RIYADH: Thousands of local, regional, and international professionals descended as more than 250 exhibitors showcased workspaces and stationery, paper, gifts, homeware, and children’s toys at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center.
The event revealed a powerful convergence of global manufactures and traders as both Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 giga-projects and rapid market diversification have created unprecedented demand for innovation across workplaces, education, and lifestyle sectors.
Running until Thursday, the event was officially opened on Tuesday by Ajlan Saad Al-Ajlan, vice chairman of the board of directors at the Riyadh Chamber, the strategic partner of the event.
Al-Ajlan said: “We are proud to officially open and be strategic partners for the event here. By bringing such events to the Kingdom — events that are already proven and established in other global markets — we are connecting international and regional industry expertise.
“It is with this sharing of knowledge and innovation that we will keep delivering towards our Vision 2030 goals.”
On the opening day, panelists discussed how Saudi-driven innovation is shaping the future of the office, from culturally attuned design and agile project delivery to sustainability and supply chain resilience.
Mohammed Al Zamil, managing director at I-AM, highlighted how local insight is redefining excellence in workplace design.
Muhannad A Alhammadeh, marketing director of HAY Developments, said: “By 2035 the workplace will be shaped by multiple generations, hybrid work, automation, and climate urgency.”
Elaine O’Connell, senior vice president at event organizer dmg events, said: “As expected, the inaugural show is spotlighting how the Kingdom continues to establish itself as a vibrant hub for creativity, design, and innovation. What we have seen is that it is also doing its part in shaping the future of workplaces.”
Ahmed Al-Humaidi, sales director at Almutlaq Furniture, told Arab News: “Almutlaq is one of the pioneering companies in the Saudi market in the field of furniture. Today, the company is focusing on projects in line with the state’s current direction. Participating in the exhibition, we expect to attract a larger number of visitors, bigger projects, and greater opportunities.
“There have been many accomplishments; for example, Almutlaq is supplying Roshn with doors for the Sidra Project, one of the Kingdom’s major projects.
“The focus of our participation is not limited to Almutlaq, but also to showcasing international brands.”
Tarek Amin, dealer development manager at Haworth Middle East and Africa, praised the inaugural event for the networking opportunities, and added: “We are delighted to join with our partner Almutlaq Furniture. The Kingdom is a key market for us, and the opportunities here are tremendous as it continues its transformation under Saudi Vision 2030.”
Another exhibitor, Jose Garcia, Qyos product manager at Actiu, said: “Saudi Arabia is a key market with huge potential, and this show allows us to establish our presence and connect with architects, designers, and corporate end users.”
Taking place alongside the show was The Creative Circle, a two-day forum with 25 speakers, as well as a three-day workshop by Artsy.
One of the highlights on the opening day was a fireside chat with Dr. Mohammad Tantawy, co-founder, board member and CMO at Green Point Group.
Tantawy said: “There is a lot of greenwashing here, so companies must look at the full manufacturing process, including working with a reliable partner.”
Hobbies Castle, one of the Kingdom’s largest pop culture and trading card distributors, hailed the organizers for launching a much-needed industry platform in the form of the Kids and Toys section.
Mostafa Hamdy, country manager KSA at Hobbies Castle, said: “We have already created some incredible connections with other distributors, widening our potential network and customer base, which was a key focus of our participation.”
