Demand for new housing and enhanced urban living will peak in Saudi Arabia as the kingdom's Vision 2030 pushes to raise real estate contribution to GDP from 5 per cent to 10 per cent, it was revealed at The Big 5 Saudi, an ongoing premier trade event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The event for construction professionals is showcasing innovation in building design and the construction technology needed to accelerate urban growth.

“Housing development in 2018 will show an increase of 30-40 per cent compared with last year and the total projected residential projects will reach more than 250,000 sq m. This number will incrementally grow over the next five years on a 25-40 per cent rate annually,” said Dr Mohammed S Al Surf, regional manager of Market Development at Saudi’s Green Building Certification Institute.

Speaking at The Big 5 Saudi yesterday (March 6), Dr Mohammed updated visitors on the current urban market and explored how green building incorporates factors of energy reduction and healthy living.

Aside from the education on offer at Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, The Big 5 Saudi is showing the latest solutions and materials in construction from 400 local and international exhibitors.

“Fully aligned and in full support of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, we believe that The Big 5 Saudi is of great advantage to introduce our products to the potential Saudi Arabian market,” said Omar Khayal, business development manager at special solutions exhibitor Riva Engineering.

Just one of the products matching Saudi Arabia’s urban goals, the Riva Umbrella provides shade in promenades and parks. Powered by solar, it can be controlled via cell phone for custom results.

Other brands to bring residents outdoors are Beka Sport with its artificial floor solutions to create activities such as outdoor chess and city golf, and Eibi with its durable playground equipment.

Exhibitor Edgetech showed its Super Spacer at The Big 5 Saudi and discussed how preventing thermal bridges is the key to an energy efficient room.

Looking to advance the quality and health of home life, Grohe’s award-winning Sensia Arena is an innovative merging of both toilet and bidet that brings a new level of cleaning options to the WC unit.

“The Big 5 Saudi has become one of the most important construction events for the region and the industry as a whole,” said Antoine Khalife, vice president, Grohe Levant and Saudi Arabia. “The event is a crossroads for construction professionals from across the GCC, as visitors will come to see innovative construction products which they have never seen before,” he concludes.

Products on display at The Big 5 Saudi span across the bathroom and kitchen fittings, smart city resources, steel and solar technology. The event also displays concrete and PMV equipment and material handling in an outdoor zone dedicated to heavy machinery and warehousing products.

Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa and MICE Arabia, the event is co-located with Wood Tech & Design Expo Saudi 2018. The event is supported by the platinum sponsor and registration sponsor - Al Bawani, gold sponsor – Grohe and Al Yamamah Steel, and strategic partner – Building Technology Stimulus Fund. – TradeArabia News Service