Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks

Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks
Returning for its 13th edition, Big 5 Saudi 2025 gathers the construction sector for two impactful weeks (Supplied)
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Updated 20 January 2025
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Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks

Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks
  • 1st week to showcase foundational aspects of construction, while 2nd presents finishing phases

RIYADH: The Big 5 Construct Saudi, organized by dmg events, returns as the largest construction event in the Kingdom, taking place across two weeks, from Feb. 15-18 and Feb. 24-27, 2025, at the ROSHN Front Exhibition and Conference Center in Riyadh.

A gateway to Saudi Arabia’s $1.7 trillion construction industry, supporting the ambitious Vision 2030 goals, Big 5 Construct Saudi has attracted in past editions over 75,000 visitors and featured over 2,000 local and international exhibitors from more than 60 countries showcasing over 20,000 products across eight specialized events.

This year, the exhibition spans an impressive area of 140,000 square meters, doubling from 2024.

“The 13th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi marks a monumental step forward in supporting the Kingdom’s dynamic construction sector. This two-week format provides an unparalleled platform for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge innovations, sustainable solutions and transformative technologies,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction, dmg events.

“By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the event enables local and international industry leaders to connect, collaborate and contribute to the Kingdom’s giga projects and economic diversification goals.”

Expanding its footprint, Big 5 Saudi will spotlight the Kingdom’s vibrant construction landscape and build on its legacy as a platform for significant business engagements and partnerships.

The event’s two-week format is tailored to meet the specific needs of the construction industry’s various phases.

In the first week (Feb. 15-18), the event will focus on heavy construction, concrete, HVAC (heat, ventilation and air conditioning) and related sectors, under the theme “Strong foundations from design to build.” This week will feature the launch of specialized shows such as “Heavy Saudi Arabia” and “Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia,” addressing the foundational aspects of construction.

In the second week (Feb. 24-27), the event will shift focus to the finishing phases of construction, including windows, doors, facades, urban planning, hospital construction and facilities management, under the theme of “Transforming projects from fit-out to services.” 


Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event

Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event

Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event
  • The organization aims to unite Saudi entrepreneurs and professionals with the Pakistani diaspora, fostering entrepreneurship, networking, and mentorship for youth while supporting Vision 2030

RIYADH: The Pakistani Executive Organization for Promotion of Leadership and Entrepreneurship, or PEOPLE, hosted a sahoor and award ceremony in Riyadh to honor outstanding Saudi and Pakistani entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders for their contributions to Saudi Vision 2030 through their respective professions.

The event highlighted the growing collaboration between Saudis and the Pakistani diaspora in trade, investment, and other sectors, with participants expressing optimism for further strengthening of these ties.

Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas recognized the value of PEOPLE as an entrepreneurial platform. (Supplied)

The ceremony was attended by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal Al-Saud and other Saudi dignitaries, including Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, and Esra Assery of the Ministry of Media, alongside prominent Pakistani professionals and executives.

Awards were presented to individuals who significantly contributed to Saudi Arabia’s economic progress through their professional achievements.

HIGHLIGHT

The event was attended by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal Al-Saud and other Saudi dignitaries, including Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, Esra Assery of the Ministry of Media, and Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, alongside prominent Pakistani professionals and executives.

Mehmood Khan, chairman of PEOPLE, and Kashif Khan, president of PEOPLE, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth and the vast opportunities available for Pakistani professionals in the Kingdom.

The organization aims to unite Saudi entrepreneurs and professionals with the Pakistani diaspora, fostering entrepreneurship, networking, and mentorship for youth while supporting Vision 2030.

Princess Nourah praised the strong ties between the two countries. She emphasized their expanding trade and investment links and highlighted the benefits of shared experiences between individuals from both nations.

Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, underscored the significance of this partnership between the two communities.

Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas recognized the value of PEOPLE as an entrepreneurial platform.

The event was jointly hosted by PEOPLE and Key Facilities Management Saudia.

Junaid Khan, CEO of Key Facilities Management Saudia, stressed the importance for him of giving back to Saudi Arabia in return for its support of his rapid professional growth.

