🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Saudi Makes Future (SMF) 2026 — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
🔒 Get my buyer details Free · ~20 seconds
About this event
Data sheet
Saudi Makes Future (SMF) 2026 – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: 14–16 December 2026
Location: Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Event Status: Upcoming
Research Date: 2 July 2026
Event Overview
| Event Name | Saudi Makes Future (SMF) 2026 |
| Event Date | 14–16 December 2026 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center |
| City | Riyadh |
| State / Region | Riyadh Province |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Organizer | Official organizer details not fully disclosed in the provided website text; event site references “Organizers” and “About us.” |
| Official Event Website | saudimakesfuture.com |
| Event Type | B2B technology exhibition, summit, innovation festival, startup and AI business networking event |
| Primary Category | IT & Technology |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Business Services; Science & Research; Telecommunication; Industrial Engineering |
| Audience Reach | Global |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | 30,000+ attendees stated on the official website; attendance figure is presented as a 2025 highlight and should be treated as an event claim, not a confirmed 2026 registration count. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Moderate: official website provides scale claims and prior-event highlights, but attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer for the 2026 edition. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To connect the AI, digital innovation, startup, investor, enterprise, and government ecosystem around technology commercialization, business meetings, knowledge exchange, and partnership building in Saudi Arabia. |
About the Event
Saudi Makes Future (SMF) 2026 is positioned on the official website as the “largest AI exhibition in the Middle East” and as Saudi Arabia’s global platform for innovation, AI, and the digital economy. The event is designed as a hybrid of exhibition, summit, startup competition, investor meeting space, and knowledge forum, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, robotics, smart cities, sustainability, and digital transformation.
The event matters because it sits at the intersection of enterprise technology buying, innovation sourcing, government digitalization, startup partnerships, and regional ecosystem development aligned with Vision 2030. For suppliers, solution providers, and services firms, SMF offers access to decision-makers across enterprise, public sector, investment, and startup communities that are actively engaged in AI adoption, digital innovation, and future-focused procurement.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise technology buyers | Large private-sector companies, conglomerates, digital-native firms | Evaluate AI, software, infrastructure, and transformation vendors | High-value pipeline for software, cloud, analytics, systems integration, and managed services |
| Government and public-sector buyers | Ministries, authorities, digital government bodies, smart city programs | Own procurement, policy alignment, and modernization decisions | Critical for public-sector software, AI, cybersecurity, and infrastructure suppliers |
| Innovation and R&D leaders | Innovation labs, research centers, tech-forward enterprises, universities | Assess emerging technology partnerships and pilots | Useful for AI, robotics, data, and advanced technology vendors |
| Startup founders and scale-up leaders | AI startups, SaaS companies, deep-tech ventures | Seek funding, partners, channel access, and enterprise customers | Relevant for accelerators, investors, and B2B growth partners |
| Investors / VCs / PE | Venture capital, corporate venture, family offices, angel networks | Evaluate emerging technology and commercialization opportunities | Strong fit for startup ecosystem sponsorship and partnership outreach |
| Product and digital transformation leaders | Enterprises undergoing cloud, AI, and automation transformation | Own technology evaluation and vendor selection | Prime audience for solution demonstrations and discovery meetings |
| Procurement and sourcing teams | Enterprise procurement, strategic sourcing, vendor management | Shortlist and contract technology suppliers | High relevance for supplier qualification and RFP generation |
| Telecom and infrastructure teams | Telecom operators, network providers, infrastructure integrators | Buy AI, data, edge, and connectivity solutions | Relevant for telecom software, IoT, and network technology vendors |
| Media, association, and ecosystem leaders | Tech media, trade associations, industry groups | Shape visibility, content, and market access | Useful for sponsorship, thought leadership, and PR amplification |
