42 MEETINGS RICEC
What is the largest capacity event or exhibition RICEC can stage? RICEC is purpose built to accommodate events of any size, be it the large indoor exhibi- tions, outdoor shows or conferences with a hi- tech communications infrastructure. RICEC can handle any regional or international event, from a simple product launch and small cor- porate gathering to the biggest events that call for high-precision planning and world-class services. We can also add temporary halls to host events of any size and scope.
How many shows did you host in 2009 and 2010?
RICEC was opened in March 2009 when the global recession was sweeping through the region. But we didn't start badly, which is clearly visible from the number of shows we organised in those opening months. RICEC hosted 15 events in 2009 and 27 in 2010. The 15 events hosted in 2009 covered various sec- tors such as travel and tourism, investment, electrical, construction, agriculture, media, automobile, plastics, career and franchising. In 2010, we hosted 27 events, a 44 percent rise from 2009. The events again covered many sectors. So in a short space of time, we covered all major sectors that are key contributors to Saudi's economy. If you look at our events calendar, you will see that exhibition organisers have continued to hold their shows at RICEC, a clear indication that they are happy with the facility and the services we offer.
How many exhibitions and conferences do you expect to host this year?
In 2011, RICEC is set to host a much larger number of events, with 35 already arranged. We will be covering more sectors this year, such as construction, dental, publishing, education, travel and tourism. We will also host events covering the healthcare, higher education, interior design, jewellery, ICT, fitness, electrical, leather, security, hos- pitality and food sectors among others. The significant role that RICEC is set to play in the regional MICE industry is indicated by the number of exhibition licences issued by the ministry of commerce, KSA. Some 125 licences for shows in Riyadh were issued in 2010 compared to 187 this year, which represents a 49.6 percent increase. Additionally, a third of the total exhibitions taking place in the Kingdom are approved by the Ministry for Riyadh. Occupancy levels throughout the halls is also increas- ing substantially each year, surpassing the target that we initially envisaged.
What development plans do you have for the venue?
Saudi Arabia is fast becoming the nerve centre of economic activities in the entire region, thanks to huge public spending and oil price recovery.
Strong public spending has aided the non-oil sector's recovery in Saudi, with key industrial and infrastructure proj- ects helping bolster economic activity. RICEC's location in Riyadh, which is home to ministries and major business establish- ments, gives us huge potential to leverage
saudiarabia 2011
on these massive opportunities and become a key player in the regional MICE sector. We have a five and 10-year development plan for RICEC, the first of which will see us building a 250-room four-star hotel, business club, additional 10,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space, additional storage, offices and restaurant facilities. The additional space is already in demand and planning for the hotel is at an advanced stage. Operational efficiency and customer service are our strategic assets that we work continu- ously to maintain in the face of rapid growth and a fast changing environment. We are focused on developing our workforce and the procurement of strategic human resources. At RICEC, we are ready to receive the professional trade show and conference or- ganisers who want to connect their exhibitors to the massive potential that Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the region, offers. Engineer Abdullah Al Omran has been instrumental in RICEC's development, having been fully involved in its business model and strategic planning.
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