Gulf Construction Online - Vote of confidence

Saudi Build 2010

Vote of confidence

More than 900 exhibitors from around the world descend on Riyadh this month to take part in Saudi Build 2010, as the kingdom enters a new era of development and growth.

01 October 2010

THERE has been a remarkable increase in interest in Saudi Build this year against a backdrop of a buoyant construction sector in Saudi Arabia, according to the event’s organiser.

Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) reports a 30 per cent increase in the number of confirmed exhibitors for the 2010 edition with around 900 exhibitors from 35 countries expected to attend the show this month (October 18 to 21).

To accommodate the increasing numbers, REC says it has expanded Saudi Build’s exhibition space at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Centre by around 50 per cent to 27,000 sq m in anticipation of the sustained growth. Belgium, Egypt, the UK, France and Taiwan are set to debut their country pavilions this year.

Other national pavilions will be hosted by Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Pakistan, Portugal, Turkey and the UAE.

Saudi Build 2010 – the 22nd international construction technology and building materials exhibition – will be supported by more than 20 international trade authorities and associations. The expo will also be accompanied by Saudi Stone-Tech – the 13th international stone and stone technology show. Previously called Saudi Stone, this partner event will showcase products ranging from marble slabs to mosaics and display computerised stone cutting, quarrying and polishing machinery and equipment.

Saudi Build will also include for the first time in Saudi Arabia, a B2B (business-to-business) event during the exhibition, allowing companies to network with more than 50 industry peers from Europe and Australia. The matchmaking sessions will introduce local companies to the latest construction-related products and technology and will facilitate the signing of contracts with the international companies participating in the event.

A major part of Saudi Build is the PMV Series 2010, which will feature a premium selection of heavy construction machinery and equipment. PMV will cover a combined indoor and outdoor area of more than 5,000 sq m featuring the latest construction heavy machinery and equipment.

“The growth in this year’s exhibitor attendance reflects the strength and huge potential of the construction and construction materials industries. It also affirms the participants’ appreciation of the numerous opportunities offered by the Saudi and regional markets. We look forward to the record numbers Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech will attain this year,” says Mohammad Al Hussaini, deputy general manager, REC.

The exhibition will put the kingdom’s status as a premier development destination in international spotlight, recognising Saudi Arabia’s leading role as a property development hub in the world, with a vibrant construction sector that continues to top its growth agenda.

This is demonstrated in a Ministry of Finance report that says ongoing infrastructure and public sector building projects in the kingdom are currently valued at over SR131 billion ($43 billion), with around 600 new factories, desalination facilities, power plants and schools in the pipeline.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has endorsed its $385-billion five-year development plan (see Regional News)
About 20,000 visitors are expected converge at this leading trade exhibition of the region, which will create a vibrant platform for high-profile transactions and networking.

“The kingdom has built a solid reputation within the international construction and development community and is ready to welcome even more investments and partnerships into the sector,” says Shahid Bhatti, Saudi Build project manager at REC. “Construction activities in the country vary from commercial and government to residential and luxury; such a dynamic market promises long-term and stable industry growth.”

“Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech offer a twin chance for construction and real estate stakeholders from around the world to maximise their involvement in the kingdom’s robust market, and for local decision-makers to enhance their infrastructural plans for the country,” Bhatti says.

The exhibition this year will include 17 country pavilions.

This year’s event will aim to meet the rising demand for heavy machinery and construction equipment in Saudi Arabia by introducing a dedicated area to serve exhibitors and visitors specialised in heavy construction machinery and equipment sector through the PMV Series 2010.

The 2010 exhibition profile will include building materials and equipment, architectural finishing products, stone, marble and granite products, construction tools and technology, engineering services, infrastructure materials, security and safety systems, and heavy construction equipment, paints, precast concrete structures, props and beams, protective coatings, pumps, safety tools, sanitary fixtures and appliances, scaffolding, formwork and shuttering, solar systems, steel products, timber frames and beams, landscaping and green ornaments, and swimming pool accessories, among many others.

Saudi Build/Stone 2009 drew in more than 750 companies from 38 countries to a 23,250 sq m of exhibition space. The shows welcomed 18,184 visitors, 69 per cent from the kingdom, 22 per cent from other Gulf countries and nine per cent were international guests. Both events posted a 42 per cent growth in space and 57 per cent rise in the number of direct exhibitors over 2008. REC had to construct an additional 3,250 sq m hall to accommodate the demand for space – the expo featured 18,250 sq m of indoor exhibition space and 5,000 sq m of outdoor space.

According to a survey conducted by the organiser, 87 per cent of exhibitors reported a satisfactory performance with 72 per cent confirming that they received orders as an outcome of having participated at Saudi Build.

The show included country pavilions from Austria, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, UAE and the UK. Saudi Build is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.