Saudi Arabia prepares to host the biggest-ever Biban Forum in 2025, drawing participation from over 140,000 attendees representing more than 150 countries worldwide. This landmark event solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a rapidly emerging global destination for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Additionally, the four-day Biban Forum, scheduled for November 5-8, 2025, at Riyadh Front, will operate under the theme ‘Global Destination for Opportunities.’ Organized by Monsha’at (the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority), this edition will feature sector-specific exhibition zones dedicated to e-commerce, artificial intelligence, fintech, and logistics.
Furthermore, the forum will host the Entrepreneurship World Cup Finals, offering over $1.5 million in prizes to the top 100 global startups. This prestigious competition builds on the success of Biban 2024, which generated an impressive $9.3 billion in business deals. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, Biban 2025 aims to boost SME contributions to the national GDP while fostering international partnerships that position the Kingdom as a thriving startup ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia Hosts Largest-Ever Biban Forum in Riyadh
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome entrepreneurs and innovators from around the globe as Riyadh gears up to host the largest-ever edition of the Biban Forum. This prestigious event stands as a testament to the nation’s growing influence in the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Event scheduled from November 5–8, 2025 at Riyadh Front
The Biban Forum 2025 will run for four consecutive days from November 5 to 8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center 1. Doors will open daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, providing ample time for networking, exploration, and business development 1. This strategic venue choice offers state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate the forum’s extensive program of activities.
The event will feature a comprehensive display of entrepreneurial innovation, notably showcasing 44 exhibitors across six specialized zones within the E-Commerce door 2. Moreover, the forum will unveil 10,000 investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and SME owners through the dedicated Opportunity Zone 3. These opportunities span diverse sectors including tourism, quality of life, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and environmental services, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversity and broad potential for business growth 3.
Organized by Monsha’at under the theme ‘Global Destination for Opportunities’
The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, commonly known as Monsha’at, leads the organization of this landmark event 1. Under the compelling theme “Global Destination for Opportunities,” the forum aims to position Saudi Arabia as a premier hub for entrepreneurial activity and business innovation 3.
Monsha’at has designed the forum to serve multiple strategic purposes:
- Empowering small and medium enterprises through quality programs including workshops, training courses, and advisory sessions
- Enhancing business efficiency and boosting SME contribution to the gross domestic product
- Creating a stimulating environment in partnership with supporting entities from both public and private sectors 1
The forum will particularly focus on strengthening partnerships between public and private sectors to empower SMEs in seizing available opportunities 3. Through these efforts, Biban 2025 aims to contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification goals.
Expected attendance of over 140,000 from 150+ countries
The scale of Biban 2025 underscores its global significance in the entrepreneurship landscape. Organizers anticipate welcoming more than 140,000 visitors representing over 150 countries worldwide 3. This remarkable attendance projection marks a significant increase compared to previous editions, highlighting the growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The forum will bring together an impressive cross-section of the global business community, including startup founders, investors, CEOs of established companies, policymakers, and thought leaders 4. This diverse assembly creates unparalleled networking opportunities and fosters international collaboration.
As a convergence point for investors, entrepreneurs, and supporting entities, Biban Forum 2025 will facilitate the building of an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters innovation and contributes to economic growth 1. Consequently, the event represents a vital gateway to opportunities by showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship and enabling participants to access an extensive network of investors, funding entities, and experts from around the world.
For participants, the forum offers much more than exhibition spaces. It serves as a platform for exchanging expertise, showcasing innovative solutions, and developing meaningful business connections that can lead to sustainable growth and international expansion.
Forum Showcases Innovation Through Sector-Specific Zones
Biban Forum 2025 will transform the Riyadh Front venue into a sprawling innovation showcase through strategically designed sector-specific zones, offering participants firsthand access to cutting-edge business solutions.
E-Commerce Door features 44 exhibitors across 6 zones
The E-Commerce Door will feature 44 exhibitors from various enabling sectors, serving as a comprehensive hub connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers 1. This specialized area aims to attract pioneering global and local companies to introduce cutting-edge solutions that boost innovation within the e-commerce ecosystem 2.
Visitors will experience six meticulously designed zones reflecting the latest global trends in digital commerce:
The E-Commerce Door will feature 44 exhibitors from various enabling sectors, serving as a comprehensive hub connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers 1. This specialized area aims to attract pioneering global and local companies to introduce cutting-edge solutions that boost innovation within the e-commerce ecosystem 2.
