A newly released economic report estimated that the value of Saudi sports products retail market is approaching SR30 billion ($8 billion approx.) with an annual growth of 8%. The report also estimated that investment in the Saudi sports market topped Middle East markets. The report provides investment implications that can be described as pivotal that the concerned authorities in the Kingdom support sports and health initiatives with about SR29 billion (approx. $7.7 billion) dedicated to social projects including the construction of new sports centers throughout the Kingdom. In order to catch the market attention, the report pointed out that the Kingdom is currently running a key project for the development of sports in the Kingdom with a budget exceeding SR18 billion (approx. $5 billion) and is scheduled for completion by 2016. Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions will be organizing the Saudi International Sport & Fitness Exhibition, Fitness (ISF Saudi), the Kingdom's only major international sports and fitness exhibition from the Nov. 25-28 at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events. The importance of this event arises from the need for further development in sports and fitness industry in the Kingdom. Also there is still too much to do here and in light of the Kingdom's continuous pursuit to develop the sports sector — by improving sports and fitness infrastructure and facilities in the country that needs local and international expertise —the need for such an exhibition was stressed. With the growth of sports and entertainment infrastructure along with the boom in hospitality industry in the Kingdom; public and private investments in sports industry records an annual increase by 40%. These investments included privatization of sports clubs as an economic strategy. Moreover, the emergence of women sport activities required establishing dedicated sports facilities exclusively for women. The increasing attention to health, fitness and wellbeing issues in the Kingdom, as well as the wonderful response to the exhibition last year, encouraged the organizers of ISF Saudi to go ahead with the second edition of this important event. This year's edition of ISF Saudi is expected to witness a wider participation in comparison with the inaugural edition last year which registered 6,365 visitors, 58 exhibitors and 104 brands from 14 countries. "It is known that in any line of work there is a need for a simple streamlined process in order to have effective results. The sport club operators need to sit down with their association and discuss these issues, pointing out the challenges they face and to come up with suitable solutions. Until this is done the development process will be stifled," said John Tappin, show director. Tappin talked also about his expectations for this year's exhibition to provide solutions for development rather than the inaugural edition of the exhibition last year. "We aim to be the focal point for sport and fitness in the Kingdom while providing a platform for training and education which is lacking in the Kingdom. Hence we are looking to attract professional trainers and instructors, associations and sporting institutions not only in the Kingdom but around the GCC. In view of this we will collaborate with the Josoor Institute, Qatar to hold a seminar on Sports Business Development, which tackles the business side of sports." "The objective of the event is to promote public wellbeing and healthy living through education, demonstration and activities whilst providing a trading and sourcing platform for the sport, fitness, and wellness industry. We want people to realize that fitness should be a lifestyle and not just something you do sparingly," Toppin added. "Saudi sport & fitness sector development needs over the next 5 years are currently valued at $20 billion. Reports suggest that the Saudi sport and fitness market is worth close to $20 billion and it is believed that with the current population and lack of infrastructure and facilities it will take close to that amount if not more to develop this sector. The expectation is to see more of the top brands and to see more live demonstrations. Equally, participants would like to connect with sports influencers and they would like to see some local sporting personalities and key buyer groups compared to last year's exhibition." Toppin said. Saudi Arabia's only major international Sport and Fitness exhibition promotes public wellbeing and healthy living through education, demonstration and activities whilst providing a trading and sourcing platform for the sport, fitness, and wellness industry. ISF Saudi is organized by Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions and powered by FIBO – the world's leading exhibition for fitness, wellness and health. Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions is the strategically successful joint venture partnership between the world's largest international exhibition organizer Reed Exhibitions and highly experienced Saudi organizer Sunaidi Expo. Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Reed Sunaidi is currently running six events in Jeddah and Riyadh in 2015. Current events span diverse markets including the design, food and drink, international sport & fitness, health & beauty, heating, cooling and ventilation, and energy efficiency sectors.
