The inaugural editions of International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia and FSB Sports Show Riyadh officially opened at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), welcoming industry professionals from across the Kingdom. The events are jointly organized by dmg events and Koelnmesse, bringing together international and regional manufacturers, suppliers and sector specialists under one roof. The openings were marked by the presence of Gerald Böse, President & CEO, Koelnmesse and Matt Denton, President, dmg events.

Speaking on the successful opening of the events’ debut editions, Gerald Böse said: “Launching both FSB Sports Show Riyadh and International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia with dmg events marks a significant step in connecting global expertise with Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing sectors. From sports infrastructure to industrial tools, these events reflect the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions and the strong demand for specialized, future-ready solutions.”

Commenting on the occasion, Matt Denton said: “The success of both launches demonstrates the market’s need for focused, high-impact trade events. Partnering with Koelnmesse has allowed us to create specialized, niche trade events that not only highlight industry progression but also enable real business exchange, directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s development goals under Vision 2030.”

Making its debut in the Kingdom, International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia brings together over 200 exhibitors and brands across product sectors such as tools, fasteners, building materials, construction equipment and industrial supplies. Some of the exhibiting brands include, Albawardi Tools & Hardware, Truper, Yato Tools (Jiaxing), Genergy Power Products, Gong Fong Enterprise and Pecol. The event is designed to meet the procurement needs of professionals across the construction, manufacturing and infrastructure industries.

Modelled after the long-established EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne, the Riyadh edition provides direct access to sourcing opportunities for professionals in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hardware and tools sectors. The event also includes live product demonstrations at the Demo District; Guess the Gear, where participants identify tools by sound for a chance to win prizes; and the Hardware Hero Challenge, featuring one-handed hammering and speed drilling competitions.

Running alongside International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia and building on the legacy of the renowned FSB Cologne, FSB Sports Show Riyadh focuses on sports infrastructure, fitness courts, leisure facilities and public spaces. With over 200 exhibitors and brands including Greenfields, Kotobuki Seating Group, Soft Surfaces General Contracting, Syngenta Asia Pacific, Yardex and Cypex, the show supports the Kingdom’s plans to develop inclusive and modern environments for community wellness and active living.

Combining advanced engineering with luxury features, the event attracted visitors to TeleiosX, providing a hands-on opportunity to engage in competitive, full-motion racing directly on the show floor. Another standout feature drawing strong visitor interest is the Virtual Golf Simulator, presented by Marafei Almarefah, which blends sport and technology through an interactive experience using VR, AR and advanced projection systems.

A key feature of the event, the FSB Sports & Leisure Summit, concluded successfully on opening day, bringing together high-profile speakers from across the sports, wellness and urban planning spectrum. One of the highlights was a panel discussion on designing facilities for sustainability & wellness, where the panellists collectively emphasized the need to integrate resource-efficient systems and wellness-driven design for future-ready sports infrastructure.