Saudi Makes Future debuts at WMF 2026 with Riyadh AI plan

Saudi Makes Future will use WMF 2026 in Bologna as its first major European stage to pitch an AI-focused event for Riyadh and build business ties between Europe and the Middle East. The inaugural Saudi Makes Future event is scheduled for Dec. 14-16, 2026, at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

Why it matters: - Saudi Makes Future is positioning itself as a new link between European and Middle Eastern innovation markets. - The project is aiming to attract companies, startups, investors and partners into Riyadh’s growing AI ecosystem. - The event’s debut could open new cross-border business development opportunities in artificial intelligence and related sectors.

What happened: - Saudi Makes Future chose WMF – We Make Future in Bologna as its first major European event after its international debut at CES in Las Vegas. - WMF 2026 is expected to span 70,000 square meters, with 9 exhibition halls, 90 stages, more than 1,000 speakers, over 800 exhibitors and 3,000 startups, SMEs and investors. - The event will also host more than 50 international delegations, 20 international pavilions and participants from over 90 countries. - Saudi Makes Future will appear at a dedicated exhibition stand for companies, startups, investors and innovation stakeholders. - The attendance list includes Cosmano Lombardo, founder and CEO of Search On Media Group and creator of WMF; Sheikh Nasser bin Saeed Al-Hajri, member of the Saudi International Council for Business and Investment and chairman of the board of directors of PNG; and Saud Al-Futaih, CEO of PNG Saudi.

The details: - Saudi Makes Future will unveil 14 strategic artificial intelligence sectors that will shape the framework and program of its first edition. - The sectors are based on the 14 strategic industries that helped define the WMF model, but they are now focused entirely on AI. - The coverage will include Smart Cities, Healthcare, Energy, Agritech, FinTech, Education, Open Innovation and AI-driven entrepreneurship. - The inaugural Saudi Makes Future event is set for Dec. 14-16, 2026, at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. - The event will feature a major international exhibition, a main stage with global leaders, experts and innovators, four thematic stages for the AI ecosystem, B2B meetings, networking and an international startup competition dedicated to AI.

Between the lines: - The WMF appearance gives Saudi Makes Future an international launchpad before its Riyadh debut. - The project is being framed as a platform for innovation, investment and international talent rather than a single conference. - Cosmano Lombardo said the partnership is meant to create tangible opportunities for collaboration and international growth. - Nasser bin Saeed Al-Hajri said the WMF presentation will help build relationships that will continue to grow in Riyadh. - Saud Al-Futaih said WMF is the right setting to introduce the opportunities Saudi Makes Future will offer this December.

What's next: - Saudi Makes Future will use WMF to promote participation opportunities, partnership programs and business development initiatives in the MENA innovation ecosystem. - Companies attending WMF can explore direct involvement in the project and build strategic relationships ahead of the Riyadh event. - The broader push suggests a longer-term effort to connect Europe and the Middle East through AI-focused business and innovation channels.

The bottom line: - Saudi Makes Future is moving from concept to market-facing launch, with Riyadh as the center and WMF 2026 as the first international sales pitch.