SaudiBuild 2001, the 13th in the series of construction and building materials show, has once again attracted strong national and international participation, according to its organiser Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

The show will take place concurrently with SaudiStone 2001, from October 7 to 11, 2001 at the Riyadh Exhibition Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the centre of the largest market in the Middle East.

"The show features large country pavilions from leading European nations as well as major Asian building products exporters," says project manager Shahid Bhatti.

He continues: "Turkey will participate in the show for the first time as a national pavilion, sponsored by The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, with their innovative building materials as well as unique tiles and stones.

"Due to their continued success, Germany is coming back, with the latest German technology and products including metal bending machines, pipes and plumbing materials, construction cranes, and lighting fixtures.

"Cyprus will also present the latest products such as solar heaters, decorative paints & tiles, roof bricks, aluminum doors and windows, and water treatment equipment.

"The other countries represented at the show are Austria, Italy, England, China, Brazil, India, Iran, the UAE, Syria, Jordan, Qatar - all exhibiting the unique and latest products such as building materials, decorative tiles, ceramics and stones, and bathroom fittings.

"Thailand is returning for the second year in a row as a large pavilion presenting their latest specialty building and stone products."

SaudiBuild and SaudiStone 2001 has also attracted over 150 major national manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, displaying the latest products, technology and services ranging from building materials, heavy construction and earthmoving equipment, and security and safety systems to ceramics, stone, marble, granite products, stone treatment and handling, bath fittings; interior decorating and decorative lighting, and air-conditioning and heating.

Elaborating on the importance of the exhibition, Bhatti says: "A major expansion of facilities and infrastructure is ongoing throughout the Kingdom," says Bhatti. "There are currently over 200 major construction projects. The Kingdom's current infrastructure and public sector building five-year plan is valued at $35 billion. Riyadh is home to the Kingdom's governmental and institutional decision-makers, as well as the fastest-growing city in the Middle East. It has already grown eightfold over the last two decades, and is expected to double in size within the next six years from 3.3 million to over 6 million inhabitants."

"This year's show is expected to attract around 25,000 trade and business visitors within the five days. They will be meeting local and international suppliers of the latest building materials, equipment, and technologies under one roof," he says.

The official opening ceremony for SaudiBuild/SaudiStone 2001 will be held on October 7 at 4 pm.

The show will be open from 4 pm to 9.30 pm on Sunday and between 10 am and 1 pm and 4 pm to 9.30 pm on the remaining four days.