Riyadh to Host Achema Middle East 2026 as Process Industry Enters New Era
Achema is expanding its presence into markets where industrial transformation is advancing at scale as global process industries respond to increasing pressures on sustainability, digitalisation, and operational resilience
Achema Middle East 2026 is the first Middle East edition of the process industry platform, reflecting the rising regional demand for integrated, knowledge-driven industrial ecosystems.
From 26-28 October, 2026, Achema Middle East will take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC), under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and with the support of ASAS.
The event will bring Achema’s century-long heritage in process technology, applied industrial science, and chemical engineering to a region undergoing industrial diversification and downstream expansion.
For over 100 years, Achema has been a global reference point for the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, and process industries. Its expansion into Saudi Arabia extends this role into the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), providing a full-scale exhibition and conference platform to connect international solution providers with regional manufacturers, policymakers, researchers, and technology leaders.
The event, organised by Messe Frankfurt and powered by Dechema, is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s industrial development agenda. Acheme Middle East is designed to support localisation, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, digitalisation, and long-term investment across sectors such as energy, chemicals, water technologies, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
The exhibition will cover six product groups to span the entire process industry lifecycle, from industrial engineering and process technology to laboratory and analytical solutions, automation and digital systems, packaging and supply chain solutions, and innovation-led research and development. This integrated scope reflects the interconnected nature of modern process industries and the need for cross-disciplinary solutions.
Programme content is centred around process, pharma, lab, digital, green, and energy innovation, delivered through CPD-accredited conferences, technical sessions, and discussions addressing current industrial challenges and future pathways, including bioprocessing, electrification, 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, Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, said, “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."