The Saudi Arabian construction industry is registering continuing growth and prospects are bright over the immediate future for the industry in the region. Industry insiders feel that demand for construction machinery, hardware and tools is on the upswing. Saudi Arabia is amongst the top three countries for the export of Hand Tools and Machine Tools from the UAE. With recent research highlighting the value of projects planned in the Kingdom, these trends are set to continue. “Growth in the Saudi Arabian construction sector is being driven largely by the increase in infrastructural spending,” said Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt organizers of Hardware + Tools Middle East. “The Saudi population is expected to double over the next 20 years and the resultant demand for housing and commercial spaces in the Kingdom remains high. This demand fuels corresponding growth in the construction machinery, hardware and tools sector.” As well as the SR1042.45 billion ($283.8 billion) worth of projects planned in the Kingdom, it is estimated that there is a further SR368.42 billion ($100.3 billlion) in the pipeline, with government projects very much driving the construction sector. Event organizers for Hardware + Tools Middle East, the region's trade fair for tools, hardware, materials and machinery, expect this trend to be reflected at this year's event with an increase in Saudi trade visitors expected at this year's edition. Mehtap Kenar, senior show manager, Hardware + Tools Middle East, said: “The exhibition provides the ideal platform for industry professionals to see the latest products and services available in the region. It is a ‘must attend' event for researching the market, sourcing new products and keeping up with the latest industry trends.” Hardware+Tools Middle East 2010 will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center on May 18
