#MICE Summit #Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Events Industry

The International MICE Summit: A New Dawn for Business Events in Saudi Arabia

The inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS) is set to take place from December 15 to 17, 2024, at the Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (MISK) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal event aims to reshape the future of business events within the kingdom, spotlighting Saudi Arabia as the fastest-growing MICE market in the G20.

Expecting an attendance of over 1,000 global leaders from various industries, the IMS24 promises a dynamic program spanning three days of engaging and interactive sessions. As the world prepares for what could be the biggest MICE event in the region, the summit coincides with the anticipated World Expo 2030, expected to draw an impressive 40.7 million visitors to Saudi Arabia alone.

A Catalyst for Growth

The launch of IMS24 is also indicative of the kingdom’s broader strategy to bolster its MICE sector. With ambitious infrastructural expansions, such as a new airline and an upgraded airport with one million square meters of event space and 854,000 hotel rooms expected by 2030, Saudi Arabia is clearly positioning itself to meet rising demands in the tourism and events sector.

His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed, the chairman of the Saudi Conferences and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), emphasized the significance of the IMS during its announcement. “IMS24 will serve as a global leadership event, aiming to spur innovation, economic growth, and business development for the MICE sector,” he stated. The event’s theme, “Expanding Horizons,” reflects its goal to unite MICE industry leaders, suppliers, and association representatives alongside influential figures across various sectors and governments.

An Expanding Landscape

Saudi Arabia’s event industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with an uptick of nearly 15% growth in MICE events observed in 2023. Nearly 17,000 events attracted more than 20 million visitors, showcasing the kingdom’s capabilities in hosting large-scale gatherings. Tourism now represents 6% of Saudi Arabia's GDP, amounting to 255 billion SAR ($68 billion), marking a substantial contribution to the nation’s economy.

The MICE sector is poised for accelerated growth, driven by rapid expansions in transportation infrastructure and ambitious development projects offering unparalleled destination experiences and improved connectivity. Part of this robust strategy includes a 588 million SAR ($156 million) incentive program established by SCEGA to support prominent events leading into 2025.

Building Global Connections

The IMS24 will serve as a premier international gathering for leaders in the MICE industry, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, and collaborative workshops designed to ignite innovation and sustainability within the global MICE sector.

His Excellency Al-Rasheed highlighted the summit’s importance, stating, “In an era marked by profound technological and environmental shifts, the MICE industry has emerged as a key catalyst for change. By focusing on the future of the industry, IMS24 addresses the needs of a globalized world, redefining how people, cultures, and nations connect to foster prosperity.”

Saudi Arabia, with its vibrant cultural landscape and vision for global significance in tourism, stands as the perfect host for IMS. The summit aims not only to showcase the nation’s potential but also to solidify its role as a major destination for MICE events among G20 nations.

To find more details about the International MICE Summit, including registration, visit International MICE Summit Website. Follow their official channels on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates.

For media inquiries or additional information about SCEGA, contact: [email protected].