Growth of Saudi Infrastructure Expo 'testament to kingdom's boom'

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

The remarkable growth of Saudi Infrastructure Expo for 2024, as it marks its third edition, is a testament to the ongoing infrastructure development and investment in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030, according to Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President at dmg events, organisers of the expo.

The leading platform for infrastructure development in the kingdom, is poised to double in size, reflecting the kingdom's rapid infrastructure development and the increasing demand for innovative solutions, he said. 

Kazi attributed the expansion to the strong patronage of the event by His Highness Prince Dr Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region and Chairman of the Board of Riyadh Infrastructure Project Center (RIPC), which elevates the prestige and importance of the Saudi Infrastructure Expo. and the co-location of Global Water Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo.  

Kazi highlighted the event's role in connecting industry leaders, government officials, and global experts to showcase the latest technologies and solutions. He emphasised the importance of the expo in supporting Saudi Arabia's goal of becoming a global infrastructure hub.  

The 2024 expo is expected to attract a diverse audience, including key decision-makers from both the public and private sectors. Renowned companies such as Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Health, AlUla, Riyadh Bank, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Nesma & Partners, Red Sea Global, Riyadh Airports, Saudi Electricity Company, Saudi Aramco, Bechtel, HCL, Khatib & Alami, STC, Diriyah, Qiddiya, Neom, and Roshn have registered to attend.

Apart from a significant Saudi participation, international exhibitors will bring expertise and cutting-edge products, systems, services and solutions across 35 countries, including 12 different country pavilions.

With a significant presence of international companies, the Saudi Infrastructure Expo offers valuable opportunities for businesses looking to enter or expand their presence in the Saudi market. The event provides a platform for networking, forming strategic partnerships, and gaining insights into market needs and opportunities, he pointed out.

Excerpts of the interview with Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President at dmg events:

Saudi Infrastructure Expo is set to double in size for 2024. What factors have contributed to this significant growth, and how do you plan to manage this expansion while maintaining the event's quality and relevance?

The remarkable growth of Saudi Infrastructure Expo for 2024, as it marks its third edition, is a testament to the ongoing infrastructure development and investment in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030. Several key factors have contributed to this significant expansion. Firstly, the ambitious projects under Vision 2030 have created a surge in demand for infrastructure solutions, attracting more exhibitors and participants from around the world. Secondly, the support from government entities and industry stakeholders has been instrumental in driving the event's success and credibility.

How does the event's patronage play a role in its success, and what impact does it have on attracting key industry players and stakeholders to participate?

The patronage of His Highness Prince D. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region and Chairman of the Board of RIPC elevates the prestige and importance of the Saudi Infrastructure Expo. His Highness’s support underscores the kingdom's commitment to advancing its infrastructure development in line with Vision 2030. This high-level endorsement not only highlights the strategic relevance of the event but also builds on the government's initiatives to provide an environment conducive to growth and innovation in the sector.

With the co-location of Global Water Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo, how do these events complement the Saudi Infrastructure Expo, and what synergies are you expecting from them?

The co-location of Global Water Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo with Saudi Infrastructure Expo brings the entire infrastructure value chain together and addresses the intertwined challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development, water management and smart city initiatives.

The events complement Saudi Infrastructure Expo by bringing together experts and stakeholders from various sectors to build cross-disciplinary collaboration. Global Water Expo focuses on sustainable water management solutions, which are crucial for the development of resilient infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, where water scarcity is a significant concern. Smart Cities Saudi Expo highlights the integration of technology and innovation in urban development, essential for creating future-ready cities that are both sustainable and livable.

The demand for infrastructure in the kingdom is a critical element of Saudi Vision 2030. How does Saudi Infrastructure Expo align with this vision, and what role does it play in supporting the kingdom’s infrastructure development goals?