| SMBs and digital agencies | Small businesses, agencies, consultancies, software resellers | Buy tools, partner with vendors, and source growth solutions | Useful for channel sales, SMB packages, and partner recruitment |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh city | High | Very high | Primary host market and strongest concentration of government, enterprise, and startup stakeholders |
| Saudi Arabia national market | High | Very high | National draw is likely due to Vision 2030 digitalization and technology procurement priorities |
| GCC region | Medium to high | High | Likely buyers from UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman for innovation scouting and partnerships |
| Middle East and North Africa | Medium | Medium | Regional attendance likely for AI, government transformation, and startup investment themes |
| Europe and North America | Medium | Medium | International speakers, investors, and technology exporters may attend or participate |
| Asia-Pacific | Low to medium | Medium | Potential for technology exporters, AI firms, and cross-border innovation partners |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Global | Primary classification | Official website states 90+ participating countries and positions the event as a global platform for AI, innovation, and digital economy stakeholders. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) | Government / procurement organization | AI-first government stakeholder aligned to the event’s core theme | sdaia.gov.sa | Chief Data Officer, AI Director, Procurement Manager, Program Manager | Confirmed Government / Procurement Organization |
| Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) | Government / procurement organization | Digital economy and transformation buyer with strong relevance | mcit.gov.sa | CIO, Digital Transformation Director, Procurement Lead, IT Director | Confirmed Government / Procurement Organization |
| NEOM | Government-backed mega project / operator-side buyer | Smart city, AI, mobility, and infrastructure innovation buyer | neom.com | Innovation Director, Technology Procurement, Smart City Lead, Vendor Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Saudi Aramco | Enterprise buyer | Large-scale industrial AI, automation, cybersecurity, and digital transformation buyer | aramco.com | CIO, IT Director, Procurement Manager, Digital Transformation Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Saudi Telecom Company (stc) | Telecom operator | Connectivity, cloud, edge, AI, and platform services buyer | stc.com.sa | CTO, Network Strategy Director, Procurement Manager, Product Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Saudi Electricity Company | Utilities buyer | Grid analytics, automation, AI, and smart infrastructure use cases | se.com.sa | Operations Director, IT Director, Procurement, Innovation Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Riyadh Air | New enterprise operator | Digital-first airline with strong technology procurement needs | riyadhair.com | CIO, Digital Experience Director, Procurement Manager, Data Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) | Commercial / smart district operator | Smart building, digital services, and innovation partnerships | kafd.sa | Facilities Director, Operations Director, IT Manager, Partnerships Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre | Healthcare buyer | AI for diagnostics, patient data, hospital systems, and automation | kfs.edu.sa | CIO, Procurement Director, Health Informatics Lead, IT Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Diriyah Company | Development / destination operator | Smart destination, visitor-tech, and infrastructure sourcing | diriyah.sa | Development Director, Procurement Lead, Digital Transformation Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Gulf Business Machines (GBM) | Systems integrator / services buyer | Regional IT services, integration, and enterprise transformation partner | gbm.me | Business Development Director, Alliances Director, Solutions Architect, Sales Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| PwC Middle East | Advisory / consulting buyer | Client-facing digital transformation, AI, and innovation advisory partner | pwc.com/m1/en | Partner, Director, Alliance Lead, AI Practice Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Accenture | Consulting / implementation partner | Enterprise digital transformation and AI delivery buyer/partner | accenture.com | Managing Director, Alliance Manager, Technology Lead, Sales Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Cloud provider | Cloud, AI, data, and startup ecosystem relevance | aws.amazon.com | Account Executive, Partner Manager, Solutions Architect, Industry Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Information Officer / CIO | IT / Digital | C-level | Owns technology strategy, vendor selection, and transformation budgets |
| 2 | Chief Technology Officer / CTO | Technology | C-level | Drives platform, AI, architecture, and product technology decisions |
| 3 | Director of Procurement / Procurement Manager | Procurement / Supply Chain | Director / Manager | Qualifies suppliers and manages buying processes for technology and services |
