The Big 5 Saudi, the largest and fastest growing construction show in the kingdom, kicks off in Jeddah tomorrow (March 27) with more than 500 exhibitors from 20 countries across the globe taking part.
 
Running until March 30, The Big 5 Saudi 2017 will showcase the most innovative products for the built environment, which are vital to delivering successfully Saudi Vision 2030’s mega-projects.

This year, The Big 5 Saudi will also host country pavilions from Italy, Turkey, Germany, Greece, China, Qatar, Kuwait, Spain, Hungary and India, said the organisers.

Excitement grows among industry professionals as the largest construction event in the kingdom opens its doors to thousands of industry professionals at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, they stated.

The event will be an exclusive platform for 15,000 peers to network, do business and learn, as it will display 600 brands from regional and international industry leaders, it stated.

With over $700 billion worth of active projects currently going on in the kingdom, and an additional $30 billion investment expected from the Saudi Government in 2017, architects, engineers, developers, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors from around the globe are meeting in Jeddah to capitalise on this growing market, said the organisers.

“Since its inception in 2011, The Big 5 Saudi has continually been adapting to keep pace with the fast moving Saudi construction industry and continues to offer the key platform to bring inspirational people, products, and industry knowledge together,” remarked Nathan Waugh, the portfolio event director.

According to him, live products and tools demonstrations will provide an interactive display of the most innovative products and technologies. Experts will showcase their products live, giving visitors the opportunity to assess the suitability of a product for their projects right there and then.  

Dubai-based Harwal Group, one of the most diversified building material manufacturers in the region, will be showcasing its key solutions at the upcoming event.

“The outlook for Saudi Arabian construction remains bright as the industry's output value is forecast to rise by 2020,” remarked Adeel Muhammad, Harwal Group’s marketing manager.

Its business segments include a wide range of products, from building materials to prefabricated buildings, doors and windows, and furniture. A primary member of the Harwal Group, TSSC, will exhibit the Easywall range this year, he noted.

These lightweight concrete panels are designed to replace block work for internal walls, added Muhammad.

"TSSC will also showcase its range of cold-rolled steel profiles, which offer flexibility in the design and construction of steel buildings. Moreover, Interplast, another key member of Harwal Group, will exhibit its new range of exhaust fans sold under the renowned brand Edison," he added.

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, the director of Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), dubbed the Big 5 Saudi as one of the best industrial exhibitions in the region.

"There is a high potential to meet the business community for networking and for branding our free zone," he noted.

Kent Smoke and Fire Curtains, a British-owned venture based in Dubai, UAE, will make its debut at The Big 5 Saudi.

“Saudi Arabia is a land of opportunities in terms of construction and requirement for active firefighting materials. Curtains have been popular amongst consultants in Saudi Arabia and we believe that meeting them personally at the show will nurture successful business ties between us,” said its senior official.

Another key play at the event is Command Alkon, a global supplier of automation solutions for producers, haulers and suppliers of ready-mixed concrete, concrete products and aggregate, asphalt and cement.

It is a major provider of solutions for process controls, quality control, batching, dispatching, transportation planning and performance, mobile solutions, GPS telematics, dispatch optimisation, fleet and workforce management, bulk materials distribution, plant and quarry automation, back-office operations, performance management, enterprise content management, voice-based scheduling, and mobile computing.

Besides its core products, Commandbatch and Commandseries, at The Big 5 Saudi 2017 Command Alkon will present TrackIt, a GPS truck tracking and telematics and fleet and workforce management for construction material transportation, and Mobile Connect, that promises to cancel boundaries to where and when customers and staff can request orders, generate tickets, access account information.

"We have been supplying the Saudi market for some 30 years now, and we are still receiving enquiries from our customers in Saudi Arabia, many of whom are optimistic about the future in the short, medium and longer term. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand," remarked Simon Gibbs, Command Alkon area sales manager Middle East.
 
Besides the global players, Saudi-based manufacturers will be also exhibiting their latest solutions for the built environment at the show.

Headquartered in Jeddah, Goldenline Lifts is a trading company supplying elevator's components imported from Europe, Turkey and other countries. The company also installs a wide range of passenger's elevators and home lifts, offering after sales service and annual maintenance contracts.

”Our vision is to be a major player and market leader in passenger's elevator, home lifts and lifts spare parts, characterised by high-quality lift's components and service excellence,” observed Mohamed Albahr, the sales manager of Goldenline Lifts.

More than just an exhibition, The Big 5 Saudi 2017 will offer 48 complimentary and CPD (Continuous Professional Development)-certified workshops to visitors attending the event, they stated.

Wiith focus on project management, innovation and technology, and sustainability, these will help industry professionals develop their skills and knowledge in areas critical to the future success of their business, said the organisers.

In 2016, The Big 5 Saudi welcomed an impressive 14,985 unique visitors, bringing together over 21,138 participants from 34 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, they added.-TradeArabia News Service