Middle East construction spending reaches an all time high

UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain are among the GCC States that are at present in the midst of a construction frenzy and also have several major infrastructure projects lined up for the coming years.

In other parts of the Middle East too, the construction sector has been experiencing unparalleled growth. Among the countries in the region where there is significant spending at present on infrastructure and other projects are Iran and Iraq. Whereas the total value of construction projects in Iran has reached $97bn, in Iraq it is to the tune of $27bn.

The major causes for the sharp and continued upswing in the regional construction sector in the last few years may be attributed to skyrocketing oil prices, substantial inflow of capital due to the availability of attractive business opportunities, liberal government policies, stable markets, and easy access to financial and other related facilities.

The boom in the Middle East construction sector has given rise to a massive demand for construction machinery, equipment, vehicles, attachments and spares. In fact, the annual market demand just for used construction machinery and equipment in the Middle East exceeds Dhs5bn.

The second edition of CONMEX at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 5-8, 2007, is aimed at meeting the regional construction sector's complete sourcing requirements for construction plants, machinery and equipment, earth moving and road construction machinery, construction and commercial vehicles, lifting and conveying equipment, plant and machinery for asphalt/ concrete/ cement and stone, tools and special systems, formwork and scaffolding, construction site facilities, attachments, spare parts and accessories, communication and navigation equipment, safety equipment, and other related products and services.

'The Middle East construction sector is currently experiencing phenomenal growth,' said Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Advisor to Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah.

'The growth in the sector has led to massive demand for construction related products and technologies. CONMEX is the region's most comprehensive sourcing platform that exclusively caters to the Middle East construction sector's requirements of construction machinery, equipment, vehicles, attachments and spares,' he added.

This year's CONMEX will be occupying a total exhibition area of 31,000 sq. m. including 15,000 sq. m. of outdoor space. It will host more than 280 brands from 23 countries including UK, UAE, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan (ROC), Italy, Germany, Russia, Slovenia, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Romania, Belgium, Ireland and Iran.

Besides individual participation, the second edition of CONMEX will also be hosting country pavilions from China, Romania, India, and Italy.

'The second edition of CONMEX has significantly grown in size in terms of exhibitor numbers and occupied exhibition space,' said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

'The growth reflects the confidence that the regional construction has reposed on the event for its sourcing requirements,' he added.

CONMEX 2007, given its highly unique and focused exhibit profile, will attract key personnel and decision makers from across the regional construction industry including contracting companies, traders, distributors, stockists of construction machinery and equipment, service providers including transport companies, consultants, renting and leasing agencies, and public administration.

'The overwhelming response that CONMEX has received in the region may largely be attributed to its comprehensive yet sector specific focus,' said Mr. Saif Al Midfa.

'The 2007 edition of CONMEX besides featuring an unique exhibit profile, will once again act as an ideal networking platform for top-level personnel from the Middle East construction sector and senior representatives of the exhibiting brands and companies,' he added.

The focused exhibit profile and the numerous networking opportunities however are not the only attractions at CONMEX 2007.

The live demonstration of tower cranes, forklifts, earthmovers, concrete batching plants, and other light and medium range machinery, equipment, and vehicles, in the display area outside Expo Centre Sharjah, will be of interest to everyone associated with the construction industry.

Another major highlight of this year's CONMEX will be the product launches on the sidelines. More than 40 product launches have been planned at the event including special launches for the quarry, railway, and the construction-engineering sector.

Meanwhile, the International Trade Fair Service (IMAG), a member of the Munich International Trade Fairs Group - organisers of BAUMA, the largest construction machinery show in the world, and Expo Centre Sharjah - the exhibitions wing of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), have tied up to jointly organise the third edition of CONMEX in 2008.

CONMEX 2007 is an initiative of Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.