Koelnmesse, organizer of FSB, International Trade Fair for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities, since 1969, is expanding its international portfolio to Saudi Arabia. In close partnership with dmg events, the leading international trade fair organizer in Saudi Arabia, Koelnmesse will host the FSB Sports Show Riyadh from 16-18 June 2025 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC). With this expansion into the Middle East, Koelnmesse is strengthening its position as a central player in the global playground equipment, sports facilities and exercise industry.
The Saudi Arabian sports market is currently experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by strong government support. According to Bassem bin Khalil Ibrahim, Director of Investment Development in the Sports Sector at the Ministry of Investment, the market rose to $7.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $22.4 billion by 2030. The government’s focus on expanding sports and leisure facilities and promoting healthy lifestyles emphasizes the importance of sport as a key social sector.
“With this trade fair, we are creating a new platform that will enable companies from the participating sectors to position themselves prominently in the dynamic Saudi Arabian market,” emphasizes Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse. “Together with our long-term partner at FSB, the IAKS (International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities), and our new partner dmg events, we are delighted to establish this important industry event in Saudi Arabia. This will open up new business opportunities for our customers in this important growth region and enable them to participate in future major projects in the country.”
The FSB Sports Show Riyadh will focus on key areas such as infrastructure for mass sports and sports facilities as well as innovative solutions for modern exercise areas that meet the specific requirements of the region. It will be a central industry meeting point for manufacturers, planners, investors and operators of sports and exercise facilities, who will be able to make valuable contacts, build partnerships and tap into the growing business opportunities in the Saudi Arabian market.
The launch of the FSB Sports Show Riyadh builds on the success of the FSB – International Trade Fair for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities, a globally recognized event, with a legacy of more than 20 years in bringing together leading professionals, innovators and decision-makers from the sports, leisure and public space sectors.
“Leveraging the strength of the FSB brand and our long-standing expertise in organizing world-class events in Saudi Arabia, including Big 5 Construct Saudi and Saudi Infrastructure Expo, we are confident that FSB Sports Show Riyadh will deliver tremendous value for our local and global customers. This new event also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, advancing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a top global sports destination,” says Matt Denton, President, dmg events.
The FSB Sports Show Riyadh offers companies the opportunity to be present in a rapidly developing market, increase their brand awareness in the region and build sustainable business relationships. For Koelnmesse, this new event creates promising synergies between the events in Cologne and its trade fairs abroad. Böse: “The FSB Sports Show Riyadh marks an important milestone in Koelnmesse’s international growth strategy.”
