logo
Automechanika Riyadh 2025 Wraps Up Its Seventh Edition in Style

Automechanika Riyadh 2025 Wraps Up Its Seventh Edition in Style

ArabGT30-04-2025

The seventh edition of Automechanika Riyadh 2025 recently concluded at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Investment. Held from April 28 to 30, the event brought together representatives from 34 countries and over 39 Saudi companies—affirming its growing international appeal and its status as the leading regional platform in the vehicle services sector.
The opening ceremony was led by Mr. Ajlan bin Saad Al-Ajlan, Second Vice Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, who toured several exhibitor booths. The number of exhibitors surpassed 450 this year—a 32% increase from the previous edition—and included a notable presence of new Saudi companies, reflecting the local market's rapid growth and rising confidence in the show.
Remarkable Growth in Scale and Attendance
This year, the exhibition grew significantly, with a 70% increase in floor space compared to the 2024 edition, occupying five halls in total. Over three days, the event welcomed more than 15,000 visitors and showcased the latest products and services in areas such as spare parts, electronic systems, oils, tires, vehicle care, diagnostics, and maintenance.
The show attracted a wide range of industry players, including wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters, garage owners, workshop technicians, and service center professionals.
Automechanika Academy: A Knowledge Hub for Innovation and Localization
Running alongside the exhibition, the Automechanika Riyadh Academy launched under the theme 'Localization and Innovation in Vehicle Services.' Now a core component of the event, the Academy gathered experts and industry leaders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and developments in the automotive service sector.
The Academy offered an intensive knowledge program featuring over 50 sessions and workshops focused on critical topics such as localization, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable supply chains.
Several sessions also spotlighted the Kingdom's efforts to boost its automotive industry—most notably through the King Salman Automotive Manufacturing City, which plays a strategic role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Conference sessions further explored the massive transformation underway in Saudi Arabia's automotive sector, fueled by Vision 2030 ambitions. With over 63% of the population under the age of 30, discussions emphasized the importance of cultivating a new generation of skilled talent in electric mobility, smart transportation, and AI-driven diagnostics.
These themes formed the heart of the Automechanika Academy Conference, where experts underscored the need to proactively develop a local workforce ready to lead the Kingdom's mobility future.
The event also hosted strategic meetings with key players in the vehicle services sector to develop a roadmap that strengthens Saudi Arabia's and the region's position as a global automotive hub.
According to data from Statista , Saudi Arabia accounts for around 50% of car sales in the Middle East, with over 600,000 new vehicles sold annually. The Kingdom aims to scale up domestic production to 700,000 vehicles annually in the coming years as part of its ambitious industrial strategy.
Vision 2030 supports several major projects aimed at localizing 40% of the automotive value chain, including the Lucid Motors plant in King Abdullah Economic City and the launch of the Ceer brand. Regional Players Reinventing the Industry
Regionally, countries such as Morocco and the UAE are also playing key roles in reshaping the industry. Morocco currently produces over 700,000 vehicles annually for export and is targeting 1 million vehicles per year by 2025. Meanwhile, the UAE has emerged as a key hub for aftermarket services and vehicle re-exports. Captured by Lights In Motion Strong Organizational Praise and Expanding Global Presence
Bilal Al-Barmawi, CEO of 1st Arabia for Exhibitions and Conferences, stated that the 2025 edition reflects the sector's accelerating growth and reinforces efforts toward localization and innovation. Ali Hefny, Exhibition Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, highlighted this year's unprecedented diversity of exhibitors and conference content.
The global nature of the show was further elevated by the presence of seven official country pavilions from Singapore, South Korea, China, Turkey, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, alongside newly introduced zones for exhibitors from Italy and India.
Automechanika Riyadh serves as the Saudi edition of the world-renowned Automechanika series, recognized as the largest global trade exhibition dedicated exclusively to the automotive aftermarket industry.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi Arabia's Port of NEOM installs 1st automated cranes, targets 2026 launch
Saudi Arabia's Port of NEOM installs 1st automated cranes, targets 2026 launch

