26th February 2024

Where Innovation Meets Arena: Stadiums of the Future

Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh, KSA

Strategic Partners

About the Event

Recognizing the strategic significance of sports, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing the expansion of this sector as a pivotal driver of economic diversification. To this end, the government has made a firm commitment to invest $2 billion in sports-related initiatives by the year 2024. This proactive investment strategy is projected to propel the sector's contribution to the non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to exceed $22 billion by 2030. However, to realize this ambitious goal, an additional $5 billion in private sector investments will be requisite, offering substantial prospects for international investors.

Remarkably, the sports sector's economic contribution has undergone significant growth, surging from $640 million in 2016 to $1.7 billion in 2019. As of 2022, it constitutes approximately 0.2% of the Kingdom's overall GDP. Under the aegis of the Ministry of Sports, an ambitious aspiration has been articulated to elevate this contribution to a notable 1% of the GDP by the year 2030.

The infusion of private sector capital has already reached $320 million, primarily allocated to club sponsorships until 2023. Furthermore, an additional $670 million has been earmarked to foster the financial maturity and privatization of sports clubs.

Industry Insights & News Updates

Beautiful woman face by Oleg Gekman on 500px.com

Saudi Arabia plans for ‘futuristic’ clifftop 2034 World Cup stadium revealed

Saudi Arabia kicks off football stadium procurement

Epic surf announces projects in saudi arabia and USA

Fifa’s relaxed stadium rule clears path for Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabian World Cup in 2034 likely after FIFA regulation changes

Saudi Arabia announces new stadiums ahead of 2027 Asian Cup

Riyadh backs World Cup bid with $2.7bn of stadiums

Event Launch Video

Stadium Innovation Conference

Event In Numbers

Superstar Speakers

Prequalified Attendees

Case Studies Showcase

Stadium Stakeholders

Official Government Speakers

Saudi Pro League

Public Investment Fund (PIF)

Saudi Ministry of Sport

Union of Arab Football Federation

*Awaiting official confirmation as per GDPR regulations

VIP Speakers

Mr. Helmut Spahn

Director Safety, Security and Access
FIFA, Switzerland

Mr. Alexey Milovanov

Former Technical Services Director
for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Mr. Francesco Aurelio Bongiorno

Stadiums - Design Project Manager
Ministry of Sports / Mace - Saudi Arabia

Mr. Bulent Dogan

Project Manager
Nesma & Partners

Mr. Hussein Mahran

Head of PMO
NAGA Architects

Mrs Špela Videčnik

Principal
OFIS Architects

Mr. Zakria Osman

Corporate Engineering Manager
El Seif Engineering Contracting

Mr. Moen Azmi

Executive Director
Arab Engineering Bureau

Mr. Jacobo Bernaola

Section Chief for the Middle East
Sener

Mr. George Berbari

Founder & CEO
DC Pro Engineering

Mr. Christian Linthaler

Sales Director – National/International
Dallmeier

Mr. Stephen Tibber

Regional Vice-President
Skidata

Mr. Toufic Mansour

Managing Director
Skywave

Mr. Christian Heidegger

Head of Business Unit
Axess AG

Mr. Danilo Arba

PMO Director
MACE

Mr. Dino Drimakis

Commercial Director
NMK Electronics

Mr. Johannes Hoffmann

Director
Zaha Hadid Architects

Mr. Wolfgang Berger

Head of Engineering for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific
Doka

Mr. Denis Steiner

Group CEO
GSM Sella GmbH

Mr. Joseph Aliloom

Technical Director
Nesma & Partners

Mr. Amer Alzaiem

Vice President Middle East, Turkey, Africa & India
Uniguest

Dr. Nabil El-Harazi

Chairman
DSC International

Mr. Luca Paolellai

Ambassador & Vice President Applied Technologies
Daikin

Mr. Omer Khan

Senior Product Engineer
Johnson Controls Arabia

Mr. Omar Al-Wakil

Business and Operations Manager-Products Management
Johnson Controls Arabia

Dr. Nabil El-Harazi

Chairman
DSC International

Bio:

