Automechanika Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s leading regional trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, is set to address the critical skills gap in the automotive aftermarket in the country, which is being driven by shifting consumer expectations, technological disruptions, and the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

As part of a panel discussion, Rudy Shukri, business leader and coach of learning and development company Tiqani, and Automechanika Riyadh Academy advisory board member, will highlight the significance of specialized automotive training programs integrating theory and practical experience through industry partnerships.

Speaking ahead of his participation in the Automechanika Riyadh Academy, which takes place from April 28-30, Shukri outlined several factors relating to the most critical skill gaps in the Saudi automotive aftermarket sector, including areas such as diagnostics, soft skills, inventory management and digital integration.

He said: “One of the most pressing gaps lies around technical diagnostics. Many technicians still rely heavily on outdated troubleshooting methods: plug in the diagnostic scanner, read the error code, replace the part. If the problem persists, try another part. This trial-and-error approach increases operational costs due to misdiagnosed components and erodes customer trust when vehicle issues remain unresolved.”

He also cited effective communication, professionalism and customer engagement as soft skills lacking within the market, which is in turn negatively impacting service quality and brand reputation, while also highlighting the urgent need for skills in IT, digital marketing, and online customer experience management to address the growing importance of digital commerce and e-commerce platforms.

Another area in which Shukri believes training is required is the electric vehicles sector. As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward a high-tech, sustainable future under Vision 2030, its automotive aftermarket sector is dramatically transforming. Landmark initiatives such as Lucid Motors and Ceer signal the Kingdom’s commitment to electric mobility and smart technology but also highlight an urgent need to modernize the industry’s talent pool.

“With EV manufacturing gaining momentum, the demand for certified EV technicians is reaching a critical point. Today’s service teams must master battery diagnostics, thermal management, and charging system maintenance — yet these skills remain in short supply,” said Shukri.

“Moreover, EVs depend heavily on over-the-air software updates, creating a new requirement for basic IT proficiency, including the ability to troubleshoot digital systems and interface with software. Most pressing of all is the need for high-voltage safety training, which is currently inconsistent or unavailable across the sector,” he added.

Licensed to 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, Automechanika Riyadh will feature a range of sessions, panel discussions, and presentations from experts within the automotive sector.

Bilal Al-Barmawi, CEO and founder, 1st Arabia Trade Shows and Conferences, said: “As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward becoming a global automotive powerhouse under Vision 2030, Automechanika Riyadh has a significant role to play in realizing this success. The overwhelming response to the 2025 edition reflects the industry’s readiness to address skill development, technology integration, and sustainable growth.”

Aly Hefny, show manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Automechanika Riyadh 2025 is more than just a trade show, it’s a strategic response to the dynamic needs of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket. With electrification, digitization, and e-commerce reshaping the landscape, our academy sessions tackle the critical skills required for future-readiness. From diagnostics to customer engagement, and high-voltage EV safety training, the show provides a knowledge-rich environment to support the upskilling of the Kingdom’s workforce and bridging gaps within the sector.”

Following the success of the record-breaking 2024 event, Automechanika Riyadh 2025 has witnessed continued growth, and this year’s sold-out edition is expected to be the largest to date.