Visitors will experience six meticulously designed zones reflecting the latest global trends in digital commerce:
- Electronic Markets Zone: Showcasing pioneering platforms helping businesses reach new clients and expand their footprint locally and globally 1
- Digital Solutions Zone: Featuring innovative tools and technologies supporting online store growth 1
- Fintech and Digital Payments Zone: Presenting advanced e-payment systems enhancing the efficiency and security of digital transactions 1
- Emerging Technologies Zone: Highlighting innovations in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud-based technologies 1
- Supply Chain Zone: Offering comprehensive logistics solutions that improve delivery efficiency 1
- Product and Service Development Zone: Supporting entrepreneurs in developing innovations, elevating products, and building scalable business models 1
Fast-Growing Enterprises Door supports high-growth startups
Parallel to this, the Fast-Growing Enterprises Door will establish a strategic platform specifically designed to support rapidly expanding businesses. This area will feature 42 exhibitors divided between two main sections: the Fast-Growing Enterprises Zone with 32 entities and the Service Providers Area with 10 specialized organizations 3.
Together, these participants form an integrated ecosystem aimed at driving rapid growth and expanding business operations across diverse sectors 3. The zone primarily targets three groups: entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in the Saudi market, SME owners looking to scale operations, and investors exploring high-potential opportunities within the Kingdom’s thriving economy 3.
Zones include AI, fintech, logistics, and product development
Throughout the forum, specialized technology zones will highlight innovations across several critical fields. The Emerging Technologies Zone will specifically showcase state-of-the-art advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud technologies 2.
Likewise, the Digital Payments and Fintech Zone will allow visitors to explore secure electronic payment systems and financial technologies designed to provide flexible solutions that drive e-commerce growth 2. For supply chain innovation, dedicated logistics zones will present integrated solutions that enhance efficiency and accelerate delivery operations 2.
Essentially, the Product and Service Development Zone will serve as a vital platform where entrepreneurs can refine their innovations, enhance product designs, and develop scalable business models aligned with the rapidly evolving digital landscape 2. This comprehensive approach reflects Monsha’at’s commitment to creating an environment that enables sustainable business growth in line with Vision 2030 objectives 3.
Monsha’at Aligns Biban Forum with Vision 2030 Goals
Monsha’at’s strategic vision for the Biban Forum 2025 directly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, creating a powerful platform where entrepreneurship serves as a catalyst for economic diversification. As the Kingdom’s primary authority for small and medium enterprises, Monsha’at has designed the forum to address key national priorities through targeted entrepreneurial growth.
Forum aims to boost SME contribution to GDP
At the heart of Biban Forum’s objectives lies the goal of substantially increasing the SME sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP from its current level to 35% by 2030. This represents a fundamental shift in the Kingdom’s economic structure, moving away from traditional oil dependence toward a diversified economy powered by small and medium businesses.
The forum strategically targets this transformation through multiple channels—providing direct access to funding opportunities, offering specialized training programs, and facilitating business-to-business connections across sectors. Furthermore, through dedicated mentorship initiatives, emerging entrepreneurs gain practical guidance from established business leaders, accelerating their growth trajectory within the national economy.
Encourages international partnerships and investment
Beyond domestic growth, Biban Forum serves as a gateway for international collaboration, inviting global partners to participate in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. The 2025 edition will actively promote cross-border partnerships by connecting Saudi entrepreneurs with international investors, technology providers, and market expansion specialists.
These international connections offer dual benefits—providing Saudi businesses with access to global best practices and technologies, whereas giving foreign partners entry into one of the Middle East’s most dynamic markets. Overall, the forum creates a unique ecosystem where investment opportunities flow both inward and outward, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in global trade networks.
Highlights Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a startup hub
The Biban Forum exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s ongoing evolution into a premier destination for startups and entrepreneurial ventures. This transformation stems from concerted government efforts to establish infrastructure supporting business creation and growth—including regulatory reforms, funding mechanisms, and specialized incubation programs.
Primarily through initiatives like the Biban Forum, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to cultivating local talent while simultaneously attracting international entrepreneurs seeking new markets. The Kingdom has accordingly positioned itself as more than just an investment destination; instead, it has become an active participant in the global innovation ecosystem, fostering technological advancement across multiple sectors.
Through these strategic alignments, the Biban Forum 2025 stands as a tangible manifestation of Vision 2030’s entrepreneurial aspirations, creating pathways for sustainable economic growth beyond traditional industries.
