Gulf Construction Online - New construction expo heading for a sellout

Events

New construction expo heading for a sellout

01 March 2011

THE inaugural Saudi Construction Show is attracting keen interest from the “hard construction” sector, with about 40,000 sq m of exhibition space sold and 90 per cent of the kingdom’s top machinery agents already booked, according to the organiser.

The event will take place this month (March 21 to 25) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Al Khurais Road opposite Zahid Tractor, where a diverse group of exhibitors ranging from tyre companies to lubricant manufacturers, and lighting firms to generator businesses will showcase their products and services. Some of the key exhibitors include Medco, Al Rassam, GTE, Abahasain, Alrehab, Kanoo Group, AAA, Soilmec Arabia and Zahid Tractor.

The events arm of CPI, a leading Dubai-based publisher, is organising the Saudi Construction Show.

Commenting on the reason behind the show’s popularity, show director Raz Islam said that although there is a lot of competition in the market right now for construction shows, “we differentiate ourselves in that we are all about hard construction – digging, drilling, moving, building systems and lifting”.

“Overall, if it is ‘heavy’ machinery, it will find a place at our show and you definitely won’t see any interior design companies here.”

“Unlike other shows, we have to clear almost 80,000 sq m of land, clean and gravel it and install all of the amenities – it is our own private build project,” explained Islam.

“In other words, it is a work site for the first half of February, after which hundreds of heavy equipment roll in for the next four weeks. This show is not about half measures.”

Plans for the show include the one of largest formwork and scaffolding displays in the indoor arena, four live demonstrations and a fully-fitted exhibition space for hard construction contractors.

The exhibition will showcase the latest equipment, products, services and technologies in the industry, bringing together contractors and suppliers. It will also feature conferences and workshops. Other key facilities include private meeting rooms for visitors to meet exhibitors; education programmes and workshops with world-class experts; and simulator training.