Licenses for organizing exhibitions, conferences, and events in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

The exhibitions and conferences industry in Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-growing sectors, especially with the support of Vision 2030, which emphasizes diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for events. To regulate this sector, the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) was established to ensure compliance, safety, and professionalism across all events. 
 Obtaining a license to organize exhibitions and events in Saudi Arabia is not just a legal requirement; it is a key step in guaranteeing credibility, ensuring smooth operations, and enhancing the trust of clients, sponsors, and participants. In this report, we will outline the licensing procedures, requirements, challenges, and opportunities for growth in this sector.

Types of licenses offered

Conference Permit :

• Issued through an electronic portal with clear requirements such as defining the objective, audience, venue, program, expected attendance, and agenda.
• Timeline: The application must be submitted at least 7 business days in advance, and the response is provided within 5 business days. (Reference: Rules and Procedures for Holding Conferences – SCEGA)

Exhibition Licensing (Product Introduction Exhibitions – Product Introduction PI)

• Dedicated to activities aimed at showcasing new products or services within a defined commercial framework.
• Requires a specific application form and regulations depending on the type of activity.

Trade Exhibition Licenses

• Covers temporary setups (e.g., booths and multiple locations).
• Mandatory compliance with Civil Defense and safety standards, with coordination typically managed through the electronic system according to the Exhibition Authority’s regulations. (Reference: Trade Exhibitions Regulations)

Lectures, Workshops, and Meetings (MWL)

• A dedicated permit for educational activities, medical and professional workshops, and meetings.
• Requires submission of the program and presentation content, and is processed under SCEGA services. (Reference: MWL page – SCEGA)

Entertainment Events (GEA)

• These events fall under the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), not SCEGA.  
• Applications must be submitted via the electronic platform, with compliance to the service timeline (SLA) and public safety standards. (Reference: GEA Electronic Platform)

ENJZ Platform :

• A unified electronic system provided by the National Events Center (NEC) to simplify licensing and coordination.
• Through it, organizers can submit event requests, track status, and benefit from service integration between entities including SCEGA and GEA. (Reference: ENJZ Platform – NEC)

Table of Event Permits in Saudi Arabia

 Challenges and opportunities to improve the licensing experience

• Automation and Digital Transformation: While the authority/platforms have provided electronic services, some forms still require manual review, leading to delays.
• The entertainment events sector is experiencing continuous growth in Riyadh, putting pressure on GEA to enhance its order processing capabilities within the SLA.
• Standardizing services through the ENJZ platform is a very positive step that increases the chances of success and reduces processing time.
• The need for greater transparency: Providing the required documents, expected time metrics, and checklists through the portal helps organizers (locally and globally) to better understand the requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the licensing sector for exhibitions, conferences, and events in Saudi Arabia supports a qualitative transformation by activating a clear organizational structure aimed at facilitation and control. If you intend to organize an event, make sure to:

1. Specify the type of event (conference, exhibition, entertainment, etc.).
2. Choosing the organizing body (SCEGA or GEA).
3. Application through the appropriate electronic platform (SCEGA portal, GEA platform, or ENJZ depending on the case).
4. Adherence to deadlines (such as 7/5 for conferences) and coordination with civil defense when necessary.

Sources

Website of the Exhibition and Conference Regulatory Authority – Page on Rules and Procedures for Holding Conferences (PCFS) (for deadlines and requirements).

Page PI – Product Introduction on the SCEGA website (for licensing information).

Page Trade Exhibitions on the SCEGA website.

Page MWL (Lectures/Workshops/Meetings) on the SCEGA website.

Platform of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) – Event Permit and SLA.

Platform ENJZ (Anjaz Platform) affiliated with the National Events Center – NEC.