Event, Seminar, Workshop, and Conference Licensing in Saudi Arabia

Expert Regulatory Support by The Saudi Gate

In today’s fast-paced, knowledge-driven economy, events, seminars, workshops, and conferences are powerful tools for education, networking, and brand positioning. However, organizing such events in Saudi Arabia requires strict compliance with the licensing regulations set by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA).

At The Saudi Gate, we specialize in helping local and international clients obtain the necessary licenses to host successful, compliant, and impactful events across the Kingdom. Whether you’re planning a small workshop or a large-scale international conference, our team ensures that every regulatory detail is handled with precision and professionalism.

Understanding SCEGA and Its Role

The Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) is the official body responsible for regulating and licensing all business events in Saudi Arabia. This includes:

  • Lectures
  • Meetings
  • Workshops
  • Training Courses
  • Seminars
  • Conferences
  • Forums
  • Symposia
  • Conventions

SCEGA ensures that all events align with national standards, safety protocols, and sector-specific regulations. It also coordinates with other government bodies such as the Ministry of InteriorMinistry of EducationTechnical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), and Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)

Types of Events That Require Licensing

1. Lectures and Meetings

  • Duration: Up to 1–3 working days
  • Purpose: Presentations or discussions on specific topics
  • Venue: Outside the organizer’s head office
  • Licensing: Required for any venue-based gathering

2. Workshops and Training Courses

  • Duration: Up to 5 working days
  • Purpose: Skill development, problem-solving, or product development
  • Licensing: Requires approval from TVTC or relevant authority
  • Certificate: Participants often receive a certificate of completion

3. Seminars and Forums

  • Purpose: Exchange of ideas, often with multiple speakers and sessions
  • Format: May include panel discussions, breakout sessions, and Q&A
  • Licensing: Must be submitted through the SCEGA portal

4. Conferences and Conventions

  • Scope: National or international
  • Format: Includes lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and media coverage
  • Licensing: Requires detailed documentation and approval from multiple authorities

Licensing Requirements: What You Need to Know

To legally host an event in Saudi Arabia, organizers must submit a license application through the SCEGA portal at least 7 days before the event. The application must include:

General Requirements:

  • Event title, date, and location
  • Detailed event program or agenda
  • Venue reservation confirmation
  • Speaker profiles and session topics
  • Organizer’s commercial registration (CR)
  • Proof of compliance with sector-specific authorities (e.g., TVTC, SCFHS)

Additional Requirements for Conferences:

  • Action plan and event objectives
  • Media coverage plan (if applicable)
  • List of sponsors and partners
  • Security and crowd management plan (for large events)
  • International participation details (if applicable)

Fast-Track Licensing:

For small-scale events (e.g., workshops with fewer than 50 attendees), licenses may be issued instantly upon request by the hosting facility

The Saudi Gate: Your Licensing Partner

Navigating the SCEGA licensing process can be complex, especially for international organizers unfamiliar with local regulations. That’s where The Saudi Gate comes in.

We offer end-to-end support for event licensing, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time. Our services include:

✅ Pre-Event Consultation

We assess your event type, size, and scope to determine the exact licensing requirements and timelines.

✅ Documentation Preparation

Our team prepares and reviews all required documents, including Arabic translations, speaker bios, and venue confirmations.

✅ Regulatory Coordination

We liaise with SCEGA, TVTC, SCFHS, and other authorities on your behalf to secure approvals and resolve any issues.

✅ License Submission and Follow-Up

We handle the entire submission process through the SCEGA portal and provide real-time updates on your application status.

✅ On-Ground Support

Need help managing logistics or compliance during the event? We offer on-site support to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why Licensing Matters

Failing to obtain the proper license can result in:

  • Event cancellation or shutdown
  • Fines and legal penalties
  • Damage to brand reputation
  • Loss of trust from attendees and sponsors

With The Saudi Gate, you can avoid these risks and focus on delivering a successful, high-impact event.

Who We Serve

We work with a wide range of clients, including:

  • Corporate Event Planners
  • Training Centers and Institutes
  • Universities and Academic Institutions
  • Medical and Scientific Societies
  • Government and Non-Profit Organizations
  • International Event Management Companies

Whether you’re hosting a technical workshop, a healthcare symposium, or a global business conference, we tailor our services to meet your specific needs.

International Events: Special Considerations

If your event includes international speakers or attendees, additional approvals may be required from:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Ministry of Interior
  • Customs and Immigration Authorities

We help you manage these requirements, including visa facilitation, customs clearance for equipment, and multilingual documentation.

Event Licensing Timeline

Here’s a typical timeline for licensing an event in Saudi Arabia – if you think you’re too late, do not worry, contact us to help you:

TaskTimeline
Initial ConsultationDay 1
Document CollectionDay 2–3
License Application SubmissionDay 4
SCEGA Review and ApprovalDay 5–7
Final Confirmation and Event ExecutionDay 8+

For larger or international events, we recommend starting the process at least 3–4 weeks in advance.

Ready to Host Your Next Event in Saudi Arabia?

If you’re planning an event and want to ensure full compliance with Saudi regulations, we’re here to help.

👉 Discover our Event Licensing Services

Let The Saudi Gate be your trusted partner in navigating the regulatory landscape and delivering exceptional events in the Kingdom.