Mr. Ajlan bin Saad Al-Ajlan has officially opened the seventh edition of Automechanika Riyadh
Key topics to be discussed during the three-day sold-out event include tackling skills shortages and embracing digital change, establishing the Middle East as a global automotive hub, and the importance of a customer-centric approach
The event will welcome a record number of exhibitors, with more than 450 from 30 countries with over 15,000 visitors expected
Riyadh, KSA: Automechanika Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s leading regional trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, has been officially inaugurated by Mr. Ajlan bin Saad Al-Ajlan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Riyadh Chamber, with the event continuing until Wednesday, 30 April, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC).
As part of the official opening ceremony and tour, Mr. Ajlan bin Saad Al-Ajlan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Riyadh Chamber visited several of the 450 exhibitors, an increase of 32% on last year’s numbers, which also includes a record number of Saudi businesses covering all aspects of the automotive aftermarket and underscoring the market growth within the country, with several new and returning exhibitors.
This year’s exhibition is set to break previous attendance records, with more than 15,000 visitors expected throughout the three days, resulting in an extended show floor which has seen the number of halls increase from three to five to keep pace with demand from exhibitors and visitors.
Following the official opening, Dr. Faisal Al-Kadi, Chief Executive Officer of Al-Kadi Commerce & Industry and Automechanika Riyadh Advisory Board member, shared expert insights on key industry developments within the automotive aftermarket in the region as part of his opening keynote speech.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, the licensee of Automechanika Riyadh directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, said: “We are proud to officially open Automechanika Riyadh 2025, a platform that continues to drive transformation across Saudi Arabia’s automotive aftermarket. This year’s edition marks our most expansive and ambitious show yet, reflecting the Kingdom’s dynamic progress under Vision 2030.”
Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “We’re excited to welcome a record number of visitors and exhibitors to this year’s Automechanika Riyadh, which promises to be our most international and dynamic edition yet. The strong growth in participation from global brands underscores the Kingdom’s rising influence in the automotive aftermarket. At the same time, the diversity of Saudi companies exhibiting highlights the strength of local innovation and industrial development. Together, they reflect the Kingdom’s evolving mobility landscape and our ongoing commitment to connecting markets and unlocking new opportunities.”
The Automechanika Riyadh Academy, which is held under the theme Localisation & Aftermarket Innovation on day one, featured a range of industry leaders, including Ulf Schulte, COO, EVIQ, who highlighted the rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure in Saudi Arabia through strategic partnerships and the role of aftermarket solutions in enhancing the longevity and efficiency of charging networks.
Elsewhere, Mohammed Alsuhaim, Managing Director, National Automotive & Vehicles Academy (NAVA), outlined the critical role of training and development in shaping the future automotive workshop and showcased how NAVA is addressing the skills gap through hands-on, targeted training programs.
A panel discussion led by Emad Daghreri, Co-Founder & CEO, Autobia, and Alisdair Walton, Senior General Manager – Digital Transformation & IT, Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises, focused on driving digital innovation and profitability for aftermarket distributors where they discussed implementing integrated e-commerce platforms and developing data-driven pricing strategies.
This year, Automechanika Riyadh will showcase case a range of product areas, including Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Tires & Batteries, Oils & Lubricants, Accessories & Customising, Diagnostics & Repairs, Body & Paint, and Car Wash & Care.
