Saudi construction sees 3.9% growth

Real growth in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector reached 3.9% in 2009 with real estate growing by 1.8% according to the Ministry of Finance, as sustained government expenditure and continued private sector investments drive new real estate and commercial construction projects across the country.
The positive growth trajectory has in turn generated a diverse range of business opportunities, while fuelling demand for the latest construction technologies, building material and equipment in the country that will be on show at Saudi Build / Saudi Stone 2010, the construction trade show to be held in October.
Saudi Arabia has also embarked on a range of education, transportation, agriculture and other infrastructure development projects, which has further boosted the demand for specialised construction technology and expertise. Large-scale projects being launched in the country include around 1,200 new schools in addition to some 3,112 schools currently under construction, and the rehabilitation of some 2,000 existing school buildings.
A total of 6,400 kilometres of road will also be built, adding to 35,000 km of roads currently under construction. The government has also appropriated a total of SAR 46 bln for various water, agriculture and infrastructure projects, representing an increase of 30% over the previous year. The new budget covers construction of water sources, dams and wells, water and sewage networks, and water desalination plants.