Top 10 Business Events in Riyadh You Can’t Miss In 2025





From LEAP tech conference to the Future Investment Initiative, Riyadh hosts world-class events that attract investors, innovators, and industry leaders. These gatherings offer unmatched opportunities for networking, learning, and showcasing your business ideas. Mark your calendar early – many of these events are the gateway to major deals and partnerships.

DateEventLocationFocus
Sep 15–17, 2025Money20/20 Middle EastRECC, Malham, RiyadhFintech, digital payments, banking
Oct 5–7, 2025MEETES – Middle East Education and Training ExhibitionRiyadh (TBC)Education, Edtech, AI in learning
Oct 7–8, 2025Retail Show – SaudiThe Arena, RiyadhRetail innovation, e-commerce, logistics
Oct 27, 2025World Series: Venture Capital & Innovation SummitRiyadhVC, startups, tech innovation
Nov 3, 2025Fintech Revolution SummitRadisson Blu, RiyadhFinancial innovation, open banking, AI
Nov 10–12, 2025Saudi International Restaurants & Hotels Technology ExpoRiyadhHospitality tech, F&B, hotel innovation
Nov 12–13, 2025Saudi StartUp ExpoCrowne Plaza Hotel, RiyadhStartup growth, VC, pitch competitions
Nov 17–19, 2025OPEX EPC PMP Projects Conference & ExhibitionRiyadhEPC, project management, sustainability
Nov 18–19, 2025Connected World KSARiyadh FrontCloud, hyperscale, global connectivity
Dec 11–12, 2025Business Transformation & Operational Excellence Middle East TrEx ConfexRiyadhNational transformation, AI governance, operational excellence

1. Money20/20 Middle East (September 15–17, 2025)

Location:

RECC (Riyadh Exhibition and Conference Center), Malham, Saudi Arabia

Overview: Shaping the Future of Finance in the Middle East

Money20/20 Middle East is the region’s premier conference for everything fintech, finance, payments, and banking. From legacy financial institutions to blockchain pioneers and AI-driven fintech startups, this event unites the boldest minds and most influential players under one roof.

Positioned within the context of Saudi Arabia’s $1 trillion economy and Vision 2030’s digital finance initiatives, the event plays a pivotal role in advancing financial innovation, enabling strategic partnerships, and unveiling the future of financial ecosystems.

Key Stats and Highlights

Money20/20 Middle East is where strategy, policy, and technology converge to shape what’s next in the world of finance.

Why It Matters in 2025

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its move toward a cashless economy, financial inclusion, digital transformation, and fintech regulation are at the core of national development. The summit’s significance lies in its ability to bring together regulators, banks, VCs, and technology providers to foster impactful conversations and real business deals.

With topics spanning AI in banking, digital wallets, cybersecurity, open finance, blockchain, BNPL (buy now pay later), and decentralized finance, this event is a gateway to both regional insights and global collaboration.

2. MEETES – Middle East Education and Training Exhibition (October 5–7, 2025)

Location: Riyadh (Exact venue TBC)

Overview: The Flagship Education Platform of the Middle East

The Middle East Education and Training Exhibition (MEETES) stands as one of the most significant education-focused events in Saudi Arabia, designed to bridge the gap between educational service providers and future learners. Held over three days, MEETES offers a dynamic, future-forward environment where higher education institutions, training centers, and edtech innovators from around the world meet face-to-face with students, parents, government entities, and business leaders.

Key Statistics and Reach

These numbers not only demonstrate the scale of MEETES but also emphasize its role as a regional epicenter for education marketing, recruitment, and technological collaboration.

Vision 2030 and the SAR 200 Billion Investment in Education

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has placed education at the heart of national transformation. In 2025 alone, the Saudi government has allocated SAR 200 billion to developing educational infrastructure, digital learning tools, teacher training, and cross-border academic collaboration.

This investment reflects the country’s determination to equip its youth with 21st-century skills, promote lifelong learning, and support the private sector’s role in education delivery. MEETES acts as a direct beneficiary and channel of this investment, offering international participants a clear opportunity to engage with the Saudi market.

Focus Areas in 2025

MEETES also creates space for discussion on AI-powered teaching, featuring chatbots, smart classroom systems, and adaptive learning software that personalize educational experiences. Exhibitors from the technology, publishing, equipment, and institutional support sectors display cutting-edge solutions across a variety of learning modalities.

3. Retail Show – Saudi (October 7–8, 2025)

Location: The Arena, Riyadh

Overview: Saudi Arabia’s Leading Retail Innovation Expo

The Retail Show – Saudi is the Kingdom’s most influential B2B platform for retail technology, supply chain advancement, and omnichannel strategy. Scheduled for October 7–8, 2025 at The Arena Riyadh, this show brings together global and regional retail giants, technology innovators, policymakers, and venture investors to explore what’s next for retail in the Middle East.

