About Tahaluf

Tahaluf is Saudi Arabia's largest B2B live and on-demand events organizer, measured by space, attendance, colleagues, and revenue. It operates as a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). The company is committed to making a significant impact on the global events sector, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity. Tahaluf works with government and non-government organizations, delivering large-scale events such as LEAP, Cityscape, Black Hat MEA, and CPHI Middle East.

The Role: Exhibition Director (Arabic Speaker)

Tahaluf is seeking an Exhibition Director (Arabic Speaker) to join its team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is a full-time, pivotal leadership role responsible for driving the long-term growth and commercial success of assigned events. The Exhibition Director contributes to the business by developing strategic directions for future growth and ensuring high standards of event delivery through effective execution. The role requires regular engagement with senior executives, government officials, and key stakeholders across the Government of Saudi Arabia and Informa Markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and foster a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Act as an ambassador for the event, building strong relationships with clients, government stakeholders, industry associations, business leaders, partners, and suppliers.
• Develop a strong partnership with the Commercial Director to ensure sales team focus and motivation.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders across Tahaluf and Informa Markets.
• Establish a trusted leadership partnership with the EVP and AVP, collaborating on portfolio strategy, financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Develop and implement a rolling strategic plan to drive event growth and success.
• Position and maintain the exhibition as a leading event within its sector, strengthening market share and brand recognition.
• Prepare, manage, and deliver the annual budget and quarterly forecasts, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Define the strategic direction, positioning, and profile of the event in line with industry needs.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the industry, including market trends and competitive landscape.
• Lead the development of team members through performance reviews, coaching, mentoring, and career development.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of experience leading large-scale B2B exhibitions, with a proven track record of delivering commercially successful events.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience as an Exhibition Director or in a comparable leadership role with full commercial and operational responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive business growth and market leadership.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• A strong networker with the ability to build, maintain, and leverage long-term relationships.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to understand current affairs, market trends, regulatory developments, and the wider political landscape, translating insights into event strategies.
• A creative and innovative mindset, capable of using market intelligence to shape compelling event content and develop new products.
• Strong understanding of customer and industry needs, with the ability to develop commercially viable solutions.
• Highly adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.

Preferred Attributes

• Previous experience working within the Middle East.
• Experience within the safety, security, fire protection, emergency management, or chemical resilience sectors.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tahaluf is dedicated to providing a rewarding, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all colleagues. The company welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances, basing hiring decisions on relevant qualifications and merit. Tahaluf is proud to provide a disability-friendly environment and offers support or adjustments for participation in interview or selection processes upon request.