ASM GLOBAL has been signed to manage the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as the kingdom builds its appeal as a tourism and business events destination.
The LEED Gold certified conference centre is designed by the American architectural, urban planning and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert landscape.
The venue includes a 1,215 sqm banquet hall to accommodate up to 800 guests, a 600-seat auditorium with full lecture and cinema support, and several outdoor plazas. It is fitted with operable walls and retractable projection screens, allowing for different configurations and digital networking.
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King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) consists of 1.6 million square metres of state-of-the-art office space, venues, and luxury residences.
ASM Global’s EVP of Asia and MENA, Paul Sergeant said: “Our commitment to excellence in venue management, event production, and customer service aligns perfectly with the KAFD Convention Centre’s vision of becoming a global event destination.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, ASM Global is committed to upholding the highest standards of sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. We look forward to building lasting partnerships with event organisers, local businesses, and the Riyadh community to create a thriving event ecosystem.”
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Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD DMC said: “As the world ushers in a new era of global connectivity and transformative events, we’re filled with enthusiasm and anticipation about this partnership. Notably, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has recently elevated its 2030 target to host 150 million visitors, a substantial increase from the initial goal of 100 million.
“Riyadh, in line with a steady annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent, anticipates a demographic surge, projecting a population of 10.5 million by 2030. Therefore, this collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled event experiences within an integrated and comprehensive business and lifestyle destination, by working diligently with all concerned parties, in order to achieve the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.”
CFO and VP of regional planning of ASM Global MENA, Iain Wooldridge added: “Assuming the operation of the KAFD Convention Centre is a testament to ASM Global MENA’s dedication to shaping the future of the event industry in the region. We are thrilled to collaborate with the visionary team behind the KAFD Convention Centre to bring innovative solutions and unparalleled experiences to event organisers and attendees alike.”
Main picture: Gautam Sashittal, left, and ASM Global’s Iain Wooldridge
