RIYADH — Riyadh will host the "GREAT FUTURES" trade exhibition on May 14 and 15. The governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are organizing the expo, which will focus on business, tourism, and cultural exchange. British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will lead the 350-strong contingent of British delegation that will showcase the best of UK innovation and excellence. The two-day flagship event, which will be held in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District, will host about 750 representatives. The trade expo marks the opening of a 12-month drive that aims to showcase UK expertise and credentials in sectors that sustain Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The event aims to build Saudi-British partnerships at the level of government and private sectors in various economic and development fields. This approach is intended to diversify the economy, raise productivity, and improve competitiveness in Saudi Arabia. The British delegation will include more than 350 government officials and leaders from the British business sector. The trade fair is being organized as part of the efforts of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council aimed at strengthening economic relations between the two sides in a number of promising sectors, in addition to developing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. Dowden described the initiative as an important opportunity to forge partnerships for the future between the UK's most creative and innovative companies and their Saudi business and government counterparts. "I'm delighted to be leading such a talented delegation to this landmark event. From emerging technologies to academia, the UK has an exceptional skill base to share with the world. Our two nations work closely on security and energy. We look forward to strengthening those connections in new areas that feed the Vision 2030 agenda," he said. Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi said that Saudi Arabia is very proud to be hosting this major event and bringing together leading minds in business, academia and entertainment from both the nations. "This event heralds the beginning of an extended and productive partnership focused on innovation, technology and our flourishing cultural sectors. We look forward to collaborating with the UK Government and the private sector to realize the ambitions of Vision 2030," he added. It is noteworthy that this initiative is considered as one of the important events at the global level with the participation of the most creative and innovative companies in the United Kingdom
