On this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Tahaluf, a Riyadh-based joint venture that is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in the events industry. With partnerships involving Informa, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity Programming and Drones, and the Events Investment Fund, Tahaluf is playing a pivotal role in driving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation. In just three years, the company has launched 21 event brands, including major events like Leap, DeepFest, Cityscape Global, and Black Hat MEA, positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for international investors and business events.
Michael Champion, shares insights into how flagship events are attracting global investors and fostering confidence in the kingdom’s economic transformation. With events like Leap drawing over 200,000 attendees and thousands of investors, the capital inflow into Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly significant. Cityscape Global, recognized as the world’s largest real estate event, exemplifies this trend, attracting institutional investors who are keen to engage with the financing of major Giga projects in the region.
The economic impact of Tahaluf’s events is substantial, with a conservative estimate of $17.6 billion generated over the past three years. This figure highlights the importance of mega events in driving GDP growth, job creation, and foreign investment inflows. For instance, Cityscape Global recorded $5.1 billion in transactions during its last edition, showcasing the vibrant real estate market and the potential for further growth in the sector.
As Saudi Arabia continues its diversification journey beyond oil, Tahaluf’s model of strategic event creation aligns perfectly with the nation’s broader goals. By focusing on sectors deemed strategic by the government, Tahaluf is not only enhancing its own portfolio but also contributing to the development of a global events hub in the kingdom. With a growing appetite for face-to-face interactions and the emergence of homegrown events like Leap, the future of the events industry in the Middle East looks promising, with exciting opportunities on the horizon.