The Big 5 Saudi, a leading building and construction show in the kingdom, kicked off in Jeddah today attracting  more than 500 exhibitors from over 20 countries besides thousands of professionals.

The four-day event was inaugurated by Zeyad Bin Bassam Mohammed Al Bassam, the vice chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce. The seventh edition of The Big 5 Saudi will run until March 30.

Attracting thousands of visitors at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, the show is also hosting country pavilions from Italy, Turkey, Germany, Greece, China, Qatar, Kuwait, Spain, Hungary, and India.

Beyond boosting business and networking opportunities, The Big 5 Saudi is showcasing over 600 brands this year, providing access to the latest and most innovative solutions for the built environment, said the organisers.

Some of the region’s most prominent industry experts will deliver 48 CPD (Continuous Professional Development) certified workshops across the four days of the event, they stated.

Visitors attending The Big 5 Saudi have the opportunity to attend for free this year’s broad educational offer, focusing on some of the industry’s most compelling topics: Project Management, Innovation & Technology, and Sustainability.“Overcoming the project management challenges in the Middle East”, and “Construction Essentials: Maintain a Positive Cash Flow and Prepare for Disputes” are just some of the compelling workshops taking place on the second day tomorrow (March 28).

Advancing knowledge for an ever-growing sector, The Big 5 Saudi 2017 is an unmissable platform for regional and international industry and decision-makers to source new products, learn, do business and connect.

“It’s exciting to be back in Saudi again. Having this great turnout today is a testament to our work and continued efforts to not only provide a top tier business opportunity but also offer the latest in industry best practice educational trends,” said Nathan Waugh, dmg events’ portfolio event director.

Drawing in more than just construction buyers and suppliers to the event, The Big 5 Saudi attracted many top exhibitors, including the Qatar Development Bank and the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, located in Sharjah, UAE.

Supporting local industry professionals and cross-border investment opportunities for visitors, Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, the director of Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) said: "Saudi Arabia is a huge market in the region and there is very good potential to invite Saudi-based business community to UAE to expand their business by utilising our world class facilities."

"Hamriyah Free Zone is the ideal location to those who are looking for new a location for their business expansion, as foreigners or GCC nationals can set up their 100 per cent fully owned business within one hour, he added.

Organised by MICE Arabia and dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, The Big 5 Saudi 2017 have established a longstanding tradition within the Kingdom that truly sets itself apart from the rest.-TradeArabia News Service