Saudi Build/Stone 2009, the biggest business-to-business construction and stone technology event in the region, has concluded its 4-day run at the Riyadh International Exhibition Centre, one of the region's most advanced exhibition facilities, setting a new record in participation. More than 18,000 visitors, including high-profile business leaders and government officials from Saudi Arabia and around the world, and over 650 exhibitors from 38 countries attended Saudi Build/Stone 2009, reflecting the strong growth of the local market and reaffirming the increasing global interest in the business potential of Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Al Hussaini, Deputy GM, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, Organizers of Saudi Build/Stone, said, "The exceptionally high number of visitors and exhibitors has been a positive indication of the gradual resurgence of the region's construction sector in the wake of the global economic downturn. It also underlined the important role of Saudi Arabia as a catalyst for growth, being home to some of the largest and most important construction and real estate projects in the region." The trade event and exhibition also hosted national pavilions representing Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, UAE, UK and a large group of local specialized companies. The total participation eclipsed last year's record by 50 per cent, which has raised the profile of Saudi Build/Stone 2009 as a premier networking platform for all key players in the region's construction and stone markets.