The third day of Saudi Construction Expo this year witnessed intensive scientific sessions on the latest innovations and trends in the building and construction sector, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence, automation, smart building materials and digital solutions that are in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and contribute to a qualitative transformation in the infrastructure and construction sector in the Kingdom.
The first session of Saudi Construction Exhibition addressed the theme of artificial intelligence and its role in the construction industry, reviewing the latest innovative solutions in the field of elevators, noting the importance of the national strategy for industry and its role in supporting this vital field, focusing on empowering industrialists and incentivizing banks to contribute to improving infrastructure and promoting automation. Participants emphasized the importance of local content in the development of future elevator industries, explaining that Vision 2030 aims to transform the entire industrial sector towards automation, which contributes to strengthening the elevator market as a promising field that is growing rapidly.

<The second session focused on the future of building materials, where they discussed competitiveness and expertise in the building and construction sector, and the importance of providing smart and advanced building materials that contribute to sustainability. The session touched on the role of Saudi companies in supporting major projects with energy-efficient materials that meet the highest standards, emphasizing the need for local production to achieve efficiency in supply.
Speakers pointed out the need for sustainable designs and innovative building materials that reduce energy consumption and support alternative energy sources, despite the challenges of integrating local and international factories, and the need to improve regulations and customer support.

The session highlighted the role of Saudi companies in supporting major projects with energy-efficient materials that meet the highest standards, while emphasizing the need for local production to achieve efficiency in supply. The third session highlighted “Automation in Infrastructure and Construction Engineering Trends”, during which speakers reviewed the role of automation and control in construction and its impact on sustainability, and the discussion centered on striking a balance between automation and upskilling the workforce to increase productivity and efficiency.

Participants discussed strategies for integrating local and international factories, and the need to improve regulations and customer support. Participants addressed offsite manufacturing strategies, with some projects reaching 95%, emphasizing the importance of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies in transforming building and construction.

The fourth session discussed best practices in the construction industry: A Case Study, citing Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a key technology in major construction projects and its role in reducing changes and improving project outcomes. Speakers noted the importance of managing risks such as misunderstanding scope and effectively managing information, while Fidec provided guidelines for optimizing the use of this technology, such as developing a common model and setting bid expectations, which enhances project transparency and minimizes the risks of digital technology.

In the Construction Industry Best Practices: A Case Study, Fidec cited BIM as a key technology for major construction projects and its role in minimizing changes and improving project outcomes. <The fifth session, “New Trends in Furniture, Accessories and Finishing Solutions,” discussed smart furniture and finishing solutions, focusing on improving the quality of life in the Kingdom by introducing innovative furnishing solutions that support smart homes, meet customer needs, and focus on comfort and efficiency. The session showcased the latest smart home technologies, while announcing the imminent launch of comprehensive smart home solutions in the Kingdom.

<In the final session, speakers reviewed the theme of smart interior design and its impact on the quality of life, while discussing ways to transfer knowledge, build capacity and adopt innovative solutions. The session focused on the importance of knowledge transfer and local content development, as well as the application of sustainable solutions and quality control in designs, to promote harmony between policies and sustainability goals.

The 34th edition of the Saudi Construction Exhibition continues until tomorrow, Thursday, and aims to provide platforms for discussion and exchange of ideas on the future of construction and urban development in the Kingdom, with a special focus on innovation and sustainability.