CPHI Middle East and BIO Middle East are set to position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global life sciences sector with international industry titans confirmed to headline the inaugural summit.
The events will provide a unified life sciences platform, taking place from 11–13 May 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham, Saudi Arabia.
Held under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, co-located for the first time, the two gatherings will bring together leaders from across the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries, establishing Riyadh as the region’s central destination for scientific collaboration, investment and advanced manufacturing.
Confirmed exhibitors include Boston Oncology, Johnson & Johnson, Fakeeh Care Group, M42 Arabia, Sinovac Holding Group, Eli Lilly, Novartis and many more. By integrating CPHI Middle East and BIO Middle East, the summits will showcase how the Kingdom is rapidly scaling its pharmaceutical and biotechnology capabilities, in line with Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy.
Saudi Arabia’s pharmaceutical market is projected to reach $15.6 billion by 2030, up from $11.8 billion in 2024. Under Vision 2030 plans, biotechnology will contribute more than $34 billion to Saudi’s non-oil GDP by 2040, representing 3% of the total. These projections signal the scale of opportunity created by national investment, improving regulatory frameworks and growing international partnerships.
Saudi Arabia’s National Biotechnology Strategy, launched in 2024, aims to position the Kingdom as a global biotechnology hub by 2040. This includes creating more than 11,000 specialised jobs, localising vaccine and biopharmaceutical production, and accelerating genomics, precision medicine and advanced R&D. These ambitions form the foundation of CPHI Middle East and BIO Middle East, which together will offer an integrated platform spanning the entire value chain, from early-stage scientificdiscovery to manufacturing, distribution and commercialisation.
BIO Middle East will offer a programme focused on next generation therapies, cell and gene therapy, digital and data-driven R&D, clinical trial innovation, vaccine development, biomanufacturing and supply chain resilience. It will also host innovation pitches featuring early-stage biotech companies and emerging talent from across the world, giving investors and industry leaders direct access to promising scientific breakthroughs. Practical workshops delivered through the EBD Academy will provide hands on training in partnering, investment readiness and commercialisation, supporting the development of biotech capabilities across the region.
CPHI Middle East will highlight the full pharmaceutical landscape, including API suppliers, CDMOs, machinery and equipment providers, packaging innovators, logistics partners, and technology enablers. Its programme will explore quality and GMP excellence, sustainable manufacturing, advanced factory technologies, regulatory alignment and workforce development. Specialist stages including the Women in Pharma Forum and CPHI Academy will offer fresh insights into leadership, skills development and inclusion within the industry.
