Global Entrepreneurs Converge in Riyadh for Biban Forum 2025
Saudi Arabia's flagship entrepreneurship event draws international attention as part of efforts to diversify the economy and foster innovation.
RIYADH: The Biban Forum 2025, Saudi Arabia's prominent entrepreneurship event, commenced in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The four-day conference at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center has attracted over 140,000 participants from more than 150 countries, including startup founders, venture capitalists, policymakers, and CEOs, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global hub for startups and small businesses under Vision 2030.
Organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority with the theme "Global Destination for Opportunities," the event aims to facilitate connections between local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.
The participation of more than 140,000 attendees underscores its significance in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy.
Notable figures such as Monsha'at Gov. Sami Ibrahim Al-Hussaini emphasized that Biban Forum is not just an event but a catalyst for bridging ideas to investment opportunities.
This year's Biban Forum hosts the Global Finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup for the third consecutive year in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
The competition attracts 100 global startups out of over 10,300 entrepreneurs from 169 countries, competing for $1.5 million in cash prizes and access to international investors and mentors.
Since its inception, the EWC has drawn more than 420,000 entrepreneurs from 191 countries, showcasing its growing influence globally.
In conjunction with the forum, Monsha'at released a comprehensive report detailing the rapid development of Saudi Arabia's startup ecosystem.
As of the end of the third quarter in 2025, there are 1.7 million active commercial registrations, with SMEs employing over 8.4 million people.
The report also highlights sectoral advancements such as an increase in women's workforce participation to 43.5 percent and a rise of 9.7 percent in inbound tourism spending during the first quarter.
Additionally, the e-sports industry saw a significant growth of 72 percent year-on-year, while financing for SMEs increased by 20 percent.
As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation into a leading entrepreneurship destination, Biban Forum plays a pivotal role in showcasing local talent, facilitating partnerships, and contributing to the objectives of Vision 2030.
The four-day conference at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center has attracted over 140,000 participants from more than 150 countries, including startup founders, venture capitalists, policymakers, and CEOs, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global hub for startups and small businesses under Vision 2030.
Organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority with the theme "Global Destination for Opportunities," the event aims to facilitate connections between local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.
The participation of more than 140,000 attendees underscores its significance in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy.
Notable figures such as Monsha'at Gov. Sami Ibrahim Al-Hussaini emphasized that Biban Forum is not just an event but a catalyst for bridging ideas to investment opportunities.
This year's Biban Forum hosts the Global Finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup for the third consecutive year in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
The competition attracts 100 global startups out of over 10,300 entrepreneurs from 169 countries, competing for $1.5 million in cash prizes and access to international investors and mentors.
Since its inception, the EWC has drawn more than 420,000 entrepreneurs from 191 countries, showcasing its growing influence globally.
In conjunction with the forum, Monsha'at released a comprehensive report detailing the rapid development of Saudi Arabia's startup ecosystem.
As of the end of the third quarter in 2025, there are 1.7 million active commercial registrations, with SMEs employing over 8.4 million people.
The report also highlights sectoral advancements such as an increase in women's workforce participation to 43.5 percent and a rise of 9.7 percent in inbound tourism spending during the first quarter.
Additionally, the e-sports industry saw a significant growth of 72 percent year-on-year, while financing for SMEs increased by 20 percent.
As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation into a leading entrepreneurship destination, Biban Forum plays a pivotal role in showcasing local talent, facilitating partnerships, and contributing to the objectives of Vision 2030.
