Saudi Build Expo 2017 ends on a high note

The 29th edition of the Saudi Build Expo, the largest construction show in the Kingdom, was inaugurated by Riyadh Mayor Ibrahim Al-Sultan, on Oct. 23 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.
The event was held on the sidelines of the Saudi Stone-Tech 2017 and the International Exhibition for Construction Equipment, Plant, Machinery and Vehicles, from Oct. 23-26.
Mohammed H. Al-Hussaini, executive consultant, Riyadh Exhibition Company, said the support of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has helped in “maintaining the growth and development of these specialized trade shows and attracting local, regional and international exhibitors to showcase the latest trends and technologies.”
The show gathered an audience of contractors, real estate developers and business owners and focused on latest innovations in building materials, techniques and equipment used. It also showcased other construction solutions including interior finishing, civil engineering techniques, concrete and steel, stone, marble and ceramics, bathrooms, porcelain and tiles, security systems and eco-friendly construction solutions and others.
Al-Hussaini added that the huge participation of exhibitors reflects a positive image on the construction sector in Saudi Arabia, its size and the opportunities available.
A recent study revealed that the Saudi construction sector accounts for 39 percent of the GCC construction sectors combined, contributes 6-7 percent to the GDP, and is valued at around SR350 billion ($93 billion), with assets worth SR53.3 billion. This sector employs 300,000 Saudis, including 35,000 Saudi engineers.
The study also revealed that the sector includes 243,000 contracting companies, representing 27 percent of all registered companies in the Kingdom, including 173,000 small companies and enterprises, 54,000 small companies, 14,000 medium companies and 242 major companies.
According to this study, the Kingdom has spent over SR4 trillion on construction projects in the past 10 years, confirming the importance of Saudi Build Expo, the only UFI accredited construction exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
The event is organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Co. Ltd. (REC), a Saudi company specialized in organizing exhibitions, conferences and other trade events in various economic sectors.