RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned and denounced the Israeli government’s approval of a plan to double the population of the occupied and annexed Golan Heights.

Israel’s government “unanimously approved” the $11 million “plan for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

“The Kingdom renews its call to the international community to condemn these Israeli violations, stressing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement added that the strategic plateau is occupied Syrian Arab land and condemned Israel’s “continued sabotage of Syria’s chances of restoring its security and stability.”

Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights since 1967 and annexed that area in 1981 in a move recognized only by the United States.

RIYADH: The conferences sector “offers more opportunities than ever,” the chair of Saudi Arabia’s conventions and exhibitions authority said during an event in Riyadh on Sunday.

“The world is more fractured and divided than ever. Yet, this sector offers more opportunities than ever. The world needs you as much as you need the world,” Fahd Abdulmohsen Al-Rasheed, chairman of the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, said during his opening remarks during the International MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) Summit.

Experts from various sectors spoke to Arab News about how investing in the Saudi exhibitions and conferences sector is crucial to achieving the ambitious goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Khalid Al-Rammah, chairman of the board of Qualitative Knowledge Company for organizing exhibitions and conferences, said that investing in international expertise in the exhibitions and conferences sector is an essential element to driving the sector’s growth and achieving excellence at the regional and global levels.

He added that an international presence in the Saudi sector will raise standards, increase global competitiveness, strengthen international relations and the local economy, and grow economic returns.

Saudi Arabia is playing a pioneering role in the exhibitions and conferences industry, he said.

“The region is rich in opportunities for the growth of the exhibitions and conferences sector, benefiting from its geographical location and the smart infrastructure of new cities,” he added.

Al-Rammah said that Saudi Arabia is confidently advancing to be at the forefront of the global exhibitions and conferences industry.

“Through sustained investment in infrastructure, harnessing modern technology and fostering international cooperation, the Kingdom possesses all the elements to become a distinguished global hub for this industry in the future.”

The Kingdom’s burgeoning exhibitions and conferences sector is poised for significant international growth, with experts highlighting the crucial role of quality of life in driving its success.

Saudi Arabia recorded a remarkable 15 percent growth in the sector between 2022 and 2023, fueled by a series of high-profile events, according to Salman Al-Khattaf, GM of business development at the Quality of Life Program.

“This growth is directly linked to major events and conferences that the Kingdom has either launched or hosted in recent years,” he told Arab News.

The summit serve as a platform for experts, investors and companies to exchange insights and shape the future of the sector. In runs from Dec. 15-17.

Al-Khattaf highlighted the link between the MICE sector and quality of life, adding that summits are key attractions for visitors and tourists.

“They are directly connected to the tourism sector, including hospitality units, restaurants and cafes,” he added.

“The city’s infrastructure and transportation systems significantly impact the visitors’ experience, especially with the growing international tourism trends directly related to exhibitions and conferences across various fields.”

Al-Khattaf highlighted the importance of robust infrastructure in supporting the growth of the MICE sector: “The MICE sector cannot grow effectively without strong infrastructure to support it, as it is a crucial part of enhancing the global appeal of cities.

“Successfully preparing to host major global events like Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup hinges on fostering the growth of the MICE sector, which will play a crucial role in the preparations for these landmark events.”

Digital marketing plays a pivotal role in amplifying the reach and impact of MICE events. Abdullah Al-Harbi, CEO of Eye of Riyadh, highlighted the transformative power of digital marketing.

“Digital marketing revolutionizes event promotion and management by reaching broader audiences and engaging participants in real time,” he said.

“At Eye of Riyadh, our primary objectives are to expand our network, share insights, and showcase the innovative strategies and events we have implemented on a global level,” Al-Harbi said.

“Eye of Riyadh aims to connect with global leaders, explore potential collaborations and position Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for exhibitions and conferences, driving growth and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.”

He added: “Global partnerships are crucial for growth, bringing diverse perspectives, advanced technologies and best practices. Collaborating with international stakeholders enhances our capabilities and creates more impactful events.”

“These alliances drive innovation, boost global competitiveness, and ensure sustained growth and success in the exhibitions and conferences industry,” he said.