Riyadh to Host Major Global Trade Fairs for the First Time Outside Europe Under the Banner of Riyadh International Industry Week 2025

As part of the industrial momentum witnessed during the Riyadh International Industry Week 2025, a strategic announcement was made regarding the Saudi capital’s readiness to host regional editions of three of the world’s most prominent industrial trade fairs in printing, packaging, and plastics: Drupa, K, and Interpack—marking the first time these events will be held outside of Europe.

The announcement comes as a result of a new partnership agreement between Riyadh Exhibitions Company and Messe Düsseldorf, the German organizer of these globally renowned exhibitions. The collaboration aims to strengthen industrial engagement in the Middle East by bringing international expertise to the Saudi market and expanding the scope of industrial partnerships across the region.

The three exhibitions represent global benchmarks for industrial innovation. The K Trade Fair is the world’s leading event for plastics and rubber, typically held every three years in Germany and featuring more than 3,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries. Meanwhile, Interpack is considered the foremost global trade fair for processing and packaging, covering industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Drupa, held every four years, is the world’s largest event for printing and advanced technologies, attracting thousands of specialists and decision-makers from across the globe.

Hosting these exhibitions in Riyadh is expected to significantly reshape the industrial exhibition landscape in the Middle East. It also presents a strategic opportunity for Saudi and regional companies to explore cutting-edge innovations and forge business and technology partnerships with leading international firms and institutions.

This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s continued efforts to position itself as an advanced industrial hub and an attractive destination for high-value investments. It also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the national economy, localize advanced industries and technologies, and foster knowledge exchange with global markets.