Riyadh to Host Global Logistics, Supply Chain Forums in November

Saudi Arabia will host the second editions of the Global Logistics Forum (GLF) and the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) in Riyadh from November 29 to December 1, 2026, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The announcement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency, confirms the Kingdom’s growing role as a convening power in global trade and logistics. The GLF is organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, while the GSCF is hosted in partnership with the United Nations and the Saudi Ports Authority. Together, the co-located forums will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, and experts in transport, supply chains, and international trade.

Context and Background

The inaugural Global Logistics Forum, held in Riyadh in 2024, demonstrated the Kingdom’s capacity to host major international gatherings. That first edition attracted over 13,000 attendees, 140 speakers, and 80 exhibitors from more than 30 countries. It also produced 67 agreements valued at over SAR16 billion ($4.3 billion), underscoring the forum’s role as a deal-making platform. The upcoming second edition builds on this success and expands its scope by integrating the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum, a partnership that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective to become a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

Key Details

The Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services emphasized that the co-located forums will serve as a premier launchpad for strategic initiatives and international partnerships. The events will feature high-level discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities designed to foster innovation, global connectivity, and sustainable supply chains. The GSCF, hosted with the United Nations and the Saudi Ports Authority, will focus on addressing global supply chain challenges and promoting resilient trade networks. The Ministry has invited global specialists to participate, highlighting the inclusive and collaborative nature of the forums.

Implications and Impact

The co-location of these two major forums in Riyadh signals Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a central node in global logistics and trade. By hosting both the GLF and the GSCF, the Kingdom bridges regional and international efforts to streamline supply chains, reduce trade barriers, and adopt sustainable practices. The presence of UNCTAD ensures a strong multilateral dimension, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation. For global businesses, the forums offer direct access to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding logistics sector, which is undergoing significant investment under Vision 2030. The agreements signed at the 2024 edition illustrate the tangible economic benefits of such gatherings, and expectations are high for the 2026 edition to surpass previous outcomes.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Vision 2030 seeks to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global investment and logistics powerhouse. The Global Logistics Forum and the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum directly support this vision by enhancing Saudi Arabia’s connectivity, attracting foreign investment, and fostering innovation in transport and trade. As the Kingdom continues to develop mega-projects and modern infrastructure, these forums will play a vital role in showcasing progress and building partnerships that drive sustainable growth. The November 2026 events will further cement Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leader in global logistics and a catalyst for international collaboration.

20 Questions

Q1. What events will Saudi Arabia host in November 2026?

A1. Saudi Arabia will host the second editions of the Global Logistics Forum (GLF) and the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) in Riyadh from November 29 to December 1, 2026, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Q2. Who organizes the Global Logistics Forum?

A2. The Global Logistics Forum is organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia. It brings together global leaders and experts to discuss transport, supply chains, and international trade, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Q3. Who partners for the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum?

A3. The GSCF is hosted in partnership with the United Nations and the Saudi Ports Authority. This collaboration highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable global trade networks.

Q4. Where will the forums take place?

A4. Both forums will be held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh’s modern infrastructure and strategic location make it an ideal host city for major international logistics and trade events.

Q5. What was the attendance at the first GLF in 2024?

A5. The inaugural 2024 GLF in Riyadh drew over 13,000 attendees, 140 speakers, and 80 exhibitors from more than 30 countries. This demonstrates the forum’s growing global appeal and Saudi Arabia’s convening power.

Q6. How many agreements were signed at the 2024 GLF?

A6. The 2024 GLF resulted in 67 agreements valued at over SAR16 billion ($4.3 billion). These deals spanned various sectors and underscored the forum’s role as a platform for tangible economic outcomes.

Q7. What is the value of agreements from the 2024 GLF?

A7. The agreements signed at the 2024 GLF were valued at over SAR16 billion, equivalent to approximately $4.3 billion. This significant figure reflects the confidence of global investors in Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector.

Q8. How does the GLF align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A8. The GLF aligns with Vision 2030 by aiming to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub connecting continents. It drives innovation, global connectivity, and sustainable supply chains, key pillars of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.

Q9. What does the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services say about the forums?

A9. The Ministry highlighted that the co-located forums will serve as a premier launchpad for strategic initiatives and international partnerships. It invited global specialists to participate, emphasizing the events’ inclusive and collaborative nature.

Q10. What is the goal of the Global Logistics Forum?

A10. The GLF aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub connecting continents while driving innovation, global connectivity, and sustainable supply chains. It also fosters international partnerships and strategic initiatives.

Q11. Which Saudi authority partners on the GSCF?

A11. The Saudi Ports Authority partners on the GSCF, along with the United Nations. This collaboration underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing global supply chain resilience and promoting sustainable trade practices.

Q12. How many speakers and exhibitors attended the 2024 GLF?

A12. The 2024 GLF featured 140 speakers and 80 exhibitors from over 30 countries. This diverse participation highlights the forum’s role as a global meeting point for logistics and supply chain professionals.

Q13. What is the significance of hosting both forums together?

A13. Hosting both forums together in Riyadh creates synergies between logistics and supply chain discussions. It amplifies Saudi Arabia’s role as a central node in global trade and fosters integrated solutions for international challenges.

Q14. How many countries participated in the 2024 GLF?

A14. More than 30 countries participated in the 2024 GLF, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise. This international involvement reflects the forum’s global reach and Saudi Arabia’s ability to attract worldwide attention.

Q15. What economic benefits are expected from the 2026 forums?

A15. The 2026 forums are expected to generate significant economic benefits, including new agreements, investments, and partnerships. They will showcase Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector and attract foreign direct investment, supporting Vision 2030.

Q16. Who is the patron of the upcoming forums?

A16. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the patron of the upcoming forums. His patronage underscores the high-level support for these events and their importance to Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals.

Q17. What topics will be discussed at the forums?

A17. The forums will cover transport, supply chains, international trade, innovation, global connectivity, and sustainable supply chains. These topics are critical for addressing current and future challenges in global logistics.

Q18. How does the GSCF contribute to global supply chain resilience?

A18. The GSCF, in partnership with the United Nations, focuses on addressing global supply chain challenges and promoting resilient trade networks. It facilitates dialogue and cooperation among nations to build more robust and sustainable supply chains.

Q19. What is the expected impact on Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector?

A19. The forums are expected to boost Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector by attracting investment, fostering innovation, and enhancing global connectivity. They will also showcase the Kingdom’s modern infrastructure and strategic location.

Q20. How can global specialists participate in the forums?

A20. Global specialists are invited to participate by registering through official channels. The Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services encourages experts to join the discussions, share insights, and explore partnership opportunities during the events.

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