A host of major international and local companies are poised to take part in the Saudi Building and Interiors Exhibition (SBIE), one of the construction industry's key events which has been revamped to incorporate several new features.

The event, which takes place at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 29 to October 3, is being organised by Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions, universally known as ACE, and believed to be first company to organise professional trade and public exhibitions in the Kingdom.

''The 2002 edition of SBIE will be much more than just a static exhibition,'' says Ian Bennett, ACE's director of publicity and special projects. ''Unique features have been arranged within the exhibition itself while spectacular parallel displays promise to bring excitement and unusual 'light entertainment' to heavy industry.''

With the Kingdom's continuing construction activity and development of projects including schools, hospitals, private domestic and the rapidly expanding tourism sectors driving a buoyant industry, Saudi Building and Interiors Exhibition has itself moved up a gear.

Previously a biennial show, 2002 marks the transformation of the series now continuing in an annual format. And in line with other ACE organised events, that format has moved away from static shows to encompass a whole series of peripheral events.

Exhibitors at SBIE represent the complete industry spectrum from light activities through to heavy construction machinery on more than 200 displays. These cover all manner of products, materials, machinery and services, with working demonstrations in many cases.

''New features for 2002 are of both local and worldwide relevance,'' explains Bennett. ''A special area has been created within the exhibition for a unique showcase on Islamic architecture by the Umran Society, who are also leading a symposium running parallel to the show.''

He continues: ''In another new introduction for 2002, the scope of the exhibition has widened to cover the parallel sector of interior design, while a British Contract Furnishers Association area created within the show promises an even more comprehensive industry event than ever before.''

Is building dull and drab? And will attending a construction show be a tedious day? ''Well that may be the case elsewhere but certainly not at SBIE in Jeddah, for adding sparkle, razzmatazz and excitement to the proceedings will be the internationally-famed JCB Dancing Diggers,'' says Bennett.

''Appearing in the Kingdom for the first time, this Britain-based team uses standard heavy construction machines - JCB of course - to enact an unbelievable display of seemingly impossible moves, all against the strident sounds of familiar music. The imaginative display of choreographed moves has been likened to an aerobatic display on the ground or a ballet performed by machines, but whatever the description it is a unique experience.''

Led by Philip Pepper, the nine-driver team perform only four times each year, so the Jeddah show is extra special, he says.

For advance information about the exhibition, ACE has created a special addition to its web site which can be accessed at www.acexpos.com/build. An on-line form enables visitors to register in advance for fast entry without the need to register on-site, saving considerable time.

The web area also enables visitors to view the exhibitor list (the list is being updated regularly) and full show opening and location details to be checked out. Updated exhibitor information will also be posted as it becomes available.