RIYADH — With a rapidly expanding construction sector driven by aggressive government expenditure, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a huge potential to be a catalyst for growth in the global market for green building materials. Recent studies have shown that the global green building market has enjoyed a positive growth trajectory over the years and is expected to reach a value of $406 billion by 2015. Industry analysts believe that the Saudi construction boom, combined with the growing environmental consciousness and understanding of the long-term benefits of green building technologies, will propel the country toward becoming a regional leader in the sustainable development of new infrastructure and construction of new buildings. Against this backdrop, Saudi Build 2012, the 24th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, will be showcasing newly developed green building strategies and technologies as part of efforts to enhance the Kingdom's reputation as a leading advocate of sustainable development. Recognized as the largest business-to-business construction fair in KSA, the event will also present practical examples of the impact of green building technology, particularly through high-profile projects such as the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE) program. Saudi Build 2012 will be held concurrently with Saudi Stone-Tech 2012, the 14th International Stone and Stone Technology Show, and Saudi Build – The PMV Series 2012, the 3rd International Exhibition for Construction Equipment, Plant, Machinery and Vehicles, at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre on Nov.11-14, 2012. It will showcase the latest offerings in building materials & equipment, architectural finishing products, stone, marble and granite products, construction tools and technology, engineering services, infrastructure materials, security & safety systems, among others. Ziyad Al-Rukban, Assistant General Manager at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: “The sheer size of Saudi Arabia's construction sector makes it a very influential market in promoting green building technologies and sustainable development in the region. The government's proactive efforts to encourage and provide incentives to developers and contractors that adopt green building practices have already generated strong interest worldwide. The upcoming Saudi Build 2012 actually validates this emerging trend as more and more exhibitors have confirmed to showcase a wide range of eco-friendly building solutions and value-added services. By providing direct access to leading suppliers of green building materials, and creating a dedicated avenue to discuss the latest industry trends, opportunities and challenges, the Saudi Build exhibition will surely play a crucial role in promoting green building practices and sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Saudi Build 2012 expects to gather thousands of exhibitors and trade visitors from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It is the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Saudi Stone-Tech is organized by Riyadh Exhibition Company in collaboration with Verona Fiere and Confindustria Marmomacchine (Assomarmomacchine). The event caters to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products and services. — SG
