ACHEMA, one of the world’s leading trade shows for the process industries, is set to expand its global footprint with a new edition in the Middle East. Organised by DECHEMA in collaboration with Messe Frankfurt, the inaugural ACHEMA Middle East will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026. The event is planned to be held every three years thereafter.
This new initiative is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to diversify the national economy and stimulate growth in key industrial sectors.
ACHEMA Middle East is expected to serve as a regional hub for the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, offering a platform for professionals, companies, and policymakers to engage on developments and trends shaping the sector. The organisers aim to attract up to 400 international exhibitors to the launch edition.
In addition to the main exhibition, the event will feature a wide-ranging congress programme. This is intended to provide in-depth insights into industry innovations, regulatory developments, and future-focused technologies, while also encouraging knowledge exchange across borders.
The collaboration between DECHEMA and Messe Frankfurt marks a significant step in ACHEMA’s international expansion strategy. While DECHEMA brings more than a century of experience and strong sectoral expertise from its longstanding organisation of ACHEMA in Frankfurt, Messe Frankfurt contributes its extensive global exhibition network and capabilities in delivering international events.
With Saudi Arabia’s growing investments in industrial infrastructure and technology, ACHEMA Middle East aims to become a key meeting point for stakeholders in the regional and global process industries. The event’s focus will span a wide array of areas, including chemical processing, environmental technologies, plant engineering, and digitalisation within the sector.
ACHEMA Middle East joins a growing list of industry-specific trade shows being developed in the Gulf region, as the Middle East strengthens its role as a hub for innovation, manufacturing, and economic transformation. The 2026 debut in Riyadh positions the event to cater to emerging opportunities and partnerships across the Middle East and beyond.
