The National Events Center (NEC) is a governmental center that aims to develop the events sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in entertainment, sports, tourism, and culture, as well as supporting the Saudi Seasons. Its main headquarters is located in the capital, Riyadh.
NEC was established in 2020 as the Events Center. Subsequently, in 2021, the Council of Ministers issued a decision to change its name to the National Events Center. NEC possesses a legal personality and operates with financial and administrative independence. It is organizationally affiliated with the Council of Economic and Developmental Affairs (CEDA) and is overseen by a committee responsible for its administration and operations.
NEC and expenditure efficiency
NEC is responsible for proposing draft laws and regulations related to its competencies and taking the necessary steps to complete the regulatory procedures. Additionally, it is tasked with preparing and implementing partnerships and agreements in cooperation with the relevant entities to achieve its goals and improve spending adequacy in the events sector. NEC is also responsible for conducting relevant studies and research. It can seek assistance from local and international experts specialized in its fields of work, thereby aiding and supporting the achievement of its goals.
Tasks of NEC's events committee
The events committee is responsible for supervising NEC's management and operations. It holds its regular meetings every three months and whenever needed.
he events committee undertakes several tasks, including approving NEC-related policies and the necessary plans and programs to implement them, suggesting draft laws associated with NEC's specializations, and modifying applicable laws. The committee also approves NEC's internal regulations, such as fiscal and administrative regulations, as well as the organizational chart. Besides, the committee approves the establishment of NEC branches or offices. It adopts regularly submitted reports on the workflow.
NEC initiatives
In 2021, NEC launched Matloob, a platform designed to facilitate and regulate the participation of individuals, institutions, and companies from both the governmental and private sectors who aspire to work and invest in the events and seasons of the Kingdom by suggesting ideas or implementing events and services Also in 2021, NEC launched another platform, Enjz. This platform is designed to streamline the process of obtaining permits for a wide range of events, including entertainment, sports, cultural events, exhibitions, conferences, and other gatherings, in collaboration with legislative, regulatory, and security entities, without prejudice to their jurisdiction. It is committed to expediting the issuance of all necessary permits for hosting events, ensuring that the approval process does not extend beyond 72 hours
In 2021, NEC also announced the inauguration of the Jeddah Superdome, the largest geodesic dome in the world.
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