Achema Middle East will debut from October 26–28, 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC) in Riyadh, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and with the support of ASAS.
As Saudi Arabia advances large-scale industrial and energy transition projects — including a carbon capture hub in Jubail designed to capture up to 9 million tonnes of carbon per year by 2028, and the $8.4 billion NEOM Green Hydrogen project targeting the production of 600 tonnes per day of clean hydrogen by 2027 — the region’s process industries are entering a phase defined by system integration, decarbonisation, and advanced manufacturing.
The event introduces Achema’s century-long expertise in chemical engineering, process technology, and applied industrial science to a region experiencing rapid industrial diversification and downstream expansion.
For over 100 years, Achema has served as a global benchmark for the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, and broader process industries.
Its expansion into Saudi Arabia extends this legacy to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), establishing a comprehensive exhibition and conference platform.
The event aims to connect international technology providers with regional manufacturers, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange across borders.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt and powered by DECHEMA, Achema Middle East aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s broader industrial transformation strategy.
It is designed to support localisation, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, digital transformation, and long-term capital investment across key sectors, including chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, food production, water technologies, and advanced materials.
The exhibition will feature six core product groups covering the full process industry value chain.
These include industrial and process engineering; laboratory and analytical technologies; automation and digital systems; packaging and supply chain solutions; and research-driven innovation.
This integrated structure reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern industrial ecosystems and the growing demand for cross-disciplinary, end-to-end solutions.
The conference programme is built around six innovation themes: process innovation, pharma innovation, lab innovation, digital innovation, green innovation, and energy innovation.
Delivered through CPD-accredited conferences, technical sessions, and expert-led forums, the programme will address current industrial challenges and future pathways, including electrification, bioprocessing, AI-enabled operations, and circular economy models.
Dr Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Exhibitions, said: “Achema Middle East is not just a regional extension – it’s a strategic evolution. By bringing Achema to Riyadh, we’re creating a platform where science, engineering, and industrial innovation align with the ambitions of one of the world’s most dynamic industrial economies.”
Azzan Mohammed, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, added: “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant industrial transformation. Achema Middle East reflects how international collaboration and knowledge exchange can support regional progress and contribute to the development of sustainable, competitive industrial ecosystems.”
Strong early market engagement is demonstrated by confirmed participation from international companies including Yokogawa, GMM Pfaudler, Hach, Beckhoff, Aptek, Pharmadule Morimatsu, Tofflon, and Sealmatic, signalling solid momentum ahead of its inaugural edition. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service