Middle East construction industry gathers in Dubai for the biggest and best ever Big 5

Greatly expanded this year, the show, which is the biggest ever in the long history of the event, completely fills eight halls plus the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Sheikh Maktoum Hall, The Pavilion and the new 35,000 sqm Zabeel Hall, and features 2,909 companies from 60 countries, with country pavilions representing the international industry leaders.

A comprehensive showcase for the building and construction industry, every product sector is represented, including air conditioning and refrigeration, water technology and the environment, marble, stone and ceramics and a diverse range of products and services related to building and construction.

"In addition to strong representation for Germany, Italy, Greece, Malaysia, Australia and Egypt, this year's show also features 30 leading Brazilian companies, 66 Turkish exhibitors and a record number of specialist companies from Wales," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of organisers dmg world media Dubai Ltd. "The level of official government support for these pavilions once again underlines the strong credibility and effectiveness of the event."

"Covering a wide range of topics that have particular relevance to the Middle East market, the seminars, which are free to attend, will be presented by leading international experts from all around the world,"

added Walsh, "We have worked hard with our exhibitors to create a programme that will help our colleagues in the construction industry keep up to date with the latest developments in an ever evolving sector."

An extensive series of seminars held alongside the show will cover a wide range of topics including thermal insulation, structural glazing and cladding, new materials and systems, passive cooling & daylight deflection, fire safety, ventilation, corrosion resistant reinforcement and AC systems. Industry experts will discuss the latest trends and product innovations that will help the region's construction industry work more efficiently and more securely to deliver ever higher quality results.

"The Big 5 brings the best that the world has to offer, in terms of products and services, to the Middle East each year," added Walsh. "This year sees the show breaking all previous records in terms of number of exhibitors, floorspace and, we are confident, number of visitors."