INNOVATION AND DIVERSIFICATION: THE BIG 5 SAUDI 2017 EMBRACES SAUDI VISION 2030

Running from 27-30 March 2017 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, The Big 5 Saudi is introducing three new product sectors this year. Beyond the returning Building Materials & Finishing, and Concrete & PMV ones, event organisers are planning to also host dedicated areas for commercial vehicles, building interiors and mining.

“There is a natural synergy between the mining and construction sectors,” Nathan Waugh, DMG Events Portfolio Director, explains. “With a core element of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at increasing the mining industry’s economic contribution from the current $140m to $26bn by 2030, we believe this is the right time to expand our offering at The Big 5 Saudi, and meet the growing local demand for innovative solutions in both the construction and mining industries.”

The introduction of a new building interiors sector will further facilitate construction professionals, who will be able to source all types of products and solutions for their projects at the show. “The interiors sector constitutes the 15% of the average construction project value, and we want to make sure visitors are able to source everything they need conveniently in one place, at one time,” Mr. Waugh commented. Worth an estimated USD 1.5bn, Saudi Arabia’s interiors and construction market is the largest in the GCC, and is expected to further grow boosted by the Saudi Vision 2030’s diversification plans.  

The Big 5 Saudi innovative features are not limited to new product sectors. For the first time, the event will dedicate a day to supporting women in the construction industry. On March 28, from 11 am to 4 pm, The Big 5 Saudi 2017 will host a series of presentations, panel and roundtable discussions providing a platform for women in all stages of their careers to learn, network and engage with like-minded professionals. Empowering women and increasing their participation in the workforce is one of the objectives of the Saudi National Transformation Plan 2020 and The Big 5 Saudi’s Women in Construction Seminar will help materialising women’s untapped potential in the construction industry.

More than just an exhibition, the event will feature Live Products Demonstrations, dedicated Concrete and PMV Zones, as well as the exclusive Platinum Club, gathering Middle East and Asia’s most influential construction industry professionals. In line with The Big 5 Saudi’s mission to facilitate business opportunities, the Platinum Club will support relationship building between members who are directly responsible for purchasing products and services for projects valued at US$100+ million, by providing valuable networking opportunities, customised assistance and an exclusive VIP experience.

Construction professionals will be able to develop their careers at the Big 5 Saudi 2017 by attending for free dozens of CPD-certified workshops delivered by industry experts. From Project Management, to Innovation & Technology, and Sustainability in Construction, The Big 5 Saudi promises to provide the most extensive free educational programme till date for architects, engineers, project managers, interior designers and many other construction related professions in the Kingdom. Visitors will be able to get unique insight into industry’s hot topics such as BIM, Smart Cities and the Internet of Things, LEED and Green products, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in construction.

Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, The Big 5 Saudi is free to attend. To know more, visit www.thebig5saudi.com.