Jeddah's annual international trade show, Saudi Building and Interiors Exhibition (SBIE '08), opened Sunday under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and with the support of the Jeddah Mayoralty. It will run until April 17. SBIE, which is organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), is open to trade visitors and professionals daily from 5-10 P.M. Set at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center, Saudi Arabia's 17th comprehensive showcase for the industry has attracted a wide and varied range of exhibitors from both overseas and within the Kingdom. Bahrain, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and USA are participating alongside a large number of major Saudi companies like Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Rajhi Steel, Zamil, Le Grand, Bin Tami, Abdullah Bin Ibrahim, Alf for Electricity, Gehan, Jazira Group Paints, Dar Ceramic and Raha. The Turkish Pavilion, who had a successful participation with many signing agreements with their Saudi business counterparts in sbie'07, is the largest overseas participant this time as well, with more than 30 companies. Running parallel to the exhibition will be a high profile symposium featuring expert speakers from the industry conducted by the Saudi Quality Council-Western Region. A host of advisers and specialists will conduct technical demonstrations and provide free consultancy to prospective builders or property owners. __
