The Big 5 Saudi opened its door on Sunday with more than 500 local and international exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies and innovations from across the construction industry.

With $195.4 billion worth of construction planned in the Kingdom in the coming three years, and the support and patronage of Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Prince Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz, this year’s event, opened by Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras on Sunday, is expected to garner significant interest from across all sectors of the industry.

New for this year, The Big 5 Saudi 2014 has launched a two-day free-to-attend seminar series. The seminar series looks at the rapidly changing technologies, materials and techniques of the global construction industry while focusing on the local market’s key drivers and identifying solutions to potential challenges.

In addition, a variety of free-to-attend workshops will run throughout the event, including asset maintenance, concrete repair, project management and an introduction to LEED version four.

Nathan Waugh, event director, The Big 5 Saudi, said: “During The Big 5 Saudi we are bringing together thousands of products and solutions that can help drive forward a sustainable industry.”

“We have also created a comprehensive educational element to this year’s show that provides more in-depth information and analysis. The Kingdom has an estimated $75.61 billion worth of construction projects to be awarded in 2014 alone and this year’s event provides a number of opportunities to understand the most effective ways to support the country’s rapid growth.”

Launched in 2011, The Big 5 Saudi takes place at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events, open till March 12, daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Big 5 Saudi 2014 is supported by diamond sponsor Emirates Steel, the UAE’s largest industrial conglomerate and a driving force for implementing the Abu Dhabi government’s industrial government diversification policy, and gold sponsor Rajhi Steel, which produces a variety of type of steel at its facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah.