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The Region’s Largest

Stadiums and Sport Facilities
Conference and Exhibition

  • 10 - 11 January 2027
  • Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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“The intention to host comes as an affirmation of the clear and great efforts made by the Kingdom in spreading messages of peace and love in the world, of which sports is one of the most important and prominent aspects, as it is an important means for peoples of different races and cultures to meet.”
H.R.H Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman
H.R.H Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman
“Since its launch by HRH the Crown Prince, Vision 2030 has been working to ensure the people of Saudi Arabia have healthier and fulfilling lives. To help achieve this goal, the Kingdom has hosted major sporting events and has increased sports participation in all parts of Saudi life.”
HRH Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal
HRH Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal

EVENT

OVERVIEW

The World Stadiums and Arenas Summit is the premier event in Saudi Arabia and the region, setting the benchmark for world-class standards, innovation, and sustainability in sports infrastructure. As the largest gathering of its kind, it brings together global leaders, architects, developers, government stakeholders, sport federations, to showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable design solutions, and best practices in stadium and sport facilities development. With Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 driving massive investments in sports and entertainment venues, this event is the definitive platform for exploring the latest trends, from smart stadiums to eco-friendly facilities, ensuring the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the industry.
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EVENT

IN NUMBERS

Speakers

Partners

HRH Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser Al Saud

President

Saudi Table Tennis Federation

David Garth

Chief Commercial Officer

Aramco Stadium

Enrique Uriel

CIO

Real Madrid

Shaquille Pinas

Football Player

Al-Kholood Sport Club Company

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Sponsors &

Partners

Platinum Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Official LED Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor

Media

Partners

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agenda

08:00–09:00

Expo Floor

Expo and Conference Registration

  • Morning Refreshments

09:00- 09:20

Principal Stage

Opening Ceremony for World Stadiums and Arenas Summit and Athlete 360 Forum

  • Welcome Address by MC
  • Recital of the Holy Quran
  • Saudi National Anthem
  • Opening Remarks by Great Minds Event Management
  • Opening Video: Saudi Arabian Stadiums 2030 – Building the Future of Global Sports

09:20–09:30

Principal Stage

Short Break for Departure of Athlete 360 Forum Attendees to Athlete Stage

09:30 -09:35

Principal Stage

Opening Remarks by Conference Chairperson: Unlocking the New Era of Sports Infrastructure in KSA

Speaker:

  • Adriano Souza Guimarães, Managing Director, ASG Sports Consultancy & Projects

09:35-10:00

Principal Stage

Opening Fireside Chat: Unleashing Innovation: Technology Transforming the Connected Stadium Experience

Moderator:

  • Rizwan Hanid, Head of Sports EMEA, Cisco

Speaker:

  • Eng. Khalid AlGhligah, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Sport, KSA
  • Enrique Uriel, CIO, Real Madrid

10:00 – 10:20

Principal Stage

Fireside Chat: Beyond Matchday: Building a Year-Round Commercial Venue

  • Positioning Aramco Stadium as a year-round destination for sport, entertainment, hospitality and community experiences.
  • Embedding commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships from day one to support sustainable venue growth.
  • Building a diverse events calendar and translating major tournaments into lasting commercial and regional value.

Moderator:

  • Andrea Mauri, Chief Executive Officer, Cantù Arena

Speaker:

  • David Garth, Chief Commercial Officer, Aramco Stadium

10:20–10:35

Principal Stage

Technical / Product Presentation

  • Reserved for Nesma & Partners

10:35–11:05

Principal Stage

Federation Talk: Beyond Football Designing Multi-Sport Venues for a Diversified Sporting Nation

  • Building flexible, multi-sports-ready venues, from basketball arenas and rugby pitches to athletics facilities
  • Hosting major multi-sport events (Islamic Solidarity Games, Asian Cup 2027 and beyond) and converting them into long-term legacy
  • Positioning venues as engines for talent pathways, university and community sport, and the wider diversification of Saudi athletics beyond football

Moderator:

  • Prof. Ammar Alrefaei, Dean and Sports Law and Governance Expert, King Abdulaziz University

Panel Speakers:

  • HRH Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser Al Saud, President, Saudi Table Tennis Federation
  • Dr. Hisham Qasim, CEO, Saudi Basketball Federation
  • Ali Al Dajani, President, Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation
  • Sanjog Gupta, CEO, International Cricket Council (ICC)

