JEDDAH: The unprecedented growth of the Saudi construction market has been attracting a lot of international interest, underpinned by the Saudi government's plan to investing $400 billion on infrastructure over the next 5 years. As a result, the value of building and construction contracts in the Kingdom is forecast to exceed $138 billion by 2012. Against this backdrop, the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events will host "Big 5 Saudi Arabia", the industry's leading building and construction show, from Feb. 27 to March 2, 2011. Some 165 exhibitors from outside the GCC will exhibit in the "The Big 5", which represent 70 percent of the attending exhibitors. Targeting the Kingdom's architects, engineers, contractors, project managers and construction professionals, the event will provide a platform from where buyers and sellers of construction products can meet and do business in a country that ranks first in the Middle East when it comes to investor confidence. Saleh Kamel, the Chairman of The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), and the official patron of the event, said holding the Big 5 show in Jeddah after its great success in Dubai was a testament to ongoing efforts to rise up to the exciting opportunities provided by planned growth to strengthen further the national economy. He emphasized that the international interest in the Saudi construction and building projects will greatly benefit the regional business community and solidifies its global bonds, which in turn would allow a more sustainable development process and an efficient level of progress. In the competitive Saudi market, the show assumes a unique level of importance due to its location. Jeddah is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and is the gateway city to the world's leading destinations in religious tourism. Furthermore, the proximity to the newly created economic cities gives Jeddah an unparalleled advantage in serving as a great hub for the construction and building industries. Projects in Jeddah include a seaport, industrial zone, waterfront resort, and an education zone. In July 2010, there were 710 active projects in the Western Province alone, where Jeddah is the central business hub. Andy White, the event director of "The Big 5 Saudi Arabia" said that there will be a global offering of products and services reflective of the diverse group of participants coming from different parts of the world. He noted that the scale and volume of projects in Saudi Arabia, and in its Western province in particular, makes the location of the exhibition a natural choice. An extensive line of products will be available from construction materials and plant equipment to tools and green building products. A wide range of high quality and prestigious brands will be represented in the event offered by well-known firms such as Al Jawdah Ceramic, Alwasail Industrial Company, Betec CAD Industries FZC, Conmix LTD, Eurostone, Hess Group, Kersten Europe Middle East, Zamil Steel Industries, Sikka Saudi Arabia, Rootika Paints, and Manchamar S.L. Noting the increasing global dynamism in the Saudi market, White further said "our research has shown that exhibitors who exhibit at the Big 5 Dubai are looking to develop their business in Saudi Arabia as they can clearly see the huge opportunities that exist." He added the interest has been far greater than expected and the stand space was sold out within 2 months of launching the event. "This demonstrates the huge appetite from international manufacturers looking to move into what they perceive to be a lucrative market," he said. "The Big 5 Saudi Arabia" show will also feature a series of US Green Building Council LEED workshops. The need for awareness of sustainability and green building methods, means that knowledge of LEED standards and systems is essential for all construction professionals with a stake in their company's building practices. The event also offers a "Leadership Strategy Day" specifically aimed at policy and decision makers in both the private and public sectors. The roundtable discussions will revolve in key areas like sustainable building, market outlook and green building.
