logo
Automechanika Riyadh explores the Middle East's transformation into a global automotive hub - Middle East Business News and Information

Automechanika Riyadh explores the Middle East's transformation into a global automotive hub - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info29-04-2025
Captured by Lights In Motion
Senior stakeholders gathered at the Automechanika Academy conference to outline the positioning of the Middle East as a globally connected automotive ecosystem
The session emphasised the importance of localising EV infrastructure, expanding automotive manufacturing zones, and aligning standards to attract global investment in the region's mobility industry.
The seventh edition of Automechanika Riyadh features over 450 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and 19,000 industry professionals.
Riyadh, KSA: As the automotive aftermarket across the Middle East experiences rapid growth and change, senior stakeholders convened at the Automechanika Riyadh 2025, Saudi Arabia's leading regional trade show for the automotive aftermarket, to outline a strategy for establishing the region as a global hub for the automotive industry.
Supported by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as a significant player in global automotive manufacturing. Major projects such as Lucid Motors' plant in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and the launch of Ceer are aimed at localising the Kingdom's automotive value chain. In addition, the broader MENA region is contributing to this transformation, with Morocco raising its ambition is to achieve an annual production of one million cars by 2025, and the UAE becoming a crucial hub for aftermarket services and re-exports.
During his keynote address at the Automechanika Academy conference Dr. Faisal Al-Kadi, CEO, Al-Kadi Commerce & Industry, highlighted partnerships as a key driver to business success in the Kingdom: 'In Saudi Arabia, you have to be within the fabric of the industry. The country has a vibrant local industry. It has fantastic companies that are very active in the industry across all stages. I think partnerships – both local and international – are the way forward.'
This was followed by a panel discussion, 'Building the Middle East's Automotive Hub' , featuring key voices from industry, logistics, manufacturing, and policy. The panellists discussed the transformation of the aftermarket, focusing on topics such as localisation, supply chain and cluster development, and the need for harmonised certification processes. These themes are vital to enhancing trust and competitiveness in locally manufactured and remanufactured automotive parts.
Ben Stewart, Supply Chain Director, Lucid MENA, said: 'One of the things we need to do is create the environment for the suppliers. We are working very hard with government bodies as well as private companies, other OEMs and other industries to create a supply chain that's sustainable.'
Key trends discussed during the panel emphasised the necessity of standardised certification frameworks to facilitate regional aftermarket growth, and the government's role in enabling the growth.
'We hope to create a real deep localisation. This is our goal, and we have support from the government policy which can support the upstream and downstream localisation,' added Aftab Ahmed, Chief Advisor, National Industrial Development Center.
The Automechanika Academy serves as the show's knowledge exchange hub, bringing together regional and global experts to address the future of the automotive aftermarket.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, licensee of Automechanika Riyadh directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, said: 'The Automechanika Academy has once again delivered powerful conversations that address real-world challenges. Covering topics from industrial localisation to digital innovation, these discussions reflect our commitment to giving the aftermarket sector the tools needed to excel in an increasingly interconnected and competitive global market.'
Automechanika Riyadh 2025 will feature over 450 exhibitors from more than 34 countries and an expected 19,000 visitors. The seventh edition of the event will also feature 39 exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, representing nearly 10% of the total exhibitors and highlighting the market growth within the country.
Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added: ' The increasing participation of Saudi companies reflects the Kingdom's expanding role in the regional automotive supply chain. To accommodate this demand, we have expanded the exhibition by 70% compared to last year, adding two new halls and offering an even stronger platform for local and international companies to connect, collaborate, and grow.'
The product areas showcased at Automechanika Riyadh include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Tires & Batteries, Oils & Lubricants, Accessories & Customising, Diagnostics & Repairs, Body & Paint, and Car Wash & Care.
About Automechanika Riyadh:
Automechanika Riyadh, licensed by Messe Frankfurt GmbH, will take place from 28 April – 30 April 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This will be the 7th edition of Automechanika in Saudi Arabia, which is the leading exhibition dedicated to the automotive aftermarket industry in the Kingdom. The dedicated exhibition is one of 14 instalments of Automechanika – the most successful and largest automotive aftermarket exhibition brand in the world.
About 1st Arabia:
1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences is a leading exhibition & conference organiser in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, 1st Arabia has regional offices in Jordan and is set to expand its operations in more countries regionally. 1st Arabia organises top international trade exhibitions and conferences that provide unparalleled networking and business opportunities for companies looking to excel and grow within the Kingdom. Apart from conducting quality and high profile B2B trade fairs, country specific shows, corporate events, conferences, events management and festivals, 1st Arabia also provides a complete marketing tool and exhibition solutions to their valued clients. 1st Arabia is the only MICE organisation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who is a member of the International Organizations like IAEE, ICCA, MPI PCMA, SISO and, UFI.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PM: 80% of Workforce at El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant "Egyptian"
PM: 80% of Workforce at El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant "Egyptian"

