The four-day Saudi Building and Interiors Exhibition 2014 (SBIE) exhibition held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, concluded on a successful note with deals and agreements worth SR50 million ($13.3 million) signed.

Dr Hani Abu Ras, mayor of Jeddah, opened the event held last month (May 11 to 14) at Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, and attended by more than 15,000 visitors. The 23rd edition attracted nearly 200 leading manufacturers, agents and distributors from China, Egypt, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Taiwan, Turkey and the UAE.

The exhibition displayed latest technologies related to building materials, construction equipment, wood machinery, interior furnishings, tools, electricity and lighting, environmental conservation, marble, granite and stones, technology safety, security and fire prevention, water technology and waste management and other products.

Zahoor Siddique, vice president-exhibitions of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions, the organiser, said: “As one of the largest premium comprehensive building and interior trade shows in Saudi Arabia, SBIE has built up its reputation through 22 years of experience in the building industry, as well as serving as the gateway for investors and traders who want to approach the rapidly growing Saudi construction market.”

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (Matrade) Jeddah Trade Commissioner Khairul Annuar bin Abdul Halim said that the participation of 32 Malaysian companies was a success and “we look forward to increasing our bilateral trade relationship with Saudi Arabia”.

Varun Goil, a marketing specialist at JK Cement Works based in the UAE, said the number of professional visitors has been very impressive. “We met many buyers from Saudi Arabia.”

Allen Huang, manager of PTTA from Taiwan said: “As a first-time participant, the fair provided a very good networking platform to meet with big customers.”