Riyadh hosts inaugural editions of hardware fair, sports show

The International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia provided direct access to sourcing opportunities for professionals in the Kingdom’s rapidly growing hardware sector.
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Updated 23 June 2025
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Riyadh hosts inaugural editions of hardware fair, sports show

Inaugural editions of the  International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia and FSB Sports Show Riyadh were held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from June 16-18, welcoming industry professionals from across the Kingdom. The events, jointly organized by dmg events and Koelnmesse, brought together international and regional manufacturers, suppliers and sector specialists under one roof. The openings were marked by the presence of Gerald Böse, president and CEO, Koelnmesse, and Matt Denton, president, dmg events.

Böse said: “Launching both FSB Sports Show Riyadh and International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia with dmg events marks a significant step in connecting global expertise with Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing sectors. From sports infrastructure to industrial tools, these events reflect the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions and the strong demand for specialized, future-ready solutions.”

Denton said: “The success of both launches demonstrates the market’s need for focused, high-impact trade events. Partnering with Koelnmesse has allowed us to create specialized, niche trade events that not only highlight industry progression but also enable real business exchange, directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s development goals under Vision 2030.”

Making its debut in the Kingdom, International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia brought together more than 200 exhibitors and brands across product sectors such as tools, fasteners, building materials, construction equipment and industrial supplies. Some of the exhibiting brands include Albawardi Tools and Hardware, Truper, Yato Tools, Genergy Power Products, Gong Fong Enterprise and Pecol. The event is designed to meet the procurement needs of professionals across the construction, manufacturing and infrastructure industries.

Modeled after the long-established EISENWARENMESSE — International Hardware Fair Cologne, the Riyadh edition provided direct access to sourcing opportunities for professionals in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hardware and tools sectors. The event also included live product demonstrations at the Demo District; Guess the Gear, where participants identify tools by sound for a chance to win prizes; and the Hardware Hero Challenge, featuring one-handed hammering and speed drilling competitions.

Running alongside the International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia and building on the legacy of the renowned FSB Cologne, FSB Sports Show Riyadh spotlighted sports infrastructure, fitness courts, leisure facilities and public spaces. With more than 200 exhibitors and brands including Greenfields, Kotobuki Seating Group, Soft Surfaces General Contracting, Syngenta Asia Pacific, Yardex and Cypex, the show supports the Kingdom’s plans to develop inclusive and modern environments for community wellness and active living.

Combining advanced engineering with luxury features, the event attracted visitors to TeleiosX, providing a hands-on opportunity to engage in competitive, full-motion racing directly on the show floor. Another standout feature drawing strong visitor interest was the Virtual Golf Simulator, presented by Marafei Almarefah, which blends sport and technology through an interactive experience using VR, AR and advanced projection systems.

A key feature of the event, the FSB Sports and Leisure Summit, concluded successfully on the opening day, bringing together high-profile speakers from across the sports, wellness and urban planning spectrum. One of the highlights was a panel discussion on designing facilities for sustainability and wellness, where the panelists collectively emphasized the need to integrate resource-efficient systems and wellness-driven design for future-ready sports infrastructure.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.