Refocusing of the national economy in line with Vision 2030 and an emphasis on diversification from oil reliance has created multiple hospitality, commercial, residential and retail construction projects at various stages throughout Saudi Arabia. These are fueling an unprecedented demand for interior solutions with the Saudi market showing an upward swing. This uptick in the graph is due to a slew of new projects, which includes not only hospitality related projects, but also leisure attractions and institutional buildings, refurbishment of existing structures, and retrofitting. Saudi Arabia is gearing up for the G20 summit later in the year and this along with the ongoing mega projects and major renovation projects of old public buildings have opened up new vistas of opportunities in housing, hospitality, healthcare and retail, with spending in Saudi Arabia, and also in the GCC, set to grow stupendously. According to Ventures Onsite, the interiors industry for the residential sector is valued at $3.6 billion, followed by hotels at $2.1 billion, commercial real estate at $1.1 billion, retail at $872 million, hospitals at $410 million and education at $339 million. Now in its second year, INDEX Saudi expo once again takes center stage in the Kingdom with a bigger and better display of opportunities at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center on Feb. 3-5, 2020. Already a leading sourcing platform for Saudi Arabia's interior buyers who specify products and services for the hospitality, commercial, residential and retail sectors as the Kingdom continues to grow at an exceptional rate, the trade show will help exhibitors address a range of business objectives all in one place. The boom in construction puts the focus on residential and hospitality projects this year with refurbishment and some of the related fit-out works also in the eye through to the G20 summit. The market still remains very competitive with stress on cost, sustainability, value engineering, materials and design all being an integral part shaping the industry while impressing the importance to developers, contractors and suppliers. Industry experts also stress there is an evolving trend with the role of fit-out firms becoming more specialized with complete interior design fit-out projects. Specialized areas such as lobbies, restaurants and spas are being redesigned to harmoniously blend with the construction allowing for a growth in this section of the trade. Suppliers remain an important part of the design and build process. Increasingly, more fit out companies are hiring procurement managers with a thorough understanding of product specifications and the buying process. Additionally, more and more fit out firms are using the most modern and environmentally-friendly techniques to excellently build for an enhanced overall work or leisure experience not only in the traditional office and commercial spaces, but in transportation, healthcare, hospitality and retail, leisure and food and beverages projects where functionality, efficiency, sustainability and performances are paramount. It is this growing trend that participants in the INDEX Saudi 2020 — co-located with Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo — will allow under one roof, over three action-packed days, regional and global brands to display furniture & furnishings, surfaces & coverings, lighting, kitchen & bathroom, marble & stone manufacturers and textiles and to meet and do business with leading buyers based in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is spending billions, as it aims to achieve its Vision 2030 goals, on mega cities and in hospitality, residential, commercial and retail projects that demand the full range of interior and fit-out products. Already home to the Middle East's largest economy and construction market, Saudi Arabia has quickly become the region's biggest interior design buyer in an effort to supply the massive wave of construction projects, including new mega cities. "ARFAD has the honor of being a part of INDEX Saudi 2020, a leading event that connects companies in the wooden products and fit-out services with potential partners and buyers. We look forward to supporting and participating in the year's event by interacting with suppliers, interior design professionals, exhibitors and buyers. We appreciate the efforts of the event organizers in extending this valuable opportunity to our industry. We are very interested in showcasing our wooden products and identifying opportunities to continue fulfilling the needs of the Saudi construction market," said Mohamed Shawky Nasr, Factory Manager representing ARFAD. INDEX Saudi connects interior suppliers and manufacturers with interior designers, architects, project managers and procurement professionals based in the rapidly diversifying economy. Interior designers, architects, project managers, buyers and government officials all use the event to source products to furnish the array of projects under way in this intense period of national development. 200+ leading bands from 20+ countries have confirmed to take part in INDEX Saudi including brands like Huda lighting, Sleepnice, Gerflor, Bussu Furniture, Wood Art, Brasslight International, Raha, Cloudnine, Louis De Pootere, Arfad International, Kanchi Designs, International Timber Company Ltd. (ITCO), Rattan House Furniture, Artplus and Public Art to name a few. Along with an impressive list of brands exhibiting at the event, Day 3 at INDEX Saudi features the Design Talks, a program of CPD-accredited live presentations from award-winning interior designers working on major projects in the GCC alongside a diverse set of hospitality, retail, entertainment and leisure developers and operators from across Saudi Arabia. Completely free-to-attend, these interactive presentations will provide privileged insights into the creative trends and techniques, market opportunities and strategic, logistical and commercial decisions driving the rapid expansion of the Kingdom's built environment, as well as case studies on an array of high-profile design and fit-out projects currently underway in the Kingdom. — SG
