The housing development boom in Saudi Arabia will take centre stage at the Saudi Housing Forum 2011, being held in Riyadh in December.

Jointly organized by Meed and the Saudi Council of Engineers, the three-day conference and workshop from December 5-7 will present a vital update on the plans to drive forward housing development in the kingdom and the market changes and project opportunities that will result. 

Saudi Arabia has allocated $67 billion for housing development in order to deliver the projected requirement of 500,000 additional housing units for 2013.

Delivering these houses will be a complex task that requires the input of a variety of stakeholders representing government, construction, real estate, power and water, and the financial sectors. This is undoubtedly a market that is underpinned by firm commitment and backing from the Saudi government, said a statement.
 
A wealth of contracting and consultancy opportunities are in the offing for the private sector already operating in Saudi Arabia and for those looking to enter or expand their position in this lucrative market.

Speakers at the event include:  Dr Saleh Alawaji,  Deputy Minister for Electricity and chairman, Ministry of Water & Electricity and Saudi Electric Company; Khalid Al Dughaither  BOT and project development Specialist and chairman, Aldughaither for zones development; David Smith,  deputy general manager -- project finance, syndication and real estate Alinma Bank;   Dr Bassam Boodai  chief executive officer, Jenan Properties;  Ahmed Al Bader,  chief strategy officer and project manager, Modon; Kishan Khoday deputy resident representative (programme & operations), UNDP.

Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events, said: “Saudi Arabia is making a real and determined effort to tackle the housing shortfall, and, in doing so, is creating a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to extend or even initiate their operations in the kingdom.

“This event will provide the perfect platform to meet key government decision makers, contractors, developers and other figures who are playing a key role in making this ambitious vision of housing for all a reality.”

Other confirmed speakers addressing vital sector issues include: Naveed Siddiqui,  chief executive officer, Capitas Group International; Dr Abdulgader Amir, dean and former vice president: strategic planning and management of land and property, College of Engineering & Information Technology (CEIT) and Jeddah Development and Urban Regeneration Authority; Eng Nasser Nassif,  chief executive officer, Al Marifa Al Akaria (Amaak); Khaled Al-Mashaan,  chairman and managing director, Alargan; Eng Khalid Al Othman,  president, IMAR Urban Consultants.

The Saudi Housing Forum 2011 is being held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Riyadh Olaya. The pre-conference masterclass is being held on December 5, with the conference itself running from December 6-7.  – TradeArabia News Service