Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and sports technology sector has achieved a significant international milestone. Webook, a Riyadh-born global live experiences platform, has officially announced its entry into the European market by acquiring Portugal-based event technology company SmartMove.
Executive Summary
- Strategic Expansion: Webook establishes its first major operational base in Europe.
- Enhanced Capabilities: The acquisition dramatically strengthens ticketing systems, CRM, access control, and digital event operations.
- Global Reach: Webook currently serves over 17 million users across 180 countries, processing upwards of 40 million ticket bookings.
- Market Gateway: Portugal was selected for its robust football culture, advanced digital infrastructure, and active live events sector.
The Saudi Lens: Amplifying Local Tech Abroad Under Vision 2030
This acquisition goes beyond corporate growth; it is a direct reflection of Vision 2030 in action. According to Webook CEO Nadeem Bakhsh, the strategic vision of the Kingdom has fostered an ecosystem that empowers local firms to build globally competitive platforms. By acquiring SmartMove, Webook integrates three decades of European sports technology expertise into the growing Saudi tech ecosystem. This integration will likely accelerate domestic capabilities in event management, aligning perfectly with the Kingdom’s rapid economic diversification into world-class entertainment and sports.
Through SmartMove, the Saudi platform gains an experienced European team and established client relationships. The Portuguese company already delivers premier tech solutions for sports clubs, leagues, and football federations. Industry experts anticipate further European partnerships from Webook in the coming weeks as it continues to drive international growth and scale its technology innovation worldwide.
