Technology

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub under Vision 2030, the Global Airports Forum 2026 is set to return with an expanded strategic agenda focused on collaboration, innovation, investment, and next-generation airport development.

Scheduled to take place from 30 November to 1 December 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the fifth edition of the forum is positioning itself as more than an industry exhibition, evolving into a high-level international platform connecting decision-makers across the global aviation ecosystem.

The event is sponsored by Matarat Holding, an affiliate of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), together with its subsidiaries including Special Integrated Logistics Zone Company (SILZ), Cluster 2, DACO, JEDCO, and Riyadh Airports.

Expanding Beyond Traditional Aviation Events

Global Airports Forum 2026 aims to strengthen industry dialogue and support integrated aviation ecosystems that can meet the changing demands of modern airport infrastructure and air mobility.

This year’s programme will place increased emphasis on cross-sector collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term aviation development strategies across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and international markets.

The forum will bring together:

1. Civil aviation authorities
2. Airport operators
3. Government policymakers
4. Infrastructure developers
5. Institutional investors
6. Technology providers
7. Consultants and industry stakeholders

Focus Areas Driving the Future of Aviation

The expanded 2026 programme will explore a wide range of topics shaping the future of airport and aviation development, including:

1. Airport infrastructure and expansion
2. Investment and project financing
3. Smart airport technologies
4. Digital transformation
5. Passenger experience innovation
6. Sustainability and environmental performance
7. Airport security
8. Airspace and mobility innovation
9. Operational efficiency
10. Workforce development
11. Artificial intelligence and predictive airport operations

Executive-level workshops and specialist knowledge sessions will also examine integrated airport management models and next-generation aviation ecosystems.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ambitions

Saudi Arabia continues to lead some of the region’s largest aviation and airport expansion programmes, positioning aviation as a strategic pillar of economic diversification and connectivity.

Against this backdrop, Global Airports Forum 2026 aims to reinforce its role as a meeting point for stakeholders delivering current and future aviation projects throughout the region.

The event will further strengthen its international reach through expanded participation from aviation markets including:

1. Italy
2. France
3. Germany
4. United Kingdom

Country pavilions and international delegations are expected to contribute to broader dialogue around global airport development and investment opportunities.

New Business Engagement Initiatives Introduced

Alongside the exhibition and conference programme, organisers will introduce several new initiatives designed to strengthen business outcomes and industry connections.

These include:

1. Enhanced VIP Buyers Programme
2. Expanded business engagement initiatives
3. Curated networking opportunities
4. Saudi Ready exhibitor initiative
5. Guided Innovation Tours

These programmes are intended to help airport buyers, exhibitors, government stakeholders, and technology providers identify opportunities aligned with Saudi Arabia’s aviation priorities.

Commenting on the upcoming edition, Daksha Patel, Event Director, said:

“Global Airports Forum continues to evolve alongside the rapid transformation underway across Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector and the wider global airport ecosystem. As the industry enters a new era shaped by expansion, digital transformation, sustainability, and integrated operations, stronger collaboration and knowledge exchange across the aviation value chain have become increasingly important.”

She added that the forum seeks not only to showcase innovation but also to facilitate partnerships, strategic discussions, and industry insights that contribute to the future development of aviation both regionally and internationally.

Global Platform for Aviation Transformation

Global Airports Forum 2026 is expected to welcome leading regional and international stakeholders across the aviation value chain, creating a platform for advancing investment, innovation, infrastructure development, and future-ready airport ecosystems.

The event further reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a strategic aviation destination connecting regional ambitions with global industry opportunities.

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