The Biban Forum 2025, a landmark event for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), concluded in Riyadh on November 8, 2025. Organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, the forum attracted over 100,000 participants from 113 countries. With the theme “Global Destination for Opportunities,” the event showcased Saudi Arabia’s growing significance as a hub for innovation and investment.
During the four-day forum, attendees witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements that surpassed USD 10.1 billion. This impressive figure underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a leading destination for entrepreneurial growth.
Key Highlights and Global Participation
The event featured a diverse lineup of international speakers, including retired football star turned entrepreneur Ricardo Kaká and renowned serial entrepreneur Simon Squibb. Their presentations inspired attendees, focusing on how to transform passion into purpose and the importance of investing in innovation.
Biban 2025 served as a vibrant marketplace, presenting over 10,000 investment opportunities from both public and private sectors. This initiative aims to assist entrepreneurs in expanding their reach, attracting funding, and establishing strategic partnerships. The “Startup Door” section showcased 1,021 startups from 66 countries, allowing them to connect with potential investors and partners.
The dedicated Investors Arena facilitated direct interactions between investors and startups, promoting deal-making and collaboration. Additionally, the Pitching Stage provided a platform for entrepreneurs to present their innovative ideas to international audiences.
Another significant aspect of the forum was the Entrepreneurship World Cup Global Finals, which featured leading startups from around the world competing for recognition and a prize pool of USD 1.5 million. The competition concluded with Swijin AG being crowned the winner, marking a notable achievement in one of the largest entrepreneurship contests globally.
Looking Ahead: A Growing Ecosystem
As Biban Forum 2025 comes to a close, its accomplishments highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering innovation and enabling the private sector. With record global participation and multi-billion-dollar partnerships, the forum has reinforced the Kingdom’s status as a prime destination for entrepreneurs.
The success of this year’s event reflects not only the ambitions of Monsha’at but also the broader vision of Saudi Arabia to create a thriving ecosystem for startups and investors. As the country continues to prioritize economic diversification and innovation, the impact of Biban 2025 is expected to resonate well into the future.
