Autodesk, the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building, and media and entertainment markets, has announced its aims to leverage its revolutionary AutoCAD 2010 building technology to support the stabilizing civil building construction industry in Saudi Arabia. The announcement follows the release of latest report by research house Proleads Global, which confirms growth in cash flow within KSA's civil building construction industry in 2008 and its present stable levels in 2009 amidst the crisis that hit the global construction sector.

The report examined more than 720 projects with a total budget of more than USD 430 billion across commercial and retail; education and healthcare; leisure and entertainment; and residential sectors, has confirmed Saudi Arabia's position as one of the most active construction markets in the world. At present, there are more than 350 active projects in construction, which are intended to meet growing domestic demands. In line with this, Autodesk is underlining the potential of its AutoCAD 2010 solutions to help in promoting more cost effective and energy-efficient building practices across KSA.

"With the strength of the Kingdom's construction industry, which is accentuated by its resistance to the pitfalls of the economic downturn, we believe that technology holds an excellent potential to further bolster the growth of this multibillion dollar sector," said Fares Abdulaziz Al Fares, Channel Manager - Saudi Arabia, Autodesk Middle East. "Our latest revolutionary AutoCAD 2010 software portfolio provides project teams in various disciplines who are working on developments in the Kingdom, even more power and innovation to help users document, communicate, explore and customize design ideas. Further, AutoCAD 2010 introduces groundbreaking new capabilities that help users tackle their most challenging design problems, including free-form design tools, parametric drawing and enhanced PDF support."

Autodesk's recently launched AutoCAD 2010 software portfolio includes updated versions of popular products including AutoCAD Architecture 2010, AutoCAD Civil 2010, AutoCAD Electrical 2010, AutoCAD Map 3D 2010, AutoCAD Mechanical 2010, AutoCAD MEP 2010, AutoCAD P&ID 2010. Designed to help increase industry's innovation and productivity, the products under AutoCAD 2010 portfolio bridge the communication between extended design and construction teams, while aiding professionals in solving their design and construction challenges more efficiently and productively. At present, Autodesk is focusing on educating companies operating in the Saudi construction sector about the benefits of investing in AutoCAD 2010 software portfolio.

"Due to the extensive activities within the Saudi construction industry, we have identified it as a perfect market for our AutoCAD 2010 solutions. The Kingdom remains one of our key targets in the region, and we are committed to expanding our reach within the country by helping designers, civil engineers and contractors deliver projects more quickly and cost-effectively amidst the challenges of today's economic climate. We are also building our network of regional distributors to ensure convenient access to all our products among KSA-based users," concluded Fares.

Autodesk recently strengthened its regional collaboration with OMNIX International, a leading regional technology service provider and integrator in the Middle East, by appointing them as a value-added distributor for the entire Saudi Arabian market. The network expansion is a part of Autodesk's aims to support the Saudi building industry and also boosting its share in the Kingdom's design software market.

Global Arab Network