| 4 | Digital Transformation Director | Innovation / Strategy | Director | Evaluates modernization initiatives and implementation partners |
| 5 | Head of AI / AI Program Manager | Data / Innovation | Senior Manager / Director | Sponsors pilots, product trials, and enterprise AI adoption |
| 6 | Innovation Director | Innovation | Director | Sources emerging technologies and partnership opportunities |
| 7 | Data Director / Chief Data Officer | Data / Analytics | Director / C-level | Drives data governance, AI readiness, and analytics investments |
| 8 | Partnerships Director / Alliance Manager | Business Development | Director / Senior Manager | Builds commercial and ecosystem partnerships at the event |
| 9 | Facilities Director / Smart Buildings Lead | Operations / Facilities | Director / Manager | Relevant for IoT, automation, and smart infrastructure solutions |
| 10 | Startup Program Lead / Accelerator Manager | Startup / Ecosystem | Manager / Director | Evaluates startups, demo applications, and pilot partnerships |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information Technology & Services | Core fit for AI, digital transformation, and enterprise technology solutions | Enterprise software, integration, and managed services outreach |
| 2 | Computer Software | Strong alignment with SaaS, AI, analytics, and platform buyers | Product demos, trials, and pipeline generation |
| 3 | Government Administration | Officially relevant due to public-sector digital transformation and Vision 2030 priorities | Government procurement and smart city outreach |
| 4 | Telecommunications | Connectivity, network, cloud, and edge compute use cases are highly relevant | Carrier, operator, and telecom platform targeting |
| 5 | Financial Services | Banks and fintechs are major AI and automation buyers | Risk, compliance, and digital banking solutions |
| 6 | Oil & Energy | Industrial AI, predictive maintenance, and operations optimization fit strongly | Industrial software, automation, and analytics |
| 7 | Hospitality | Smart guest experience, booking tech, and service automation are relevant | Experience tech and customer engagement solutions |
| 8 | Industrial Automation | Matches robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 themes | Factory automation and industrial digitalization |
| 9 | Computer Networking | Infrastructure, data connectivity, and smart systems are key enablers | Network, edge, and infrastructure solutions |
| 10 | Management Consulting | Consultancies often influence vendor selection and implementation | Alliance-building and advisory channel development |
| 11 | Venture Capital & Private Equity | Investor presence is explicitly referenced on the official site | Startup ecosystem, capital raising, and innovation partnerships |
| 12 | Research | Aligned to AI, innovation, and future technology thought leadership | R&D collaboration and technical partnerships |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | 30,000+ | Estimated / organizer claim | Official website “2025 Highlights” and scale section | Not a confirmed 2026 registration total |
| Exhibitor count | 300+ (highlights) / 1000+ (scale section) | Estimated / organizer claim | Official website content | The website contains multiple scale claims; treat as promotional projections unless a current prospectus confirms one figure |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unavailable | Official website does not publish a confirmed buyer count | No verified buyer registration total available |
| Speaker count | 100+ global speakers | Estimated / organizer claim | Official website “2025 Highlights” | Likely promotional benchmark for the upcoming edition |
| Sponsor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unavailable | No confirmed sponsor list in provided text | Use sponsor prospecting only after reviewing official sponsorship brochure |
| Historical attendance | 30,000+ attendees | Historical / prior-year evidence | Official website highlights section | Useful as directional evidence for B2B list-building |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence | Adoption, pilots, governance, and enterprise deployment | Demo AI use cases, share ROI, and offer pilot frameworks | AI software, model services, data platforms, MLOps |
| Startup investment | Funding, scale-up support, market access | Connect with investors and launch partnership discussions | VC, accelerator, advisory, corporate innovation services |
| Robotics & automation | Operational efficiency and process automation | Show operational use cases and proof-of-concept pathways | Robotics, industrial automation, sensor systems |
| Smart cities | Urban technology, mobility, and infrastructure integration | Pitch public-sector and infrastructure stakeholders | IoT, GIS, city platforms, mobility tech |
| Digital economy | Platform growth, digital services, ecosystem expansion | Engage with enterprise and government digital initiatives | Cloud, software, e-commerce, analytics |
| Sustainability | Efficiency, carbon reduction, reporting, resilience | Position sustainability tech within digital transformation | ESG software, smart energy, environmental services |
