SBIE 2005 records major deals.

(From Gulf Construction)

Jeddah The five-day Saudi Building & Interiors Exhibition & Symposium ended last month after a successful run, with most of the 265 exhibitors reporting of deals worth several million dollars

With the kingdom's real estate sector continuing to boom, the turnout of visitors was large. Aside from real estate developers and traders and building contractors, the event attracted a sizeable number of professionals, especially architects, designers and engineers, as well as top officials and executives in the public and private sectors, notably hospitals and schools. Even students interested in pursuing a career in the real estate sector and its related fields were seen visiting the stands

"The show recorded more than 11,000 registered visitors," said a spokesman for Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions, which organised the kingdom's 14th comprehensive showcase for the industry

A highlight of the exhibition was a symposium that was conducted alongside by the Saudi Council of Engineers. A host of experts and specialists provided free consultancy to prospective builders or owners of properties in addition to giving presentations on various aspects of real estate development, as well as the related building and construction activities. "We had good interactive sessions with participants and some potential builders and contractors are expected to consult us for their future projects," Abdullah Al Rashid, a specialist in residential and commercial building projects at the council, said

Exhibits ranged from building materials, equipment and construction tools to air-conditioning and heating, electrical equipment, environmental technology, landscape and hardscape, safety and security systems, stone, marble and granite tiles, and water technology

Among local exhibitors, Al Hossain Wooden House attracted a large number of families for its range of wooden houses displayed in the northern corner of the hall. "Many villa owners and hotel managers said they were interested in having such wooden houses within their compounds," Sultan Al Hossain, general manager of the Riyadh-based company, said