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Halal Industry Event
Food Forward Summit
Conference programme held alongside the exhibition, bringing together global experts, thought leaders and decision-makers to explore innovation economics, green solutions, diversification and advanced manufacturing. Covers entrepreneurship, smart factories, investment and technology. Theme: 'Raising the Kingdom's Fast-Growing Food Manufacturing and Processing Sector to New Heights'. Third edition in the Kingdom in 2026.
TawaSul Meetings Programme
Pre-arranged matchmaking programme connecting exhibitors and visitors with the most relevant buyers, suppliers and partners. Designed for high-value, targeted meetings to help participants achieve business objectives and explore new partnerships.
Industry 4.0 Originator, Strategist & Futurist
CEO & Founder, Nutrition Sustainability Strategies
Futurist & Founder, ANTICIPATE
56 companies listed for Saudi Food Manufacturing Expo from 2 countries
Results from previous editions — the proof of what exhibitors and visitors can expect. Figures are organiser-reported.
Second edition. Food Forward Summit ran for its second edition in the Kingdom and is positioned by the organizer as setting new benchmarks for the industry. Speakers from MODON, Bühler Group, Nestlé MENA, ADF, Liberation Labs, Food Future Group and Superbrewed Food appeared in the conference programme.
RIYADH: Saudi food exports have grown by approximately 60 percent over the past four years, rising from SR13 billion ($3.4 billion) in 2021 to SR22 billion by the end of last year. (Picked up from Arab News in dmg events' News & Insights section.)
The world's largest meat producer, JBS, plans to double production at its chicken processing facility in Jeddah by the end of 2026. (Picked up from Food Business Middle East & Africa.)
The coastal city of Jeddah is home to the 'Food Cluster', the largest specialized cluster of its kind in the world according to Guinness World Records. (Picked up from Businesswire.)
Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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SaudiFood Manufacturing (SFM) is a B2B trade exhibition for the food and beverage manufacturing, processing, and packaging industry, held annually in Riyadh. Produced by dmg events (the Dubai-based organizer of Gulfood) under the wider Saudi Food Show platform launched in partnership with KAOUN International, SFM positions itself at the center of Saudi Arabia's F&B industrial transformation under Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Strategy. The show convenes global manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging and automation specialists, policymakers and technology pioneers with the Kingdom's 1,900-plus food factories — creating a hub for partnerships, operational growth and supply chain investment in line with Saudi Arabia's ambition to become the financial food trade hub of the Silk Road by 2030.
2021-2025
Rising from SR13 billion ($3.4 billion) in 2021 to SR22 billion by end of 2025
2025
Total investments exceeding SAR 88 billion
2030
Under Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Strategy
CEO, Topian — Aqua Culture Company
Investment Department Director, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON)
Vice President of Innovation and R&D, Nestlé MENA
Co-Founder and CEO, Liberation Labs
CEO, Food Future Group
General Manager, Nestlé Central Arabia
Founder & CEO, MEPEQ
Co-Founder & CEO, Superbrewed Food
Head of Strategy & Business Development — Middle East & Africa, Bühler Group
CEO, Al Barakah Dates
Director of Corporate Communications, Agriculture Development Fund (ADF)
Partnerships and Products General Department, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON)
Senior Project Manager, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
Support & Programs Execution Sr. Specialist, Local Content & Government Procurement Authority
Founder & CEO, Uvera Inc.
Founder and CEO, Nabt
Co-Founder & CEO, La Vanoise
Founding Executive Director, OneCamel
International Journalist & Event Host
Secure your exhibition space. Compare booth options, pricing, and inclusions below.
$2,300
≈ SAR 8,625
$256/sqm
$4,200
≈ SAR 15,750
$233/sqm
Contact for pricing
Secure your exhibition space and connect with global halal industry buyers.
Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources: Saudi Arabia hosts a robust food manufacturing base, comprising over 1,900 food factories with total investments exceeding SAR 88 billion. (Picked up from Argaam.)
Qatar
September 7, 2026 – September 9, 2026
Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC)
Muslim Traveller Guide
Riyadh, the Saudi capital, is one of the easiest cities in the world for a Muslim traveller: the entire country is Muslim-majority, so all food is halal by default (no pork or alcohol), the call to prayer marks the day, and mosques are everywhere — many shops and restaurants pause briefly during the five daily prayers. A new driverless metro (opened 2024) and the Careem/Uber ride-hailing apps make getting around the sprawling city straightforward.