See - Sada Elbalad

time6 hours ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

PM: 80% of Workforce at El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant "Egyptian"

Taarek Refaat Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant construction site on Wednesday, where he confirmed that Egyptian workers now make up more than 80% of the workforce. The announcement reflects the government's growing emphasis on domestic capacity building in one of the most technically advanced infrastructure projects in the nation's history. Accompanied by the Ministers of Electricity and Renewable Energy and Finance, as well as senior officials from the Russian contractor Atomstroyexport and Egypt's Nuclear Power Plants Authority, the Prime Minister marked the occasion by commemorating the 73rd anniversary of Egypt's 1952 revolution. "This site holds deep national significance," Madbouly said. "It has been a dream of Egyptians since the mid-20th century—to see Egypt enter the nuclear era through peaceful energy production." The El-Dabaa project, located on Egypt's northern Mediterranean coast, remained a long-standing aspiration for decades, appearing in school curricula and state planning documents. According to Madbouly, the dream began to turn into action in 2015 with the signing of the initial agreement between Egypt and Russia. Construction officially began in December 2017. The plant will consist of four nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 4,800 megawatts. The first unit is expected to be operational in the second half of 2028, with the remaining three units scheduled for completion in 2029. Egypt is adhering to a closely monitored construction schedule, with ongoing collaboration between Egyptian and Russian teams. 'We are witnessing this dream become reality,' Madbouly said. 'This is a source of pride for every Egyptian.' The Prime Minister emphasized that more than 80% of the thousands of workers currently on-site are Egyptian, highlighting the nation's growing expertise in large-scale engineering and energy projects. "This is a matter of national pride. Seeing tens of thousands of Egyptian engineers and workers trusted to build such a complex project reflects our true capabilities," he added. The El-Dabaa project plays a key role in Egypt's Vision 2030, which targets a 42% share of electricity generation from renewable and clean energy sources. Nuclear energy is viewed as a critical pillar of this transition. Madbouly concluded his remarks by thanking all partners and agencies involved, expressing confidence in Egypt's ability to deliver on time and within scope. 'We are not just building a power plant—we are building a future powered by knowledge, sovereignty, and clean energy,' he said. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks

Egypt's FM Delivers Message from President Sisi to Niger President
Egypt's FM Delivers Message from President Sisi to Niger President

