Trade Shows » Country » Saudi Arabia » Riyadh

Business Overview
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest and fastest growing market of Middle East, and Riyadh, being its Capital, is the center of it all. Not only home to the kingdom's government, the city has all the key institutions, embassies, diplomatic missions, trade centers making it the legitimate decision making hub of the country.

Riyadh provide widespread opportunities in all key economic sectors offering an ideal platform to participate in Saudi Arabia’s economy which was initially dependent on ‘haj’ (pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest spot for Muslims), date farming and pearling. But with the discovery of oil, which was largely found in Riyadh created an infrastructure that transformed the nation into a diversified industrial state.

Today oil and petroleum products account for more than 90% of the city and country's income. In addition to oil and petroleum products, the capital is also rich in iron & steel, processed foodstuffs, cement and electrical equipment while desalination plants meet domestic water requirements as natural water is in short supply. Further quite extraordinary the government has funded agricultural development in order to reduce dependence upon imported foods and raise the standard of living.

Hosting many international trade shows and expos at its luxurious Exhibition Center (Riyadh Exhibition Center), Riyadh serves all the key economic sectors of the nation. Fairs like Riyadh Motor Show, Saudi Petrochem and Saudi Stone along with numerous other renowned events makes the city a frequented destination of business executives and trade seekers.

Major Business Centers
Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC):
REC is the leading organizer and exhibitor in Middle East hosting about dozen exhibitions annually covering all key economic sectors. In last 25 years it has organized over 330 international shows attracting participation from over 40 countries including strong representation from Western Europe, North America, Australia, Far East and Gulf Region.

Pertaining to its unmatched international recognition and leading shows, the center has achieved the UFI (Union Foires International) certification unlike any other Arab organizer. The key exhibitions of REC are related to Agriculture, Building, Education, Communications, Food, Medicine, Elenex & Furniture which also UFI certified for their highest possible standards in organizing and in attracting the right international exhibitors and visitors consistently bringing wide spread benefits to the local economy.

Saudi Arabia Stock Exchange or Tadawul:
Tadawul is the only stock exchange of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is situated in the capital Riyadh. Supervised by Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, the exchange is the 11th largest in the world.

The stock Exchanges lists around 82 publicly traded companies while its main index is Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI). The exchange is located in Al Maather Road.

Major Commercial Areas
Olaya District:
One of Riyadh's finest and major business & commercial centers, Olaya district is just 30 minutes away from the International Airport of the city.

The Olaya main street is surrounded by various deluxe shopping centers such as Al Mousa, Al Faisaliah Mall and Jewellery shops. It also has the main Computer Market of the city.

The district is loaded with big local companies including NCCI, Al Rajhi, Riyad, NCB, AlJazira and Saudi American Bank along with unlimited accommodation facilities. One can find wide range of hotels & guestrooms like Olaya Holiday Inn, Tulip Inn Olaya House Hotel, Olaya Palace Hotel and the list is unlimited.

The district is all packed up with ministry offices, hospitals and exhibition centers as well making it the true heart and sole of commerce of Riyadh.

Salahuddin District:
Together with its main street King Fahad Road, Salahuddin District is yet another important commercial hub of Riyadh. With numerous shops, lively markets, world-cuisine restaurants and huge malls, the district remain packed with tourists most of the time.

Therefore, no visit to the city would be complete without discovering the secrets of this bustling quarter.

Major Manufacturing Zones
Shifa Industrial Area:
Shifa is the major Industrial district of city accommodating range of factories. Variety of manufacturing units are sprouted around the area especially that of Automation and Pharmaceutical.