The Social Development Bank successfully concluded the fifth edition of “Souq Al-Dar” (home market), held under the theme “Al-Amariyah Flourishes,” in the Al-Amariyah area of Diriyah. The event, held from Sept. 26 to 29, was a resounding success, attracting more than 13,000 visitors over the four days. The high turnout highlighted the community’s strong interest and positive engagement, solidifying the souq as a key platform for supporting productive families and showcasing Saudi cultural heritage.

More than 300 productive families from across the Kingdom participated, offering a diverse array of products that reflected the richness of Saudi craftsmanship and traditions. The exhibits included traditional fashion, artisanal handicrafts, local cuisine, and artistic creations such as embroidery and ceramics, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the depth of Saudi culture.

Throughout the event, various sections and activities captured the interest of attendees. Visitors experienced an exceptional display of heritage products, reflecting the richness of Saudi culture. Local entrepreneurs displayed their creativity and skills through handcrafted items, while interactive workshops allowed participants to engage in traditional crafts such as pottery, embroidery, and leatherwork. The event also featured lively performances of traditional music and dance, adding to the festive atmosphere. Additionally, visitors enjoyed an array of visual arts exhibitions and the opportunity to savor authentic Saudi cuisine, creating a well-rounded cultural experience.

Souq Al-Dar aligns with the SDB’s broader vision to create a productive and vibrant society, moving from a pastoral to a productive economy. The event reflects SDB’s strategy of supporting self-employment and entrepreneurship by providing aspiring business owners with the resources they need to grow and develop their enterprises. This, in turn, contributes to the creation of new job opportunities and enhances their contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP.

SDB has been a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s development since its establishment in 1971. Over the years, SDB has evolved into one of the nation’s most influential development institutions, playing a vital role in both social and economic progress.

The organization offers a comprehensive range of financial and non-financial services, including savings awareness programs, capacity-building initiatives, and workshops for entrepreneurs, small and emerging business owners. These programs empower individuals and enhance productivity by fostering broader economic participation. Through these efforts, SDB strives to support comprehensive and sustainable development, contributing to a vibrant and productive society.

The inaugural edition of Jeddah Construct, the largest construction event in the western province, opened its doors, welcoming visitors until Oct. 1 at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center.

Powered by Big 5 Construct Saudi, the event was opened by a delegation from the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events, with Ben Greenish, executive vice president — construction at dmg events, and Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president — construction at dmg events, joining the opening ceremony.

“We are thrilled to open the first edition of Jeddah Construct, building on our decade-long legacy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Big 5 Construct Saudi. The event covers the entire construction value chain, bringing together 200 exhibitors from over 25 countries and presenting a wide range of products, services, systems and solutions. With $613 billion worth of megaprojects driving Jeddah’s built environment forward, we are looking forward to supporting the evolving demands of Jeddah’s construction landscape,” said Kazi.

He added: “The event features products and services under 16 key product sectors, hosting a blend of local and international exhibitors and providing a veritable platform for business engagements.”

The exhibition halls featured key steel exhibitors at the forefront of structural innovation. Exhibitors presented a wide range of advanced steel products, from cutting-edge materials to sustainable structural systems, designed to meet the growing demands of Jeddah’s construction sector.

One of the key players and leaders in the steel tubes and pipes market locally and regionally, Al-Yamamah Steel Industries presented a range of steel tubes for structural purposes, scaffolding tubes and steel pipes for pressure services. Kirby Building Systems showcased a wide range of customized, cost-effective steel building solutions, which included pre-engineered steel buildings, sandwich panels, curved beams, deep decking panels as well as standing seam panels renowned for their longevity and durability.

Other steel giants showcasing their products and systems included Himalaya Steel Group, Framecad International, Cypex, Baz Steel and Icon Egypt.

The outdoor exhibition area at Jeddah Construct opened with a display of the top heavy machinery exhibitors, offering attendees an impressive showcase of the latest in construction equipment and technologies.

XCMG Trading Company, one of the largest construction machinery companies in China, presented its customized series of skid-steer loaders, excavators and backhoe loaders, specialized in the early stages of construction, including digging, hauling and excavating. Another exhibitor, NAZ Industries, brought its latest tipper and flatbed trailers and semi-trailers with lower weight, which streamline operations, reduce downtime and enhance productivity, meeting the unique needs of construction megaprojects.

Other exhibitors included Essa Dakhil Allah Almarwani Trading Company, Alton Trading Company and Al-Wady Al-Akhdar Al-Momaiaz Factory.

Day 1 of CPD-certified Construct Talks, sponsored by Himalaya Steel, welcomed industry leaders, subject matter experts and decision-makers to share practical insights and innovative strategies addressing the pressing needs and emerging trends of the construction industry in Jeddah.

In one of the sessions, Khalil Al-Saeedi, executive director of program delivery at Saudi Entertainment Ventures, stressed the importance of early collaboration among project teams for effective project planning and resource allocation, crucial for the successful delivery of projects. Fellow speaker Mohammed Abdel Jawad, project management expert and committee member at Project Management Institute — Saudi Arabia, shared valuable insights on the RACI matrix, which is imperative for resource assignments while visualizing roles and responsibilities within project teams.

The opening day featured an industry networking session hosted by the Chartered Institute of Building, bringing together construction stakeholders, professionals and thought leaders to engage in discussions and expand their professional network with some of the industry’s leading figures.