Arab News

time7 hours ago

  • Arab News

Saudi Arabia's Port of NEOM installs 1st automated cranes, targets 2026 launch

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's $500-billion giga-project NEOM has installed the Kingdom's first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes at its Red Sea port as it moves ahead with plans to begin operations in 2026. The delivery of next-generation ship-to-shore and electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes marks a key milestone in the development of Terminal 1, which will accommodate the world's largest container ships. NEOM is aiming to position the facility as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The facility supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by contributing to economic diversification through enhanced trade, logistics, and industrial capabilities. As global supply chains shift toward resilience and efficiency, NEOM's strategic Red Sea location positions it as a vital link between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Sean Kelly, managing director of Port of NEOM, said: 'The arrival of our first automated cranes marks a tangible milestone as we lay the foundations for an advanced, future-ready port.' He added: 'We're not only accelerating industrial growth in northwest Saudi Arabia, but we're also setting a new benchmark for performance, efficiency, innovation and establishing a vital trade gateway for the Kingdom and the region beyond.' The new cranes will enable high-efficiency operations while allowing remote control from ergonomic workstations. Infrastructure developments, including a 900-meter quay wall and an 18.5-meter-deep channel, ensure the port can handle the largest vessels transiting the Suez Canal. Terminal 1 will also feature horizontal transport automation, boosting logistics capacity and regional industrial growth. Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the port is investing in local talent development. A specialized program is training Saudi workers, including women, for high-tech roles such as remote crane operations. Ten participants from Saudi Arabia's Tabuk region are currently in a two-year program combining technical training and mentorship. Trainee Hajjer Alatawi said: 'This experience has shown me that port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it's about teamwork, precision and responsibility. Seeing more Saudi women entering this space gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender.' The press release added that by empowering Saudi workers with high-tech skills, 'Port of NEOM is supporting NEOM's vision of being a catalyst for a sustainable, diverse and innovative ecosystem that enables regional economic resilience and advances the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.'

Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience
Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience

Arab News

time10 hours ago

  • Arab News

Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience

Saudi Arabia is hosting millions of pilgrims for this year's Hajj, which is taking place from June 4 to 9. The Kingdom continues to ensure an organized, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims. As part of efforts to enhance pilgrim services, Lulu Group has partnered with Kidanh Development Company, under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, to open new retail stores near key pilgrimage locations, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These stores are already operational, providing easy access to essential items such as food, beverages, and personal care products. The agreement was signed by Muhammed Al-Mejmaj, executive manager at Kidanh, and Bashar Naseer Al-Besher, executive administration manager of Lulu Group. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and expanding private sector involvement in national development. This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing the overall Hajj experience through effective public-private collaboration. Kidanh's development strategy includes modernizing traditional market areas near the holy sites to better serve the needs of pilgrims through modern infrastructure and organized retail services. More than 122,000 Indian pilgrims, including over 16,000 from Kerala, are performing Hajj this year. The new Lulu outlets are designed to meet the needs of this diverse and growing pilgrim community by offering trusted products in strategically located stores. Retail outlets have already opened, and shopping is underway, making Lulu one of the first major retailers to begin operating in close proximity to the holy sites. This reinforces Lulu's commitment to service excellence and community support.

Saudi Arabia to host second WTO regional trade policy course in 2025
Saudi Arabia to host second WTO regional trade policy course in 2025

Saudi Gazette

timea day ago

  • Saudi Gazette

Saudi Arabia to host second WTO regional trade policy course in 2025

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT) held a virtual meeting with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to discuss preparations for the second edition of the Regional Trade Policy Course (RTPC), scheduled to take place in the Kingdom in 2025. Deputy Governor for Shared Services Nasser Al-Dughaither, represented GAFT in the meeting. The meeting, included GAFT's Director General of Human Resources Hamoud Al-Malki and Director of Talent and Development Badr Al-Ajlan, focused on enhancing cooperation to organize the RTPC, improving the course's quality and outcomes, and developing specialized workshops for stakeholders involved in trade negotiations. These efforts aim to deepen participants' understanding of WTO agreements, rules, and procedures. Al-Dughaither emphasized that Saudi Arabia's three-year hosting of the RTPC reflects its global economic leadership, particularly in the Middle East, and aligns with national goals to empower regional trade policymakers and elevate their capacity to meet international trade standards. He expressed optimism about the upcoming edition, building on the success of the previous course, which featured robust scientific content and active participant engagement. The first edition of the RTPC was hosted in Saudi Arabia from October 13 to December 5, 2024, in partnership with King Saud University and the WTO. It saw participation from around 25 government officials representing nine countries, along with 12 Saudi government entities, covering over 24 training topics.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store