AI innovations reshape Saudi Arabia’s expanding event sector
Smart platforms and drones enhance safety, navigation and attendee engagement across fast-growing nationwide events
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) —Artificial intelligence is reshaping event management in Saudi Arabia as local tech firms roll out smart platforms, drones, and interactive systems to enhance navigation and crowd coordination.
These tools are increasingly central to improving visitor experience as the Kingdom hosts a growing number of large-scale events, as reported by Arab News.
Driven by Vision 2030’s entertainment, business, and tourism boom, demand for intelligent event technologies has surged, particularly for tools that support real-time data, seamless engagement, and operational efficiency across large venues.
Eventify, a Saudi startup founded by Abdullah Al-Hejji, is among the early players addressing recurring challenges faced by organizers.
Al-Hejji noted that many events struggle with post-keynote engagement, awkward networking, limited feedback channels, and confusing venue navigation.
To solve these issues, the company built an AI-enabled platform offering chat support, agenda access, smart maps, and analytics through a QR-based interface that eliminates the need for custom app development.
Its tiered packages allow adoption by both small conferences and large-scale gatherings. Eventify has partnered with institutions including the National Event Center, the Ministry of Communications, and major entertainment festivals.
In aerial event management, Dunes Aero is applying AI-powered drones to enhance oversight at crowded venues.
Founder Ibrahim Al-Sheikh said the drones detect congestion points and flag issues in real time to operations teams, making them particularly valuable for concerts, seasonal festivities, and open-air events.
He added that the data collected provides organizers with insights on foot-traffic patterns, peak hours, and entry bottlenecks, supporting more informed staffing, security, and commercial planning.
The company works with projects linked to the General Entertainment Authority and targets venues such as Boulevard Riyadh City, outdoor festivals, and sports arenas.
Beyond large event operations, startups are also focusing on attendee convenience. Raheeb, created by three young Saudi founders, offers QR-enabled virtual drive-thru and seat-side ordering systems.
Co-founder Musaab Al-Naeem said the idea emerged during the World Cup, when demand for services that did not require leaving seats or vehicles surged.
The platform now operates across stadiums, parks, and food festivals, allowing users to scan, order, and receive items directly at their location. The founders describe it as a “valet for orders,” reflecting the sector’s growing emphasis on personalized and frictionless experiences.
Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding events ecosystem has nurtured this wave of digital solutions with support from institutions such as the National Center for Events, which connects startups with investors, regulators, and major organizers.
As the Kingdom continues hosting global conferences, entertainment seasons, and sporting spectacles, AI-driven innovations are becoming central to managing scale, safety, and engagement.
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