Saudi Arabia is keen to save the country's environment, which is reflected in the expectation that it will spend an estimated SR150 billion on the construction of smart buildings during the next eight years. “Building owners are showing an increased interest in making their facilities more energy efficient and reducing operating costs,” said Shahid Bhatti, Project Manager for Saudi Build while announcing the opening of the Saudi Build and Saudi-Tech 2010 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from Oct. 18 to 21. Bhatti said an increasing trend is being witnessed in the Kingdom's real estate sector for the construction of smart buildings. This trend would help save 30 percent on energy consumption, reduce 50 percent of dioxide emissions and cut down 50 percent on water consumption, according to studies. Studies have also revealed that the construction of smart buildings would also reduce 90 percent of the waste produced by conventional buildings. The shift toward “smart buildings” is largely influenced by efforts to promote long-term sustainability and energy efficiency to save the country's environment. Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech held concurrently in Riyadh will offer a complete array of smart-based solutions to match the needs of any building. “We will have exhibitors from all over the world, including at least 42 national pavilions,” said Bhatti. Saudi Build 2010, the 22nd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, and Saudi Stone-Tech, the 13th International Stone and Stone Technology Show, are expected to provide contractors, real estate developers and building owners with direct access to a full range of smart building solutions provided by hundreds of exhibiting companies from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Saudi Build expects the participation of high-profile business leaders from Saudi Arabia and around the world, along with diplomats and senior Saudi officials. “As of today, 70 percent of the exhibition space has already been booked with more applications being processed, while thousands of trade visitors have already confirmed their participation,” said Bhatti. Supported by VeronaFiere and Italian Marmomacchine Association, Saudi Stone-Tech will cater to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services. Saudi Stone-Tech will also feature designers and landscapers who will showcase cutting-edge stone products, including marble, granite, travertine and stone derivatives, as well as cutting, polishing and manufacturing machinery. Saudi Build/Stone 2010, the largest business-to-business construction event in the Gulf, is the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
