Mena construction projects reach $4.2tr

There is currently an estimated $4.2 trillion of ongoing construction projects in the Mena region, with the UAE representing the biggest slice of that, at $698 billion. With sectors such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), expecting to see annual growth of nine per cent over the next three years, the opportunities being presented across the region continue to remain at the forefront of the world’s construction industry. This has never been more true than for this year’s edition of The Big 5, taking place from Nov.5 to 8 at Dubai World Trade Centre. An event with more than 30 years of history, it has grown to become the largest of its kind for the building and construction industry, and a truly international stage for the Middle East industry. Countries from around the world have also identified this benefit, with pavilions from 30 countries including Italy, Germany, USA, Turkey, UK, Spain and France. “Specific product sectors have grown to become extremely important for the event,” says event director, Andy White. “A number of these sectors are expected to present particularly significant opportunities over the next three years, and with this in mind, we have ensured products are very much focused upon throughout the event.” Last year’s event saw a move towards a product sectorised show, making it as simple as possible for participants to access products and services that they are interested in. With the GCC HVAC industry worth around $6.4 billion is not surprising that this sector represents the biggest at the event, with some of leading brands from across the industry, including Leminar, Primeco, Energy International Duro Dyne, Gree, Eros and TCL. Another sector with increased presence at the 2012 event is Kitchen, Bathrooms, with the UAE market size for these materials in 2012 reaching nearly $1.2bn, a 3.5 per cent increase from 20103. Exhibitors including RAK Ceramics, Emirates Ceramics, Porcellan, Sanipex, Bold International, Du Pont and Saudi Ceramics will all be looking to capitalise on such opportunities. White continued: “There is a definite trend to this year’s event in terms of growing product sectors, as you would expect, HVAC is the biggest of those here in this region. With the recent Euro Zone crisis, and a slowing down of industry across countries affected by these challenges, the Middle East’s influence in construction has become a key focus for the world’s industry and our exhibitors come here to do serious business.” Middle East Concrete, PMV Live and FM Expo will take place alongside The Big 5 2012 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Developed to cater to industry demand they will provide dedicated zones for buyers, which will focus on those products and services most relevant to each industry. The Big 5 is the largest event for the building and construction industry in the Middle East. It attracts more than 2,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, taking place at the Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre. For more than 30 years The Big 5 has provided a business and networking platform for the construction industry. It is an opportunity for buyers and sellers of construction products and services from around the world to source an astounding array of the very latest technologies, innovations and techniques. More than an exhibition, the event provides attendees with unrivalled access to information, intelligence, contacts and hands on experience. Experts from around the world engage in the industry’s most topical discussions, finding solutions, facing challenges and seizing opportunities. It is the gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) providing both exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity to conduct serious business with like-minded professionals. The Big 5 2012 is supported by gold sponsors Massbetter and Rajhi Steel. An international exhibition and publishing company, dmg :: events produces over 250 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year and publishes more than 40 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg :: events employs 700 people and maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China, Australia and New Zealand.