Al-Ahsa Development Authority identifies 24 opportunities to boost business events sector

The Al-Ahsa Development Authority, in collaboration with the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conventions and the Al-Ahsa Chamber, held a workshop to empower the business events sector in Al-Ahsa. The session focused on reviewing the sector's current status, competitive advantages, and methods to enhance integration between relevant entities.

During 2025, Al-Ahsa recorded 116 licensed business events, representing a 4% growth compared to 2024. This places the governorate third among cities and provinces in the Eastern Province for licensed business events. The workshop identified 24 development opportunities across six key areas: dates and food security, world heritage and culture, creative industries and crafts, energy and industry, education and scientific research, and regional connectivity.

Supporting factors for this growth include Al-Ahsa's reception of approximately 4.1 million visitors in 2025, with tourism spending reaching 2.95 billion riyals. Additionally, the region possesses an industrial base of over 160 factories and an oasis containing more than 2.5 million palm trees. Participants discussed challenges such as diversifying events, improving facility readiness, and developing local organizer capabilities, proposing a 90-day action plan to coordinate implementation.