Saudi Build 2010 & Saudi Stone-Tech 2010, the biggest business-to-business construction and stone technology event in the region, recently concluded with a total of 18,000 visitors and 900 exhibitors from 35 countries.

The events at the Riyadh International Exhibition Centre also featured national pavilions from a total of 16 countries as well as a B2B matchmaking exercise, which allowed companies to network with more than 50 industry peers from Europe and Australia.

"The remarkable success of Saudi Build 2010 has reaffirmed its position as the premier platform that supports the sustainable growth of the region's construction industry,” said Mohammed Al Hussaini, deputy general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

“The business-to-business matchmaking initiative, in particular, was widely appreciated along with the various innovations we have introduced this year.”

“This year's edition has certainly opened new opportunities and possibilities for local, regional and global industry players, who are now looking forward to take advantage of excellent business networking opportunities of the next edition of Saudi Build/Stone in 2011,” he added.

Giovanni Luca Atena, head of the Italian pavilion, said: "A total 47 Italian companies participated at the event, including 16 that are under the Italian Trade Commission. Several projects were signed by Italian companies during the event, with machineries accounting for the biggest share of trade activities at 30 per cent.”

Sebastian Sons, head of regional managers and the representative of German companies at Saudi Build, said: "German companies have been very eager to participate in Saudi Build, as shown by the remarkable 150 per cent increase in the number of participating German companies this year. There were only 24 German exhibitors in 2009, while this year's edition saw 60 companies."

Roland Van Driessche, representative of Belgian companies at Saudi Build, added: “The impressive results this year, which saw several Saudi clients signing huge contracts with Belgian companies, should help us convince more businesses to attend the event next year.”

Saudi Build 2010, the 22nd international construction technology and building materials exhibition, covered the full range of industry topics related to construction material and equipment, air-conditioning, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, concrete and steel technologies, and “green” construction technologies.

Saudi Stone-Tech 2010, the 13th international stone and stone technology show, showcased products ranging from marble slabs to mosaics as well as computerized stone cutting, quarrying and polishing machinery and equipment. – TradeArabia News Service