A New Era for Circular Economy and Sustainability in the Middle East

The Recycling Expo Middle East is not just another trade show. It is a strategic platform designed to drive real change in waste management and recycling across the region. To ensure the event delivers maximum value, we have assembled an advisory board of leading experts from regulatory bodies, waste management firms, and sustainability organizations, who are actively shaping the Kingdom’s environmental and waste strategies.

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to Vision 2030—Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on landfills, and implement circular economy principles. During the advisory roundtable chaired by David Griffiths and Jake Cody, Portfolio Directors at Eljays44, key themes emerged, including regulatory enforcement, landfill diversion, technology deployment, government support, and workforce development.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Kingdom,” said Manuel Hidalgo Velasco, Environmental Inspections Manager at the Royal Commission for AlUla. “The regulations are in place, but the real challenge is enforcement. There’s a gap between policy and practice that needs to be addressed.”

Driving Industry Change with Expert Insights

The advisory board includes four key figures, among others, each bringing critical insights into the challenges and opportunities in waste management:

• Manuel Hidalgo Velasco (Royal Commission for AlUla): Advocates for stronger enforcement of existing regulations, stressing that while the policies are in place, their execution is still a challenge.
• Abdulelah F. Alobaidi (Solid Waste & Environmental Services Manager City Environmental Services): Highlights the importance of master plans for each region, ensuring waste is treated locally rather than transported over long distances.
• Abdullah Ahmed S. Alqurashi (Reviva): Focuses on industrial waste and landfill diversion, citing the need for better incentives and investment models to meet the Kingdom’s ambitious 90% landfill diversion target by 2040.
• Abdulmalik Hassan AlHayfi (Reviva): Discusses the role of private-sector investment and the need for government support to create economically viable recycling initiatives.

“Landfill diversion targets were recently revised to 90% by 2040,” explained Abdullah Ahmed S. Alqurashi, “but we still face significant barriers—particularly in industrial waste. Without the right support mechanisms, many recycling projects stall.”

International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Saudi Arabia is eager to learn from global best practices, and the advisory board covered the need for international expertise to be present at the Expo.

“Bringing in organizations like the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management for example,” said Manuel Hidalgo Velasco. “We need knowledge transfer from countries that have successfully implemented landfill bans, circular economy incentives, and AI-driven waste sorting solutions.”

Technology and Workforce Development: The Next Frontiers

One of the most pressing topics was the need to bridge the skills gap in the Kingdom’s waste management sector.

“We lack trained professionals in circular economy planning, waste stream specialization, and advanced recycling technologies,” said Manuel Hidalgo Velasco. “This is where we must build capacity—through scholarships, vocational training, and direct industry-academia collaboration.”

According to Abdulelah F. Alobaidi, the government has already started initiatives like scholarships and workforce training programs. However, more needs to be done to align education with the sector’s needs.

Subsidies, Incentives, and Policy Adjustments

Another hot topic was the role of subsidies in making recycling financially viable.

“Globally, waste-to-energy and advanced recycling facilities thrive with government incentives,” said Abdullah Ahmed S. Alqurashi. “In Saudi Arabia, we need clear mechanisms—whether it’s tax incentives, operational subsidies, or mandatory recycling fees for businesses.”

Abdulelah F. Alobaidi added that the government has already submitted a national waste management strategy for final approval, which includes measures to support private-sector involvement. “Once approved, this could be a game-changer,” he said.

What This Means for Exhibitors and Attendees

For exhibitors, this is a market full of opportunities. The Recycling Expo Middle East will attract government officials, industrial waste generators, municipal planners, and private-sector investors who need solutions now.

For attendees, the Expo is a must-visit event to engage with international experts, explore groundbreaking technology, and be part of Saudi Arabia’s sustainability transformation.

Be Part of the Change

The Recycling Expo Middle East isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a catalyst for progress. With a clear focus on regulatory action, technology integration, international collaboration, and economic viability, this event will drive real-world solutions for the Kingdom’s waste management challenges.

Exhibitors: If your company provides innovative recycling technology, AI-driven waste management solutions, or expertise in circular economy strategies, this is your chance to connect with decision-makers and shape the future of recycling in the Middle East.

Visitors: If you are a policymaker, waste management professional, or sustainability advocate, this event will provide unparalleled access to industry leaders, government officials, and cutting-edge solutions.

Join Us in Riyadh on the 10th + 11th of November!

Secure your exhibition space or register now to be part of the transformation at www.recyclingexpome.com.