Coverage by Abdulrahman Al-Shahrani: With more than 25,000 visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom in attendance, the 32nd edition of the «Saudi Construction Exhibition 2022» concluded at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, showcasing the latest products from national, regional, and global manufacturers. This edition was honored and sponsored by the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing, Mr. Majid Al-Hogail.
550 exhibitors from 43 countries
The exhibition halls featured more than 550 exhibitors from local and international organizations and companies representing major global and local brands that came from 43 countries around the world, to showcase their products in the Saudi market, while other companies reached agreements with owners of national products to secure agency rights and market and distribute local products in their own countries.
Exhibitors praised the strategic importance of this event and its role in promoting reliance on local companies supported by foreign investment firms with the aim of achieving sustainability, as the exhibition opened up extensive commercial channels for participants, The construction sector is one of the largest economic sectors in the Kingdom, and the exhibition succeeded in bringing together key players in this sector to provide a clearer picture of its current state, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities it offers.
Great Success Thanks to Diverse Offerings
The exhibition received positive feedback from visitors, exhibitors, and interested parties; it featured a diverse range of companies from all sectors offering various high-quality, ideal products, according to their accompanying descriptions, bringing together all the necessary supplies for building, construction, and furnishing real estate units under one roof, in addition to the machinery used in construction operations and a wide variety of equipment.
Participants agreed that Saudi Arabia is now a strong logistics hub connecting the three continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa, in line with Vision 2030, with the Kingdom investing heavily in infrastructure—including ports, railways, airports, and roads—to strengthen connectivity within the Kingdom and facilitate the flow of raw materials, capital, and human resources.
Panel Discussions to Learn from Experiences
For his part, Mohammed Al-Husseini, a consultant at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: «The exhibition succeeded in shaping the future of the construction and infrastructure sector across the Middle East by bringing together leading international and local companies distinguished for their advanced and effective solutions.» Al-Husseini added: «The exhibition featured several high-level panel discussions to share experiences and expertise, attended by senior government officials and CEOs. and the construction market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to record a compound annual growth rate exceeding 5% during the forecast period of 2022–2027.»
3.75 billion riyals in construction opportunities
This exhibition comes at a time when the Saudi construction sector is experiencing significant growth, with projects valued at 3.5 billion Saudi riyals and more than 5,000 construction projects planned in the Kingdom this year alone. The Saudi Construction Expo 2022 served as an ideal platform for the local and global construction community to build partnerships and explore the significant opportunities offered by the Kingdom’s construction sector.
The Kingdom is witnessing an unprecedented boom in construction and mega urban projects estimated to reshape the future of the Kingdom and the region, The Kingdom is currently implementing massive projects valued at more than 4.87 trillion Saudi riyals, and the private sector is experiencing a sustained and resilient recovery, driving the construction sector toward major commercial opportunities.
Technological advancements have enhanced building materials
Technological advancements have contributed to strengthening and revitalizing the construction sector by enabling the production of a wide range of building materials, including cement, concrete, bricks, ceramics, and glass, as well as composite materials, This sector provides a large number of job opportunities; the construction industry accounts for 35% of approved work permits, in addition to boosting export revenues, which is a key driver of productivity and economic growth.
