The Biban Forum 2025, Saudi Arabia’s premier event for entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), concluded in Riyadh on November 8, 2025. This year’s forum, held from November 5 to 8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, attracted over 100,000 participants from 113 countries. Attendees included entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for innovation and investment.
Under the theme “Global Destination for Opportunities,” the forum facilitated the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements exceeding USD 10.1 billion. This figure underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that attracts international interest and investment.
Inspiring Speakers and Investment Opportunities
Biban 2025 featured an impressive lineup of international speakers, including football legend turned entrepreneur Ricardo Kaká and renowned serial entrepreneur Simon Squibb. Their sessions provided valuable insights into harnessing passion for business, investing in innovation, and creating ventures that contribute to sustainable development.
The forum served as a global marketplace, presenting more than 10,000 investment opportunities from both public and private sectors. This platform aimed to assist entrepreneurs in broadening their networks, securing funding, and establishing strategic partnerships. A dedicated area called the Startup Door showcased 1,021 startups from 66 countries, offering them the chance to connect with potential investors and partners.
Highlighting Global Entrepreneurship
A key feature of the event was the Investors Arena, which provided a dedicated space for direct interactions and deal-making between investors and startups. Additionally, the Pitching Stage allowed entrepreneurs from around the world to present their innovations to international audiences and investors, illustrating the creativity and dynamism shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship World Cup Global Finals was another noteworthy aspect of the forum, gathering leading startups to compete for global recognition and a total prize pool of USD 1.5 million. The startup Swijin AG was crowned the winner for 2025, marking a significant achievement in one of the world’s largest entrepreneurship competitions.
As Biban Forum 2025 concludes, its outcomes—ranging from multi-billion-dollar partnerships to the engagement of top-tier speakers—highlight the Kingdom’s rapid advancements in empowering the private sector and promoting innovation. This year’s event cements Saudi Arabia’s status as a global destination for opportunities, setting a strong foundation for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
