A record number of exhibitors will display their products and services at Automechanika Riyadh when Saudi Arabia’s leading trade show for the automotive aftermarket returns to the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) from 30 April to 2 May 2024.
Exhibition space has sold out after more than 280 exhibitors confirmed their participation, a 448 per cent increase from the previous event. Additionally, more than 8,000 visitors are expected to attend.
Occupying three halls at the RICEC, the sixth edition of the event will host more than 26 exhibiting countries including Germany, the UK, the US, Japan, India and Pakistan. The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will have a significant presence, with KSA exhibitors taking over 25 per cent of the total exhibition space. There will also be six pavilions for China, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore.
Automechanika Riyadh will feature seven product focus areas – Body & Paint, Care & Wash, Parts & Components, Tyres & Batteries, Oils & Lubricants, Accessories & Customising, and Diagnostics & Repairs.
The event includes the three-day Automechanika Academy, which provides a platform for thought leaders, experts, and industry professionals to discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and trends in the automotive sector in the region. The final day will focus on aftersales learning and development as part of the Training Workshop.
“Automechanika Riyadh is the premier exhibition for the automotive aftermarket in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the latest innovations shaping the industry while offering an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and conducting business within one of the most dynamic industries and vibrant countries in the world,” said Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, which conducts the event under licence from Messe Frankfurt.
Underscoring the exhibition’s importance, the Saudi Arabian automotive aftermarket has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 6.43 per cent since 2021 and is expected to top US$9.4 billion in 2027, according to data by TechSci Research. Driving this growth is the Saudi Government’s Vision 2030 programme for original equipment manufacturers to produce more than 300,000 vehicles between 2020 and 2030, increasing demand for passenger car spare parts and components.
Other contributing growth factors include the recent announcement between Hyundai and the Saudi Arabian Wealth Fund, which will see the construction of a manufacturing facility that will deliver 50,000 cars including electric vehicles. This is compounded by generally increased automobile sales, technology advancements, and the anticipated three million female drivers on the roads by 2030 due to policy change in the country.
“As Saudi Arabia witnesses the fastest growing automobile aftermarket in the GCC, Automechanika Riyadh has an integral role in facilitating networking opportunities, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and driving strategic collaboration in the Saudi Arabian automotive aftermarket industry,” said Aly Hefny, Show Manager Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
“There is undoubtedly huge demand for this kind of exhibition, underscored by the steep increase in demand from exhibitors and the breadth of international participating countries eager to advance their footprint in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.”