The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia and its Sport Sector Team have signed an investment agreement with RX Arabia to support the launch of FIBO Arabia in the Kingdom. The annual show brings together key players from the health, fitness, and wellness sectors to create a platform for innovations, investments, and trends tailored to an active lifestyle.

The event will debut at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from Oct. 1-3.

Organized by RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions, and under the theme for a strong and healthy society, FIBO Arabia is already 60 percent sold out following a successful sales launch at FIBO’s flagship trade show in Cologne, Germany last month. There, 1,200 exhibitors and partners from 60 nations and 154,748 visitors from 129 countries were welcomed.

The launch of FIBO Arabia coincides with the Saudi government’s significant support for investing in the country’s sports sector as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy. The government aims to increase sports spending by $22 billion by 2030, encompassing sports clubs, academies, sportswear and equipment, and sports facilities.

Vasyl Zhygalo, managing director, Middle East and emerging markets, RX: “We are honored that the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia is supporting the launch of FIBO Arabia. This underscores the importance of health and fitness to the Saudi Arabian government and highlights its investment-friendly attitude toward overseas entrepreneurs and progressive companies that want to invest in their health and fitness sector.”

The country’s focus on becoming a global sports hub is underscored by the announcement of major events set to take place in Saudi Arabia, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup, 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

Furthermore, according to Gymnation, which operates a chain of fitness centers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Saudi fitness market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.7 percent between now and 2032 when the health and fitness market is projected to be worth $2.28 billion.

Basim K. Ibrahim, sport sector investment development director, at the ministry added: “FIBO Arabia represents a pivotal platform in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by promoting a culture of fitness and wellness while also highlighting the Kingdom’s growing potential as a hub for investment within this sector. With increasing emphasis on exercise, sports, and well-being across the Kingdom, the event provides a vital opportunity for international and local brands to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the industry.” 

We look forward to the positive impact FIBO Arabia will have on our communities and the exciting prospects it will unlock for the future.”

Over the course of three dynamic days, FIBO Arabia will offer unparalleled opportunities for building businesses, networking, and educating at the highest level.

Professional development will be a key focus of the show, with FIBO Arabia hosting a series of expert-led workshops, seminars, and keynote sessions. 

stc group, a leading digital enabler, supported more than 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims with a robust digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity, secure communications, and an exceptional spiritual experience.

The group managed the holy season with outstanding readiness and reliability, elevating pilgrims’ experience through advanced telecommunications infrastructure and dedicated onsite maintenance teams. stc utilized its integrated operations center to monitor all performance indicators in real time, while leveraging cutting-edge analysis and network operation technologies to make swift, precise decisions, ensuring uninterrupted service, even during peak network traffic.

stc’s network reached record-breaking data and call volumes on the day of Arafah and the first day of Eid Al-Adha, surpassing previous Hajj seasons. The deployment of an advanced technical system powered by generative AI and cognitive SON enabled more than 14,000 technical actions per hour, a 30 percent increase from last year. This system also improved upload speed by 20 percent and achieved a self-recovery rate of more than 95 percent during peak times. stc’s 5G network recorded its highest-ever utilization rate of 90 percent during Arafah, successfully meeting the unprecedented demand and ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Data usage peaked at Muzdalifah on the first day of Eid, with a 64 percent increase in traffic, a 129 percent surge in 5G usage, and a 25 percent improvement in user experience. In Mina, AI-based predictive analytics optimized load distribution, boosting data traffic by more than 30 percent and enhancing 5G performance by 39 percent compared to last season.

In response to the heightened demand throughout this season, stc set up 436 fixed towers and 78 mobile towers to serve the Haram area and the holy sites, along with 259 5G sites, 83 upgraded 4G sites, and 21 additional coverage sites. Moreover, 998 Wi-Fi access points and 179 dedicated indoor data network sites ensured optimal coverage.

stc dedicated 144 critical communications network sites to deliver immediate support to security and service sectors, backed by a robust team of on-ground maintenance professionals ensuring uninterrupted services in all conditions. The group also played a key role in supporting government and private entities serving pilgrims, demonstrating its commitment to fostering national collaboration during the Hajj season.

stc contributed to the delivery of more than 203 million text messages on the day of Arafah, providing pilgrims with multilingual guidance to perform rituals with ease.

stc subsidiaries played a vital role in enhancing the Hajj experience. 

“sirar by stc” delivered cyber protection solutions to safeguard data and ensure the continuity of digital systems, while “specialized by stc” provided critical communication services via TETRA and LTE networks through its Miqat and Manasik solutions. Additionally, its Event Management Platform seamlessly connected operations rooms with field teams in real time, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims.

“solutions by stc” contributed with advanced services such as SD-WAN, router management, and high-performance Wi-Fi to ensure continuous connectivity. “iot squared” introduced smart tents equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and smoke, enabling early emergency detection and faster response through command centers.

“The success of this year’s Hajj underscores the group’s commitment to serving pilgrims as a trusted digital partner,” the group said. “Operating behind the scenes, stc connected hearts and networks by delivering advanced telecommunications services that respected the sanctity of the occasion. stc group is proud to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation and enhancing the experience of pilgrims during Hajj.”