Saudi Infrastructure Expo aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by playing a significant role in advancing the kingdom’s ambitious infrastructure development goals. The event supports the national vision by bringing together industry leaders, government officials and global experts to showcase the latest innovations, technologies, best practices in infrastructure development and cutting-edge solutions that are essential for building the resilient and modern infrastructure needed to meet the kingdom’s future needs. It also facilitates important dialogues on topics such as sustainable urban planning, transportation networks, waste management and smart city initiatives, all of which are central to the Vision 2030 framework.

Can you describe the profile of the audience expected at this year’s event? How are you ensuring the event attracts the right mix of professionals and decision-makers?

Saudi Infrastructure Expo is expected to attract a diverse and influential audience comprising key stakeholders involved in the kingdom’s infrastructure development. The attendees will include key decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, including senior representatives from government ministries, municipalities, regulatory bodies, as well as CEOs, project managers and technical experts. The events will also draw international delegations, investors and thought leaders interested in the Kingdom’s infrastructure and urban development initiatives.  

Some of the renowned companies, organisations and government authorities that have registered to attend include Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Health, AlUla, Riyadh Bank, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Nesma & Partners, Red Sea Global, Riyadh Airports, Saudi Electricity Company, Saudi Aramco, Bechtel, HCL, Khatib & Alami, STC, Diriyah, Qiddiya, Neom and Roshn.

The event boasts a significant presence of international companies. What does this international participation signify for the Saudi infrastructure market, and how does it benefit local industry players?

At this year’s Saudi Infrastructure Expo, Global Water Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo, international exhibitors will bring expertise and cutting-edge products, systems, services and solutions across 35 countries, including 12 different country pavilions. Some of these countries are Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, South Korea, Türkiye, UAE and UK. The international companies exhibiting at the event are ABB, Hassan Allam Holding, Andritz, Cambi, GI Aqua Tech, Tata Communications, LG Chem, Veolia, Wilo and Victaulic, among others.

The involvement of international companies reflects the vast opportunities available in the lingdom’s rapidly evolving infrastructure sector. For local industry players, the international participation also brings immense benefits, creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and collaboration, which can further lead to joint ventures, strategic alliances and the development of new business models that drive the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Could you share insights on the key sponsors for the 2024 event?

The event is supported by Strategic Partner, Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Centre (RIPC); Diamond Sponsors, OSP, Al-Ayuni, Amiantit and Buna Holding; Gold Sponsor, Invest Saudi; and Summit Silver Sponsor, AtkinsRealis.

The event will feature high-level summits like the Saudi Infrastructure Summit, Global Water Summit, and Smart Cities Saudi Summit. What can attendees expect from these gatherings of thought leaders, and how will these discussions influence the infrastructure sector in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Infrastructure Summit, Global Water Summit and Smart Cities Saudi Summit will host insightful discussions led by thought leaders, policymaker and industry experts who are at the forefront of infrastructure development, water management and smart city innovations. The summits will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions and case studies that delve into the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in these sectors. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices and innovative policies are shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure landscape.

The summits will present some of the highly anticipated topics, including a ministerial panel on the collaborative efforts between the government entities to drive collective progress in turning the kingdom’s infrastructure vision into reality, advancing transportation and telecommunications, Smart water technologies to enable water-efficient irrigation and others.

Speakers from Parsons, Neom Mobility, Sports Boulevard Foundation, Roshn, Bittaford Consulting, Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, National Water Company, National Housing Company, Red Sea Global, Ajlan & Bros Holding, among others, will offer insighting presentations.

What opportunities does the Saudi Infrastructure Expo present for companies looking to enter or expand their presence in the Saudi market? How can these companies leverage the event to achieve their business objectives?

Saudi Infrastructure Expo presents direct access to key stakeholders, decision-makers and industry leaders who are driving the kingdom’s infrastructure development. Participating companies get an opportunity to leverage the event and achieve their business objectives by engaging in networking opportunities, participating in high-level discussions and forming strategic partnerships. Through face-to-face meetings at the event, companies also build relationships with potential clients, collaborators and distributors, gaining valuable insights into market needs and opportunities in the sector.-TradeArabia News Service.

 

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