RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a bold step toward transforming the Middle East into a global hub for industrial innovation, ACHEMA Middle East was officially launched at an executive-level ceremony in Riyadh. This event marks the beginning of a new era for the region’s process industries and highlights Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in global industrial transformation.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt in strategic partnership with DECHEMA, and proudly supported by ASAS and ICOR—both subsidiaries of the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources—the launch event gathered senior figures from government, business, and the global scientific community. The gathering unveiled the strategic direction for the upcoming ACHEMA Middle East 2026, scheduled for October 26–28, 2026, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC).
The launch event was held under the theme “Accelerating Process Innovation” and underscored the strong alignment between Saudi Arabia’s industrial objectives under Vision 2030 and ACHEMA’s global legacy. It served as the ceremonial launch of what is expected to become the region’s premier platform for the process industries, enabling sustainable industrial development, promoting the localization of critical supply chains, and attracting international investments.
A central theme throughout the agenda was Saudi Arabia’s strategic push to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy. The event spotlighted opportunities for innovation across key sectors, including chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, green energy and hydrogen, industrial digitalization, and smart plants. By uniting global expertise with Saudi ambitions, ACHEMA Middle East is positioned to be a key gateway between European technology ecosystems and regional industrial demand.
“ACHEMA Middle East is not just a regional extension; it’s a strategic evolution,” said Dr. Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Exhibitions. “By bringing ACHEMA to Riyadh, we’re creating a platform where world-class science, engineering, and innovation meet the demands and vision of one of the world’s most ambitious industrial economies. The event will unlock new synergies between global suppliers and regional pioneers, all under the shared banner of transformation and sustainability.”
The partnership with Messe Frankfurt ensures the event benefits from local knowledge, regional networks, and best-in-class operational delivery. “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a once-in-a-generation industrial evolution,” said Azzan Mohammed, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia. “We are honored to play a role in shaping its exhibition landscape, and ACHEMA Middle East will be a flagship example of how international collaboration can empower regional progress.”
ACHEMA Middle East 2026 is expected to feature over 400 international exhibitors and six specialized innovation stages, covering topics from Process Innovation to Green Innovation. The event will serve as a knowledge hub, a procurement gateway, and a trigger for technology partnerships across the region. With Saudi Arabia continuing to invest heavily in special economic zones and next-generation infrastructure, the Kingdom offers a fertile landscape for businesses ready to lead the transformation of energy, chemicals, and manufacturing.
The executive launch event concluded on an optimistic note, with participants echoing the belief that the Middle East is entering a new chapter in industrial development. ACHEMA Middle East will not only bring the global process industry to Saudi Arabia but also project the Kingdom’s industrial ambitions to the world.
For more information, please visit achema-middle-east.com.
