The Big 5 Saudi is returning to Jeddah next month with a record number of free workshops, product sectors and official country pavilions, according dmg events Middle East, Asia and Africa, the event organiser.

To be held at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events from March 10 to 13, the premier annual construction showcase is expected to attract 15,000 visitors, hosting more than 300 manufacturers of construction products from around the world.

Marking a growing international participation, the event will feature for the first time official country pavilions from Egypt and Pakistan, alongside Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, India, Turkey and China, among others. More than 100 top Saudi construction players will also exhibit at The Big 5 Saudi 2019, displaying the latest technologies and building solutions across eight dedicated product sectors.

Solar Equipment is a new segment at The Big 5 Saudi 2019.

The Saudi event of the renowned construction expo brand – now in its ninth edition – is an ideal platform for construction industry professionals to network, secure qualified leads and close business deals in the largest and most populous GCC country, says the organiser.

Roni El Haddad, event director for The Big 5 Saudi, says: “This year, the event will bring decision-makers even closer to relevant suppliers by offering new dedicated product zones across the floorplan.”

Beyond the traditional MEP Services, Building Interiors and Finishes, Construction Tools and Building Services, Building Envelope and Special Construction, The Big 5 Saudi 2019 will introduce the all-new Heavy Equipment, HVACR Equipment, Smart City Technology, Solar Equipment, and Urban Design and Landscaping Equipment zones.

El Haddad comments: “The diversification of Saudi Arabia’s construction portfolio – which now spans from smart cities to hospitality infrastructure, from housing to entertainment facilities and parks – calls for a wide range of new building solutions and equipment. The Big 5 Saudi’s expanded product sectors reflect this growing need and offer an ideal platform for buyers and sellers to network and find new products and solutions in a highly professional environment.”

At the event, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (Saso), the Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBCNC), and the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) will provide crucial intelligence to local and international participants, paving the way for the future development of the Saudi construction industry.

The Big 5 Saudi 2019 will host more than 300 manufacturers from around the world.

Announcing GSO’s participation at The Big 5 Saudi 2019, Saud Al Khusaibi, GSO secretary general, says: “The GSO is working to disseminate and promote knowledge of standardisation and related activities and quality for industrial, commercial and public consumers. It is also committed to improving the quality of products, goods and materials locally manufactured or imported to the GCC Common Market.”

“In this context, GSO is participating in The Big 5 Saudi to raise awareness about sustainable and green buildings and construction by presenting Gulf standards and technical regulations related to this sector. We will also present our efforts in developing the GCC Building Code for a healthy environment, as well as for the stability and solidity of buildings,” he adds.

Alongside the exhibition, The Big 5 Saudi 2019 will also offer 80-plus CPD (Continuing Professional Development)-certified and free-to-attend workshops, a 48 per cent increase year-on-year. Delivered by renowned industry experts, the educational sessions will focus on four major themes: General Construction, Project Management, Sustainability, and Architecture and Design.

Record number ... over 80 workshops will be offered at the event.

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector has been in the spotlight following news of mega-urban developments such as Neom and the Red Sea tourism project, as well as social reforms that welcome a fresh commercial entertainment industry.

More than 5,200 construction projects are currently rolling out in the kingdom. Valued at $819 billion, these account for 35 per cent of the total value of active projects across the GCC, says the organiser.

“The construction sector’s immediate outlook is extremely promising,” El Haddad states. “The launch of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed multi-billion-dollar Amaala resort in 2018, as well as the already announced Neom and Red Sea Project, is a proof of that.

“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, along with significant investment in housing and infrastructure development promoted across the country by local authorities, are revitalising the construction industry and generating interest in a growing number of international players.”

The Big 5 Saudi 2019 is supported by Al Fouzan Trading & General Construction Company (Gold Sponsor), Astrolabs (Entrepreneurship Partner), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (Saso), the Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBCNC), the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce.