.

Syria’s interior ministry said in a statement that “a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt.”

The Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s position rejecting the targeting of places of worship, the terrorizing of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood.

It affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.


Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom

Updated 22 June 2025
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Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom

  • For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers

RIYADH: Young Saudi women are discovering a new freedom riding motorcycles on the streets of Riyadh, challenging stereotypes and fostering an empowering community.

The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, with its all-female membership, is at the forefront of this trend.

Founded in 2022 by Capt. Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. 

“We wanted to break stereotypes and build a strong community that supports freedom, confidence, and sisterhood on and off the road,” Abdulsaud said.

This mission resonates deeply with women who have long felt restricted by societal norms and expectations, she added. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers. 

Joining the club is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a lifestyle that celebrates adventure and camaraderie. The club seeks to encourage women to embrace their passions, while providing a supportive network for those who seek to share this journey. 
 
Abualsaud, a dentist and proud biker, explained her motivation for co-founding Sisterhood. “I wanted to create a space where women could feel both powerful and supported,” she said.

“As someone who always seeks adventure, riding became my way of feeling free and present. Building and leading this club wasn’t just about motorcycles — it was about making a statement that women can be bold, united, and unstoppable.” 

Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles.

“Owning a bike is not required to join. We welcome women at all levels, whether you’re an experienced rider, someone considering getting a license, or simply curious about the community,” Abdulsaud said.

This inclusive approach makes it easier for women to join without feeling intimidated, fostering a sense of belonging. 

Founded in 2022 by Captain Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. (Supplied)

“I’ve always been passionate about adventurous hobbies. I ride horses and have loved ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) since childhood. So, when women were allowed to ride motorcycles, I jumped at the opportunity,” said club member Maisa Alhugaily.

“What drew me specifically to Sisterhood Club was the sense of community and empowerment it offers. I wanted to be part of a group that supports and uplifts women, while exploring something exciting and different.”

The club provides mentorship, safety training, and introductory riding experiences to ensure that new members can embark on their journeys with confidence. 

“What matters most is the spirit of adventure and respect for the community,” Abdulsaud said. This commitment to safety and education helps demystify the world of motorcycles, making it accessible to everyone. 

The importance of such clubs for Saudi women cannot be overstated, she believes.

“These clubs give Saudi women visibility, voice, and validation in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Riding a motorcycle in Saudi Arabia is more than a hobby — it’s a symbol of choice, strength, and movement.”

Sisterhood empowers women by offering them opportunities to lead, connect, travel, and inspire each other. 

This empowerment is crucial in a society where women are often expected to conform to traditional roles. The presence of female riders challenges stereotypes and encourages other women to explore their interests without feeling limited by societal expectations.

“It also helps normalize the presence of female riders in public, creating a ripple effect for future generations of girls to dream big without limitations,” Abdulsaud says. 

Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles. (Supplied)

Currently, Sisterhood organizes over 40 rides and has 260 active members from cities across Saudi Arabia. The community is steadily growing, with regular collaborations with riders from other Gulf countries. 

Abdulsaud said: “Sisterhood is not just a local club — it’s part of a larger movement.” This expansion reflects the increasing interest among women in pursuing activities that defy traditional gender roles. 

In addition to riding, the club engages in various events and interests that foster camaraderie and personal growth.

“We participate in local and regional motorcycle events, organize safety awareness workshops, community outreach rides, and even lifestyle gatherings like motorcycle fashion events, fitness classes, and off-road trips,” Abdulsaud said.

The wide range of activities encourages a lifestyle filled with empowerment, connection, and fun. 

Through the Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, Saudi women are not only discovering a passion for riding, but also building a supportive network that champions their dreams and aspirations. The club embodies a spirit of unity and strength, allowing women to pursue their passions unapologetically.

“We’re telling them, you have a place among us,” Abdulsaud said.

The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club is more than just a group of women who ride; it is a movement that signifies freedom, empowerment, and sisterhood. As these women continue to break barriers and redefine their roles in society, they are paving the way for future generations to ride boldly into their own destinies. 


Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh

  • Neil Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen
  • Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a ‘key, indispensable partner’

LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met Neil Crompton, the outgoing UK ambassador to Riyadh, in his office on Sunday.

Crompton bid farewell to Prince Abdulaziz as his tenure as ambassador ended. Prince Abdulaziz thanked Crompton for his service in the Kingdom and wished him success.

Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a “key, indispensable partner” to the UK.

“We have a shared history, and part of our shared history is recognition that Saudi Arabia is a key diplomatic partner, not just in the Arab world, but in the Islamic world. I think it has a neutral ability to bridge gaps both between east and west, and north and south,” Crompton said.


Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France

  • The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser was recently on an official visit to Russia and France along with his accompanying delegation of officials from the sector.

He participated in the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and its main session, which was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

In France, Al-Jasser attended the opening of the International Paris Air Show as well as a signing ceremony for an air services agreement between Saudi Arabia and Panama.

The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics.

 


Saudi project clears 1,243 mines in Yemen

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,243 mines in Yemen

  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,243 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,182 unexploded ordnances, 57 anti-tank mines and four anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 501,243 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.