Events > GREAT FUTURES

GREAT FUTURES

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

 

 

 

14-15 May 2024

Venue - King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre

GREAT FUTURES will take place at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre. 

The KAFD Conference Centre is inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert landscape. Defined by its bold structure, it features an organic faceted profile that connects the building with the surrounding terrain. As one of the largest conference centres in Riyadh with an area encompassing 28,000 sqm, this state-of-the-art building is a multi-purpose event hall. 
 

Travel and Accommodation

Suggested hotels:

 

Suggested airlines:

 

Entry requirements:

Business visitors to the Kingdom must apply for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) or an electronic visa (EV) at least 48 hours before flying, or up to 90 days in advance. You will need to give your flight details.

The EVW is appropriate for anyone who just intends on attending the GREAT FUTURES event, or similar business events/shows. . An EVW allows you to enter Saudi Arabia once and stay for up to 6 months. You can apply for an EVW here: visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/Loginindividuals. You will need to hit the ‘’E’’ button in the top left to switch the site to English.

The EV is appropriate for anyone who intends on entering Saudi Arabia multiple times in the next year and allows you to stay for up to 90 days in each visit. You can apply for the EV here: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/

For both options, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. You may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows that you have travelled to, or were born, in Israel.

 

Safe travel in Saudi Arabia:

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises that it is safe to travel to Riyadh at this time. Please see travel advice for certain groups below:

  • Women: Women’s rights have improved significantly since the launch of Vision 2030, and women are now afforded more freedom. Female travellers do not have to wear the traditional robe (‘abaya’) or cover their hair, although it is recommended that both women and men dress modestly.
  • LGBTQ+: Although same-sex relations are illegal, legal action is uncommon. All couples should still be aware of local customs and avoid showing affection in public. Being transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia, and transgender people could also face difficulties with dress code.

For further travel advice and information, visit the FCDO website.

 

Cultural guidance:

Saudi Arabia follows conservative Islamic practices. Due to this they have traditions within their culture we encourage you to adhere to. 

 

Dressing Modestly
Men and women must wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the elbow and below the knees. You should also: avoid tight-fitting clothing; avoid clothes with profane slogans or images; not wear clothing with symbols or slogans that could be viewed as political. Female travellers do not have to wear the traditional robe (‘abaya’) or cover their hair.

See Visit Saudi for more information on dress codes.

Dress code for the Conference is business attire and for the evening receptions is smart casual (no jeans). 


Laws and cultural differences
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and Islamic law is strictly enforced. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion so you do not cause offence. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK.

See Visit Saudi for information on behaviour.


Consumption of alcohol and pork
The sale and consumption of both alcohol and pork products is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia

More advice can be found here. 

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