Saudi Arabia's planned housing projects that are worth over SR300 billion have increasingly been the center of attraction for global suppliers and technology vendors. This is because of the sheer size of the construction market in the Kingdom, said a high-ranking official of Riyadh Exhibition Center (REC). Shahid Bhatti, Project Manager of Saudi Build 2011, quoting studies said the housing sector has remained the major long-term growth catalyst for the Kingdom's construction industry as SR300 billion worth of projects are now in the pipeline. Aggressive residential development projects are being initiated all over the country to address the growing housing requirements that subsequently create opportunities for key players in the construction industry. “Saudi Arabia is increasingly grabbing the attention of global suppliers and technology vendors because of the sheer size of the Kingdom's construction market,” said Bhatti. A large number of international companies are now exploring expansion opportunities in the Kingdom, especially at a time when other markets are not doing as expected, he said. The planned housing projects will open new prospects for construction products and services, he said. He said REC's forthcoming Saudi Build 2011 and concurrently running Saudi Stone-Tech will serve as an ideal platform for international suppliers to network with trade buyers and decision-makers from the Saudi government. “Saudi Build 2011, the 23rd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, will be held from Oct. 16 to 19 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center and will be held concurrently with Saudi Stone-Tech, the 14th International Stone and Stone Technology Show,” he said. During the past several years Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech have gathered the largest collection of property developers, local and international builders, building merchants and high-profile investors, making it the definitive marketing venue for all stakeholders in the Saudi construction sector, he said. Saudi Build 2011 expects thousands of industry-related visitors, including high-profile business leaders from the Kingdom and around the world, diplomats and high-ranking Saudi government officials to participate in the show. The event will also gather hundreds of companies from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, offering a comprehensive collection of the latest construction products and services in the exhibition. __
