Saudi Build 2014, the 26th international construction technology and building materials trade exhibition, concluded its successful four-day run at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with over 23,200 specialised visitors.

The leading construction industry fair hosted over 850 exhibitors from 36 countries and played a major role in providing an ideal networking platform for industry professionals from the related fields to share and overview latest products, services and trends.

Held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Mansour Bin Miteb Bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, and inaugurated by Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al Mogbil, Mayor of Riyadh, Saudi Build 2014 was held concurrently with Saudi Stone-Tech 2014 – the 17th International Stone and Stone Technology Exhibition, and Saudi Build PMV Series – the 15th International Exhibition for Construction Equipment, Plant, Machinery and Vehicles, in addition to the first edition of Saudi Build Seminars.

Commenting on the show, Edgar Zedler, the spokesperson of German Pavilion, said: “Germany has been maintaining a high level of participation in terms of number and quality of companies at Saudi Build trade show, what reflects our ongoing interest in initiating and developing business relations with the Kingdom, especially in the machinery and tools fields."

"The 45 participating German companies at the show successfully showcased a wide group of industry leading products and solutions in the fields of building engineering, equipment and materials, in addition to business information, construction tools and technology, heavy construction equipment, maintenance services and equipment, repair, interior construction and stone treatment and handling," he noted.

“Building on the strong economic bonds between both countries, expressed by the €9.2 billion ($11.4 billion) German exports to Saudi Arabia and €1.7 billion ($2.1 billion) imports from Saudi Arabia during 2013, we are looking forward to further the business cooperation success through key gateways like Saudi Build that allow meeting quality industry personnel and leveraging major business opportunities,” he added.

Being held for the first time in collaboration between Riyadh Exhibitions Company and Advanced Conferences and Meetings, Saudi Build Seminars has provided a key opportunity for specialised visitors to overview recent updates and experts’ view on three main topics including interior design and architecture, landscaping & exterior design and sustainable design and construction.

Seminar speakers shared their experiences and knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing the Saudi Arabian construction industry, and highlighted the need for promoting the benefits of raising the quality of finishing products and skilled workers, and moving away from the concept of selecting the cheapest bid in place of quality.-TradeArabia News Service