| Knowledge and networking | Expert access, market intelligence, partnerships | Thought leadership sessions and executive meetings | Consulting, training, market research, event services |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | Strong concentration of AI, technology, innovation, government, and enterprise stakeholders |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Likely to include C-level, director-level, and procurement audiences |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Official site provides strong theme and scale signals, but no confirmed attendee list in the provided text |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | Clear fit for technology, government, telecom, cloud, consulting, and innovation roles |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | Excellent for Saudi Arabia and GCC-based prospecting with global expansion potential |
| Best outreach approach | Executive outreach + partnership + event-based ABM | Target senior stakeholders with customized use-case messaging, meeting requests, and event-triggered campaigns |
| Overall lead quality | High | Strong B2B attendee list-building and buyer profiling potential for tech and innovation sales teams |
| Best use case | Lead generation, sponsor sales, exhibitor prospecting, government outreach | Most suitable for AI, cloud, software, telecom, consulting, and innovation-services campaigns |
| Limitations / risks | Moderate | No current-year attendee list or confirmed buyer list in the provided official text; several scale claims are promotional and should be verified against the latest brochure |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Information Technology & Services; Computer Software; Government Administration; Telecommunications; Financial Services; Oil & Energy; Management Consulting; Venture Capital & Private Equity; Industrial Automation; Research | Prioritize organizations most likely to buy or influence AI and digital innovation solutions |
| Departments | IT, Digital Transformation, Procurement, Innovation, Strategy, Data/Analytics, Operations, Partnerships, Business Development | Reach buyers, influencers, and ecosystem partners |
| Seniority | Director, VP, CXO, Head, Senior Manager | Focus on decision-makers with event-relevant budgets and vendor access |
| Job titles | CIO, CTO, CDO, Digital Transformation Director, Procurement Manager, Innovation Director, Head of AI, Data Director, Partnerships Director, IT Director, Program Manager | Build list segments aligned to enterprise, government, and startup ecosystem buying behavior |
| Geography | Saudi Arabia; Riyadh; GCC; UAE; Qatar; Kuwait; Bahrain; Oman; Middle East | Target host-market and regional buyers most likely to attend or partner |
| Employee size | 51–200, 201–500, 501–1000, 1001–5000, 5000+ | Capture both growth-stage tech buyers and large enterprise / public-sector accounts |
| Keywords | AI, digital transformation, innovation, smart city, robotics, startup, procurement, cloud, data, automation, Vision 2030 | Filter for companies and roles aligned with the event’s themes |
| Company type | Enterprise, government-backed operator, consulting firm, startup, investor, telecom operator, systems integrator | Match the ecosystem represented at SMF |
| Technologies | Cloud platforms, AI/ML, data analytics, cybersecurity, CRM, ERP, IoT, automation | Useful for supplier fit and technical buying intent |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: (industry: “Information Technology & Services” OR “Computer Software” OR “Government Administration” OR “Telecommunications” OR “Financial Services” OR “Oil & Energy”) AND (title contains “CIO” OR “CTO” OR “CDO” OR “Procurement” OR “Innovation” OR “Digital Transformation” OR “AI” OR “Data” OR “Partnerships”) AND (location: Saudi Arabia OR GCC OR Middle East) AND (employee size: 51+)
Client Fit Review Required
Please share the client website or product/service details. I will review the client offering and identify the highest-fit buyer companies, Apollo industries, seniority levels, departments, and job titles from this event.
Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Makes Future official website | Official organizer / event website | Event title, dates, venue, city, country, theme, scale claims, and audience positioning | High |
| Official website content provided in prompt | Primary source excerpt | Confirmed 14–16 December 2026 timing, Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, AI exhibition positioning, and attendee/exhibitor highlight claims | High |
| Official website sections: exhibitors, speakers, organization, why sponsor, why exhibit | Navigation / program evidence | Indicates event structure, business networking focus, and potential participant categories | Moderate |
| Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center | Venue reference | Venue name and location confirmation via the official event text | High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Saudi Makes Future (SMF) 2026 — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
🔒 Get my buyer details Free · ~20 seconds