The third edition of Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia was opened Sunday by Bader Al Hokair, Deputy CEO Western Region, Al Hokair Group, with thousands of construction industry professionals in attendance at the trade show taking place at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events. Like in the first two editions, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia has attracted a large number of professionals in the construction industry, to view cost effective products and solutions for people working on construction, commercial design, remodeling, refurbishment and other related projects. The construction sector in Saudi Arabia is expected to significantly contribute in driving the economy in lines of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and through this diversification the Kingdom is set to create job opportunities in both residential and non-residential construction activities. The trade event takes additional significance with Saudi Arabia embarking on an ambitious plan to transform its economy as part of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman's Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia is hoping to boost foreign direct investment into the country as it embarks on a post-oil era and ambitious mega-projects like the futuristic city of NEOM. Over 150 local and international brands are taking part and will be exhibiting the finest natural stone & marble, wall covering & wood flooring products, exterior & interior surface materials, wallpaper prints, paints and much more at the show. International brands from countries like Portugal, Italy, Germany, China, Spain, Vietnam, India and many more are 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 for the first time). Among the leading local brands taking part is Roca, an industry leader in its specialty and being a reference point for design, technology and sustainable development. Over 6,500 trade visitors, including consultants, contractors, architects, interior designers, engineers and other C-level industry professionals, are expected to visit the three-day event till today (April 23) from 4p.m. to 10 p.m. Free entry for all industry professionals interested in doing business with the exhibitors in attendance. For this year, the exhibition also features a very strong content program called the "Surface Design Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Workshop" sponsored by Cosentino - a new feature of this year's trade show. — SG
