Reed Exhibitions has entered into a strategic partnership with Sunaidi Expo, a subsidiary of Alfadl Group of companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The new alliance is Reed’s first entry into the Saudi market, which will contribute to the company’s expansion in the region with the launch of a number of international events in Jeddah starting from 2012.

Commenting on this agreement, Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said that the partnership with Sunaidi Expo marks the beginning of Reed’s operations in KSA, hoping that it will help reinforce and develop the exhibition industry in the Kingdom.

“The Saudi market, being the biggest in the region, is of key importance for our future business. We are confident that it will further thrive in light of the new steps taken by the Saudi government to achieve social and economic development in the Kingdom.

“We have chosen Jeddah to be Reed’s entry point to the Saudi market because it is one of the most important trade, economic and investment hubs in the region” Theux commented.

Mr. Mohammed Alfadl, President of Alfadel Group, the parent company of Sunaidi Expo, expressed his delight in the new alliance with Reed Exhibitions.

“This partnership will secure us a strong position in the exhibition market in the Kingdom. We will benefit from Reed’s global reach and vast expertise in this arena.”

The exhibition industry in Saudi Arabia in general, and in the city of Jeddah in particular, has lately witnessed remarkable growth, taking advantage of the big increase in business in the Kingdom, as the GDP has bypassed one trillion Saudi riyal in 2010, making it the largest Arab economy. The President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, stressed the attractiveness of the Saudi market and said:

“We hope this partnership will contribute to the growth of the exhibition industry in KSA. This alliance will form an important addition to our operations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”

It is worth mentioning that Jeddah is considered the KSA’s trade centre. The city is predicted to witness a boom in exhibitions and conferences, especially that Saudi government shows notable keenness to promote development in this city and to reinforce its economic role. This is clearly reflected in the numerous important projects underway in the city, including the King Abdul Aziz airport and the Jeddah Islamic Port, the main import destination for Saudi Arabia, handling 59% of its imports by sea and serving its main commercial