The 4th edition of the Global Airports Forum (GAF), scheduled to take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) from 16 to 17 December 2025, is set to be the most dynamic in the history of the event. With more than 50 new exhibits, including saudia, amadeus, and solitair, the forum will present two pioneering features – the Airport of the new areas at the airport – which show the growing leadership of the Kingdom in the technology of flight days and infrastructure.
Organized by Niche Ideas, and sponsored by Matarat Holding, sponsored by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Gaf has established itself as the largest B2B airport platform. This year’s program will feature more than 250 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, and is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants during its two-day run.
An estimated 1,000+ qualified buyers from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East will participate, with business meetings organized ahead of schedule. This event will also hold two existing conferences
Among the new things this year are the upcoming GSE display, the Innovation Sound terminal, and the Airstups Trail, as well as the Pavilions in the United Kingdom, which highlight the latest solutions to transform the global aviation industry.
“With the world’s leading aviation players, the international aviation positions will be a dynamic program that will showcase new technologies and discuss interesting issues in a rapidly expanding industry,” said Daksha Patel, director of events at Niche Events. “It has always been our mission to bring good unity and ideas to those present and the number of new startups this year is proof of the commitment of the Saudi Arabian industry to transform the world’s air traffic.”
The Hub of Airport Innovation and Airport Airport will provide a focused examination of the online solutions that drive the aviation sector forward – from passenger experience and performance to sustainability, safety, and revenue generation. Through guided experiences and interactive exhibits, visitors will experience technology reinventing today’s airports.
The Airport Innovation Hub will feature five dedicated areas, each focused on efficiency, safety, cutting-edge, and technology for Centrologies. Together, these programs emphasize how innovation and collaboration are defining the global aviation landscape.
“We are always committed to improving the school’s technology and operational excellence,” said Hasan Ezzeddine, managing partner at Bayanat Engineering. “The event provides an opportunity to demonstrate our continued commitment to new developments, strengthen our collaboration with industry partners, and contribute to the sustainable growth of aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the region.”
Preventing emotions, bandar alsafari, head of business development at Swissstarport Saudi Arabia, said: “We continue to innovate and invest in solutions that improve our aviation beauty.”
“Our experience in Saudi Arabia’s major airports has shown that real progress comes from collaboration and creative engineering,” added Hassan al Qahtani, TDC CEO. “GAF-2025 provides a powerful platform to exchange these ideas and shows how Saudi Arabia is setting new benchmarks for Global Arabia in aviation development.”
Among the notable new indicators are Saudia, the nation’s fastest-growing flag carrier; Amadeus, the global technology leader; Esnad Al Shabakah, leading AeroSpace Services Company; EPG, a unified software provider; Tecnica Proyectos, a Spanish engineering consultancy; Flynow Aviation, famous for its urban aviation; Also partners of Ghafari, a global architecture and engineering firm.
The forum comes at an important time for the global aviation industry, as airports around the world are adopting biometric screening, automated check-ins, and smart baggage systems. Wireless technology is now the basis for improving the boarding experience and safety, while digital solutions are being deployed to maximize the use of existing infrastructure and handle rising passenger numbers.
According to the Sita Megatrends report, technology will dramatically shape the travel landscape in 2033, with 97% of Airlines planning to develop AI systems. AI, machine learning, and computer vision have been implemented in 31% of aircraft, with more expected to follow by 2026.
For the first time, the Airport Council International (ACI) will participate as an exhibition, noting: “Airline recognition can help you provide a specific customer problem, and can help provide an important role in meeting passenger needs and expectations.”
The statement added that innovation is not only about technology but also fosters a relationship-oriented approach, a creative way of working in operational and financial management, which requires a high commitment to change and a culture of change.
As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its aviation environment under Vision 2030, Gaf 2025 stands as a powerful testament to the Kingdom’s ambition to lead the next era of Global Airport Innovation.
