UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS HIGHNESS PRINCE DR. FAISAL BIN ABDULAZIZ BIN AYYAF, MAYOR OF RIYADH REGION AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF RIPC
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS HIGHNESS PRINCE DR. FAISAL BIN ABDULAZIZ BIN AYYAF, MAYOR OF RIYADH REGION AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF RIPC
As Saudi Infrastructure Expo gears up for its 2024 edition at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center from 24 to 26 September, we speak with Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President at dmg events, to discuss the key factors driving the event's expansion, its alignment with Vision 2030, and the synergies anticipated from the co-located Global Water Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo.
Saudi Infrastructure Expo is doubling in size for 2024. What factors have driven this growth, and how will you manage the expansion while ensuring the event's quality and relevance?
The remarkable growth of the Saudi Infrastructure Expo in 2024, now entering 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 globe. Secondly, the support from government entities and industry stakeholders has been instrumental in driving the event’s success and credibility.
How do the co-located Global Water Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo complement the Saudi Infrastructure Expo, and what synergies do you anticipate?
The co-location of the Global Water Expo and Smart Cities Saudi Expo with the Saudi Infrastructure Expo unites the entire infrastructure value chain and addresses the interconnected challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development, water management, and smart city initiatives.
These events complement the Saudi Infrastructure Expo by bringing together experts and stakeholders from various sectors to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. Global Water Expo focuses on sustainable water management solutions, crucial for developing 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 liveable.
How does Saudi Infrastructure Expo align with Vision 2030 and support the kingdom’s infrastructure goals?
Saudi Infrastructure Expo is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and plays 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, and best practices in infrastructure development-solutions essential for building the resilient and modern infrastructure needed to meet the kingdom’s future needs. It also facilitates important dialogues on sustainable urban planning, transportation networks, waste management, and smart city initiatives, all of which are central to the Vision 2030 framework.
Additionally, the event is being held under the patronage of HH Prince Dr Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of the Riyadh Region and Chairman of the Board of RIPC, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to advancing its infrastructure in line with Vision 2030.
What audience profile do you expect this year, and how will you attract the right 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. Attendees will include key decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, including senior representatives from government ministries, municipalities, and regulatory bodies, as well as CEOs, project managers, and technical experts. The event 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 the 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.
What does 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 from 35 countries, including 12 different country pavilions. These countries include Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, and the UK. The international companies exhibiting at the event include 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 kingdom’s rapidly evolving infrastructure sector. For local industry players, this international participation 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.
What can attendees expect from the summits, and how will these discussions impact Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure sector?
The Saudi Infrastructure Summit, Global Water Summit, and Smart Cities Saudi Summit will host insightful discussions led by thought leaders, policymakers, 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 highly anticipated topics, including a ministerial panel on the collaborative efforts between government entities to drive collective progress in realising the kingdom’s infrastructure vision, 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 Centre, National Water Company, National Housing Company, Red Sea Global, and Ajlan & Bros Holding, among others, will be featured.
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