He also highlighted the vast opportunities in facilities management and the increasing demand expected in the coming years.

Atif Khurshid Khan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, spoke about the transformative changes in Saudi Arabia and the unparalleled opportunities available for Pakistanis and international entrepreneurs to contribute to Vision 2030.

The event concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to exploring new partnerships and strengthening the foundations of mutual respect and cooperation.

The recognition of professionals from both countries served as a testament to the enduring bond between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, united by a shared vision for progress and prosperity.

 


Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
Updated 23 March 2025
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Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
  • Prince Salman commended the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for its efforts in highlighting the richness of Islamic civilization

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz recently visited the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

During his tour, the governor was briefed on the exhibition, which showcases over 500 historical and contemporary artworks displayed across more than 100,000 square meters, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman commended the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for its efforts in highlighting the richness of Islamic civilization and its artistic and cultural contributions throughout history.

 


Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation
  • Minister outlines Kingdom’s strategies to combat water scarcity; KSrelief’s global efforts reach millions with clean water projects

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the water sector to address global challenges, emphasizing the need for integrated water resources management to ensure sustainability, overcome water scarcity, and develop resources.

Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, deputy minister for water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said that Vision 2030 prioritizes water sustainability as a key pillar of national development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

At the “Value of Water Community” forum in Rome, Al-Shaibani noted that, due to the Kingdom’s natural water scarcity, strategies have been implemented to improve efficiency, balance supply and demand, and ensure long-term sustainability.

The forum addressed Italy’s water challenges, including climate change, declining groundwater levels, and the need for advanced technologies to sustain water resources.

Al-Shaibani outlined the National Water Strategy 2030, focusing on developing alternative water sources, reducing dependence on non-renewable groundwater, enhancing desalination, improving distribution networks, and minimizing water loss.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s global efforts in water, including participation in initiatives like the G20 and collaboration with UN organizations.

Al-Shaibani emphasized investment opportunities in the Saudi water sector, especially in private sector partnerships, advanced technologies, and contributions to research and infrastructure development.

On World Water Day, observed on March 22, Saudi Arabia is recognized as the world’s largest water producer and a leader in water innovation, using artificial intelligence in desalination to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, according to SPA.

Technologies based on palm trees are also being developed to fight erosion and extend water infrastructure. These innovations strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global water technology hub, showcasing its commitment to sustainability, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection.

The Saudi Water Authority, in collaboration with all water sector stakeholders, is redefining sustainable water management to maintain the Kingdom’s leadership in efficient water resource management despite scarcity.

The authority oversees the daily production of approximately 15 million cubic meters of water, which is distributed across 14,000 km of pipelines to 135,000 km of networks throughout the Kingdom.

KSrelief has supported water and sanitation sectors in affected countries, implementing 105 water-related projects worth over $301 million across 16 nations to create safe environments and enhance water security.

Yemen is the largest beneficiary, with 46 projects totaling more than $238 million, including drinking water distribution, well drilling, and improving access to water and sanitation in healthcare centers.

In Syria, KSrelief has completed four projects to improve water security, including emergency services for earthquake victims, establishing water purification stations, and rehabilitating water stations and waste management systems in Idlib.

KSrelief has also implemented five major projects in Sudan, benefiting nearly six million people, including the drilling of 33 medium-depth wells.

In Mali, KSrelief has drilled 250 shallow and 15 medium-depth wells, and 52 wells in Ghana, providing clean water, reducing waterborne diseases, and supporting agriculture and livestock.

KSrelief recently signed a joint agreement with the UN Development Programme to assist Gaza’s water and sanitation sector, benefiting one million people.

The agency’s projects extend to Iraq, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Niger, aiming to improve water security and sustainability, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing global water challenges for future generations.


Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
  • Meeting will also be attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Sunday to chair a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Gaza.

The meeting has been assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

It will also be attended by Kaya Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, to discuss the latest developments in the enclave amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon
Updated 23 March 2025
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KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.