RIYADH – Owing to the planned construction of approximately 500,000 housing units across the country, Saudi Arabia has allocated up to SR250 billion for social housing projects alone. The Saudi government has geared its attention towards the social infrastructure and consequently announced the Ninth Development Plan (2010-2014) worth SR1443 billion, in addition to social benefit packages totaling SR487.5 billion. The government's incessant funding of social infrastructure projects has been a key factor in sustaining the growth of the construction industry, by acquiring the latest trends, adopting best practices and recruiting top notch experts in the field of construction technology. In this context, Saudi Stone-Tech 2012, the 15th International Stone and Stone Technology Show - organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) - will showcase a wide range of new stone products and technologies, catering to the growing needs of a key market and supporting the sustained growth of the Kingdom's construction industry. The event will gather a prominent mix of top distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, agents and engineers from across Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the world. The exhibition will feature products ranging from marble slabs, granite, natural stone and mosaics, to computerized stone-cutting machinery, polishing equipment, discs, blades and slates. Saudi Stone-Tech 2012 will be held concurrently with two other construction-based events, namely Saudi Build 2012, the 24th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, and Saudi Build - The PMV Series 2012, the 3rd International Exhibition for Construction Equipment, Plant, Machinery and Vehicles. All three exhibitions will be held Nov. 11-14 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. Ziyad Al-Rukban, Assistant General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), said: "The Saudi construction market continues to open exciting opportunities for growth, driven by sustained governmental investments to address the country's rapidly expanding social infrastructure needs. We are therefore confident that this year's edition of Saudi Stone-Tech will be one of the largest and most successful to date as we have already generated strong feedback from exhibitors and trade visitors." Al-Rukban added: "Both, the VeronaFiere and the Italian Marmomacchine Association continue to support the show, seen as the most comprehensive showcase of stone products and technologies that cater to all the specific requirements of construction projects in Saudi Arabia. The continued success of Saudi Stone-Tech and Saudi Build certainly highlights the reputation of Saudi Arabia as a key destination for suppliers, manufacturers and other leading stakeholders in the global construction industry." Saudi Stone-Tech serves as a gateway for local, regional and international companies to explore the lucrative Saudi market and engage in new business opportunities. The event will feature designers and landscapers keen to exhibit their cutting-edge stone products and machinery. – SG
