The tourism & leisure sector is one of the key parts of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification under its Vision 2030 plan, with international tourism forecast to grow by 5.8% per year between 2018 and 2022, according to BMI Research. The many mega projects underway in line with Vision 2030 like Qiddiya, NEOM and Red Sea Project, among others, are projected to attract not only Saudis but also international tourists by offering world-class entertainment and leisure, making Saudi Arabia a global tourist destination. Opportunities, in this rapidly growing market, present opportunities for international and local players in various entertainment sectors. That's why the three-day second edition of dmg events-organized Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) expo in Riyadh starting today (Feb. 3) at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, has gained added significance for both exhibitors and visitors — to source new products, meet new suppliers, discover latest products and trends and network with Industry peers. Saudi Arabia is opening up to a series of entertainment and leisure activities, for in less than a year, the Kingdom has held music concerts, opened movie theatres and staged sporting events. Two popular comic con events were organized and all these events have proven to be a major draw. In addition this year the holding of the Seasons event in major cities has provided Saudis and residents a window to the changing landscape. Riyadh plans to spend $13.3 billion by 2020 to promote entertainment, health, sports and education, General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Ahmed Al-Khatib had said, adding, the "Quality of Life" initiative aims to generate 300,000 jobs. Perhaps, the most ambitious project in this plan is Qiddiya, an entertainment, sports and cultural hub covering 334 sq.km with infrastructure cost of up to $8 billion, which will be the region's largest tourist and entertainment destination. With large players like AMC, VOX and Cinépolis announcing their entry into the Kingdom, to tap the virtually untouched cinema market, the demand for products, technology and services this lucrative sector requires is higher than ever. Embracing this budding market, Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) expo has introduced cinema as one of its key sectors in the 2020 edition. The trade event dedicated to Kingdom's nascent entertainment and leisure sector has attracted the best products, services and technology brands in the industry, from across 25+ countries, right here to Riyadh, in support of the Kingdom's vision to transform into the entertainment and leisure hub of the Middle East. The show offers the perfect platform for top manufacturers and suppliers of entertainment and leisure products and services to do business with investors, distributors, government officials, owners of malls, cinemas & family entertainment centers, not to mention key procurement professionals involved in small and mega entertainment and leisure projects across the Kingdom to source the best products and services the global markets have to offer. The 2nd Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) expo has in fact, achieved 75 percent growth overall and the number of exhibitors has increased by 30 percent. The reach for exhibitors is global, with a growing list of influential exhibitors including Whitewater, Ropes Courses Inc, Polin, Warehouse of Games, Amusement Services International, Embed, IDEATTACK, Vivaticket and Vortex. The powerhouse exhibitors taking part is sure to increase visitor numbers this year from last year's 4000 plus. The visitors to the expo will have access to the best products the global markets have to offer. Whether its games & devices, rides, security equipment, lighting and stage equipment, equipment for theme parks or kids play equipment, the event offers the perfect opportunity to source good quality products, some probably never-seen-before in Saudi, for their projects. Apart from the great line up of brands and products, one of the highlight features of the event is a conference program called the SEA Summit. The SEA Summit will be hosted over two days by developers and consultants speaking on market projects and challenges that businesses could face in the country. These sessions will be accredited by the CPD certification service, so that attendees can come away from the education program with something tangible and credible, to help expedite their professional development. Participating companies at the SEA summit include LDP, Diriyah Gate, Kids Space, Hill International Inc., Stamina Productions, All Entertainment Group and CBRE, among others. Visit www.saudientertainmentexpo.com for more information. — SG
