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The Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released its 2026 forums calendar, according to a report published by the Saudi Press Agency on July 4, 2026. The schedule opens with the Hajj and Umrah CEO Forum, set for February 3 to 4, which will concentrate on developing the sector while strengthening supporting industries. Officials at the chamber expect the event to convene key executives and stakeholders to explore strategies that align with national goals for expanding religious tourism.
A parallel gathering, the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2026, is slated for Madinah at the King Salman International Convention Center, event organizers reported. That forum anticipates more than 50,000 visitors, 150 exhibitors, over 160 speakers and more than 5,500 agreements, based on projections drawn from prior editions. These gatherings form part of a coordinated push to elevate Madinah’s role in hosting high-impact business events.
Recent data published by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Industry show that sectors tied to accommodation, travel agencies and tour operations recorded an 18.7 percent increase. The growth reflects sustained demand for services connected to visits to the holy sites. Such expansion provides a foundation for the forums to address capacity, innovation and partnership opportunities across the value chain.
The calendar arrives as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum in 2026, an event the Saudi Press Agency noted in a separate dispatch the previous year. This international gathering underscores the Kingdom’s rising profile in global economic discussions. The Madinah initiatives complement these larger platforms by focusing on sector-specific issues in pilgrimage, hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Chamber leaders have positioned the 2026 series as vehicles for empowering small and medium-sized enterprises while attracting investment into tourism infrastructure. Discussions at the forums are expected to cover technology integration, service quality and sustainable practices. Participation from both public and private entities will help translate policy objectives into actionable outcomes at the regional level.
Madinah’s strategic location and ongoing development projects make it a natural venue for these convenings, according to assessments by local business bodies. The forums also align with broader GCC efforts to diversify economies beyond traditional sectors. Organizers anticipate that outcomes from the events will contribute measurable gains in employment, knowledge transfer and cross-border collaboration.