See - Sada Elbalad

time7 hours ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

Egypt's FM Delivers Message from President Sisi to Niger President

H-Tayea Acting on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered a written message to President Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger during an official visit to Niamey, the capital of Niger. The letter reaffirmed the deep historical and fraternal ties between Egypt and Niger and expressed Egypt's commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors. Abdelatty conveyed President Sisi's warm greetings to President Tiani and emphasized that the visit reflects Egypt's strategic focus on strengthening its partnership with Niger. He highlighted Egypt's ongoing support for the people of Niger, grounded in the long-standing connections between the two nations. The Foreign Minister noted Egypt's appreciation for the recent positive momentum in bilateral relations, stressing the importance of building on these achievements to promote mutual interests and accelerate shared development. He also led a high-level delegation of 30 Egyptian business leaders and representatives from major public and private companies, participating in the first Egypt–Niger Business Forum, which aims to boost economic, trade, and investment ties, particularly in energy, infrastructure, construction, and mining. The minister also stressed the strategic importance of Niger's stability to Egyptian national security, citing the Sahel region as a natural extension of Egypt's strategic neighborhood. He underscored the growing threat of terrorism and the spread of armed groups across Africa, making security cooperation and intelligence sharing between Egypt and Niger an urgent priority. The two sides also reviewed ongoing cooperation in counterterrorism and combating extremist ideologies, with Abdel Aaty highlighting Al-Azhar's role as a center of religious moderation. He pointed to Al-Azhar's training of Nigerien imams and scholars, the dispatch of religious envoys, and the scholarships offered to Nigerien students at Al-Azhar University. The Minister also praised the work of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution and the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development in building Nigerien institutional capacity. Regional and security issues were also discussed, including the escalating instability in the Sahel and West Africa, and the impact of conflicts in neighboring countries on broader regional security. Both sides emphasized the need for collective efforts to address these challenges. President Tiani expressed his deep appreciation to President Sisi and the Egyptian government for their continued support of Niger, both in development and in facing security challenges. He welcomed the strengthening of ties with Egypt and praised Egypt's regional and international leadership, particularly Al-Azhar's educational and cultural contributions to Niger's religious and social sectors. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks

Schneider Electric and Hassan Allam Join Forces to Launch Smart Agriculture Project in Rural Egypt
Schneider Electric and Hassan Allam Join Forces to Launch Smart Agriculture Project in Rural Egypt

Daily News Egypt

time8 hours ago

  • Daily News Egypt

Schneider Electric and Hassan Allam Join Forces to Launch Smart Agriculture Project in Rural Egypt

Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, has announced a strategic partnership with Egypt's Hassan Allam Holding to develop a sustainable and technology-driven model for advancing agriculture in underserved communities. The collaboration aims to transform the 'Water-Energy-Food' nexus in rural areas through cutting-edge smart solutions, beginning with a flagship pilot project in El Nouras village, south of Port Said. The initiative was unveiled during Schneider Electric's 'Innovation Day: Buildings of the Future' held in Cairo, underscoring the private sector's expanding role in delivering community-centered, climate-smart infrastructure that supports Egypt's Vision 2030 and the country's international climate commitments. At the heart of the project is the development of a solar-powered, climate-controlled greenhouse expected to produce 20 tons of vegetables annually. The system harnesses Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure technology to improve irrigation efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and address long-standing agricultural challenges in the area, such as poor water quality and low crop yields exacerbated by climate change. 'This initiative reflects our deep commitment to supporting and empowering local communities through innovative solutions and advanced technologies,' said Sebastien Riez, CEO of Schneider Electric Northeast Africa and the Levant. 'Our partnership with Hassan Allam Holding is a true example of how cross-sector collaboration can turn sustainability ambitions into tangible impact.' Located in the northern Nile Delta, the village of El Nouras is home to nearly 12,000 people who rely on the El-Salam Canal for irrigation. The new greenhouse facility will be entirely powered by solar energy, aligning with Egypt's Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035 and updated climate targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which aim to generate 42% of electricity from renewable sources and cut electricity-related emissions by 37% by 2030. Beyond environmental goals, the project is designed to improve livelihoods by creating local jobs, training community members, and enhancing food security in the region. It also supports broader development objectives, such as gender equity, financial resilience, and local capacity building. 'Through this project, we aim to make a real impact on improving quality of life in underserved areas by addressing water, energy, and food challenges within an integrated, sustainable framework,' said Merette Elsayed, Chief Commercial Officer of Hassan Allam Holding. 'Innovation and sustainability are key to building more just and resilient communities.' The collaboration reinforces both companies' long-standing commitment to sustainable development, with a shared vision of leveraging technology and infrastructure to empower communities and bridge development gaps in rural Egypt. The model could eventually be replicated in other regions to scale impact and accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As Egypt continues to push forward with its national sustainability agenda, partnerships like this one illustrate how the convergence of technology, clean energy, and inclusive development can drive meaningful, long-lasting change from the ground up.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store