MORE than 200 exhibitors took part in the Saudi Building Industries Exhibition (SBIE), and a huge number of business deals running into millions of riyals were won at the event, which was held at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from April 25 to 28.

More than 25,000 visitors, including engineers, architects, consultants and designers, said they found some of the exhibits new and timely, according to Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions, which organised the annual event.

Exhibitors included 100 local companies that are agents or suppliers of building materials and equipment. Most of the exhibitors said they were more than satisfied with the participation, as the visitors were mainly businessmen, professionals or traders.

“We can’t quantify the exact value of the business transacted at the expo, but the deals signed or those in the pipeline suggest that there have been record deals,” said Oguz Kuyumcu of Export Promotion Centre of Turkey, which organised the large Turkish participation.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Justin Liu, export manager of Jiangyin BondTape Technology Corporation of China, while speaking on behalf of the Chinese group.

Malaysia, with a number of companies, was among the major overseas exhibitors.

A symposium on building materials in particular and the construction industry in general was also held alongside the 20th edition of the exhibition, with experts deliberating on quality control.

“The exhibition provided us the right platform to introduce our products and also study local requirements,” said  Jean Howiller, director of development of France’s Mathis. “There were many inquiries for our building designs and systems, and equipment for sports and cultural centres, and infrastructure for malls and other commercial ventures.”

A Latif Malik, general manager of Pakistan’s Interwood Mobel, said the company received many inquiries for its wide range of wood and wood-based products for home and office furnishing. “Local dealers evinced interest in our doors, kitchens and kitchen appliances, wardrobes, and furniture for offices, homes, nurseries, educational institutions and hotels,” he said.

Mandahar Mills was another Pakistani firm that was more than satisfied with its participation, according to its sales and marketing manager for export Zahid Irfan.

Jeddah’s Insulation Factory, a producer of thermal insulation and packing solutions for the building industry, was among the many local exhibitors at SBIE. Senior executive Adam Al Tabei said that while demand for the factory’s products continued to grow, it received export orders for Sudan, Lebanon and other countries at the exhibition. 

Most of the exhibitors have booked their participation in next year’s SBIE, to be held from April 22 to 25.