JEDDAH — The Saudi Building & Interiors Exhibition (SBIE) 2015, the largest building and decoration show in Saudi Arabia, kicked off Monday at Jeddah's Centre for Forums & Events. Jeddah Mayor Dr. Hani Abu Ras inaugurated the four-day event, followed by a tour of the exhibition halls of the expo, which will run until Thursday. He was briefed on exhibits that include construction material and equipment and technologies used in building and interiors sectors. Commenting on the driving force behind the continuous growth of SBIE, the Mayor of Jeddah said: “By bringing together a huge cluster of local, regional and international companies to Jeddah year after year, SBIE has established its role in bringing about new technologies and experiences, creating partnerships and boosting commercial trade. Meanwhile, Zahoor Siddique, Vice President-Exhibitions of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions, said: “In its 24th edition, SBIE has proven to be yet another success with an extraordinary turnout and we look forward to accomplishing new milestones in the years to come.” The exhibition in its 24th edition is an ideal marketing platform to display the latest trends and technologies available to the market and allows professionals to network, develop their business and cultivate new opportunities. The event showcases materials & hardware, climate control, construction equipment & tools, electricity & lighting, environmental maintenance, marble, granite & stone, technology preservation, security & fire prevention, water technology and waste management. Over 300 exhibitors are participating in the exhibition representing Bahrain, China, France, Egypt, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Taiwan, Turkey, and a number of Saudi companies and leading manufacturers, agents and distributors to showcase an extensive range of the latest building materials, construction equipment, wood machinery, interior furnishings and other products. The sector grows annually at 10% per annum and has one of the largest share of Saudi Arabia's annual budget for 2015, sharing 60% of the total allocation incorporating infrastructure projects, healthcare, education and municipal services. The exhibition opens its doors daily from 4-10 p.m. — SG
