Riyadh Welcomes Inaugural MICE Summit: Catalyst for Global Collaboration
Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24) from December 15-17, 2024. The event, organized by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), will take place at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh. Over 1,000 global leaders from various industries will attend the summit, themed “Expanding Horizons,” highlighting the transformative power of MICE events.
Saudi Arabia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is expanding rapidly, driven by initiatives like World Expo 2030. The sector welcomed 17,000 events in 2023, attracting over 20 million visitors. This growth reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to become the fastest-growing MICE destination among G20 nations.
IMS24: Shaping the Future of MICE
IMS24 will provide a platform for collaboration among industry leaders, suppliers, and government officials. The program includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, and innovation clusters. It aims to redefine how people, cultures, and countries connect in a globalized world.
Fahd Al-Rasheed, Chairman of the SCEGA, emphasized the transformative role of the MICE industry. He stated, “In a time marked by profound technological and environmental transformation, the MICE industry has emerged as an essential catalyst of change.”
Infrastructure Expansion to Meet Growing Demand
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in infrastructure to accommodate the booming MICE sector. By 2030, the Kingdom plans to add one million square meters of venue space, expand airports, and launch a new airline. Additionally, Giga-projects and enhanced transportation connectivity are creating unique destination experiences for global visitors.
Tourism, a key pillar of Vision 2030, contributed six percent to Saudi Arabia’s GDP in 2023, generating $68 billion. The government also announced a $156 million incentive program to support marquee events in 2025, further boosting the MICE sector.
A Global Hub for Events and Innovation
IMS24 aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision to position itself as a global hub for business events and tourism. Welcoming almost 110 million visitors in 2023, the Kingdom continues its transformation into a leading destination for innovation, collaboration, and prosperity.
For more details or to register for IMS24, visit the International Mice Summit.
