Riyadh Mayor Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Mogbel has opened the Saudi Build 2013 — the 25th international construction technology and building materials exhibition, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

More than 850 companies from 35 countries have showcased their products and services at the event, which is expected to be a big draw this year.

The exhibition, organized by the Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) to propel sustainable development, the exhibition is in its silver anniversary to showcase industry-specific advanced services and solutions.

Participating countries include Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE, the UK and the US.

The expo covered 20,000 sq m of exhibition space showcasing a wide gamut of the latest and top-rated offerings for the construction industry.

Saudi Build remains the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

“With the consistent management of REC, Saudi Build has reached a milestone with quarter of a century of continuous success and has built a significant reputation as one of the foremost construction shows in the region,” Zeyad Al-Rukban, DGM, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said.

By providing a platform that enables both participants and visitors to reach qualified buyers and key decision-makers, he said it generates new leads, and gain solid access to the Saudi market.

He said the event had served to complement the government’s initiatives to grow and diversify the local construction market.

“This year’s event has been tailored not just to mark our 25th anniversary, but also to provide all the stakeholders the full range of building solutions and the opportunity to access the Saudi and regional construction markets. We hope to further reinforce our status as the focal point for the country’s thriving and diversifying construction market and spur sustainable growth,” added Al-Rukban.

Saudi Build 2013 has added key components including the PMV Series 2013 — the 3rd international exhibition for construction equipment, plant, machinery and vehicle; and Saudi Stone-Tech — the 16th international stone and stone technology and machinery exhibition.

Held concurrently with Saudi Build, these events ensure that trade visitors are able to source all their project needs at one prime location.

Schneider Electric, (SE) a global specialist in energy management, has showcased its latest residential solutions at the show.

“A modular protection and communication system, the solution offers the safest, simplest and most efficient final distribution modular components in the industry,” Rabeeh El-Hussein, marketing director for retail business unit of Schneider, told Arab News at the show.

Moreover, he said Schneider had presented its wiring devices range, which combines advanced technology, robustness, reliability and distinctive styling.

The choice of products and accessories available is extensive and suitable for domestic, commercial or industrial environments.

“All of Schneider Electric’s products are manufactured using the latest technology to ensure that the customer gets the highest levels of satisfaction.”

Deputy Chief of Indian Embassy Sibi George said his country was represented with 40 Indian companies at the show.

“The two countries enjoy an excellent bilateral trade and we want to go further by exploring new areas of cooperation with the participation in this show,” he added.