MORE than 23,200 trade visitors attended Saudi Build 2014, which concluded its four-day run (November 10 to 13) last month at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 26th international construction technology and building materials trade exhibition hosted more than 850 exhibitors from 36 countries and played a major role in providing an ideal networking platform for industry professionals from the related fields to share and overview latest products, services and trends, said Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), the organiser.

The leading construction show was held concurrently with Saudi Stone-Tech 2014 – the 17th international stone and stone technology exhibition, and Saudi Build PMV Series – the 15th international exhibition for construction equipment, plant, machinery and vehicles, in addition to the first edition of Saudi Build Seminars held in collaboration with Advanced Conferences and Meetings.

The seminars provided a key opportunity for visitors to overview recent updates and experts’ view on three main topics including interior design and architecture, landscaping and exterior design and sustainable design and construction.

The event, which was held under the patronage of Dr Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, was inaugurated by Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al Mogbil, mayor of Riyadh.

Commenting on the show, Edgar Zedler, a spokesperson for the German Pavilion at event, said: “Germany has been maintaining a high level of participation in terms of number and quality of companies at Saudi Build trade show, which reflects our ongoing interest in initiating and developing business relations with the kingdom, especially in the machinery and tools fields.

“The 45 participating German companies at the show successfully showcased a wide group of industry-leading products and solutions in the fields of building engineering, equipment and materials, in addition to business information, construction tools and technology, heavy construction equipment, maintenance services and equipment, repair, interior construction and stone treatment and handling.”

“Building on the strong economic bonds between both countries, which is indicated by the €9.2 billion ($11.5 billion) German exports to Saudi Arabia and €1.7 billion ($2.1 billion) imports from Saudi Arabia during 2013, we are looking forward to further the business cooperation success through key gateways like Saudi Build that allow meeting quality industry personnel and leveraging major business opportunities,” he added.

Among the other key exhibitors were Saudi American Glass, part of Glass, a subsidiary of Dubai Investments and a leading processor of architectural flat glass in the Middle East, which unveiled its revolutionary Smartglass and FireLite technology at the event.

The Smartglass concept and technology involves an innovative flat glass product that can turn from translucent to opaque and allow instant privacy at the flick of a switch.

Meanwhile, Tekla showcased its advanced BIM software solutions, and its prominent projects in the kingdom including the Capital Market Authority headquarters at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, and the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture in Dhahran.

Approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Saudi Build 2014 highlighted a wide range of leading products and cutting-edge technologies, including aluminium frames and structures, architectural finishing products, building materials, ceramic tiles, concrete products and precast structures, engineering and design services, security and safety tools, among others.