ASM Global appointed to manage KAFD Conference Centre in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Financial District Development Management Company (KAFD DMC) and global venue management company ASM Global have signed a deal for ASM Global to manage the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre in Riyadh. The Conference Centre is designed by the American architectural, urban planning and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert landscape. ASM Global said it anticipated elevating the centre’s standing as a premier venue for international meetings, trade shows, and cultural experiences. The Conference Centre includes a 1,215sqm banquet hall that accommodates up to 800 guests, a 600-seat and several outdoor plazas. Home to 1.6m sqm of office spaces, venues, and luxury residences, KAFD is the largest Platinum LEED certified mixed-use business district in the world. ASM Global’s EVP of Asia and MENA, Paul Sergeant said: “With ASM Global MENA’s extensive global network, expertise, and industry-leading technology, we aim to provide event organisers with the tools and support they need to host successful and memorable events. “We look forward to building lasting partnerships with event organisers, local businesses, and the Riyadh community to create a thriving event ecosystem.” 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%, 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.” Photo: Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD, left, and Iain Wooldridge, CFO and VP, regional planning, ASM Global MENA, right.