Saudi Build 2016 will bear testimony to the diversification drive in Saudi Arabia, where the construction sector is growing  strong and accounts for over half of the $500-billion projects in the pre-execution phase.

Saudi Build 2016 exhibition is looking to break its attendance record – estimated to exceed 16,000 visitors from a wide array of sectors – at this year’s event which opens in the Saudi capital this month (October 17 to 20).

Saudi Arabia’s longest running construction event will showcase the innovative products and services of more than 530 local, regional and international exhibitors when it is staged at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Dubbed the kingdom’s largest construction show, the four-day exhibition jointly covers all aspects of the Saudi construction sector with concurrent shows, namely Saudi Stone-Tech 2016, the 19th international stone and stone technology exhibition; and Saudi build PMV series, the seventh international exhibition for construction equipment, plant, machinery and vehicles.

“Saudi Build brings together local, regional, and global industry key players, specialists and suppliers to showcase the latest technologies and innovations shaping the construction industry, one of the largest non-oil sectors of the kingdom,” says a spokesman for Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), the event organiser.

It will be attended by investors, businessmen, VIPs, real estate developers, diplomats, professionals and engineers, contractors, services companies, construction equipment suppliers, purchase managers, consultants, technical specialists, project managers, merchants and distributors.

Visitors will have a chance to see first-hand the latest products and cost-cutting ideas from companies coming from more than 30 countries, according to the spokesman.

There will be more than 13 national pavilions including those from Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, Turkey, and the UAE, he adds.

Saudi Build to highlight key projects.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Saudi Build exhibition this year will be launched under the slogan of “Challenges and opportunities for huge construction projects in Saudi Arabia”. 

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is expected to remain relatively strong over the coming period as a result of positive economic developments, increased investments in various sectors, government participation, rapid urbanisation and population growth, and high demand for residential and commercial projects. 

“In line with its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to achieve economic diversification and reduce its reliance on oil. The country is already witnessing increased support and investment in various sectors, such as healthcare, industry, transport, energy, education and real estate sector, to support sustainable growth,” says the spokesman.

He says with the growth of these sectors will come huge infrastructure development projects necessary for the establishment of educational and healthcare centres, industrial cities, housing projects, roads and transport network facilities. This will boost the construction sector, which will help offset the negative impact created by the decline in oil prices.

Based on statistics provided by Meed, construction is the largest non-oil GDP (gross domestic product) sector in Saudi Arabia, accounting for over half of the $500-billion projects in the pre-execution phase that the kingdom plans to deliver. These include key developments such as the various rail and metro projects and the massive housing programme. Companies from around the world are competing to take part in these major ongoing projects, he adds. 

Against this backdrop, Saudi Build offers an ideal platform to address the needs of the local construction market while providing it with international exposure, says the spokesman.

“For more than 35 years, and throughout the different phases of the Saudi economy, Saudi Build has successful attracted thousands of international manufacturers, exporters and businessmen, as well as tens of thousands of regional engineers, importers and industry professionals to connect and engage with the latest technology that the kingdom’s largest sector has to offer,” the spokesman points out.

Saudi Build will address queries and concerns of visitors related to the construction sector. It will feature a wide range of products, services and technologies, from finishing products, construction techniques, construction material, external solutions, equipment, and construction vehicles to consultancy services.

The exhibition will remain open all four days from 4 pm to 9.30 pm. Entrance is free of charge for all visitors, who can also register online at www.saudibuild-expo.com.

REC is a Saudi company specialised in organising exhibitions, conferences and other trade events. Throughout its 35 years, it has organised more than 440 successful shows and conferences. The company boasts an international presence, supported by over 120 commercial and industrial bodies from more than 50 countries. Regionally, it dominates with its wide range of events programmes, serving 20 economic and financial sectors in the Middle East. REC’s leading events including Saudi Build are certified by global association of the exhibition industry (UFI).