SBIE to have larger presence at Jeddah.

(From Gulf Construction)

The leading building and interiors exhibition grows in size, keeping pace with the petrodollar-fuelled construction growth in the kingdom

Saudi Arabia's major international show for the building and interiors industry - Saudi Building and Interiors Exhibition (SBIE) - will showcase an extensive range of products and services for these sectors when it opens in Jeddah on April 17. The five-day show, organised by Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions, is expected to be 20 per cent larger this year, and will see companies from 15 countries exhibiting more than 400 brand names on nearly 220 stands, alongside a large local contingent of leading Saudi firms. "The spectrum of services offered by the exhibitors is wide and will represent construction materials and services, equipment, finishing materials, interiors and furniture, electrical and lighting products, doors and windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, ceramics, sanitary ware, shop fitting and many more," says a spokesman for the organiser. This year's exhibition - which will provide a unique environment in which to conduct business - is forecast to attract more than 10,000 trade and professional visitors and will serve as a main platform for professional interaction between the supplier and the clients. Annually, SBIE brings new companies to the Saudi market, securing investments for the construction sector, developing local manufacturing, and assisting in regulating the export of local output, says the spokesman

Commenting on the construction industry in Saudi Arabia, the spokesman says: "Recent government measures to diversify and reform the Saudi economy are giving a boost to privatisation and inward investments. Billions of dollars that have been invested by Saudis abroad in the past are now being invested in the kingdom." "At the same time, western-educated and well-travelled Saudis continue to enjoy a rising standard of living. With this comes the desire for high-quality furniture and decorative home interiors

"The market for construction and interior products is being driven by a staggering growth in population, with some estimates predicting 47 million by 2020, and the consequent need to increase the available housing stock and the resultant infrastructure. With a market potential in excess of $200 billion, ...