Saudi Build 2011, a major construction trade event in the Middle East, will run until Wednesday and is being held concurrently with Saudi Stone-Tech 2011 - The 14th International Stone and Stone Technology Show.

Describing it as the biggest and most important construction event in the Kingdom, an official from the Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), organizer of the four-day event, said more than 700 exhibitors from 34 countries, 14 national pavilions and thousands of trade visitors were attending the exhibition.

Saudi Build 2011 will also concurrently host the Saudi Arabia Conference on Sustainable Building Materials on Monday.

Mohammad Al-Hussaini, deputy general manager of the REC, said the presence of dignitaries reaffirms the importance of Saudi Build/Stone-Tech as a premier global networking event for all major stakeholders of the building and construction industry.

The Saudi Build 2011 and Saudi Stone-Tech 2011 show provides an "exclusive avenue" for global industry players to network with decision makers from the Saudi government, representatives of high-profile investors and senior officials from the region's largest master developers and contractors, he said.

The event provides a dedicated platform to showcase the latest offerings in building materials and equipment that include architectural finishing products, construction tools and technology, engineering services, infrastructure materials, security and safety systems. It has also attracted hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa collectively offering a comprehensive collection of the latest construction products and services, Al-Hussaini added.

Dubai Investments PJSC (DI), the largest investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is marking its presence at Saudi Build 2011 through showcasing the industrial products and services of its subsidiaries Masharie, Dubai Investment Industries (DII) and Glass LLC.

Abdul-Aziz Bin Yagub Al-Serkal, chief executive officer of Masharie, told Arab News that Saudi Build with its exhibitor line-up and high number of trade visitors provided an excellent platform to establish new relationships, forge partnerships and reinforce our market presence. "We have been expanding in the Saudi market through our companies and we hope this trade show will provide us with an opportunity to gain significant traction within the rapidly growing construction sector."

Saudi Stone-Tech 2011 caters to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services.

Held in collaboration with VeronaFiere (Verona Trade Fair Company), Italy's trade show organizer, and the Italian MARMOMACCHINE Association, a technical and promotional organization for Italy's stone and allied industries, Saudi Stone-Tech features designers and landscapers showcasing cutting-edge stone products including marble, granite, travertine and stone derivatives, as well as cutting, polishing and manufacturing machinery.