“The event will serve as a gateway for local, regional and international companies to explore local opportunities in marble slabs, granite, natural stone, mosaic, computerized stone cutting machines, quarrying machinery, polishing equipment, and other construction materials and equipment,” said Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC), which is organizing the event in collaboration with Italian exhibition company Verona Fiere and Confindustria Marmomacchine (Assomarmomacchine), a specialized technical and promotional organization open to the entire stone and allied sectors.

Verona Fiere and Assomarmomacchine are the organizers of the renowned “Marmomacc” trade show that has been held annually in Verona, Italy for the past 45 years.

They will lend their expertise to boost international interest in the booming stone and stone technology sector in Saudi Arabia and GCC countries, and will have their own institutional stand and Meeting Point Italia to entertain inquiries on Italian stone products and equipment during Saudi Stone-Tech 2011.

“Saudi Stone-Tech 2011 will be a major platform for distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, agents and engineers from across Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world to discuss the potentials and the future of stone and other related trades in the Kingdom,” said Mohamed Al-Hussaini, deputy general manager, REC.

“With its resilient economy and strong focus on infrastructure development, Saudi Arabia is the best destination for growing or establishing construction-related businesses and Saudi Stone-Tech 2011 is an excellent vehicle for learning the best ways to tap this rich market,” he said.

The 2010 edition of Saudi Stone-Tech drew in more than 200 specialized exhibitors in stone products and machinery from over 15 countries to an expansive 6,500 sq m of prime exhibition space.

This year’s show will run concurrently with Saudi Build 2011 — The 23rd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition.

Saudi Build is the largest business-to-business construction fair in Saudi Arabia and the only one in the Kingdom accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.