Saudi Arabia to Host Largest Construction Expo in February

The largest construction event in Saudi Arabia, Big 5 Construct Saudi, returns for its 12th edition to the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre on February 26-29. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The largest construction event in Saudi Arabia, Big 5 Construct Saudi, returns for its 12th edition to the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre on February 26-29. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Largest Construction Expo in February

The largest construction event in Saudi Arabia, Big 5 Construct Saudi, returns for its 12th edition to the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre on February 26-29. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The largest construction event in Saudi Arabia, Big 5 Construct Saudi, returns for its 12th edition to the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre on February 26-29. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The largest construction event in Saudi Arabia, Big 5 Construct Saudi, returns for its 12th edition to the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre on February 26-29.

The top expo will bring together over 1,300 exhibitors, recording a strong 55% increase compared to last year’s edition, from over 40 countries to connect with over 55,000 construction professionals.

As it contributes to the future of the Kingdom’s construction sector, Big 5 Construct Saudi showcases more than 20,000 products and services under nine product sectors in 2024.

It co-locates with four specialized events: HVAC R Expo Saudi, FM Expo Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia and Windows, Doors and Facades Event Saudi.

This year, the trade exhibition will host 20 country pavilions, including Germany, China, Greece, Italy, Türkiye, the UAE, the US and Qatar, with Egypt, Jordan, Spain and India joining the lineup for the first time.

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4% between 2024 and 2027, driven by strategic initiatives focused on economic diversification in alignment with Vision 2030.

Building on this momentum, Big 5 Construct Saudi is returning with an edition that is doubled in size and capacity covering an area of 70,000 sq m.

Supporting product sectorization, the four-day event will also focus on four new sectors, such as Concrete, Construction Technologies and Steel and Urban Design and Landscape, which together with the existing product sectors cover the entire construction value chain.

From construction leaders to innovators, architects to project and facilities management practitioners as well as technologists, the talks will provide insightful takeaways under 13 streams.

They include concrete, sustainability, technology innovations and digital transformation in construction, contracting strategies, risk management and legal, decarbonization, HVAC R, architecture and design, facilities management, giga project updates, intelligent buildings, project management and leadership.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
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Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.