Saudi Arabia to Host the First-Ever ACHEMA Middle East in 2026, Strengthening the Kingdom’s Leadership in Industrial Innovation
In a major step aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural edition of ACHEMA Middle East in Riyadh in 2026. This milestone event, organised by DECHEMA in strategic partnership with Messe Frankfurt, will serve as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance industrial innovation, attract foreign investment, and localise manufacturing capabilities across vital sectors of the economy.
Supported by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, ACHEMA Middle East reinforces Saudi Arabia’s crucial role as a leader of transformation within the regional and global process industries. The event is expected to serve as a platform for partnerships and knowledge exchange in line with the Kingdom’s ambitions to diversify its economy and establish itself as the industrial hub of the Middle East.
ACHEMA Middle East is the region’s newest platform dedicated to the process industry, bringing together a wide range of sectors, including process machinery and equipment, engineering & asset lifecycle solutions, hydrogen & green tech, process automation, digitalization & industry 4.0 solutions, pharmaceutical manufacturing & bioprocessing, and lab, quality control & analytics. The event will showcase world-class solutions in engineering, production technologies, and sustainable innovation to support the Kingdom’s ongoing industrial transformation.
In line with Vision 2030, ACHEMA Middle East will contribute to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness, attracting investments, and enhancing localisation within key sectors. Reflecting the industry’s strong interest, the event will welcome around 400 international exhibitors, supported by an extensive congress programme designed to promote collaboration among industry leaders, government representatives, and technical experts from the region and beyond.
Dr. Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Exhibitions, stated:
“With Messe Frankfurt, we have found a strong partner who shares our vision of further expanding ACHEMA internationally, moving into new markets and adding new, future-oriented elements to our programme. Messe Frankfurt brings its vast expertise in the international trade show business and its worldwide network to the table.
At the same time, we contribute our in-depth sector knowledge and technological expertise from the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry – not to mention the experience and community that comes from organising ACHEMA for over a hundred successful years. This opens up excellent opportunities for us to firmly establish ACHEMA Middle East and to reach a global audience there.”
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, added:
“We are very proud that DECHEMA has been holding its leading event for the chemical industry at our Frankfurt base for 88 years. This is why we are especially pleased to join forces with DECHEMA in setting up ACHEMA Middle East and to launch this renowned brand in a whole new region.”
By hosting ACHEMA Middle East, Saudi Arabia is advancing its vision to become a regional and global leader in industrial innovation, contributing to economic diversification and long-term sustainable development under Vision 2030.