Biban Forum Builds on Record-Breaking 2024 Edition
The 2024 edition of Biban Forum set unprecedented records in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial landscape, creating a strong foundation for the upcoming 2025 event.
Biban 2024 drew 182,000+ visitors and $9.3B in deals
Biban 2024 marked a watershed moment for Saudi entrepreneurship, attracting more than 182,000 visitors throughout its five-day run 1213. The forum generated remarkable business activity, with agreements and initiatives exceeding SAR 35.4 billion (approximately $9.3 billion) 1213. These achievements underscored the Kingdom’s rapid development in the SME sector and entrepreneurship.
2025 edition aims to surpass previous benchmarks
The upcoming Biban 2025 Forum explicitly aims to exceed these impressive figures 14. Monsha’at has designed the event to set new records in participation, partnerships, and investment opportunities 14. This ambition reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing confidence as a global entrepreneurial hub, capable of facilitating multi-billion riyal agreements among innovators and investors.
New features and expanded global participation expected
Biban 2025 will introduce seven specialized “doors” or thematic areas, each focusing on critical entrepreneurial needs 15. These include empowerment, financing, franchising, startups, e-commerce, high-growth enterprises, and market access 4. The forum anticipates showcasing over 10,000 opportunities from both public and private sectors 4. With representation from over 150 countries, the 2025 edition will feature more than 200 speakers and 1,000 exhibitors 4, firmly establishing Saudi Arabia as a worldwide hub for innovation and enterprise.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s Biban Forum 2025 stands poised to make history as the Kingdom’s most ambitious entrepreneurial gathering yet. The four-day event at Riyadh Front will undoubtedly cement the country’s reputation as a global innovation hub through its comprehensive approach to business development. Certainly, the participation of over 140,000 attendees from more than 150 countries demonstrates the international community’s growing recognition of Saudi Arabia as a prime destination for entrepreneurial opportunities.
The return of the Entrepreneurship World Cup Finals further enhances this prestigious event. The competition, featuring the top 100 global startups competing for over $1.5 million in prizes, represents a significant milestone for international innovation. Additionally, the specialized exhibition zones dedicated to e-commerce, artificial intelligence, fintech, and logistics provide practical pathways for entrepreneurs to discover cutting-edge solutions and forge valuable business connections.
Biban 2025’s strategic alignment with Vision 2030 objectives remains perhaps its most significant aspect. The forum actively supports the Kingdom’s goal of increasing SME contribution to the national GDP while fostering international partnerships essential for sustained economic growth. This dual focus on domestic development and global collaboration distinguishes Biban as more than just another business conference—it serves as a transformative platform reshaping Saudi Arabia’s economic future.
Building on the remarkable success of Biban 2024, which generated an impressive $9.3 billion in business deals, the 2025 edition aims to establish new benchmarks across all metrics. The expanded scope, broader international representation, and specialized “doors” covering critical entrepreneurial needs ensure participants gain maximum value from their attendance.
Saudi Arabia thus positions itself not merely as a participant in global innovation but as a leader shaping its direction. The Biban Forum 2025 epitomizes this evolution, offering a glimpse into a future where entrepreneurship transcends traditional boundaries and creates lasting economic impact across sectors and borders.
References
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[2] – https://www.leaders-mena.com/biban-2025-forum-to-advance-e-commerce-innovation-with-44-exhibitors/
[3] – https://bibanglobal.sa/en/MediaCenters/44
[4] – https://omanet.om/en/news/economy/monshaat-biban-forum-2025/
[5] – https://www.arabianbusiness.com/startup/record-breaking-10000-entries-as-riyadh-gears-up-for-2025-entrepreneurship-world-cup-finals-in-saudi-arabia
[6] – https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2378987
[7] – http://www.monshaat.gov.sa/en/node/171207
[8] – https://bibanglobal.sa/en/ewc
[9] – https://www.opportunitiescircle.com/entrepreneurship-world-cup/
[10] – https://fundsforcompanies.fundsforngos.org/events/apply-now-entrepreneurship-world-cup-2025/
[11] – https://paraverse.cc/paraverse-technology-advances-to-top-100-global-startups-in-the-entrepreneurship-world-cup-2025/
[12] – https://www.arabnews.com/node/2578743/business-economy
[13] – https://spa.gov.sa/en/N2204204
[14] – https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saudi-arabia-to-host-biban-forum-2025-and-the-global-finals-of-the-entrepreneurship-world-cup-302570784.html
[15] – https://bibanglobal.sa/en/MediaCenters/41
