Riyadh Active Industry: A Landmark Fitness Event in 2025
Riyadh Active Industry: A Landmark Fitness Event in 2025
The recent Riyadh Active Industry, along with the Riyadh Muscle Show and the Riyadh Active Exhibition, marked a successful inaugural event held on February 8-9, 2025, organized by IEG Arabia, a branch of the Italian Exhibition Group. This gathering not only celebrated wellness and fitness but also made history as a pioneer for such events in Saudi Arabia, attracting over 10,000 attendees, including professionals, enthusiasts, and competitors.
The event kicked off with a pre-opening ceremony that featured prominent figures in the fitness and sports industry, including guest of honor Naif Aldossary, a consultant at the Saudi Ministry of Sport, and Basim K. Ibrahim, Director of Sport at the Ministry of Investment. The presence of the IEG President, Maurizio Ermeti, added notable prestige to this important occasion.
Francesco Santa, the International Business Development Director, announced exciting plans for the 2026 edition during the event's closing remarks. Santa emphasized ambitions to expand from a two-day to a three-day event while aiming to increase attendance significantly to double the previous numbers and enlarge the exhibition space to 20,000 square meters. This growth is anticipated to take place between February 5-7, 2026, at the ROSHN Front, with continued support from the Saudi Ministry of Sport and collaboration with various partners.
The debut edition showcased leading names and distributors from the wellness and fitness sectors, including Panatta, Wellness First, Delta Fitness, Al Hayat Investments, and Matrix. Attendees had opportunities to engage in informative discussions through forums such as the Industry Talks, Women in Fitness Forum, and the Kingdom Roundtable.
In a spotlight event, the Riyadh Muscle Show, supported by the Saudi Bodybuilding Federation and under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports, witnessed 300 competitors participating in the Kingdom Championships—a centerpiece of national bodybuilding finals. Attendees thrived in an electrifying environment, enhanced by exhibitions from brands like Applied Nutrition, Dr Nutrition, and C4, which contributed to the unique experience of the Muscle Show.
Additionally, the Riyadh Active segment, presented by Subway, featured prominent fitness personalities such as Heba Ali and Hana Basrawi, drawing thousands of fitness enthusiasts and adding a vibrant community vibe. Other notable brands including Grenade, Lululemon, Gymnation, and Les Mills played significant roles in fostering connections within the fitness environment.
This significant event not only celebrated health and wellness but also highlighted Saudi Arabia's growing commitment to feature major sporting events, making it a crucial player in the international fitness landscape. The accomplishments achieved through the Riyadh Active Industry indicate positive growth potential, marking a promising future for both the industry and the region’s sporting events.
With plans underway for subsequent editions, the Riyadh Active Industry seeks to solidify its position as a leading platform for fitness and wellness in the Middle East, further accommodating the rising interest and engagement in health-focused initiatives across the region.