Saudi Readymix shared its wide experience at the third Middle East Cement Conference 2007 in Dubai.

Saudi Readymix marketing and development director Fadi Mujahed delivered an address on the challenges and opportunities of the construction industry while also providing an overview of the ready-mixed concrete industry in the Kingdom.

The conference, which was held at the Park Hyatt last week, focused on key developments in and the future outlook for the region's cement industry.

'The Saudi construction industry is booming in all the regions of the country and across all sectors. The construction landscape is changing in the country as more and more mega-projects are announced and launched. I believe being a ready-mixed concrete supplier with physical presence in all the Kingdom's major metropolitan areas gives us the advantage of being in close contact with all these projects as well as a unique perspective in monitoring this industry,' said Mujahed.

'This was a very important conference as it highlighted the current state of the cement market in the GCC, and Saudi Arabia in particular. Our figures show that the cement supply in the Kingdom will double within the next two to three years to reach 55 million tons annually, which will result in a surplus of cement that may reach 10 to 15 million tons by 2010,' he added.

Mujahed presented his study entitled: 'Saudi Arabia - The Changing Construction Landscape' to attending delegates, which also examined the trends and varying needs of the Saudi construction industry as the Kingdom forges ahead.

To anticipate the demand for ready-mixed concrete, the company implemented an aggressive growth plan worth SR320 million ($85.3 million) this year alone in all its areas of operation.

In addition, Saudi Readymix has initiated a Saudi graduate recruitment programme and has plans to establish a state-of-the-art research and training centre which are both aimed at attracting the best and the brightest young Saudis to help realise the company's plans for growth.Trade Arabia News Service