With more than 4,700 active construction projects currently underway in Saudi Arabia, representing a combined estimated value of $852.3 billion, there is strong demand for the building materials and solutions currently on display at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events.

According to a report prepared by The BNC Network for The Big 5 Saudi, there are reported to be over 3,300 projects in Saudi Arabia’s urban construction sector specifically, representing 70 per cent of all construction activities in the country.

“Housing is the most significant area of expenditure under Saudi Vision 2030, with the aim to grow the real estate sector contribution to GDP from 5 per cent to 10 per cent by the deadline,” said event director Roni El Haddad.

“The Ministry of Housing has been developing large projects in different Saudi cities, particularly over the past four years. For this reason, the Building Technology Stimulus Fund (BTSF) will participate at The Big 5 Saudi, with their experts on hand to shed light on the Ministry’s future urban development plans,” he added.

The premier trade event for construction professionals to network, secure qualified leads and close business deals runs from March 5 to 8 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events. The Big 5 Saudi 2018 is packed with both local and international exhibitors and free-to-attend CPD-certified workshops.

Wide range of products

The Big 5 Saudi is hosting a varied range of building materials and construction solutions from 400 exhibitors, including bathroom and kitchen fittings, smart city resources, steel and solar technology. In addition, concrete and PMV equipment and material handling fills the outdoor zone dedicated to heavy machinery and warehousing products.

“The Big 5 Saudi is showcasing many international and regional brands presenting innovations in construction, advanced technology and smart technology products. All of this is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan; the focus is now on fast execution, development, and productivity in an encouraging market,” said Roni El Haddad.

Booming construction activity in Saudi Arabia has triggered a dramatic spike in international exhibitors coming from 18 countries at this year’s edition of The Big 5 Saudi. Additionally, the event hosts dedicated country pavilions from Belgium, China, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, and the US.

“The upcoming years show great prospective and the Saudi Vision 2030 supports and drives the market towards new development and infrastructural expansions. The Big 5 in Saudi is a great possibility to present our company and products to the local Architects, Investors and Market representatives,” said Omar Khayal, business development manager at special solutions exhibitor – Riva GmbH Engineering.

“The Big 5 Saudi has become one of the most important construction events for the region and the industry as a whole; A crossroads for construction professionals from across the GCC, as visitors will come to see innovative construction products which they have never seen before,” concluded Antoine Khalife, vice president at exhibitor of sanitary fittings – Grohe Levant and Saudi Arabia.

Education Agenda

Featuring 54 free-to-attend CPD (continued professional development) certified workshops, the education agenda at this year’s edition is filled with insight into some of the industry’s most pressing issues. Curated by trusted regional experts, the sessions are divided into themes across three theatres: general construction, project management, and sustainability, architecture and design.

In its seventh edition, The Big 5 Saudi event held 48 CPD-certified workshop sessions hosting over 600 attendees – the broader offering comes on the back of the anticipated 15,000 visitors in 2018.

Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa and Mice Arabia, the event is co-located with Wood Tech & Design Expo Saudi 2018.