Enter Saudi Arabia’s Thriving Events Sector with Expert Licensing and Permit Services

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment, and public events. From mega trade shows in Riyadh and Jeddah to international summits, concerts, product launches, and government-hosted forums, the country is seeing exponential growth in event hosting across sectors.

This expansion is fueled by Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, boost tourism, create jobs, and transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for business and leisure events. However, behind every successful event lies an essential foundation: event licensing and regulatory compliance.

If you’re planning to organize or host an event in Saudi Arabia, obtaining the appropriate permits from the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) and other relevant authorities is not optional—it is legally required. Whether you’re a multinational organizer, a brand launching in Saudi Arabia, a cultural performer, or a business hosting a corporate gathering, navigating the permit process can be complex, especially for foreign companies unfamiliar with local requirements.

At BGC Arabia, we specialize in providing end-to-end event production and management services, which strategically include seamless compliance and execution for event licensing and regulatory support across the Kingdom. We help you secure permits from SCEGA and other authorities to host exhibitions, forums, summits, product showcases, concerts, sports tournaments, corporate conferences, and more—all in full compliance with Saudi law.

Understanding Event Permits in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia maintains strict controls over public and private events to ensure national security, social stability, religious harmony, and alignment with its development goals. As a result, various permits may be required based on the nature, location, scope, audience, and content of the event.

These permits ensure that:

• The event aligns with public interest and local values

• Proper security measures are in place

• Licenses are issued to credible organizers

• Events meet logistical, health, and safety standards

• Marketing and media content are approved

Whether you are hosting a business conference, tech exhibition, fashion show, product launch, sports event, trade fair, or music festival, obtaining the right permits is critical. The BGC Arabia team serves as your local regulatory and execution partner, managing the entire licensing process as an integral part of our production plan to save you time, prevent delays, and ensure smooth execution.

What Is SCEGA and Why Is It Important?

The Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) is the central regulatory body responsible for overseeing and licensing:

• Conferences

• Trade exhibitions

• Product launches

• Seminars

• Workshops

• Forums

• Academic symposiums

• Business-to-business (B2B) events

SCEGA ensures that event organizers, sponsors, and venues comply with all legal and operational regulations. As of recent mandates, all commercial and non-commercial events require approval via the SCEGA portal, including submission of detailed event information, organizer credentials, and promotional content.

BGC Arabia has deep experience with SCEGA licensing and acts on your behalf to:

• Classify the type of event correctly

• Prepare documentation and required applications

• Coordinate with SCEGA and other authorities

• Facilitate payment of applicable fees

• Secure final event authorization

Whether your event is physical, hybrid, or virtual, we ensure full legal clearance through SCEGA and associated platforms before moving into our world-class execution phase.

Types of Event Permits in Saudi Arabia

In addition to SCEGA licenses, other regulatory permits may be required depending on the type of event, audience, activities, and venue. Below is an overview of key permits we help our clients secure:

1. SCEGA Event Permit Required for all business, academic, and trade-related events, including:

• Conferences

• Exhibitions

• Corporate forums

• Professional workshops

• Product or service launches

• Educational and scientific symposia

2. General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Permit For entertainment-focused events involving:

• Music performances

• Festivals and carnivals

• Comedy or theater shows

• Cultural and artistic gatherings

• Celebrity appearances

• Paid entry entertainment events

3. Ministry of Interior (MOI) Security Clearance: MOI approval is required for:

• Large public gatherings

• Events involving foreign speakers or performers

• Events with VIP or governmental participation

• Events held in public outdoor areas

4. Municipality (Baladiyah) Permits. Municipal permits are necessary for:

• Outdoor events in public parks, streets, or plazas

• Temporary construction for booths or stages

• Food trucks and pop-up vendors

• Road closures or traffic adjustments

5. Ministry of Commerce (MOC) Permits Commercial promotion permits are mandatory for:

• Promotional raffles or prize draws

• Retail and sales booths

• Product demonstrations involving commerce

6. Ministry of Media (MOMRA) Approval Required for:

• Events with foreign media coverage

• Broadcasting and live streaming

• Public advertisements or social media promotion of events

7. Customs and SFDA Permits (for Exhibitors) For events involving imported products, samples, or food and beverage items, we help secure:

• Temporary customs clearances

• SFDA import permits for F&B items

• Labeling compliance and exhibition use declarations

Our Comprehensive Event Management and Compliance Services

At BGC Arabia, we simplify the permit process and coordinate with all relevant authorities to ensure your event is compliant and successful. Our core services include:

Who We Serve

BGC Arabia supports a wide range of clients in obtaining event licenses and coordinating event logistics, always backed by our expert production and design capabilities:

• International Event Organizers

• Trade Show and Exhibition Hosts

• Corporate Marketing Departments

• Educational Institutions

• Technology and Startup Conferences

• Cultural and Entertainment Event Planners

• Hospitality and Tourism Brands

• Product Launch Campaigns

If you’re planning a one-time event or seeking recurring permits for a calendar of events, we offer scalable, full-spectrum solutions that match your objectives.

Saudi Arabia’s Events Sector: Opportunities and Outlook

Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a global hub for exhibitions, conferences, and public events. The market is backed by:

• Government spending on tourism, culture, and sports

• New mega venues like Riyadh Front, Diriyah Arena, and King Salman Park

• National initiatives like Riyadh Season, Saudi Games, and FII Conference

• Corporate demand for brand activations and promotional events

• A growing middle-class consumer base interested in entertainment and experiences

Major global brands, organizers, and agencies are already hosting large-scale events in Saudi Arabia—and BGC Arabia is their trusted partner for navigating the regulatory landscape while delivering an unforgettable event experience.

Why Choose BGC Arabia for Event Production and Licensing in Saudi Arabia?

With our in-depth regulatory expertise, local partnerships, in-house production capabilities, and multilingual team, BGC Arabia ensures your event licensing experience is seamless, strategic, and stress-free.

Our Advantages:

When you work with BGC Arabia, you gain not only an event production powerhouse but also a strategic partner committed to your event’s full compliance and success.