a day ago
Addressing Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure ambitions, FSB Sports Show Riyadh concludes a successful launch with over 13,000 visitors in attendance
Professionals working across stadiums, public parks, schools and large-scale urban projects sourced fit-for-purpose, ready-to-deploy solutions at the event
Industry leaders, including AtkinsRéalis, Levelz Gaming Group, Labosport Group, Apex Management and the IAKS – International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities, drove technical discussions at Saudi Sports & Leisure Summit and ActiveSpaces 360
Driven by the launch edition's success, the second edition is set to take place from 15 – 17 June 2026
The first edition of FSB Sports Show Riyadh successfully concluded, establishing itself as Saudi Arabia's largest trade event dedicated to sports infrastructure, leisure facilities and public spaces. Launched in the lead-up to landmark events like the 2029 Asian Winter Games and FIFA World Cup 2034, the exhibition has been timely in meeting the surging demand for sports infrastructure in the Kingdom, further aligning with Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program and ongoing stadium and recreational facility development as part of Vision 2030. Supporting Saudi Arabia's sports agenda
FSB Sports Show Riyadh, co-located with International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia drew significant turnout from government stakeholders, real estate developers, consultants and leisure operators, welcoming 13,110 attendees and reflecting the depth of interest in sports-led urban transformation. Visitors included professionals working across stadiums, public parks, schools, and large-scale urban projects, all actively seeking fit-for-purpose, ready-to-deploy solutions.
With packed aisles and a busy show floor, the debut edition highlighted how sports and leisure infrastructure is becoming a central pillar in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions. Furthermore, the 'Sport for All' strategy by the Kingdom's government helps promote physical activity, inclusion, and community well-being by expanding access to sports facilities and encouraging participation across all age groups – from popular sports to public urban sports programmes. Diverse exhibitor line up and product innovation
The 2025 edition featured 200 exhibiting companies and brands, with participation from both local and international exhibitors across key product categories, including playground and leisure facilities, urban design and architecture, sports surfaces, pool/spa fitting equipment and sports facilities and equipment. Dedicated country pavilions, including China and Türkiye showcased innovative solutions in sports flooring, artificial turf, aquatic technologies, outdoor fitness parks, modular structures, urban seating and more. Besides these pavilions, Italy presented the strongest European participation with 13 exhibitors.
Prominent exhibitors included Al Yamama Company for Trading and Contracting, a leading Saudi Arabian firm specializing in construction, facility management and infrastructure development; Greenfields, a global specialist in high-performance synthetic turf systems participating from the Netherlands; and NAFFCO, the world's leading producer and supplier of top-tier firefighting equipment, protection systems, fire alarms, security and safety engineering systems and more, among others. Driving strategic dialogue and technical excellence
The Saudi Sports & Leisure Summit addressed key themes such as smart facility management, climate-adaptive design and sustainable and adaptive infrastructure. Speakers from Saudi Sports for All Federation, AtkinsRéalis, Saudi Sports Professionals Network and Levelz Gaming Group led discussions that brought together consultants, policymakers and investors focused on reshaping Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure through inclusive and accessible spaces.
The two-day feature, ActiveSpaces 360, explored practical conversations and discussions on topics including, modular builds, synthetic turf quality, urban activation, and inclusive space planning. Notable speakers included Hussein Madi, Chief Executive Officer, Apex Management; Klaus Meinel, Secretary General of IAKS International; Stefan Diderich, Director General, ESTC – EMEA Synthetic Turf Council; Prof David James, Chief Executive Officer, Labosport Group; and Tom Pinnington, Director, The Sports Consultancy. On 17 June the ActiveSpaces 360 Sessions were partnered by the IAKS – International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities and the ESTC – EMEA Synthetic Turf Council. Looking ahead to 2026
With the quality of buyers, active product sourcing and strong industry participation exceeding expectations this year, FSB Sports Show Riyadh, organized by dmg events in partnership with Koelnmesse, will return from 15–17 June 2026.
Commenting on the success of the launch event, Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events, said: 'The response to the first edition of FSB Sports Show Riyadh has been phenomenal. It's clear there's a real need for a dedicated trade event that brings together sports infrastructure suppliers and decision-makers, especially as Saudi Arabia accelerates its investments in wellness and active living. We look forward to growing the event even further in 2026 in partnership with Koelnmesse.'
Denis Steker, Senior Vice President, Koelnmesse GmbH, added: 'We are delighted with the success of the launch edition. FSB Sports Show Riyadh has proven to be the perfect extension of our global edition 'FSB Cologne' for this thrilling region. By connecting international solution providers with Saudi Arabian decision-makers, FSB Sports Show Riyadh has established its role as a go-to sourcing trade exhibition for the Kingdom's sports infrastructure investment drive. The 2026 edition, in collaboration with dmg events, will continue building valuable bridges between international innovation and local transformation in Saudi Arabia's sports, leisure facilities and public spaces industry.'
