Largest edition of Automechanika Riyadh underscores the Middle East's position as a global automotive hub - Middle East Business News and Information
Automechanika Riyadh 2025 saw record attendance, achieving 35% year-on-year growth
The event hosted over 450 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, with China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, KSA, and the UAE accounting for the top five exhibiting nations
The event's knowledge-sharing platform, Automechanika Academy, gathered thought leaders from around the region while the latest industry innovations were presented across the show floor
Riyadh, KSA: Automechanika Riyadh 2025, Saudi Arabia's leading trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, concluded last month at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) with a 35% year-on-year increase in attendance.
The event showcased over 450 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and highlighted the Middle East's position as a global hub for the automotive industry. The domestic market represented 90% of visitors, with international markets accounting for 10% of attendees.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates progress under Vision 2030, major projects such as Lucid Motors' new plant in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and the launch of Ceer, Saudi's first electric vehicle brand, reflect the Kingdom's commitment to localising the automotive value chain.
The wider MENA region is also contributing significantly, with Morocco targeting an annual production of one million vehicles by 2025 and the UAE strengthening its role in aftermarket services and re-exports.
In his keynote address at Automechanika Riyadh, Dr Faisal Al-Kadi, CEO of Al Kadi Commerce & Industry, underscored the importance of fostering strong local and international partnerships to drive sustainable growth. This was echoed in a high-level panel discussion on 'Building the Middle East's automotive hub', which examined supply chain development, certification frameworks and the role of collaboration across sectors in supporting the region's transformation.
During the event, industry voices, including Ben Stewart, Supply Chain Director, Lucid MENA and Aftab Ahmed, Chief Advisor, National Industrial Development Centre, highlighted the critical need for government and private sector cooperation to create a robust, standardised, sustainable supply chain ecosystem. Discussions highlighted the importance of certification, localisation and long-term industrial planning as key pillars for establishing trust and competitiveness in the regional market.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, licensee of Automechanika Riyadh, directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition
GmbH, commented: 'Automechanika Riyadh 2025 was our largest and most successful edition to date from a visitor and exhibitor perspective, reflecting the impressive growth of the automotive aftermarket sector region-wide. The exhibitor showcase at Automechanika Riyadh 2025 increased by 34%, with the top five participating countries being China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, KSA, and UAE.'
To accommodate the growing interest in Automechanika Riyadh, the exhibition space expanded by over 70%, covering 19,270 square metres across five halls. In addition, the event featured seven international pavilions that presented the latest industry solutions from Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Thailand.
Automechanika Riyadh also featured Automechanika Lovers, a programme that offers marketing benefits and services to exhibitors at all Automechanika shows worldwide. Valid until 30 September 2026, the programme supports companies in enhancing their presence at Automechanika events and includes Gold, Silver or Blue status for participants.
Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: 'We would like to extend special thanks to the companies that participated in the Automechanika Lovers programme at Automechanika Riyadh, who undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the event's success. The programme offers many benefits, enhancing exposure for exhibitors before, during and after the event.'
This year, the programme featured companies with Gold status, including Add Industry (Zhejiang) Corporation Limited, C.E.I. Costruzione Emiliana Ingranaggi S.p.A, GSP Automotive Group, WENZHOU CO. LTD, REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH, and Sampa Otomotiv Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirket.
Automechanika Riyadh will return in 2026, where it is expected to build on this year's edition, welcoming more exhibitors and visitors. The product areas showcased at Automechanika Riyadh include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Connectivity & Autonomous Driving, Accessories & Customising, Tires & Batteries, Car Wash & Care, Oils, Lubricants, & Fuels, Diagnostics & Repairs, Body & Paint, Digital Solutions & Services.
