The Big 5 Saudi construction show has been postponed to later this year due to fears over the coronavirus issue, Trade Arabia reports.

“It is after careful consideration and in consultation with key stakeholders, that dmg events announces the postponement of next week’s Big 5 Saudi Jeddah exhibition until later in 2020, due to the difficulty around travel arrangements due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and in consideration of everyone’s well-being,” according to an update sent to the event’s participants.

The event was scheduled to be held from March 8 to 11 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with more than 10,000 attendees from 45 countries.

“The Big 5 Saudi is extremely important for the construction sector but as such we take our responsibility for the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors, employees and of course the local population, very seriously,” it said.

The event’s organizers noted that the situation is evolving rapidly and it is being monitored closely. “We are working with the authorities and venues in Saudi Arabia to re-schedule the Big 5 Saudi for later in the year when we can ensure we continue to deliver our globally trusted events in safe and conducive operating conditions,” the update added.