The fifth edition of The Big 5 Saudi, an international building and construction show, got under way yesterday (March 9) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The three-day event, which was officially inaugurated by Jeddah Municipality deputy mayor, Abdullah Mohammed Al Qarni last night, expects to host 16,000 visitors and 545 exhibitors from 52 countries.

The Big 5 Saudi offers suppliers of construction products and machinery the opportunity to source more than 7,500 innovative products from Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East, providing the best solutions for them, stated dmg events, the organiser.

Over the past four years since it was launched, The Big 5 Saudi has experienced growth of more than 88 per cent and has proven to be a popular date in the regional construction industry’s calendar, it added.

Nathan Waugh, the event director for dmg events, said: "We are proud of how much the show has grown, and of how much it has contributed to the construction industry, not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in the region as a whole."

"About 98 per cent of our visitors in 2014 expressed their interest in returning to the show this year, as visiting has been a key component in them growing their business," he remarked.

"In addition, due to popular demand, we have increased the education offering and the uptake this year has been rapid," he added.
 
The purpose of the sustainable design and construction seminar sessions is to provide professionals with the training needed to progress within their careers.

“During the 13 free-to-attend Continued Professional Development (CPD) certified workshops, each attendee will gain expert coaching on a wealth of topics, contributing to their professional growth,” noted Waugh.

Elliott Rizk, the business development manager, Mice Arabia, which brought the show to Saudi Arabia in partnership with dmg events, said: "Over the last four years The Big 5 Saudi has gone from strength to strength and has become an integral event not only in Jeddah but in the kingdom itself. With the investment rates in Saudi Arabia spiking, Jeddah has benefited from the nation’s efforts to enrich its social, economic and urban status."

"The city is evolving at a rapid rate with development projects that aim to attract sustainable tourism, investment and business growth whilst also reinforcing its position as the gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah," stated Rizk.

The Big 5 Saudi is supported by Gold Sponsor, the Saudi-based Rajhi Steel, one of the leading manufacturers of iron and steel in Middle East and North Africa.-TradeArabia News Service