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 organizer 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 organizes 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 organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who is a member of the International Organizations like IAEE, ICCA, MPI PCMA, SISO and, UFI.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
2 days ago
- CairoScene
London's Hottest New Cafés Have a Saudi Accent
Saudi coffee shops are reshaping London's café scene. These aren't just places to sip - they're stylish social hubs bringing Gulf energy to the city's most caffeinated corners. Jul 04, 2025 London is getting a royal refresh from the Kingdom. A wave of Saudi-owned destinations are reshaping where people go to eat, linger, and be seen - spaces where sleek interiors, rose-scented pastries, and playlists that bounce between Khaleeji pop and UK grime set the tone. These aren't spin-offs of traditional Arab restaurants - they're full-on expressions of modern Gulf identity, where design, flavour, and mood all move in sync. Think saffron lattes served in sculptural mugs, perfume counters tucked beside dessert displays, and staff who know your name and your angles. In a city full of copy-paste chains and quiet laptop cafés, these Saudi spots offer something far more social. Here's your guide to where Londoners are showing up, dressing up, and staying long after the last bite. 1/2 Million – Baker Street Founded in 2018, the homegrown coffee chain blends warmth and minimalism. The brand started from the idea of celebrating tradition with a modern touch. Think of it as the Apple Store of Saudi cafés, efficient but friendly and luxurious. Hijazi Corner - Old Marylebone Rd. Europe's first Saudi restaurant serves up Mandi, Mutabbaq, and Masoob with a side of heat, comfort, and sweet nostalgia. Somewhere Cafe - Harrods With locations across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Somewhere's first UK outpost brings a Saudi-rooted, travel-shaped menu to London - pairing Wagyu bao, kunafa shrimp, and kale tabbouleh with interiors that feel like a soft escape. Even the desserts drift far from the familiar: think French coffee baklava and a Cerelac-laced Um Ali. Qahwah London While not a typical coffee shop, this mobile experience delivers Saudi-infused luxury through freshly brewed Qahwah, intricate baklava, and showstopping setups. It stands as the UK's first dedicated luxury Qahwah station.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Mid East Info
TASC Slashes Tech Hiring Time in Saudi Arabia with Launch of Tech Vertical AIQU - Middle East Business News and Information
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving a significant surge in demand for technology talent, especially in AI and machine learning. However, many companies face challenges such as lengthy hiring processes, high costs, and limited flexibility, which cause delays that put critical digital projects at risk. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to sustaining the Kingdom's fast-moving digital transformation. AIQU, powered by workforce solutions provider TASC, builds on its established presence in Saudi Arabia by introducing innovative solutions like Deploy-on-Demand, which is designed to cut tech hiring timelines by up to 50%. With a proven track record in Tech Talent, Statement of Work, Digital, and Managed Services, AIQU continues to evolve to meet the Kingdom's growing demand for agile workforce solutions. They enable clients to rapidly fill specialized roles while handling iqama, payroll, compliance, and onboarding, providing pre-verified talent ready to deploy within 2 to 6 weeks, compared to the market average of 3 to 6 months. This innovative solution is already supporting public sector digital programs, banking and fintech transformations, global consultancies, and rapidly scaling SAP and ERP projects across the Kingdom. Tackling the Tech Talent Shortage Industries such as cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity are expanding faster than available talent can keep pace, creating an urgent tech crunch in Saudi Arabia. Roles like cloud architects, SAP consultants, and data engineers are in high demand, but local expertise remains limited. For specialized skills such as OT/ICS security or data governance, the talent gap is even more pronounced. AP consulting roles, for example, have a local talent shortfall of up to 40%. Traditional hiring methods are often too slow and rigid to meet these evolving needs. 'Many businesses simply cannot afford the three to six-month hiring cycles associated with conventional recruitment or global system integrators,' says Tim Harlow, Head of AIQU. 'Critical transformation projects cannot wait, yet the complexity of the Saudi recruitment market makes speed challenging. Vision 2030's momentum has created an enormous opportunity for organizations able to close their talent gaps quickly.' System integrators add further cost and complexity with approval processes and onboarding delays, making these models less sustainable. 'Cost, speed, and flexibility are the three pillars every client struggles with. Existing models are too rigid for today's dynamic projects,' Taha Esmail, VP – AIQU added. Deploy-on-Demand: A Faster, Flexible, and Cost-Effective Solution AIQU's Deploy-on-Demand model is built to overcome these challenges by offering pre-verified, project-ready tech talent mobilized up to 70% faster than traditional hiring models. Clients submit role requirements tied to project deliverables, and AIQU matches candidates from a continuously refreshed bench of regional and international professionals. The service also manages full onboarding, including iqama, payroll, compliance, and Saudization requirements, ensuring faster time-to-productivity and regulatory alignment. Beyond speed, AIQU's approach delivers significant cost savings, typically 30% to 50% compared to traditional system integrators, by cutting multilayered consulting overheads and providing transparent pricing. 'Clients want agility. We enable them to scale teams up or down based on project phases without the cost and complexity of long-term headcount commitments,' said Pinky Mistry, VP – AIQU. With multiple Vision 2030 initiatives moving into execution phases, demand for specialized tech expertise will only intensify. To meet this need, AIQU is expanding its pipeline of Arabic-speaking professionals, partnering with local training academies, building offshore development centers and growing its presence across the Kingdom. 'Vision 2030's momentum has created a massive opportunity for those who can close talent gaps fast. Our focus is on giving clients the agility they need to keep pace with this transformation,' concludes Tim.
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Saudi Crown Prince, German Chancellor discuss bilateral relations
Basant Ahmed Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud discussed, in a phone call on Thursday, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the most important developments and efforts made to enhance security and stability in the region. During the call, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in a number of areas were reviewed. 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 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer 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 Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
