Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is rapidly emerging as one of the top 10 cities in the world, according to Fahd Al-Rasheed, Chairman of the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA). Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII), Al-Rasheed highlighted the Kingdom’s rapid growth in non-oil sectors, which have expanded by 7%. He attributed this growth to the transformative impact of Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious plan for diversifying its economy and reducing its dependence on oil.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted over 17,000 events, with plans to increase this figure to 40,000 by 2030. Al-Rasheed emphasized the importance of hosting Expo 2030 under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing it as a unifying global event that reflects a forward-looking vision for the Kingdom. He also noted the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Riyadh’s evolution, highlighting its impact on urban adaptation and workforce transformation.
FII and similar events play a key role in driving technical innovation and creative thinking in Riyadh. Al-Rasheed emphasized the importance of technology in shaping the future of global cities, pointing to the role of AI in urban development and workforce transformation. He stressed the need for cities to embrace new technologies and creative thinking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving global landscape. Riyadh is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and technology, with a focus on sustainability and future growth.
The Kingdom’s rapid growth in non-oil sectors is a testament to the success of Vision 2030 in diversifying the economy and attracting investment. Al-Rasheed highlighted the importance of Riyadh’s exhibitions and conferences sector in driving this growth, pointing to the increasing number of events hosted in the city each year. With plans to host Expo 2030 and increase the number of events to 40,000 by 2030, Riyadh is poised to become a key player on the global stage.
In conclusion, Riyadh is on track to be among the world’s top 10 cities very soon, thanks to the transformative impact of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s rapid growth in non-oil sectors. Events like FII play a key role in driving innovation and technology in Riyadh, with a focus on AI and creative thinking. With plans to host Expo 2030 and increase the number of events hosted in the city, Riyadh is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and technology on the global stage. The future looks bright for Riyadh as it continues its journey towards becoming a top global city.