11:05 –11:20

Principal Stage

Keynote Session

Speakers:

  • Mai Talaat Mously, Senior Director of Business Development, Saudi Binladin Group
  • Correy Connaway, Senior Project Director, Saudi Binladin Group
  • Jamal Taj, Senior Business Development Manager, Saudi Binladin Group

11:20–12:10

Expo Floor

Official Expo Inauguration Ceremony

  • Closed-door business meetings
  • Floor activities: Photobooth and interactive zones
  • Floor entertainment
  • Trade show activities continue throughout Expo hours

12:10 – 12:50

Principal Stage

Panel Discussion: Driving Regional Sports Growth by Transforming Club Vision into Global Icons through Privatisation PPPs Strategic Ownership and Stadium Development

  • Unlocking club value through privatisation, PPP models and strategic ownership structures
  • Building globally competitive club brands through stronger governance investment and commercial vision
  • Developing modern stadiums and fan ecosystems to accelerate revenue growth visibility and long-term impact

Moderator:

  • Tareq Latayfeh, Regional Director Infrastructure, KEO International

Panel Speakers:

  • Fares Alnafesah, Senior Privatization Manager, Ministry of Sport KSA
  • Basim Albeladi, Owner, Al-Ansar FC
  • Shaquille Pinas, Football Player, Al-Kholood Sport Club Company
  • Mansoor Ahmed, Executive Director, Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region, White Label Consultancy

12:50 -13:05

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session : AI-Ready Stadiums of the Future: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation and Fan Experience

Speaker:

  • Rizwan Hanid, Head of Sports EMEA, Cisco

13:05 -13:15

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Peter Chan, Group Chief Marketing Officer, YAHAM
  • Joshua Bunce, Chief Executive Officer, IUF

13:15 – 13:30

Principal Stage

International Stadium Spotlight: Leadership and Innovation in Stadiums and Arenas Around the World - “Building Success on and Off the Pitch 365 Days a Year”

  • Driving year-round venue utilisation through diverse sports entertainment communities and lifestyle programming
  • Using innovation technology and fan experience strategies to strengthen engagement and operational performance
  • Building commercially sustainable stadiums and arenas models that generate revenue on and off the pitch year-round

Speaker:

  • Yara Aljebreen, Chief Representative KSA, GMP Architecture

13:30–14:15

Principal Stage

Panel Discussion: Maximizing Stadium Value through Efficient Operations and Sustainable Post Event Lifecycle Management

  • Optimizing stadium operations for long-term efficiency
  • Extending venue value through lifecycle planning
  • Embedding sustainability into post-event management

Moderator:

  • Rob May, Partner, Buro Happold

Panel Speakers:

  • Barry Bremner, Executive Director, Sports Strategy, Qiddiya
  • Anas Dahlawi, Assistant Deputy Minister of Sport Affairs, Ministry of Sport KSA
  • Shireen Hamdan, Senior Principal, Populous
  • Mohammad Abdo, Major Account Manager, Autodesk
  • Eng. Islam Mohammed, Sales Director – Applied Products, HH Shaker

14:15 – 15:15

Expo Floor

Networking Lunch

15:15 – 15:25

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Mohmmed Alnasser, General Manager of Protective and Marine Coatings (PMC) and Business Development, Sigma Paints Saudi Arabia

15:25 – 16:15

Principal Stage

Panel Discussion: Digital Stadiums Building The Stadium of the Future: Where Immersive Design, AR/VR, And AI Converge To Deliver Seamless, Inclusive, And Memorable Fan Experiences

  • Designing immersive stadium environments that enhance every stage of the fan journey
  • Using AR VR and AI to deliver personalized interactive and connected experiences
  • Creating inclusive seamless fan experiences through intelligent digital infrastructure

Moderator:

  • Diogo Taddei, Head of Sports & Events, EGIS Group

Panel Speakers:

  • Sayed Farouk, Senior Director of Football Technology, Saudi Pro League
  • Gabriel Aguiar, Head of Venue Technology, AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 LOC
  • Sander Van Stiphout, Senior Innovation and Advisory Leader, Johan Cruijff Arena
  • Joshua Bunce, Chief Executive Officer, IUF

16:20–16:30

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

From Infrastructure to Enhanced Attendee Experience: Building Resilient, Sustainable Stadiums

Speaker:

  • Ashwin Nair, Strategic Accounts & Major Projects Leader, Eaton Corporation

16:30–16:40

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Rodolphe Hugel, Head of Smart Connect, IDEMIA Public Security

16:40–17:20

Principal Stage

Panel Discussion: Advanced Safety Planning to Achieve Secure, Resilient Stadiums

  • Integrated security and surveillance systems for real-time threat detection and coordinated response
  • Crowd dynamics and egress modelling to improve safe movement and emergency evacuation
  • Resilience and project risk planning to strengthen continuity safety and operational preparedness

Moderator:

  • Bassam Assaf, Associate – Building Technology Systems, WSP

Panel Speakers:

  • Saif Faleh Al Shahrani, Country Director, Convergint
  • Ralf Müller, CEO, Region America and APAC, MOJO Holding Group
  • Rodolphe Hugel, Head of Smart Connect, IDEMIA Public Security
  • Mohamad Saad, Country Manager KSA & Bahrain, Genetec
  • Eoghan Gill, Managing Director KSA, JAM Company for Entertainment Services
  • Santanu Choudhury, Corporate HSE Director, RTCC

17:20–17:25

Principal Stage

Closing Remarks by Conference Chairperson

Speaker:

  • Adriano Souza Guimarães, Managing Director, ASG Sports Consultancy & Projects

17:25

Expo Floor

End of Conference Day One

08:00–08:50

Expo Floor

Expo and Conference Registration

  • Morning Refreshments

08:50–09:00

Principal Stage

Welcome Address by Conference Chairperson

Speaker:

  • Adriano Souza Guimarães, Managing Director, ASG Sports Consultancy & Projects

09:00–09:45

Principal Stage

Panel Discussion: Stadium Cooling and Climate Engineering, Delivering Spectator Comfort and Player Safety in Extreme Heat

  • Pitch-side and bowl cooling solutions for player and spectator comfort in extreme heat
  • District cooling and thermal modelling for efficient stadium and precinct temperature management
  • Sustainable high-performance cooling systems designed for 50°C conditions and FIFA 2034 readiness

Moderator:

  • Jose Retana Cruz, Sustainability Director, Destinations Development Company

Panel Speakers:

  • Laila Alawneh, Director – Regional Planning, NEOM
  • Rui Fonseca, Deputy Director Central Region, Daikin Saudi Arabia

09:45 – 10:00

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session 

Speaker:

  • Brad Maiden, General Manager, d&b audiotechnik Middle East

10:00–10:10

Principal Stage

Panel Discussion: Beyond Matchday Revenue: Unlocking the Commercial Potential of Football Stadiums Through Asset Monetization and Mixed-Use Development

  • Year-round programming beyond major sporting events to maximize venue utilization and footfall
  • Naming rights and commercial asset strategies to unlock long-term venue revenues
  • F&B retail precinct and sponsorship opportunities to diversify non-matchday income
  • Innovative funding strategies to support stadium development operations and long-term financial sustainability

Moderator:

  • Mansoor Ahmed, Executive Director, Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region, White Label Consultancy

10:10–10:25

Principal Stage

Project Showcase: Crowd Dynamics Engineering- Designing Stadiums for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

Speaker:

  • Dr. Bachar Kabalan, Head of Crowd Dynamics Engineering, Design Confidence

10:25- 10:35

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Harshal Upadhyay, CEO, Midea Shaker Company

10:40–10:50

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • JJ Barnett, Business Development Manager, BOSE Professional

10:50–11:00

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Eng. Maher Mousa, Regional Director Applied Products, Technical Compliance and Sustainability, Johnson Controls Arabia

11:00–11:10

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Mutaz M. Hassanain, CFO & Co-Founder, SNC ICT

11:10–11:15

Principal Stage

Promotional video by Akzonobel

11:15–12:05

Expo Floor

Expo Hours Continued / Networking Break

  • Closed-door business meetings 
  • Product presentations from sponsors
  • Movie-themed photobooth and interactive zones

12:05–12:15

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Iñigo Bonilla Barroso, Senior Client Partner, Globant

12:15–12:55

Principal Stage

Panel Discussion: Modular Stadium Engineering for Faster Delivery and Legacy Use

  • Accelerating stadium delivery through modular construction
  • Designing flexible structures for future adaptation and reuse
  • Reducing cost waste and disruption through off-site engineering

