Saudi Arabia to spend SAR 150 billion to construct smart buildings in the next eight years

A total of SAR 150 billion is expected to be spent in the next eight years for the construction of "smart buildings" all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a trend that is influenced by efforts to promote long-term sustainability and energy efficiency in the country. Studies have revealed that cooling, heating and lighting techniques used by smart buildings can help save 30 per cent on energy consumption, reduce 50 per cent of dioxide emissions, cut down 50 per cent water consumption and minimise up to 90 per cent of waste produced by buildings.

Saudi Build 2010, the 22^nd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, and Saudi Stone-Tech, the 13^th International Stone and Stone Technology Show, are expected to provide contractors, real estate developers and building owners with direct access to a full range of smart building solutions from hundreds of exhibiting companies from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The two events will be held concurrently at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre from October 18 to 21, 2010 / Dhu-al-Qa'dah 10 to 13 1431 (H), gathering thousands of professional trade visitors and at least 42 national pavilions.

"Building owners are increasingly becoming interested in making their facilities more energy efficient to save money and decrease operating costs. In this regard, smart building solutions provide a convenient way to improve the energy efficiency and optimise the performance of buildings. Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech will offer a complete array of smart-based solutions to match the needs of any building. We will have exhibitors from all over the world, including at least 42 national pavilions," said Shahid Bhatti, Project Manager of Saudi Build at Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

"At this point, 70 per cent of exhibition space has already been booked with several more applications being processed, while thousands of trade visitors have already confirmed their participation. We have also witnessed a significant increase in participation in the Stone and Heavy Machinery & Equipment sector, so we have decided to dedicate indoor and outdoor exhibition areas to serve exhibitors and visitors in this specialised market segment," added Bhatti.

Saudi Build expects the participation of high-profile business leaders from Saudi Arabia and around the world, along with diplomats and senior Saudi Government officials. Supported by VeronaFiere and Italian MARMOMACCHINE Association, Saudi Stone-Tech will cater to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services. Saudi Stone-Tech will also feature designers and landscapers who will showcase cutting-edge stone products, including marble, granite, travertine and stone derivatives, as well as cutting, polishing and manufacturing machinery.

Saudi Build/Stone 2010, the biggest business-to-business construction event in the Gulf, is the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. UFI grants certification only to world-class professional events overseen by seasoned events organisers with proven track records in international exhibitions.