Gulf Construction Online - Big 5 Saudi adds PMV and FM zones

Events

Big 5 Saudi adds PMV and FM zones

01 January 2013

The Big 5 Saudi has seen unprecedented success and has increased in size as a result with an additional purpose-built hall and outdoor area, since its launch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in February 2011.

Taking place at Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events from March 9 to 12, with the support of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Jeddah Municipality, the event is set to host more than 550 exhibitors, from 35 countries.

Held under the patronage of the Jeddah Municipality Mayor Dr Hani Mohammed Abouras, this year’s edition will include new features like the PMV Zone and Facilities Management Zone with dedicated areas for companies working in these sectors.

The show will also provide an outdoor demonstration area for heavy construction technology, and the accredited education workshops, with globally renowned company bodies addressing issues including Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) regulation, concrete repair and facilities management.

Andy White, event director of The Big 5 Saudi, said: “The evolution of The Big 5 Saudi seems to be a reflection of the changes and growth within the Saudi construction market. Growth in demand year-on-year is clearly illustrated in the establishment of a purpose-built hall as well as an outdoor area to accommodate heightened interest.

“Education elements of the event have also been popular, and we will again host a number of workshops that will aim to encourage sustainability and environmentally conscious construction and building maintenance habits. It is important for the industry to understand not only how to construct the buildings but also how to maintain them in a sustainable way.”

In addition, the Platinum Club will be introduced to the event this year, hosting Saudi-based buyers with a spending power of more than $100 million. The club will provide participants with direct access to key suppliers as well as business facilities for meetings and networking.

“We want to create a platform for the industry that provides access to a growing Saudi market and reflects the country’s vision now and for the upcoming years. Support for The Big 5 Saudi over the past two years, together with the event being recognised as the Best Trade Event at the Middle East Event Awards in its first year, has given us a very stable and promising foundation from which the event will continue to develop,” White concluded.

Estimated at $1.6 billion, the Saudi Arabian construction market is expected to grow at a rate of 32 to 35 per cent year-on-year until 2015, according to a report by Zawya, commissioned by The Big 5 Saudi. The market is likely to continue to increase in size as the country plans to invest $806 billion in upcoming projects, planned until 2030.