Moderator:

  • Dr. Kam (Khamis) Al-Mazrui, Project Director, Sports & Events, Mott MacDonald

Speakers:

  • Andrea Mauri, CEO, Cantù Arena
  • Franco Maria Segarra Querol, Director Of Data, Valencia CF
  • Sander Van Stiphout, Senior Innovation and Advisory Leader, Johan Cruijff Arena
  • Markus Pfisterer, Partner, Berlin, gmp Architecture
  • Reserved for Nesma Partners

12:55–13:05

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Jakub Prívozník, Sales & Marketing Professional, KVANT LASERS

13:05 – 13:15

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Amer Alzaiem, Vice President Middle East, Turkey, Africa & India, Uniguest

13:15 – 13:25

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Reserved for COMATEC

13:25 – 13:35

Principal Stage

Industry Innovation Session

Speaker:

  • Yamen Abdelwahab, Specifications Manager, Jotun

13:35 -13:50

Principal Stage

Lightweight And Retractable Structures for Sustainable Sports Facilities

Speaker:

  • Christoph Paech, Managing Director, Schlaich Bergermann Partner

13:50-14:00

Principal Stage

Case Study: Fast-Track Construction Approaches for FIFA 2034 Readiness

Speaker:

  • Ruskin Hartley, CEO, Dark Sky International

14:00-14:15

Principal Stage

Project Showcase: Crowd Dynamics Engineering- Designing Stadiums for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

Speaker:

  • Dr. Bachar Kabalan, Head of Crowd Dynamics Engineering, Design Confidence

14:15 – 14:20

Principal Stage

Principal Stage Conference Summary and Parting Remarks by Chairperson

Speaker:

  • Adriano Souza Guimarães, Managing Director, ASG Sports Consultancy & Projects

14:20 – 15:00

Expo Floor

Networking Lunch

15:00 – 15:05

Athlete Stage

Welcome Address by MC

15:05 – 16:05

Athlete Stage

World Stadiums & Arenas Awards Ceremony

  • Architectural Design for a New Stadium or Arena
  • Excellence in Stadium or Arena Renovation and Modernization
  • Innovative Use of Materials in Stadium or Arena Construction
  • Multi-Use Stadium or Arena Design
  • Creative Use of Lighting in Stadium/Arena Design
  • Excellence in Eco-Friendly and Green Stadium or Arena Architecture
  • Outstanding Community Engagement and Social Impact
  • Safety and Security Leadership in Stadiums
  • Leadership in Accessibility and Inclusivity Initiatives
  • People’s Choice Award: Outstanding Stadium Design

16:05 – 16:20

Athlete Stage

Awards Closing Ceremony

16:20

Athlete Stage

End of 2nd World Stadiums and Arenas Summit

A Vision

For the Future

$16.5
BILLION

the projected annaul contribution of the sports industry to GDP by 2030, equating to 1.5% of GDP.

$8 Billion To $22.4 Billion:

The expected market value of the sports industry between now and 2030.

Major Upcoming Sports Events

AFC Asian Cup

2027

Asian Winter Games

2029

FIFA World Cup

2034

World Endurance Championship

2026

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Formula 1)

2026

MotoGP Grand
Prix

2026

Dakar Rally

2026

Esports Nations Cup

2026

Royal Rumble (WWE)

2026

stadiums in

motion

1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Photo Gallery

2025

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EY
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Ministry-of-Sport-KSA
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Day 1 Highlights