My name is Nabil Elharazi, founder of DSC International, an architectural and engineering firm that has established a strong presence in Egypt and other countries in Africa and the Middle East. Driven by a passion for design innovation and performance, embarked on a mission to provide excellent services in the field of architecture and engineering. With hard work and dedication, DSC International has flourished, offering a comprehensive range of services encompassing planning, design, and construction supervision. Our expertise and creativity enable us to develop intelligent designs that not only meet clients' complex goals and needs but also make sustainable use of the environment. With a focus on delivering value in a cost and time-conscious market, DSC International has become a trusted name in the industry. My team’s and my vision has led DSC International to provide a wide array of services, including urban planning and design, structural and electromechanical design, full interior and custom furniture design, as well as site landscape, construction supervision, and management. The firm boasts a team of design professionals with diverse expertise, ensuring top-notch quality in every project. Through our commitment to superior client service, DSC International has earned a solid reputation and the confidence of their clients. We have successfully undertaken projects for both government and private organizations, locally and internationally. Notably, DSC has been entrusted with providing services to major banking organizations in Egypt, carrying out renovation projects and evaluating their branches. Driven by a mission to provide the highest standard of services and guarantee client satisfaction, our team at DSC International uphold rigorous standards, accountability, and thoroughness in out work. This commitment has fostered long-lasting client relationships and positioned the firm as a leader in the industry

Mr. Zakria Osman

Corporate Engineering Manager
El Seif Engineering Contracting

Bio:

is a highly accomplished mechanical engineer with profound expertise in innovative research and development. Zakaria holds a Ph.D., MSc. And over 25 years of experience, he brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and a passion for expanding the boundaries of engineering. Throughout his academic and professional career, Zakaria made significant contributions to the field of engineering. He conducted extensive research in specialized areas such as Digital Construction, Smart Cities, Digital Engineering, and Prefabrication/Modular Construction, exploring novel concepts and methodologies to address complex engineering challenges. Zakaria's research acumen is complemented by his strong technical skills and proficiency in advanced analytical tools. He is adapting to utilizing state-of-the-art simulation software and computational methods to model and analyze complex mechanical systems. His research findings have been presented in his work at prestigious conferences and symposiums. Zakaria's ability to conceptualize and implement complex designs has been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous projects. He is highly proficient in using cutting-edge design and simulation software, enabling him to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturability. As a passionate advocate for sustainable engineering practices, Zakaria is dedicated to developing environmentally conscious solutions that will improve our planet’s sustainability. He actively collaborates with organizations focused on green technologies and actively seeks opportunities to incorporate sustainability principles into his projects. With a unique blend of research expertise, technical proficiency, and visionary leadership, Zakaria is poised to continue making significant contributions to the fields of engineering and construction. His unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and driving innovation positions him as a sought-after expert and a catalyst for positive change in the industry.

Mr. George Berbari

Founder & CEO
DC Pro Engineering

Bio:

Holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 1985. Recipient of AUB first given distinguished alumni award for Mechanical Engineering for the year 2007/2008 for Professional achievement and pioneering contributions to the region in enhancing energy efficiency and energy conservation in Heating, Air conditioning & and refrigeration.

Founder and CEO of DC PRO Engineering; an electro-mechanical consultancy firm specializing in District Energy Services and Green Buildings MEP design. DC PRO Engineering has three ISO Certifications (ISO 9001, 14000 & 18000) and has over 50 professionals operating from four offices. DC PRO Engineering is the recipient of an A+ rating from the Dubai Economic Department one out of three companies that received it from more than 30,000 SMEs registered in Dubai. DC PRO Engineering employs a total of 50 employees with the majority based in UAE.

DC PRO Engineering has designed more than 4.0 million Tons of District Energy (around 50% of GCC capacity) inclusive of tri-generation & and renewable, 21 Data Centres as well as around 8 million m2 of Green Buildings MEP designs. Key Projects include 4 FIFA Stadia in Qatar, seven airports including Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Motor City, Expo 2020, Emaar Downtown, and 12 data Centers with Group 42.

