Automechanika Riyadh, the highly anticipated trade show for the Saudi Arabian automotive market, has been officially inaugurated by H.H. Prince Bader bin Fahad bin Abdullah Al Saud and Mr. Ammar Altaf, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Investment.

The event takes place from today, 30 April, to Thursday, 2 May 2024, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre(RICEC).

During the official ribbon-cutting and tour, both H.H. Prince Bader bin Fahad bin Abdullah Al Saud and Mr. Altaf visited several of the 340participating companies, a 448% increase inexhibitor numbers compared to the last edition of the show, while spanning three halls and occupying over 11,000 square metres of exhibition space.

This was followed by a keynote speech by Mr.Altaf, part of the Automechanika Riyadh Academy, in which he outlined the Ministry's role in regulating, developing, and promoting domestic and foreign investment in the Kingdom and protecting investors' rights.

More than 26 countries will be represented at the exhibition, including six country pavilions, including China, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore. Countries including Germany, the UK, the United States, Japan, India, and Pakistan will also be represented, giving Automechanika Riyadh a truly international flavour business profile.

Closer to home, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar will have a significant presence, with KSA exhibitors taking over 25% of the total exhibition space and featuring several first-time Saudi exhibitors.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: “With more than 8,000 visitors expected and a record number of exhibitors, Automechanika Riyadh stands as the leading exhibition for Saudi Arabia’s automotive aftermarket. This year, we are presenting cutting-edge innovations that are defining the sector andproviding an unmatched venue for networking, educational opportunities, and business dealings.”

Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added: “The next three days promise to be a catalyst for the future of the automotive aftermarket in the region and globally. This impact is amplified by our international reach, the exceptional calibre of exhibitors showcased, and insights from world-classspeakers, making it a game-changing event for the industry worldwide."

The Automechanika Riyadh Academy will take place throughout the three-day exhibition, featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions and market updates under two themes: Accelerating KSA’s Mobility and Way Forward – KSA’s Automotive Aftermarket.

Other sessions on the opening day as part of the Academy, which is held under two distinct themes, Accelerating KSA’s Mobility and Way Forward—KSA’s Automotive Aftermarket,included insights from Frost & Sullivan’s Robin Joffe, Partner & Managing Director, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, and Mark Notkin, Chief Innovation Officer, PetrominCorporation, who discussed leveraging electrification for sustainable mobility.

James Luxbacher, Chief Business Development Officer, SIXT KSA, provided insights into innovations in smart mobility within the Kingdom, focusing on Integrated Smart Transportation Systems, the adoption of Electric and Autonomous Vehicles and digital platforms and mobility services.

Automechanika Riyadh features eight product categories which include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Accessories & Customising, Tyres & Batteries, Car Wash & Care, Oils & Lubricants, Diagnostics & Repair and Body Paint. The event is one of 14 Automechanika events worldwide and is licensed to 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.