The construction sector in Saudi Arabia is expected to significantly contribute in driving the economy in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Through this sector the Kingdom is set to create job opportunities in both residential and non-residential construction activities. In the GCC, Saudi Arabia has the largest construction market, accounting for more than 33% of the market share, estimated to be valued at over $850 billion. Key mega projects contributing to this market include NEOM City, Great Mosque of Mecca and Knowledge Economic City, which have significantly increased the demand for interior surfaces. This renewed focus on the construction sector makes the third edition of Stone & Surface Saudi extremely vital to both buyers and suppliers of stone and surface design products. Taking place between April 21-23, 2019, at Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, it is the perfect platform to source cost effective products and solutions for professionals working on construction, commercial design, remodeling, refurbishment and other related projects. The trade event gains additional significance with Saudi Arabia embarking on an ambitious plan to transform its economy as part of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030. In the post-oil era Saudi Arabia is hoping to boost foreign direct investment in the country by launching ambitious mega-projects like the futuristic city of NEOM. According to TechSci Research, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the largest construction markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Growing population coupled with rising urbanization is fueling the country's construction sector. The country is aiming to increase the contribution of its construction sector to its overall GDP from 5% in 2017 to 10% by 2030. The government of Saudi Arabia is focused on increasing its net spending and launching of Vision 2030 to significantly boost the country's economy and the construction sector in the coming years. The construction sector's immediate outlook appears promising and the annual average growth rate is expected to be around 6% between 2019 and 2022. The Kingdom also plans to boost spending to $300 billion in 2019, which is up by about 13% from 2018. Over the last few years, non-oil-based sectors have registered growth in revenues while the government has focused on reducing dependence on oil. Amid this encouraging scenario, Stone & Surface Saudi is sure to be an effective platform for both domestic and international players in the construction sector. More than 150 local and international brands will be showcasing the finest natural stone and marble, wall covering and wood flooring products, exterior and interior surface materials, wallpaper prints, paints and much more at the show. International brands from Portugal, Italy, Germany, China, Spain, Vietnam, India and many more countries will be showcasing their products for the first time in the Kingdom. In addition, Portugal will have a featured pavilion with companies like Bloco B, Telmo Duarte, Assimagra, Tojalmar, Silaco and Granulux exhibiting their products for the first time. Among the leading local brands taking part is Roca, an industry leader and a reference point for design, technology and sustainable development. Esraa Al Akhdar, Marketing & Purchasing Manager at M S Bahareth Co (exclusive distributor for ROCA's Product in Saudi Arabia), said "for us, Stone & Surface Saudi is important because it will help us meet top contractors, designers, specifiers, decision-makers as well as fellow companies in the same market as us. We want to be there because it's key for us to see the latest in product development across the stone and surface market here in Saudi Arabia." Over 6,500 trade visitors are expected to visit the show including consultants, contractors, architects, interior designers, engineers and other C-level industry professionals. This year's Stone & Surface Saudi offers something new for professionals. A Surface Design CPD Workshop (Continuing Professional Development) sponsored by Cosentino will be held during the event. This Workshop will bring together a cross-section of industry experts to share their experiences and insights in new trends and design drivers, besides sharing best practices and offering practical guidance. The free-to-attend CPD-accredited workshop program, will offer high quality learning opportunities to help grow business, fine tune your skills and ensure you are up to date with latest industry innovations. A visitor attending the sessions will receive CPD points and a certificate upon completion of each session. Data shows that the construction activity in the Kingdom is projected to grow. The numerous projects in various stages of development will give added boost to the Stone & Surface Saudi show this year. The ProTenders' 2019 data reveals that construction projects worth $1.1tn (SAR4.2tn) are at various stages of development in Saudi Arabia as developers are working on major schemes propelled by Vision 2030. Under-construction projects make up for 41% of the total figure, accounting for $460.8bn (SR1.7tn), while 24% – or $269.5bn (SR1tn) – is taken up by developments at the planning stage, according to construction listings on the ProTenders website. Developments in the design and tender phase account for $111.8bn (SR419.4bn) and $115.6bn (SR433.6bn), respectively, of the total $1.1tn. According to ProTenders, in Q2 2019, infrastructure developments will take up $3.2bn (SR12bn) of the contracts. Organised by dmg events and co-located with The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia and Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo, Stone & Surface Saudi will be held from April 21 to 23, 2019 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events. — SG
