Saudi Franchise Expo Riyadh 2027

Saudi Franchise Expo (the Saudi International Franchise Expo) returns to the capital for Edition 2 of its 2026–27 season. Run by Sunaidi Expo & Conferences, the Riyadh show brings franchise brands from Saudi Arabia and abroad together with investors, family offices, master franchisees and operators from the Central Region, backed by a free matchmaking service and a practical workshop programme on franchising, financing and operations.

The Riyadh edition

Edition 2 takes place over three evenings at The Arena in Riyadh, two months after the Jeddah show. Brands exhibiting at both editions can cover the Western and Central regions in a single season, which the organizer pitches as one campaign rather than two separate market-entry budgets. Visitors can register for Riyadh alone or for both shows.

Exhibition, matchmaking and workshops

Each edition combines three formats over three evenings. The show floor gathers international, regional and local franchise brands, so visitors can compare investment ranges, royalty terms and territory availability in one place. The free matchmaking programme books hosted 20-minute meetings in advance, matched on capital range, sector and territory. A free workshop and panel programme covers franchising, financing and operations; the full agenda and speakers are still to be announced.

• Franchise exhibition floor
• Business matchmaking lounge (free)
• Workshops and panel discussions (free)
• Banks and SME finance partners on site

Who attends

The organizer describes SFE as a trade event with screened registration, aimed at people with capital, sites or an operating business.

• First-time franchise investors
• Master franchisees and area developers
• Family offices and investment groups
• Existing F&B and retail operators
• Mall and real-estate leasing teams
• Franchise consultants and lawyers
• SME entrepreneurs and start-ups

Key figures (last edition)

Figures the organizer reports for its most recent edition: 14,731 trade visitors, 179 brands and 139 exhibiting companies from 29 countries, 22 free workshops, 465+ agreements signed, 1,200+ matchmaking meetings and 7,000 m² of exhibition space.

Tickets & passes

• Trade visitor pass — Free: Free for trade visitors; registration is screened and the badge is emailed as a QR code
• Business matchmaking — Free: Free for exhibitors and registered trade visitors; slots limited, allocated in order of request