The success of The Big 5 2007 underlines the global importance of the Middle East construction market

'This year saw The Big 5 deliver the biggest and best ever showcase of construction related products and services ever seen in the region,' said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai, organisers of the event.

'Proof of the importance of the region was the all-time record number of professional trade visitors that came to the show - 50,420 - an increase of 22.8% on last year. There was also a huge increase in the number of visitors from outside the UAE.'

'But it's not just the number of visitors that's significant,' he continued. 'The Big 5 is designed to generate business for exhibitors and give visitors the opportunity to see the latest products and meet solutions providers, and that's exactly what happened this year, with many multi-million dollar deals either signed or agreed in principle, and many more will be concluded as the result of meetings held at the show.'

Featuring the largest ever official German representation at any exhibition anywhere in the world, and with record numbers of participants from many countries, including Italy and Turkey, The Big 5 was voted a resounding success by exhibitors. 'The Big 5 is the most important instrument to become famous in the Middle East,' said Mathias Esser of Thomas Eisenhandel GmbH, which produces steel production pallets for the block making industry. 'For our company, taking part at The Big 5 was a very important step in us becoming an independent exporter, and we believe that our continued participation at the event will see our success in the region grow even further.'

Companies from every product sector reported major deals and strong interest in their products and services, with both new and regular exhibitors benefiting from the demand for the latest innovations in the sector.

Italian company Master Italy, producers of accessories for aluminium doors and windows, have increased their business in the Emirates by 70% this year, and made progress to increase this at The Big 5. 'We have confirmed a deal at the show worth more than €1,100,000 ($1.6m),' said a company spokesman.

'The Arabian Gulf is in the midst of an unprecedented growth in construction projects across the whole civil and industrial spectrum,' said Walsh. 'According to Proleads, which tracks projects across the region, the total number of active developments in the GCC countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is close to 3,400 with a total combined value exceeding $2.4 trillion. Civil engineering and infrastructure projects of all kinds lead the way with a staggering 2,081 projects representing a combined value of $1.3 trillion alone.'

This year also saw The Big 5 expanding its sector coverage with the introduction of The Big 5 PMV (Plant - Machinery - Vehicles) at Airport Expo Dubai. 'Another key sector for the industry, there is tremendous growth in demand for heavy construction equipment of all kinds, and response to this new addition to The Big 5 was extremely positive,' concluded Walsh.