RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s flagship automotive aftermarket trade show, Automechanika Riyadh, has been rescheduled to Jan. 11–13, 2027, after its original May 2026 dates were postponed due to the Iran war.
The event, which was initially set to take place from May 4 to 6 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, will now be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, marking both a date shift and a venue change.
The postponement comes amid a wave of disruptions to conferences and exhibitions in the region following the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has affected travel, logistics and business sentiment.
Several high-profile events have been affected, including Saudi Arabia’s LEAP technology conference, postponed from April to late August, while the Arabian Travel Market has been delayed by three months. Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were also called off earlier this year due to safety concerns.
Despite near-term disruptions, the Kingdom’s automotive aftermarket is projected to reach $9.6 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent from 2025, according to GMI Research.
Martyn Cox, show director of Automechanika Riyadh, said: “As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its automotive ambitions, the event will play a central role in supporting the development of a more integrated, innovative and globally competitive aftermarket sector.”
He added: “The move to January and our new home at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre strengthens the show’s position as a key enabler of industry transformation in the Kingdom.”
The 2027 edition is expected to attract more than 19,000 visitors and over 500 exhibitors, positioning it as the Kingdom’s first major automotive aftermarket gathering of the year and an early platform for dealmaking as Saudi Arabia advances its industrial and mobility ambitions under Vision 2030.
“The 2027 edition will deliver an even more comprehensive and high-quality experience, bringing together the right audiences, the right solutions and the right conversations to drive business forward,” said Chris Lee, portfolio director, mobility & logistics division at Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
The event will also feature the return of Automechanika Academy, with sessions focused on electric vehicle readiness, digitalization, localization and evolving supply chain trends, alongside live demonstrations and product showcases.
