Construction boom doubles membership of UAE Contractors' Association

The growth was revealed by Humaid Salem, the Association's General Manager, who dubbed the construction sector 'a mainstay of the region's economy with all indicators pointing to its growing national significance.'

Salem said membership growth from the UAE was Emirates-wide with construction activity in the country now ranked amongst the highest in the world. He said the time was now right for the association to press for standardisation of best practices throughout the UAE's construction sector.

'Best practices are taking increasing hold on the market with the entry of international companies and a growing number of joint ventures being forged between local and global operators,' said Salem. 'The challenge moving forward for this region is to develop in line with best practice to develop one standard specification for all building materials and works. This will make local contractors better able to compete on the global stage and allow the best to flourish. We hope to work with the UAE government to produce one code of practice.'

Salem was speaking as he announced the association's official support for DOMOTEX Middle East 2007- the specialised carpets and floor coverings exhibition which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 11-13 June 2007.

'Vertical shows, such as DOMOTEX will assist our standardisation drive by introducing a new breadth of world-class supplier to the market,' he said. 'Though the UAE's construction sector is characterised by fierce competition, contractors are embracing new suppliers, manufacturing methods and new technology to stay ahead of the game.

'Our members travel across the GCC and internationally to see what's on offer in other markets, but with the success of DOMOTEX in bringing exhibitors from overseas to Dubai, contractors can optimise their time and network with an extensive range of producers under one roof.'

DOMOTEX Middle East is anticipating a 29% increase in floor space on last year's inaugural showing, with the 2007 edition taking up five DWTC halls spanning 18,000 square metres.

'Floor space growth has been fuelled by the expanded repeat bookings and by an influx of new-to-market exhibitors from Italy, Saudi Arabia, Canada, France, Germany and Iran,' explained Angela Schaschen, Managing Director, Messe Middle East, the regional representative of Deutsche Messe Hannover, one of the world's top three trade show organisers.

'The backing of the Contractors' Association gives exhibitors a valuable opportunity to support local industry initiatives and embed themselves into a market which is witnessing unprecedented growth.'

DOMOTEX Middle East has the official support of the UAE Contractors' Association, the Association of Professional Interior Designers, the Government of Dubai, the Department of Economic Development and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. It is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Group.