Global Airports Forum 2026

Global Airports Forum 2026

Global Airports Forum returns to Riyadh from 30 November to 1 December 2026, bringing together airport operators, aviation authorities and technology suppliers at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. Formerly known as the Saudi Airports Exhibition, the event is positioned as the Kingdom’s largest dedicated airport exhibition, supporting Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy and its ambitions to become a global aviation hub.

The event is organised by Niche Ideas DMCC.

Who Attends

Global Airports Forum is expected to draw around 10,000 global attendees, including representatives from Saudi Arabia’s airports, aviation authorities, transport entities and private sector businesses. The event also attracts regional visitors from across the Middle East and North Africa, offering networking opportunities across the wider aviation supply chain.

Exhibition Overview

Around 300 international exhibitors are expected to take part, showcasing technology and services across a range of aviation sectors, including:

• Air traffic control and airfield services
• Airport build and maintenance
• Airport operations
• Airport security
• Airport technology and IT
• Aviation support services
• Government organisations
• Ground handling
• Ground support equipment
• Retail and duty free

Exhibiting options include pre-built shell scheme stands in 9 and 12 square metre formats, as well as customisable space-only locations, alongside sponsorship and digital marketing packages for exhibitors looking to build brand visibility before, during and after the event.

Conference Programme

Global Airports Forum is supported by a series of co-located conferences covering different aspects of the aviation industry:

• Global Aviation Issues Conference (GAIC) addresses strategic challenges shaping global aviation, including regulatory issues and emerging technologies
• Future Aviation Investment Conference focuses on aviation investment and infrastructure growth
• Airport Security Conference covers integrated airport security strategies
• Women in Aviation General Assembly (WIA) champions diversity and empowers female leaders across the sector, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
• Aviation Manufacturing Conference looks at strengthening aviation manufacturing and localisation
• Air Traffic Control Conference examines the transformation of airspace and air traffic management

Networking And Side Events

Alongside the exhibition and conference programme, Global Airports Forum runs a Business Engagement Programme and VIP Buyers Programme designed to connect exhibitors with key decision makers through structured meetings. The event also hosts the Airport Excellence Awards, recognising innovation and achievement across the airport sector.

Registration And Contact Details

Visitors can register their interest to attend, while companies interested in exhibiting can book a stand. For sponsorship and programme enquiries, Global Airports Forum can be contacted via Daksha Patel, Event Director, at [email protected] or +971 56 690 7668.