The post Saudi Arabia stands at centre of global wellness at the first-ever FIBO Arabia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.
FIBO Arabia, the leading international exhibition for health, fitness, and wellness in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), drew to a successful conclusion last week.
The inaugural run of FIBO Arabia welcomed 12,399 regional and international visitors to the three-day showcase staged at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
Held under the theme For a Strong and Healthy Society, and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the event delivered an integrated platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships across the wellness value chain.
Supported by the Ministry of Investment as Strategic Partner, the Ministry of Sport as Executive Partner, and the Ministry of Health as the official Wellness & Longevity Partner, FIBO Arabia showcased over 80 global exhibitors and homegrown enterprises, featuring five dynamic live arenas and a conference programme hosting more than 50 internationally renowned speakers, setting a new benchmark for fitness events in the region.
A reflection of Saudi dynamism
RX managing director for the Middle East and emerging markets Vasyl Zhygalo said that the event’s success reflects both the strength of Saudi Arabia’s wellness economy and its appetite for innovation, collaboration, and growth across the industry.
Zhygalo said: “Over three days, we have seen transformative ideas shared, new partnerships formed, and inspiring performances that highlight the Kingdom’s global ambition.“
FIBO Arabia event director Cynthia Zeinoun added: “What makes this event truly special is the way it unites government, business, athletes, and communities around a shared vision for healthier, more active lifestyles. This first edition is only the beginning; we are building momentum in Riyadh to shape the regional and international fitness landscape for the future.”
An important report
Among the event’s headline announcements was the launch of the first Fitness Sector Development Report: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a collaboration led by the Ministry of Sport in partnership with FIBO Arabia and advisory firm CAA Portas.
The report was presented by Abdullah AlRasheed, director of investment enablement at the Ministry of Sport, and Wissam Khalaf, head of MEA and a partner at CAA Portas.
The document outlined how the fitness industry in the country is expected to double in value to SAR 15.5 billion by 2030, driven by investor interest, policy reform, and surging participation from women and youth.
Who’s who
Leading international brands from over 18 countries were present at the event, including Apparel Group, Technogym, Life Fitness, DRAX, Matrix, BH Fitness, Precor, Keiser Corporation, Therabody, Delta Fitness, and Wellness First, amongst others.
The international presence helping to underscore the Kingdom’s growing influence in the health and wellness sector.
The FIBO Arabia Conference likewise brought together prominent fitness voices, including global strategist Herman Rutgers, Morgan Stanley’s Alexey Naumov, Armah Sports Company’s Nathan Clute, and Riyadh Combat Club’s Hani Bukhari, who explored strategies to accelerate market maturity and increase sector inclusivity.
A strong focus was placed on women in fitness, with a strong lineup of female speakers and thousands of women attendees, including Nelly Attar, the first Arab woman to climb K2 and Saudi-national Rawan Al Saadi, a Les Mills athlete, who highlighted the role of empowerment, shifting cultural narratives, and the importance of inclusive facility design.
The exhibition also marked a significant step forward in national fitness development. As part of the Performance Arena, the FIBO Arabia x Saudi Bodybuilding Federation National Championship featured Saudi athletes competing for a spot in the upcoming IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships.
The post Saudi Arabia stands at centre of global wellness at the first-ever FIBO Arabia appeared first on Travel Daily Media.
Source: traveldailymedia