More than 650 companies from 33 countries will participate in a major upcoming business-to-business construction show in Riyadh, which will feature two concurrent exhibitions, said the organisers.

Saudi Build 2009, the 21st international construction technology and building materials exhibition; and Saudi Stone 2009, the 12th international stone and stone technology show will be held from October 4 to 7 at the newly completed Riyadh International Exhibition Centre.

The event has been designed to be a gateway for investors to capitalise on the country’s construction market, according to organisers Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

Saudi Arabia currently owns one of the world's most comprehensive housing development programs with an estimated $6 billion being allocated for various residential projects, according to a report.

At an initial cost of around $87.8 billion, the kingdom is pursuing an ambitious 'super project' that aims to build six 'Economic Cities,' which will be home to 2.5 million residents and are expected to collectively contribute $150 billion to the Saudi GDP and generate over 1.5 million jobs by 2020.

'Saudi's construction sector has remained active and lucrative despite major upheavals in other international markets, with several super projects dominating the construction landscape,” said Shahid Bhatti, project manager of Saudi Build at Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

“The consistently strong construction and real estate expenditure has easily made the Kingdom a lucrative growth destination for key players in the regional and international construction industry,” he added.

'The surge in interest in Saudi Arabia's construction sector has been manifested by the exceptional growth in participation at Saudi Build 2009; we have now exceeded the previous record in participation by 50 per cent and expect even more entries within the next few weeks,” Bharri continued.

“With exhibitors from more than 33 countries, we are also seeing the extent of the Kingdom's influence on the global construction scene, as companies from the Far East, Europe and other regions are highly enthusiastic about their participation in the back-to-back exhibitions.”

The concurrent Saudi Stone 2009 has been established to cater to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services.

The event will 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 Stone 2009 will also host national pavilions representing Austria, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Portugal and Turkey.

Saudi Build 2009 expects to accommodate a combined total of up to 650 exhibitors spread out across a total area 23,250 square metres of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. – TradeArabia News Service