Why This Event is Crucial in 2025

Saudi Arabia’s retail market is projected to surpass $200 billion by 2028, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing in the MENA region. The retail sector plays a pivotal role in diversifying the economy, generating employment, and fostering innovation.

The Retail Show – Saudi provides a dedicated stage for digital transformation, spotlighting:

Featured Speakers and Industry Leaders

The speaker roster features high-profile professionals from major global brands and government bodies:

These voices bring real-world case studies and strategic insight into the future of consumer behavior, digital channels, and smart logistics.

Key Tracks and Topics

The event is structured to offer actionable strategies, not just theoretical discussions. Panel talks, product demos, startup booths, and matchmaking sessions will empower attendees to take immediate steps toward scaling their retail operations.

4. Business Transformation & Operational Excellence Middle East TrEx Confex (December 11–12, 2025)

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Time: 10:00 AM – ~6:00 PM AST (Exhibition opens at 9:00 AM)

Focus: National transformation, AI governance, operational excellence, smart economies

Positioned as the region’s flagship conference for government and enterprise modernization, the TrEx Middle East Confex returns to Riyadh with a bold agenda: enabling leaders to power national visions – such as Saudi Vision 2030 – through intelligent transformation frameworks, AI-powered governance, and scalable operational excellence.

This high-level event is more than a conference; it’s a convergence point for government decision-makers, public sector stakeholders, and enterprise executives seeking to navigate the next wave of regional development. It aims to equip attendees with actionable strategies for delivering giga-projects, managing smart infrastructure, and achieving process efficiency across emerging sectors.

Why it matters

With national transformation plans across the Gulf accelerating, TrEx ME Confex brings together the people and practices needed to make these ambitions real. Expect deep-dives into Business Transformation (BT), Artificial Intelligence (including Generative AI), and advanced Business Process Management (BPM), all under the lens of public policy and industry-scale execution.

Strategic agenda themes

National Vision Realization

Practical strategies and frameworks for managing giga-projects, modernizing public administration, and delivering long-term government development plans.

AI-Driven Governance & Smart Economies

Explore the role of AI, IoT, and big data in optimizing city infrastructure, public services, energy management, and economic diversification.

Process Management for Growth Sectors

Learn how to deploy robust BPM systems across key growth industries such as tourism, manufacturing, entertainment, and tech innovation – ensuring agility in a dynamic economic landscape.

5. World Series: Venture Capital & Innovation Summit (October 27, 2025)

Location: Riyadh

Overview: Riyadh’s Premier Platform for Global Innovation and Startup Investment

The World Series: Venture Capital & Innovation Summit is more than just a conference – it is a strategic convergence of global venture capitalists, Saudi startups, government stakeholders, and innovation leaders. Scheduled for October 27, 2025, this one-day summit represents a cornerstone event for Vision 2030’s commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

As Riyadh continues to develop into a regional powerhouse for innovation and capital deployment, this summit offers a rare opportunity to gain direct access to the heart of the region’s financial and technological ecosystem.

Why the World Series Summit Is a Game-Changer

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prioritizes the growth of non-oil sectors, especially through venture-backed entrepreneurship. Riyadh has already attracted prominent VC firms such as STV, Raed Ventures, and Wa’ed Ventures, and the momentum continues to build with events like this.

The summit highlights include:

This event is engineered to unlock real-time investment opportunities and to spotlight Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem.

Key Themes in 2025

6. Fintech Revolution Summit (November 3, 2025)

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Riyadh

Overview: Driving Financial Innovation Across the Kingdom

The Fintech Revolution Summit 2025 is the 11th global edition of this fast-growing conference series and arrives in Riyadh at a pivotal time for the Kingdom’s digital finance sector. Saudi Arabia now leads the MENA region in fintech growth, digital banking adoption, and regulatory innovation. This summit is specifically curated for financial leaders, compliance experts, investors, and fintech entrepreneurs ready to drive the next wave of transformation.

Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, the event delivers a high-impact day of C-level networking, expert panels, and product showcases.

Why It Matters Now

Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector has:

The summit empowers decision-makers to capitalize on these trends through direct access to regulators, innovators, and institutional buyers.

Key Themes and Topics

Confirmed Participants and Stakeholders

7. Saudi StartUp Expo (November 12–13, 2025)

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Riyadh – Al Waha

Overview: The Kingdom’s Largest B2B Startup Event

The Saudi StartUp Expo 2025 is the definitive gathering for founders, investors, and accelerators shaping the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial future. Hosted in Riyadh on November 12–13, this two-day expo is backed by significant government support and is part of a national push to attract capital, inspire innovation, and empower high-growth startups.

With Saudi Arabia securing $1.38 billion in VC funding in 2023 – the most in MENA – the environment is ideal for early-stage and scaling ventures to thrive.

Event Features and Highlights

Each track features focused panels, fireside chats, and technical workshops led by serial entrepreneurs, VCs, and corporate innovators.

