Saudi Arabia's infrastructure projects worth in excess of SR375 billion in the pipeline will continue to sustain the country's construction boom, according to a high-ranking Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC) official. Mohammed Al-Hussaini, REC Deputy General Manager, said Saudi Arabia's infrastructure development program remained the biggest in the Gulf area as several construction projects valued at over SR375 billion are in the pipeline. “Saudi Arabia takes keen interest in infrastructure development that transforms the country into a regional economic powerhouse. We can thus expect more infrastructure projects to be announced in the future and an accompanying increase in demand for technologies, services and expertise required by these projects,” said Al-Hussaini. He said the infrastructure works are expected to post a four percent growth in 2011 and continue to increase at an average rate of 3.97 percent annually through 2015. He said the key driver that offers impetus to the Kingdom's construction sector is the country's growing population which includes 70 percent youths under 25 years of age. The strong demand for infrastructure development will continue to sustain the Kingdom's leading economic position in the region, he added. The Saudi 9th Development Plan that was announced last year has allocated $385 billion for infrastructure development between 2010 and 2014. Al-Hussaini said REC will organize Saudi Build 2011 – the 23rd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition from Oct.16 to 19 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. A large number of national, regional and international companies from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia will participate to showcase the latest and the best construction products and services. “The participants will also learn about key trends affecting the Saudi market,” he said. He said the event will provide a business-to-business networking venue for exhibitors, buyers and investors to capitalize on lucrative opportunities related to Saudi Arabia's aggressive investments in infrastructure development. Aside from industry players and business leaders, Saudi Build 2011 will also welcome high-ranking government officials from the Kingdom and other parts of the Middle East. The event will showcase building materials and equipment; architectural finishing; construction tools and technology; engineering services; infrastructure materials; and security and safety systems among other things. Saudi Stone-Tech 2011, the 14th International Stone and Stone Technology Show will also run concurrently on the sidelines of Saudi Build 2011. It will feature cutting-edge stone products, including marble, granite, travertine and stone derivatives, as well as cutting, polishing and manufacturing machinery. __