5 halal places to visit
The mosques and Islamic-heritage landmarks worth your time around the expo.
Diriyah
UNESCO-listed birthplace of the first Saudi state, with historic Najdi mudbrick mosques.
At-Turaif, Diriyah
A restored historic palace complex that served the early Saudi royal family.
Ad-Dirah, Old Riyadh
Mudbrick fort central to Saudi unification, now a heritage museum.
Qasr Al Hokm, Old Riyadh
Large central mosque beside the historic Qasr Al Hokm, used for daily prayers.
Murabba, central Riyadh
Museum complex with strong sections on Islamic history and the Arabian Peninsula.
5 places to eat
Real, well-loved halal restaurants across Riyadh, from cheap local legends to special-occasion dining.
Najdi Saudi · Al Wahah / Olaya$$
Famous restaurant in a recreated mudbrick village serving classic Najdi dishes.
Saudi · Multiple branches, incl. Olaya$
Popular, well-priced Saudi chain known for generous kabsa platters.
Modern Saudi · Olaya$$$
Smart restaurant giving traditional Saudi dishes a contemporary twist.
Where to stay
Hand-picked places to stay, near the action.
Diplomatic Quarter
Palatial five-star hotel set in landscaped grounds west of the city.
Olaya
High-rise luxury inside the landmark Kingdom Centre tower.
Know before you go
Everything a Muslim traveller needs to land in Riyadh with confidence.
Getting in
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
• Careem / Uber — 30-45 min to the centre
• Airport taxi — 30-50 min
• SAPTCO airport bus — ~45-60 min
Getting around
The Riyadh Metro (six driverless lines, opened 2024) plus a city bus network now cover much of the capital; ride-hailing fills the gaps.
Careem and Uber are the simplest option; the city is large and car-oriented, so factor in distances.
Weather in September
High ~40°C · Low ~27°C
Very hot, dry early autumn.
Light, loose, modest clothing and sun protection; move between air-conditioned spaces during the day.
Getting here
Most halal-expo buyers and exhibitors fly in from the world's main halal hubs. Here's how to reach Riyadh from each — entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Visa & entry note.
See the full Riyadh travel guide →
Sources: https://www.visitsaudi.com · https://visa.mofa.gov.sa · https://www.rcrc.gov.sa
Najdi Saudi · Diplomatic Quarter area$$
Refined Najdi cuisine; guests are welcomed with Saudi coffee and dates.
Turkish · Tahlia Street, Olaya$$
Reliable Turkish kebabs and mezze, a change from local Saudi fare.
Olaya
Dependable mid-range hotel in the central business district.
Olaya
Comfortable mid-range stay close to malls and main roads.
Olaya
Affordable, tidy rooms a short walk from Kingdom Tower.
Central Riyadh
Straightforward budget hotel for cost-conscious travellers.
Visa & entry
Money
Saudi Riyal · SAR
Cards and contactless (mada) are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for souqs.
Tipping is optional; rounding up or ~10% is appreciated for good service.
Connectivity
stc, Mobily and Zain tourist SIMs at RUH arrivals (passport required)
Plug: Type G (UK 3-pin); some Type A/B sockets · 230V / 60Hz
Emergency
General: 911
Fire: 998
Safety
Where to pray
Imam Turki bin Abdullah (Grand) Mosque — The capital's grand central mosque, beside the historic Masmak district.
Mosques everywhere — A mosque is never far in Riyadh; malls, offices and the airport all have prayer halls (musalla).
Note on prayer times — Many shops and restaurants close for ~20-30 minutes at each of the five daily prayer times — plan errands around them.
Calculated for Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre (Muslim World League method, Shafi'i Asr). These are approximate — confirm with a local mosque or a prayer-times app on the day.
| Day | Fajr | Sunrise | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 5 Sep | 04:18 | 05:36 | 11:52 | 15:20 | 18:08 | 19:20 |
| Sun 6 Sep | 04:19 | 05:36 | 11:52 | 15:20 | 18:07 | 19:19 |
| Mon 7 Sep | 04:19 | 05:36 | 11:51 | 15:20 | 18:06 | 19:18 |