GB has played a founding role in establishing the district cooling industry in the GCC as a founding member and idea creator of Tabreed and has transferred more than 22 technologies to the ME and Pioneered more than ten world new applications in the field of Air Conditioning and power generation.

GB has several publications in the ASHRAE Journal, MEP, and Climate Control Magazine. He has also authored "The Energy Budget" book which offers a self-financing mechanism for eliminating man made carbon emissions. GB has chaired and moderated (42) District cooling, Data Centres, and sustainability Conferences and presented (86) Public Presentations in the District Energy and green Building in the GCC region, Asia Pacific (Singapore & and Malaysia), and the US. GB Designed, built and owned the Near Zero Energy Villa in Dubai Hills and deployed several novice technologies with few of which are the first implementations in the world.

Mr. Helmut Spahn

Director Safety, Security and Access
FIFA, Switzerland

Bio:

Helmut Spahn is Director Security of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), former Director General of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), former president of the famous and prestigious football club Kickers Offenbach and spent over 20 years as a high-ranking officer in the German police force. Spahn was formerly Head of Security for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ and Chief Security Officer for the German Football Association (Deutscher Fussball-Bund, DFB). He has been a UEFA Security Officer for the Champions League and Europa League as well as UEFA Euro 2012.
Born 19 March 1961 in Seligenstadt, Germany, Spahn received his training at the Senior Police Service in Wiesbaden and the Police Academy in Munster. He graduated with a degree in Management from the University of Applied Science Wiesbaden, where he also lectured Management Studies.

Spahn began his career in law enforcement in 1984 in Hessen, Germany, where he served on the local police force and did service in the riot police unit. He went on to hold several key positions, including becoming the platoon leader and lead training officer for the riot police unit. Spahn was appointed as the Head of Security and Public Order of the Frankfurt Police Directorate in 2000, before becoming Head of the Special Deployment Commando of the Frankfurt Police.

From 2006 to 2011 Spahn was Chief Security Officer for the German Football Association. Spahn served as the Head of Security for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ from 2003 to 2006, as Head of Security for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany™ and has been a UEFA security officer for the Champions League and Europa League since 2007, as well as for UEFA Euro 2012. As Director General of the ICSS, from 2011 to 2017, he was in demand as an expert on security advice and opinion all over the world in different Sports, including the Olympics 2012 in London, Sochi 2014 and 2016 in Rio, as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and World Cup 2014 in Brazil and the Boston Marathon for example. In his current function as Director Security at FIFA he is now responsible for all FIFA Tournaments and Events across the globe.

Key Sessions And Topics

Innovative stadium design & architecture

Redefining sports infrastructure in the kingdom

Designing and implementing effective wayfinding systems

Innovative lighting solutions for modern stadiums

Innovations in digital signage for international stadiums

Strategies for seamless crowd management

Choosing the right turf for stadiums and sports complexes

Who Should Attend

Chief Executive Officer

Operations Director/Manager

Governmental Representative

Technical Director

Project Managers

Head of Department

Facility Director/Head

Architect & Designers

Civil Engineer

IT Engineer

Consultant

Stadium Operators

Focused industries

Governmental Bodies

Advisors & Consultants

Property Management Companies

Architectures

Contracting Companies

Engineering Companies

Athletic Associations

Sponsors & Partners

Platinum Sponsors

Strategic HVAC Partner

Smart Stadiums Strategic Partner

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Exhibitors

Why Sponsor

Currently, Saudi Arabia boasts a robust sports infrastructure comprising six major stadiums, five indoor arenas, eleven public sports squares, and twelve sports cities. In anticipation of hosting the Asian Football Cup (AFC) in 2027 across Riyadh, Al-Khobar, and Dammam, the nation is poised to construct three new state-of-the-art stadiums: the Riyadh Stadium, the Qiddiya Stadium, and the Dammam Stadium. Simultaneously, plans are underway to enhance the capacity and modernize four existing stadiums, including the King Fahad Stadium and Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium in Riyadh, the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi City Stadium in Khobar, and the Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, positioning them for a prominent role in this prestigious sporting event.