MARKING 25 years as the region’s premier construction show, Saudi Build 2013 is poised to gather the biggest collection of industry professionals, decision makers, investors and construction suppliers in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the latest technologies in the building trade, and comprehensive business solutions to real estate contractors, agents and developers.

The 25th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition will run from November 4 to 7 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will line up 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.

“Saudi Build has been the most trusted and largest business-to-business networking platform in the Saudi construction sector since it was established a quarter of a century ago,” says Zeyad Al Rukban, the assistant general manager of Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), the event’s organiser. “It plays a very important role in the economic diversification of Saudi Arabia by helping unlock exciting growth and business opportunities within the construction and related industries.”

He continues: “For the past 25 years, Saudi Build has served as a magnet for major construction companies and international investors, firmly establishing the kingdom as one of the most lucrative and attractive global construction markets. Offering a comprehensive range of solutions covering all aspects of the construction industry, Saudi Build continues to enjoy strong local, regional and global following, attracting high-profile personalities, decision-makers, trade missions and key government officials from all over the world.”

With a construction project pipeline worth SR375 billion ($100 billion), Saudi Arabia remains a major driving force behind the long-term growth of the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region’s construction sector, which has been projected to generate a total of SR16.125 trillion ($4.29 trillion) in investments for various construction projects by 2020.

Last year’s event ... 22,649 visited.

Driven by a growing population and increasing demand across the building and infrastructure sectors, Saudi Arabia’s growth is expected to average five per cent over the next four years.

Moreover, under the Ninth Development Plan, the Saudi government aims to invest more than SR1.443 trillion ($384 billion) in social and economic infrastructure by 2014, with huge investments directed towards housing projects and vocational schools and colleges.

Some of the major projects include King Abdullah Economic City (SR435 billion; $115.975 billion); Sudair Economic City (SR150 billion; $40 billion); Jazan Economic City (SR112.5 billion; $30 billion); Land Bridge project (SR26.25 billion; $7 billion); Makkah-Madinah railway link (SR22.5 billion; $6 billion); Jeddah Monorail project (SR21 billion; $5.6 billion); mega tourism projects on the Red Sea coast (SR136.87 billion; $36.5 billion); King Abdulaziz International Airport expansion (SR13.87 billion; $3.7 billion); and the Kingdom Tower project (SR56.25 billion; $15 billion).

Furthermore, the government recently announced social benefit packages totalling SR487.5 billion ($129 billion), with SR247.5 billion ($65.9 billion) earmarked for housing, and SR61.875 billion ($16.49 billion) to be channelled into transport. Physical infrastructure projects will continue to be the focus of public spending, in line with the economic development plans.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation has also pledged SR2.497 billion ($665.893 million) for 34 airports across the country over the next four to five years. A total of SR101.25 billion ($26.9 billion) worth of rail projects are currently under development or at the bidding phase and an estimated SR7.5 billion ($1.9 billion) of road projects are now under construction.

As such, Saudi Build 2013 is on course to surpass last year’s event, which attracted 812 exhibitors from 34 countries and 22,649 visitors covering an exhibiting space of 26,000 sq m.

It 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.

 Many of the leading names in the Saudi construction industry will showcase their key developments at the upcoming event, which is supported by diamond sponsor Rajhi Steel.

Al Rukban ... key year.

Doka Saudi Arabia, for one, will present its extensive formwork solutions. Doka has been involved in several of the kingdom’s mega-projects including King Abdullah Sport City, King Abdullah Financial District, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz project – the third expansion of the Holy Haram in Makkah and surrounding areas, and King Abdul Aziz International Airport.

Doka and other key players will reveal the unique solutions they employ for various construction requirements and what strategies they use to energise the local markets.

“This is an important year for Saudi Build, given its 25th year of existence and its valuable contributions to the ongoing dynamism of the Saudi construction market. Companies that have played key roles in growing the local industry such as Doka will make this edition extra-special by sharing the technologies, tools and best practices that have turned the kingdom into the region’s top construction hub. This year’s edition will be an occasion to both look back at Saudi Arabia’s great accomplishments in the construction field and set better and brighter directions for industry,” says Al Rukban.

The last Saudi Build had drawn unanimous praise from exhibitors with Sebastian Sons, the head of regional managers at Numov – the German Near and Middle East Association, Germany, commenting that Saudi Build was the premier exhibition in Saudi Arabia for the construction sector.

 Saudi Build 2013 will also host two concurrent events:

• Saudi Build PMV: The fourth International Exhibition for Construction Equipment, Plant, Machinery and Vehicles is set to attract the biggest names and the most prominent local and international companies along with a large number of visitors, including high level officials and decision-makers representing both private and public sectors.

Saudi PMV is the largest gathering of industry professionals and a solid platform for exhibitors to conduct new business in the kingdom’s promising market. As a major platform for networking and conducting business and sales, the exhibition brings together key buyers, contractors and entrepreneurs with the leading manufacturers, producers and distributors.

• Saudi Stone-Tech: The 16th International Stone and Stone Technology and Machinery Exhibition is the most specialised exhibition of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the entire region for the past 16 years. The event will take full advantage of the growing demand for stone and stone technology required for Saudi Arabia’s growing number of construction projects over the next few years.

Saudi Stone-Tech will gather a powerful mix of top distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, specifiers, agents and engineers from across Saudi Arabia, the region and the world. It will constitute the biggest, most opportunity-laden gathering of key players anywhere in the Middle East under one roof.

The event will feature products ranging from marble slabs, granite, natural stone, mosaic, modern  computerised stone cutting machines to quarrying machinery, polishing equipment, discs, blades and slates.

Saudi Stone-Tech is being undertaken in collaboration with Verona Fiere and Confindustria Marmomacchine, the organisers of the renowned Marmomacc, the leading fair for operators in the stone industry which has been held annually in Verona, Italy, for the past 45 years.