Automechanika Riyadh explores the Middle East’s transformation into a global automotive hub

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.

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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. 

For more information, please visit our website.

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.

Rashad Iskandrni

Jeddah – Saudi Arabia: An all-new Finals concept sees four qualified teams progress to a centralised tournament consisting of 3 further matches to be held across 2 stadiums in Jeddah this week as continental football fever grips the Kingdom.

The new format already witnessed hosted exciting matches at the weekend, with the quarter-finals seeing three Saudi Arabian teams progress to the last four of the competition.  Al Hilal SFC defeated Gwangju, from the Republic of Korea; Al Ahli Saudi FC beat Thailand’s Buriram United, while Al Nassr Club saw off Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos.  In the fourth quarter-final, Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale beat Qatari side Al Sadd SC, leading to the semi-final encounters.

The semi-finals will see Al Hilal SFC take on Al Ahli Saudi, on Tuesday evening, with Al Nassr Club facing Yokohama F Marinos, on Wednesday. The winners of those ties will face-off in the ultimate challenge and the final on Saturday, 3 May.

The 32^nd edition of the event at the Dubai World Trade Centre features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries

His Highness: Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a leading global destination for tourism and a key meeting point for industry stakeholders

“The longstanding success of ATM highlights Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships that drive the growth and advancement of the global tourism industry”

ATM 2025 is organised under the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’

Held from 28 April to 1 May, this year’s event sees significant growth in participation across global markets

ATM Travel Tech has expanded by more than 26% this year, reflecting the sector’s increasing integration with technology and innovation

Government of Dubai Media Office – 28 April 2025: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, today opened the 32^nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a leading global event for the travel and tourism industry, being held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Bringing together professionals and leaders from across the global travel sector, including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury, and corporate travel, this year’s event features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees.

During the opening, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said that the strong turnout at this year’s Arabian Travel Market reflects Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for tourism, travel and hospitality, and underscores the emirate’s growing role in shaping the future of the global tourism sector.

His Highness said: “Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a leading global destination for tourism and a key meeting point for industry stakeholders, bringing together investors, decision-makers, experts and leading travel agencies from around the world. The longstanding success of Arabian Travel Market highlights Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships that drive the growth and advancement of the global tourism industry.”

His Highness added: “The events and exhibitions sector remain a vital driver of Dubai’s economic growth. The success of Arabian Travel Market, along with other major events hosted by the city throughout the year, reflects our steady progress towards achieving a key objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which is to position Dubai among the world’s top three cities for business and specialised tourism by 2033.”

Following the official inauguration, His Highness toured the exhibition halls, accompanied by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority; and His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.

Key Highlights

His Highness was briefed on key highlights of the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market, which has recorded a significant increase in international exhibitor participation, with a 20% rise from Asia, a 15% increase from the Middle East, more than 12% growth from Europe, and continued growth from Africa and the Americas.

ATM 2025 is being held under the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, underlining the vital role of cross-border collaboration, industry partnerships, and community engagement in reshaping the future of tourism and advancing sustainable practices.

Several new features are debuting at ATM 2025. Responding to growing demand for a dedicated platform for business events, IBTM@ATM has been launched this year. The new sector provides a specialist zone for business events suppliers to connect with buyers through pre-scheduled appointments and business exchanges. IBTM@ATM will also host a dedicated conference exploring key industry trends, staged on the new Business Events Stage.

ATM Travel Tech has expanded by more than 26% this year, reflecting the sector’s increasing integration with technology and innovation. A new Start-Up and Innovation Zone has been introduced, showcasing 21 pioneering companies reshaping the future of travel. The zone also offers an immersive VR experience, allowing visitors to explore new possibilities and transformative solutions within the travel ecosystem.

Commenting on the opening of ATM 2025, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “From next-generation technologies and the rise of travel start-ups to the introduction of IBTM@ATM, this year’s edition of ATM highlights an industry that is more connected, innovative and resilient than ever before. We are proud to offer a platform that fosters global collaboration, drives impactful business opportunities, and helps shape the future of travel.”

ATM Conference

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum was also briefed on the renowned ATM Conference, which returns this year with more than 200 speakers leading over 70 sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the newly launched Business Events Stage. The conference programme will explore emerging trends, share global best practices, and discuss strategies to unlock new opportunities while addressing key industry challenges.

This year’s programme covers a diverse range of topics, including the future of aviation, emerging trends in hospitality, climate action initiatives, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the sector.

On the first day, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr, a leading international expert in AI and Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, hosted the opening session on the Future Stage on how the travel industry can lead in AI adoption.

The second day of the ATM Conference will feature the annual Ministerial Session, which will explore how tourism growth can be unlocked through enhanced connectivity. The session will bring together the Ministers of Tourism from Bahrain and Lebanon, alongside the CEO of Trip.com, to discuss how infrastructure, innovation and inclusion can build robust tourism frameworks that empower communities and enhance cross-border accessibility.

On day three, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, will address the Global Stage to examine the future of aviation in an era of transformation and global disruption. Meanwhile, key findings from the IBTM World Trends Report will be shared on the Business Events Stage.

The final day will feature in-depth market insight sessions on Asia Pacific, as well as a dedicated spotlight on India’s burgeoning tourism sector. A major highlight on closing day will be the ATM Start-Up Competition, offering a platform for emerging entrepreneurs and innovators to pitch their ideas and redefine the future of travel.

ATM 2025 forms part of Arabian Travel Week, a ten-day festival of travel and tourism events held annually in Dubai. Over its three-decade history, ATM has played a pivotal role in facilitating over USD2.5 billion in industry deals and advancing the Middle East’s tourism landscape.

Organised in collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner; Emirates as Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.

·        Business travel in 2025 remains strong, but evolving factors from economic conditions and budgets to technology, sustainability, and traveller expectations are reshaping how and why we travel for work

·        Middle East has performed better than any other region post-COVID, with business travel spending reaching 19.4% higher than pre-COVID levels

·        IBTM@ATM Business Events Stage at Arabian Travel Market 2025 provides critical insights into the evolving global corporate travel and MICE landscape

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 April 2025: Current trends in business travel spending, changing global economic conditions, and the increasing impact of regional economic strategies have emerged as significant forces shaping the future of business travel in the Middle East.