Day 2 Highlights

2026

Floorplan

Testimonials

“The overall collaboration was quite well. It is an interesting event which has people from different areas of the private sector, public sector and of course people working in the field. It was well structured in that sense. It was worth attending the summit. It was a magnificent event, more than I expected. The space is very vibrant, there is a lot of movement, a lot of engagement. This summit gave good insights on what is happening in the region’
Ali Al Dajani
Ali Al DajaniPresident, Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation
“For me it has been a great experience because the atmosphere in this room, in this conference is based on trust, based on sharing experiences, it’s a very open atmosphere. I had a lot of great meetings. It's very positive to be here. It’s a massive event with amazing people sharing their own experiences.”
Fabian Schuster
Fabian SchusterManaging Director & Global Stadiums and Arenas Leader, Ernst & Young
“I enjoyed every aspect of the event. It is a unique conference. It is very specialized, and I see the quality of attendance is great right from architects, contractors, designers, suppliers, end users. You have brought them together under one roof to produce amazing outcomes”
Dr. Mohanad AlShaikh
Dr. Mohanad AlShaikhCEO, Johnson Controls Arabia, KSA
“It was a great opportunity to engage with international suppliers and engineers behind iconic World Cup stadiums and learn about cutting-edge technologies shaping the future. Proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s vision for world-class sports infrastructure.”
Hussein Dhabaan
Hussein DhabaanTechnical Facility Manager, AlUla Club
“The event was very good. We have a good flow of customers. The visitors are interested in learning about the newer technology that we can offer. It has met our expectations this year.’
Rui Fonseca
Rui FonsecaProduct Manager
Daikin, KSA
"For me it has been a great experience because the atmosphere in this room, in this conference is based on trust, based on sharing experiences, it’s a very open atmosphere. I had a lot of great meetings. It’s very positive to be here. It’s a massive event with amazing people sharing their own experiences"
Fabian Schuster
Fabian SchusterManaging Director & Global Stadiums and Arenas Leader
Ernst & Young
“The summit exceeded expectations on every front. The venue was outstanding and perfectly matched the calibre of the event. From the seamless setup to thoughtful details like the summit logo above the stands, everything was executed with precision. The diversity of exhibitors aligned seamlessly with the theme, and the speaker lineup was truly impressive — bringing together global leaders like FIA, SOM, Zaha Hadid Architects, and GMP. The sessions were well paced, and the attention to detail extended to the exceptional speaker gift and the practical notepad for delegates…. A truly well-organized and memorable experience”
Diogo Taddei
Diogo TaddeiHead of Sports & Events, EGIS Group, France

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Primary Delegate Pass

Buy 2 Get 1 Free
Stadium Architect, Developer, Government and Ministry, Municipality, Sporting Center/Club, Sports Federations

$

49

+VAT

Primary Delegate Pass

Buy 2 Get 1 Free
Stadium Architect, Developer, Government and Ministry, Municipality, Sporting Center/Club, Sports Federations

$

49

+VAT

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Vendor Delegate Pass

(Expo + Conference + Lunch)
Technology and solution providers

$

1000

+VAT

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Industry Partner Package
2 passes + Event branding

$

7000

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    Venue

    Details

    • Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
    Accommodation

    Stay in
    Riyadh.

    We have arranged convenient accommodation options for World Stadiums & Arenas Summit delegates. Book through the dedicated links below to secure the available event rates.

    Option 01
    10% Discount Breakfast Included

    Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences

    Stay at the official summit venue and enjoy convenient access to the conference, exhibition and networking programme throughout the event.

    Check In 13 October 2026
    Check Out 16 October 2026
    Exclusive Event Rate
    Save 10%
    On the best available room rate
    Breakfast included
    Book Hilton Riyadh
    Option 02
    Preferred Rate Breakfast Included

    Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center

    An alternative accommodation option for summit delegates, offering modern rooms and convenient access within Riyadh.

    Check In 13 October 2026
    Check Out 16 October 2026
    Standard Room + Breakfast
    SAR 1,207.75
    Per room / per night
    Breakfast included
    Book Radisson Blu
    Need help with your booking? Our team can assist with your accommodation arrangements.
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    Event OVERVIEW

    The World Stadiums and Arenas Summit is the premier event in Saudi Arabia and the region, setting the benchmark for world-class standards, innovation, and sustainability in sports infrastructure. As the largest gathering of its kind, it brings together global leaders, architects, developers, government stakeholders, sport federations, to showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable design solutions, and best practices in stadium and sport facilities development. With Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 driving massive investments in sports and entertainment venues, this event is the definitive platform for exploring the latest trends, from smart stadiums to eco-friendly facilities, ensuring the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the industry.
    This is not just an event; it’s a powerhouse for deal making and sourcing the next generation of sports infrastructure solutions. Featuring a highly targeted audience of decision makers, investors, and top-tier suppliers, it connects the right people at the right place to forge partnerships and secure contracts. Whether it’s discovering innovative construction materials, AI-driven fan experiences, or sustainable energy solutions, attendees gain exclusive access to ideas and contacts shaping the future of stadiums and sports facilities.
    As the most important industry event in the region, it’s where business gets done, and the future of sports infrastructure is built.
    Download Brochure
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