Riyadh-based ticketing platform Webook is setting its sights beyond the Gulf and heading into Europe! After years of success as Saudi Arabia’s largest event booking platform, the company is now ready to tap into some of the world’s most competitive markets—starting with the UK, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Founded in 2016 (originally as Hala Yalla), Webook began with a simple goal: help people book football pitches. Fast-forward a few years, and it has transformed into a powerhouse for ticketing—from concerts to sports, tourism, and mega-events. So far, the platform has sold 10 million tickets and boasts 8 million unique users across the MENA region.
A Platform Built for Growth
Webook’s European expansion is a natural next step following its growing footprint in UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. This month, it opened a new office in Dubai—now its second most important market after Saudi Arabia.
Here’s what makes Webook’s rise so exciting:
- ✅ 10M+ tickets sold
- ✅ 8M+ unique users
- ✅ Major events like the Saudi Grand Prix and FIFA Club World Cup
- ✅ 90%+ coverage of the Saudi Premier League
- ✅ Active partnerships with Visit Saudi for tourism experiences
And the ambitions don’t stop there. According to co-founder and COO Farrukh Bandey, Webook is also eyeing a future IPO within the next three to five years.
Europe: A Strategic (and Challenging) Target
Why Europe? Well, the UK alone had a $4.3B online ticketing market in 2022, making it the third-largest globally. Webook knows the road ahead won’t be easy.
“There’s a lot of entrenched competition there,” Bandey admits. “You’ve got major players like Ticketmaster with strong event and venue ties.”
Still, the company is aiming high, targeting contracts in top-tier events like the English Premier League. And long term? Webook wants a role in global tournaments—including the 2030 World Cup.
Right Place, Right Time
Webook’s success is also a story of timing. The Saudi entertainment scene exploded after 2016, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Vision 2030—a national plan to diversify the economy and boost cultural and entertainment sectors.
- New freedoms like cinemas, concerts, and sports events
- Women allowed to drive
- Establishment of the General Entertainment Authority to grow the sector to $23B by 2030
With half of Saudi Arabia’s population under 30, demand for experiences is surging—and Webook has been riding that wave from day one.
What’s Next for Webook?
With the backing of a strong regional foundation and a bold European expansion plan, Webook is clearly aiming for global recognition. The next few years will be crucial as it looks to:
- ✔️ Secure high-profile contracts in Europe
- ✔️ Go public within five years
- ✔️ Cement its role as a global leader in event ticketing
From football pitches in Riyadh to stadiums in London, Webook’s journey is just getting started.