News DeskRiyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape is moving at a remarkable pace. From the vast carbon capture hub rising in Jubail — expected to capture up to nine million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2028 — to the ambitious USD 8.4 billion green hydrogen facility taking shape in NEOM, set to produce 600 tonnes of clean hydrogen per day by 2027, the Kingdom is placing itself firmly at the center of the global energy transition.
These projects are more than headline figures. They signal a shift toward system integration, decarbonisation, and advanced manufacturing — a transformation that is reshaping the region’s process industries.
It is against this backdrop that ACHEMA Middle East will make its regional debut from 26 to 28 October 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC). Held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and supported by ASAS, the event brings more than a century of industrial expertise to a market undergoing rapid diversification and downstream expansion.
For over 100 years, ACHEMA has stood as a global benchmark for the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory and process industries. Now, its expansion into Saudi Arabia extends that legacy into the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region — creating a dedicated platform where global solution providers can engage directly with regional manufacturers, policymakers, researchers and technology leaders.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt and powered by DECHEMA, the event aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s broader industrial strategy. At its core, ACHEMA Middle East aims to support localisation efforts, drive advanced manufacturing, encourage sustainable practices and accelerate digital transformation across key sectors including chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, food production, water technologies and advanced materials.
The exhibition itself spans six major product groups, covering the entire lifecycle of the process industry — from engineering and production technologies to laboratory solutions, automation systems, digital integration, packaging, supply chain solutions and research-driven innovation. The comprehensive scope reflects how interconnected today’s industries have become, demanding cross-disciplinary thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
Alongside the exhibition, a CPD-accredited conference programme will spotlight six innovation pillars: process, pharma, lab, digital, green and energy innovation. Through technical sessions and expert-led discussions, industry leaders will explore some of the most pressing topics shaping the future — including electrification, bioprocessing, AI-enabled operations and circular economy models.
Dr. Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Exhibitions, described the launch as a strategic milestone rather than simply an expansion. “ACHEMA Middle East is not just a regional extension – it’s a strategic evolution,” he said. “By bringing ACHEMA to Riyadh, we’re creating a platform where science, engineering and industrial innovation align with the ambitions of one of the world’s most dynamic industrial economies.”
Azzan Mohammed, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, echoed the sentiment, noting that the Kingdom’s industrial transformation is creating new opportunities for global collaboration. He emphasised that knowledge exchange and international partnerships will be critical to building sustainable and competitive industrial ecosystems across the region.
Early interest suggests strong market confidence ahead of the inaugural edition, with international brands such as Yokogawa, GMM Pfaudler, Hach, Beckhoff, Aptek, Pharmadule Morimatsu, Tofflon and Sealmatic already confirmed to participate.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its transition toward a diversified and lower-carbon industrial base, ACHEMA Middle East 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment. With its focus on technical depth, system integration and applied innovation, the event is poised to become a key meeting point for the region’s evolving process industries — and a reflection of the Kingdom’s growing role in shaping the future of global manufacturing and energy.
