Demand sees Big 5 Saudi 2012 double in size

Andy White, event director of The Big 5 Saudi.

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Demand from the international construction industry will see The Big 5 Saudi double in size in just its second year, according to the show organiser.

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mansour Bin Mutaib Bin Abdulaziz, The Big 5 Saudi has seen show space increasing from one hall to two, as well as the addition of an outdoor area for 2012.

According to a report published by Ventures Middle East for The Big 5, entitled ‘New technologies utilised in the GCC market’, there is an estimated $108,156m worth of construction projects set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2012 – an increase of over $7.1m from the two previous years.

The country is the most active in the GCC within the building and construction industry. With a market heavily fuelled by domestic consumption, as opposed to future projections in other GCC countries, Saudi Arabia represents a significant hub of opportunities for the local, national and international industry players.

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Andy White, event director of The Big 5 Saudi, said: “The launch event surpassed all expectations, and was an even bigger success than we had anticipated.

"Demand from both local and international companies wishing to participate in 2012 has meant we have had to establish a second purpose-built hall, as well as an outdoor area to accommodate heightened interest.”

Taking place at Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events from 10 to 13 March 2012, with the support of the Ministry for Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Jeddah Municipality, the event is set to host more than 400 exhibitors from 35 countries.

New features for this year include the Concrete Zone and Facilities Management Zone, dedicated areas for companies working in these sectors, an outdoor demonstration area for heavy construction showcases and accredited workshops, with globally-renowned company bodies talking on topics including LEED regulation and concrete repair.

White concluded: “We want to create a platform for the industry that provides access to the opportunities that the Saudi market presents now and for the upcoming years.

"The support for The Big 5 Saudi 2011, together with the event being recognised as the Best Trade Event 2011 at the Middle East Event Awards in its first year, has given us a very stable and promising foundation from which the event can grow.”