Why Attend This Expo?

Keynote Speakers and Participating Leaders

The event brings together a diverse speaker lineup of:

8. Connected World KSA (November 18–19, 2025)

Location: Riyadh Front

Overview: Accelerating Saudi Arabia’s Global Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure

Connected World KSA 2025 is the Kingdom’s premier technology infrastructure event, uniting telecommunications giants, cloud providers, AI developers, and national regulators to explore the future of hyperscale networks and global interconnection. Taking place at Riyadh Front, this two-day exhibition and conference features over 150+ international and regional speakers, exclusive startup showcases, and strategic sessions on digital transformation aligned with Vision 2030.

As Saudi Arabia expands its role as a regional connectivity hub, Connected World KSA will serve as a national platform to discuss, deploy, and fund the next generation of smart cities, AI-based services, and cross-border data exchange frameworks.

Why It Matters in 2025

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in cloud computing, 5G+ expansion, submarine cable investment, and smart governance are already reshaping the Gulf’s digital landscape. Connected World KSA is the embodiment of this transformation.

It brings together key global stakeholders to:

This event is not just about abstract ideas – it is where national projects meet global execution.

9. Saudi International Restaurants & Hotels Technology Expo (November 10–12, 2025)

Location: Riyadh

Overview: Advancing Hospitality Through Smart Technology

The Saudi International Restaurants & Hotels Technology Expo is Saudi Arabia’s leading B2B platform for innovation in hospitality management, F&B operations, and restaurant automation. Scheduled from November 10–12, 2025, this high-impact exhibition is designed to transform how hotels and food service businesses operate, optimize, and elevate customer experience in the Kingdom’s booming tourism and hospitality sector.

Why It Matters in 2025

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive hospitality expansion under Vision 2030, with multibillion-dollar investments in tourism, culinary development, and hotel chains. This expo connects international solution providers with local operators, chefs, hoteliers, and investors – creating a nexus for business deals, equipment procurement, and technology adoption.

With:

this event is a critical touchpoint for the future of Saudi F&B and accommodation sectors.

Industries Represented

Attendee Profiles

Workshops, product launches, and demo kitchens make this expo interactive, informative, and commercially driven.

Strategic Opportunities

10. OPEX EPC PMP Projects Conference & Exhibition (November 17–19, 2025)

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Focus: EPC innovation, project management trends, mega project execution

Positioned at the intersection of engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and modern project management, the OPEX EPC PMP Projects Conference & Exhibition is a must-attend event for professionals involved in large-scale infrastructure and industrial development across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.

Held in Riyadh from November 17 to 19, 2025, this conference offers a strategic platform to engage with the latest methodologies, tools, and leadership strategies required for high-efficiency EPC project execution – especially in the context of Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects such as NEOM, The Line, and Qiddiya.

Why it matters:

As Vision 2030 accelerates national infrastructure expansion, the demand for robust, scalable, and risk-managed project delivery frameworks is growing rapidly. This summit enables participants to not only observe the cutting-edge strategies powering these efforts, but also to interact directly with global EPC thought leaders, software providers, and government-backed developers.

R House – The Ultimate Workspace for Event-Driven Professionals

Workspace Options Tailored to Your Needs

With membership access that adapts to your schedule, R House supports your workflow before, between, and after event sessions.

Event-Ready Amenities

Plus: Wi-Fi, printing, concierge support, front-of-house reception, app-based booking, and a directory of other like-minded members.

Explore our flexible R House memberships and find the perfect plan to elevate your workday.

R House is a dynamic, progressive workspace, intuitively designed for the modern minds of innovators, creators, leaders and entrepreneurs to evolve, collaborate and excel

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Riyadh becoming a major destination for international business events?

Driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and significant government investment, Riyadh is rapidly transforming into a global business hub. The city is attracting world-class conferences, trade shows, and summits across fintech, education, retail, and technology sectors due to its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Can foreign companies exhibit or sponsor at events in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, most major business events in Riyadh are open to international exhibitors and sponsors. Organizers often provide dedicated services to help with visas, booth setup, and local networking, making it easier for foreign businesses to establish a presence in the Saudi market.

What are the networking opportunities like at Riyadh business events?

Business events in Riyadh typically offer structured networking such as B2B matchmaking sessions, roundtables, speaker meet-and-greets, and after-hours mixers. These opportunities are designed to foster connections between startups, investors, corporate leaders, and government representatives.

Do I need a visa to attend business conferences in Riyadh?

Most international visitors will need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. For business event attendees, a business visa or eVisa may be required, depending on your nationality. Event organizers often provide support documents to facilitate the visa process for registered participants.

Is English widely used at business events in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, English is the primary language used at most international business events in Riyadh. Keynotes, panels, and workshops are often conducted in English, and simultaneous interpretation is sometimes available for Arabic-speaking audiences.



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