Big 5 Saudi to reshape modern construction industry for 4IR, says minister
DUBAI, February 20, 2023
The Big 5 Saudi, the largest construction event in the kingdom, constitutes an opportunity to reshape the modern construction industry and involve new technology towards implementation of 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), said Engineer Osama bin Abdulaziz Al Zamil, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 11th edition of the Big 5 Saudi, which has drawn more than 820 companies, both locally and internationally, from 40 different countries,.
Over the next three days, these firms will showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the construction sector in front of more than 28,000 construction experts.
This will play a crucial role to keep up with transformation and open new opportunities for investment in the industry and domestic resources, as well as enhancing the position of Saudi Arabia in the industrial sector, stated Al Zamil.
He pointed out that the national strategy for industry aims to increase the use of modern methods of construction such as prefabricated and insulated concrete systems and to add the use of advanced methods of construction such as 3D printing and robotics.
The Saudi construction industry was robust and currently boasts 1,436 factories distributed in 13 administrative regions throughout the Kingdom, where it diversifies between the manufacturing of cement, bricks, ceramics, porcelain, ready-mixed concrete, gypsum boards, flat glass and electrical wires, he noted.
Al Zamil affirmed the ministry's keenness to enhance the competitiveness of the sector by raising the level of operating efficiency and energy consumption of factories and enhancing integration with associated industries such as the iron and steel industry and the chemical manufacturing industries.
As The Big 5 Saudi opened its doors to exhibitors, visitors, and industry leaders, innovative and future-focused technologies took the center stage with local and international companies from more than 40 countries showcasing cutting-edge products and services.
With a phenomenal start, Day 1 of The Big 5 Saudi 2023 recorded an incredible turnout of visitors, leading into several high-profile business opportunities being unlocked in the Kingdom’s evolving construction landscape.
The key highlight of the opening day was a strategic deal inked by Deewan Equipment Trading, representing ALMIX, a leading provider of concrete and asphalt equipment in the Middle East and GCC region, for setting up its 98th asphalt plant in the kingdom.
Located in Riyadh, the facility will be operational in five months and will have a capacity of 160 tonnes per hour.
Deewan sealed the deal with Alomaier Trading and Contracting Company for its 6th plant.
"We are always excited to forge new partnerships with new companies. However, it is always an achievement to sign repeat clients," remarked Ghaith Al Ani, the Managing Partner at Deewan Equipment Trading.
"The Big 5 Saudi has provided a wonderful platform for companies like ours to meet and do business with new and existing clients," he added.
The Big 5 Saudi has been instrumental in facilitating partnerships and collaborations between businesses in the construction sector, resulting in increased growth and profitability for exhibiting companies, said the organisers.
"We are thrilled to see so many organizations signing new partnerships and deals at The Big 5 Saudi. The event provides an exceptional platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate, and we are proud to facilitate these partnerships in the construction sector while also creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration," remarked Muhammed Kazi, the VP for Construction at dmg events.
"Partnerships are the backbone of progress, and with the right combination of technology and collaboration, we can build a brighter future for the construction industry in the kingdom," he added.
Mena3D, a Geospatial & Metrology 3D Solutions provider in the Middle East and North Africa displayed a live demo of their product, Simscan, one of the lightest and most efficient handheld 3D Scanners that can scan up to 2.8 million points per second, supported by a 42-laser system.
Aggreko, a world-leading provider of temporary power, temperature control and energy services, showcased modular solar solution as well as batteries that could support businesses through their ambitious energy transition goals.
Spider Access Cladding Works and Building Cleaning LLC, a Gulf-based organization that offers a broad range of access-related services for use on high-rise structures demonstrated their amazing rope access products at the event.
Roshn, the National Real Estate developer of Saudi Arabia, presents its state-of-the-art VR Technology that allows users to witness the construction future of Saudi Arabia, as envisioned by the company to develop humanized communities across the Kingdom.
Kazi pointed out that the exhibition serves as a platform for productive networking opportunities, allowing attendees to meet industry professionals, experts, and potential business partners.
"The diverse range of companies showcasing at The Big 5 Saudi have turned it into a hub for live demos of latest technology-enabled displays, representing the trailblazing features and capabilities that could revolutionize and innovate design, building, and delivery processes throughout the industry," he added.-TradeArabia News Service