More than 22,650 visitors attended Saudi Build 2012, the 24th international construction technology and building materials exhibition that concluded last month (November 11 to 14) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with millions of dollar worth of trade agreements and projects signed during its four-day run.

Saudi Build 2012, the largest business-to-business construction fair in Saudi Arabia that was held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted visitors from all over the world as well as participants representing 800 companies from 35 countries.

The fair, which was inaugurated by Prince Dr Mansour bin Meteb bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, generated strong interest and remarkable international participation as reflected by numerous national and country pavilions from Austria, Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE and the UK.

Exhibitors display their ware at the event.

Saudi Build 2012 was concurrently held with Saudi Stone-Tech – The 15th international stone and stone technology show, and Saudi Build – The PMV Series 2012, the third international exhibition for construction equipment, plant, machinery and vehicles. Saudi Stone-Tech was organised by Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) in collaboration with Verona Fiere and Confindustria Marmomacchine (Assomarmomacchine).

Commenting on the successful participation of German companies, Sebastian Sons, official representative of the German Pavilion representing the German Ministry of Economy and Technology, said: “This is our 14th year of participation at Saudi Build, which is one of region’s biggest and most effective specialised events. Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in German products, its positive market results and population growth combined with several other factors have boosted trade figures between both countries to surpass €6 billion ($7.65 billion) by 2011, and position Germany as the fourth biggest trade partner of the kingdom.”

“Business co-operation between both countries mainly constitutes German machinery and material exports in the fields of construction, healthcare, automotive, engineering, education and exchange programmes among others,” he added.

Saudi Build is the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry. UFI grants certification to top-notch professional events managed by experienced organisers with proven track records in international exhibitions.

Providing an exclusive opportunity for local and international construction suppliers to identify new business opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry, Saudi Build 2012 showcased the latest in building materials and equipment; architectural finishing products; stone, marble and granite products; construction tools and technology; engineering services; infrastructure materials; security and safety systems, among others.