Basel, 10 June 2026 | Press Release: Congrex Switzerland and 1st Arabia Launch Congrex Global Alliance
At a time when the Middle East and Asia are gaining increasing importance as destinations for knowledge exchange, science, and international events, Congrex Switzerland and 1st Arabia have announced the launch of the Congrex Global Alliance. The partnership, announced at the ICCA Middle East Summit in Amman, Jordan, combines Congrex Switzerland’s Swiss and European congress expertise with 1st Arabia’s strong regional footprint and in-depth market knowledge to attract, elevate, and grow high-quality scientific congresses, trade shows, and association events across the Middle East and Asia.
Headquartered in Riyadh, 1st Arabia is Saudi Arabia’s leading congress and exhibition company and the only MICE organisation in the Kingdom with simultaneous membership in ICCA, SITE, MPI, IAEE and UFI. Congrex Switzerland, based in Basel, has over 40 years of experience managing large-scale medical and scientific congresses and is a proud member of IAPCO. Together, the Congrex Global Alliance offers clients a trusted bridge between Swiss and European congress expertise and the high-growth markets of the Middle East and Asia, supported by 1st Arabia’s strong regional knowledge and delivery experience.
“We are extremely pleased to have established this partnership with 1st Arabia. 1st Arabia is a well-introduced company in the Middle East region that specialises in all parts of the MICE industry. For Congrex, this partnership represents another step forward in its journey towards diversification and growth, both geographically and in terms of expertise.” – Daniel Brändlin, Chairman of the Board, Congrex Switzerland.
“Great partnerships are built on trust, shared values, and a common vision. When we first connected with the team at 1st Arabia, we immediately recognised that we share the same passion for excellence and dedication to our clients. Having built a strong foundation of mutual trust, we are now very excited to embark on this journey together.” – Sabine Adam, Chief Innovation & Growth Officer, Congrex Switzerland.
“From our very first conversations with Congrex Switzerland, it was clear that this was more than a potential business arrangement — it was the beginning of a transformative chapter. Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with Riyadh rapidly emerging as one of the world’s premier destinations for international congresses and high-level summits. What the Congrex Global Alliance unlocks is unprecedented: for the first time, the Gulf has a dedicated, expert channel to attract and host the large-scale European congresses and intergovernmental summits that have, until now, been anchored exclusively to the European continent. We are ready to write that new chapter — and to bring the world’s most important scientific and professional gatherings to the heart of the Kingdom.” – Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO & Managing Director, 1st Arabia.
About Congrex Switzerland
Congrex Switzerland was founded in the early 1980s and is one of Europe’s most experienced Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs) and Association Management Companies (AMCs). As an association and conference management expert, Congrex Switzerland specialises in the organisation of international scientific and medical congresses, with a deep understanding of the key challenges faced by international associations.
The events managed by Congrex Switzerland range from 100 to 30,000 participants and are supported through either a full-service offering or the provision of specific services, such as accommodation management and participant registration. With a team of more than 80 employees, Congrex Switzerland organises between 30 and 40 conferences each year and manages the secretariats of nine Swiss and European medical associations. As a proud member of IAPCO, ICCA, PCMA and MPI, Congrex Switzerland is recognised for its Swiss standards of quality, professionalism and service excellence.
About 1st Arabia
1st Arabia is a leading MICE company operating across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, specialising in exhibitions, conferences, and event operations. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the company has expanded its operational footprint to Jordan, enabling it to serve clients across two of the region’s most dynamic markets. With a comprehensive portfolio spanning international congresses, trade exhibitions, destination management, and corporate events, 1st Arabia brings end-to-end event expertise to organisations looking to engage with MENA audiences. The only MICE organisation in the Kingdom with simultaneous membership in ICCA, SITE, MPI, IAEE and UFI, 1st Arabia sets the benchmark for professional standards in the region. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s ambition to position the Kingdom as a global hub for business events, tourism and knowledge exchange, 1st Arabia plays a central role in elevating Riyadh and the wider region onto the world stage of international congresses and exhibitions. More info: www.1starabia.sa
