
Riyadh show addresses KSA's sports infrastructure ambitions
FSB Sports Show Riyadh, co-located with International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia, drew significant turnout from government stakeholders, real estate developers, consultants and leisure operators, welcoming more than 13,000 attendees. Visitors included professionals working across stadiums, public parks, schools, and large-scale urban projects, all actively seeking fit-for-purpose, ready-to-deploy solutions.
With packed aisles and a busy show floor, the debut edition highlighted how sports and leisure infrastructure is becoming a central pillar in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions. Furthermore, the 'Sport for All' strategy by the Kingdom's government helps promote physical activity, inclusion, and community well-being by expanding access to sports facilities and encouraging participation across all age groups — from popular sports to public urban sports programs.
The 2025 edition featured 200 exhibiting companies and brands, with participation from both local and international exhibitors across key product categories, including playground and leisure facilities, urban design and architecture, sports surfaces, pool/spa fitting equipment and sports facilities and equipment.
Dedicated country pavilions, including China and Türkiye, showcased innovative solutions in sports flooring, artificial turf, aquatic technologies, outdoor fitness parks, modular structures, urban seating and more.
Besides these pavilions, Italy presented the strongest European participation with 13 exhibitors.
The Saudi Sports and Leisure Summit addressed key themes such as smart facility management, climate-adaptive design and sustainable and adaptive infrastructure. Speakers from Saudi Sports for All Federation, AtkinsRéalis, Saudi Sports Professionals Network and Levelz Gaming Group led discussions that brought together consultants, policymakers and investors focused on reshaping Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure through inclusive and accessible spaces.
The two-day feature, ActiveSpaces 360, explored practical conversations and discussions on topics including, modular builds, synthetic turf quality, urban activation, and inclusive space planning.
Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president — construction, dmg events, said: 'The response to the first edition of FSB Sports Show Riyadh has been phenomenal. It's clear there's a real need for a dedicated trade event that brings together sports infrastructure suppliers and decision-makers, especially as Saudi Arabia accelerates its investments in wellness and active living. We look forward to growing the event even further in 2026 in partnership with Koelnmesse.'
Denis Steker, senior vice president, Koelnmesse GmbH, added: 'By connecting international solution providers with Saudi Arabian decision-makers, FSB Sports Show Riyadh has established its role as a go-to sourcing trade exhibition for the Kingdom's sports infrastructure investment drive.'
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