SaudiBuild 2003, which is to be held next month in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, is expected to attract thousands of professionals and exhibitors from over 16 countries across the world.

The event, in its 15th consecutive year, is being organised by Riyadh Exhibitions Company at Riyadh Exhibition Centre located on the Al Oulaya Highway in Riyadh between October 19 and 23.

'Saudi Build 2003 is considered the largest gathering of construction industry professionals in the Kingdom. The exhibition has already attracted worldwide interest from 16 leading nations in addition to major companies in the Kingdom,' says Shahid Bhatti, the project manager of the exhibition.

Companies from Turkey, Germany, Austria, China, India, Iran, Philippines, Malaysia, Korea, Czech Republic, Lebanon, Bahrain, Italy, Spain, UAE, and Jordan have already reserved their spaces.

'From the largest pieces of equipment to the smallest of tools, from ceramics to sanitary, the product range will be the most extensive to be seen anywhere. SaudiBuild is the prime event, where exhibitors can secure agreements with representatives  for their products and sign major sales contracts,' adds Bhatti.

SaudiStone 2003 will be held concurrently, displaying the best and latest in granites, marbles and tiles as well as stone treatment and handling machinery.
'The demand for building equipment and the know-how of the construction industry is increasing every year reaching new heights across the Kingdom,' says Mohamed Al Husseini, the deputy general manager for public relations. ''The government and the private sector are investing billions of dollars in ongoing and planned projects - from infrastructure works to schools, hospitals, universities, hotels, industrial cities and residential and commercial buildings. The opportunities for building technology and materials suppliers are widespread.''

Riyadh is expected to double in size from 4.4 million to over 7 million in the next decade creating unprecedented demand especially for residential projects. It also leads the Kingdom in private sector commercial projects.

'Our job is to provide investors the opportunity to see the world's best products and equipment under one roof. We will make possible for people to demonstrate their products, answer questions, overcome objections and meet clients face to face,' says Bhatti.