The head of the Young Business Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Mohammed Sweileh, said more than 40,000 people are expected to visit the 7th annual Young Businessmen and Women Forum and Exhibition.

The event, the largest of its kind supporting young entrepreneurs in the Gulf, will be held at the Jeddah Center for Forum and Events from Jan. 29 to Feb 1.

The forum invites young businessmen and women to market and display their products and services. Sowailih told Arab News that the committee has already received more than 5,000 applications from young businessmen and women wishing to participate.

He said the committee is keen on encouraging young businessmen and women to promote their work in the region, noting that the forum provides a valuable opportunity for these business leaders to promote their work and compete locally and internationally.

Walid Al-Amari, director of the forum, said the event helps educate young men and women through relevant seminars and lectures, as well as assisting them in identifying potential sources of funding to support future products.

Thamer Al-Qarshooti, vice president of the Young Business Committee, said the forum also helps support the development of the national economy and promotes economic, social and intellectual development in society. He said numerous large companies owned and run by young businessmen and women will also participate in the event.

Meanwhile, a member of the board of administrators at the Jeddah Chamber, Fayez Al Harbi, said the forum is widely supported by the board as one of the most important events to assist young businessmen and women, as well as the development of the national economy. He said the forum also enjoys the strong support of the Makkah governor and is visited by numerous officials.

He said that last year the forum witnessed more than 30,000 visitors.