The 29th edition of the Saudi Build Expo, the largest construction show in the Kingdom, was inaugurated by Riyadh Mayor Ibrahim Al-Sultan, on Oct. 23 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.
The event was held on the sidelines of the Saudi Stone-Tech 2017 and the International Exhibition for Construction Equipment, Plant, Machinery and Vehicles, from Oct. 23-26.
Mohammed H. Al-Hussaini, executive consultant, Riyadh Exhibition Company, said the support of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has helped in “maintaining the growth and development of these specialized trade shows and attracting local, regional and international exhibitors to showcase the latest trends and technologies.”
The show gathered an audience of contractors, real estate developers and business owners and focused on latest innovations in building materials, techniques and equipment used. It also showcased other construction solutions including interior finishing, civil engineering techniques, concrete and steel, stone, marble and ceramics, bathrooms, porcelain and tiles, security systems and eco-friendly construction solutions and others.
Al-Hussaini added that the huge participation of exhibitors reflects a positive image on the construction sector in Saudi Arabia, its size and the opportunities available.
A recent study revealed that the Saudi construction sector accounts for 39 percent of the GCC construction sectors combined, contributes 6-7 percent to the GDP, and is valued at around SR350 billion ($93 billion), with assets worth SR53.3 billion. This sector employs 300,000 Saudis, including 35,000 Saudi engineers.
The study also revealed that the sector includes 243,000 contracting companies, representing 27 percent of all registered companies in the Kingdom, including 173,000 small companies and enterprises, 54,000 small companies, 14,000 medium companies and 242 major companies.
According to this study, the Kingdom has spent over SR4 trillion on construction projects in the past 10 years, confirming the importance of Saudi Build Expo, the only UFI accredited construction exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
The event is organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Co. Ltd. (REC), a Saudi company specialized in organizing exhibitions, conferences and other trade events in various economic sectors.
Saudi Build Expo 2017 ends on a high note
Saudi Build Expo 2017 ends on a high note
31st Dubai Shopping Festival kicks-off with star-studded concerts, unique experiences
The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, launched with an unforgettable opening weekend, with dazzling live performances, shows and events.
Running until Jan. 11, the DSF extravaganza is transforming Dubai into a vibrant hub of unbeatable shopping deals, and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair.
Kicking off the festivities in spectacular style, the opening weekend saw high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, which set the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment.
e& DSF Nights
Adding style and glamor to the weekend, international icon Nora Fatehi dazzled audiences at e& DSF Nights, the daily celebrations that will be held at Dubai Festival City Mall. Famed for her high-energy dance performances and infectious rhythms, Fatehi’s live show wowed fans on Dec. 6, at the mall’s scenic Festival Bay. The venue showcased stunning fireworks complementing an evening of cultural vibrancy and celebration.
As part of the broader e& DSF Nights series, the event featured interactive zones, waterfront attractions, and free public installations, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all ages.
Hatta mountain experiences
DSF will also feature an exciting and immersive mountain experience at Hatta Wadi Hub for the second year in a row, featuring Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Dome Cinema.
Candlelight Concerts by Fever
Experience a magical outdoor candlelight concert series for all to enjoy with incredible music from Vivaldi to Coldplay against the stunning backdrop of the Hatta mountains. Tickets are on sale for 70 dirhams ($28). Kids eight years and below are welcome to join the children’s concert taking place on Dec. 13 for free.
Dinner in the Sky
This elevated experience will debut at the Hatta mountains for a scenic meal in the clouds like no other. Perched 50 meters above ground, experience a stunning dinner for 300 dirhams.
Breathtaking shows
Elevating the spectacle further, DSF will unveil its new Drone and Pyro Show, a mesmerizing technological marvel featuring more than 1,000 drones, including 100 pyro drones, across two nightly displays. Fusing art and innovation, these breathtaking shows will illuminate the city skyline with color and creativity, symbolizing Dubai’s visionary and future-forward spirit. A Dubai-inspired soundtrack by legendary composer Hans Zimmer will be used for the drone display, where thousands of synchronized drones will dance through the night sky, transforming the city skyline into a cinematic symphony of light and sound.
Tickets for e& DSF Nights are now available to purchase via Platinumlist.net. Fans are urged to secure their seats early before they sell out. Two additional A-list concerts at Coca-Cola Arena and e& DSF Nights will soon be announced, adding to the festival’s star-studded entertainment lineup.
