From February 15 to 18, 2025, NRW.Global Business, the IHK Ostwestfalen zu Bielefeld, and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen (GESALO) organized a business delegation trip to Dammam and Riyadh. The goal was to provide participating companies from North Rhine-Westphalia with direct insights into Saudi Arabia’s dynamic markets, explore business opportunities, and establish new business networks.
Dammam: Networking and B2B Matchmaking in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province
The delegation kicked off its journey in Dammam, one of the most important economic hubs in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. In collaboration with the Asharqia Chamber the Representative of our German Desk in the Eastern Province welcomed the German participants alongside representatives from leading Saudi companies during a roundtable. This was followed by targeted B2B sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with potential Saudi business partners.
Riyadh: Insights into Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Projects and High-Level Meetings
The delegation continued to Riyadh, where participants received in-depth insights into some of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious development projects — including Diriyah and Red Sea Global — central pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy.
High-level meetings with the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Energy provided participants with key insights into investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and the evolving landscape of strategic industries within Saudi Arabia.
A highlight of the Riyadh visit was an exclusive networking reception at the German Embassy, where delegates had the chance to connect with local business leaders, government officials, and industry experts. Another key moment was the Female Executives Roundtable, where inspiring conversations unfolded about the evolving role of women in business. In the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, participants shared experiences, challenges, and opportunities, fostering meaningful cultural exchange and new connections.
The delegation concluded its Saudi Arabia visit with a stop at the BIG5 Exhibition, one of the region’s most prominent trade fairs for construction, infrastructure, and energy. This event provided German companies with a platform to gain valuable insights into the latest market trend within the Gulf region’s thriving industries.
Strengthening German-Saudi Economic Relations
The business delegation trip offered participants comprehensive market insights while facilitating meaningful connections with key stakeholders in Saudi Arabia. Through company visits, B2B meetings, and networking events, the participating companies were able to explore future cooperation opportunities and lay a strong foundation for market entry.
Following the successful visit to Saudi Arabia, the delegation continued to Muscat, Oman, to further explore business opportunities in the Gulf region.
We look forward to continuing the conversations and building on the relationships and opportunities established during the visit.
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