Front, Roof & Cladding shows open at Expo Centre Sharjah

The fourth Front and the third Roof and Cladding Exhibition were inaugurated by Mr. Mohammed Sultan Bin Houwaden, First Vice Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Present at the opening ceremony were and Industry (SCCI), Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, Mr Fasahat Ali Khan, Advisor to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah, officials of various government departments, and members of the diplomatic corps and trade associations.

"The huge response received from exhibitors and visitors is a reflection of the booming construction sector in the Middle East. Front is now a comprehensive sourcing point for the construction sector for doors, windows, walls, related equipment, accessories and machinery,"

said Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, after the opening.

"At the same time Roof & Cladding Exhibition is proving to a veritable showcase of roofing systems, architectural cladding, structural glazing, curtain walling, façade engineering, metal building systems, skylights and sky domes, and waterproofing."

"Collectively both the shows have shown a 25 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors and space occupied," he said.

More than 120 brands from windows, doors, grills, gates, shutters and sun protection, sun blinds and awnings, louver blinds and interior roller blinds, glass and glass products, glass processing machines, paints and chemicals, drives and drive technology, raw material, components and machinery, accessories, business fitting curtains, wall coverings, locks, access control systems, and door operating devices the world would be in display.

In previous editions exhibitors have come from Finland, Sweden, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Turkey, China, Taiwan, India, France, the UK, Qatar, CIS countries, the US and the UAE.

"The construction industry in the Gulf countries is currently valued at $2.4 trillion. There are several projects worth billions of Dirhams under construction in the UAE itself - new developments have been announced by every emirate in the first quarter itself," said Mr Saif Al Midfa.

"These developments mean the construction sector will be increasingly turning to our shows to meet their requirements for doors, windows, roof and cladding products," Mr Midfa said.

"The construction activity is visible not just in the UAE and the rest of the GCC. Take for instance Iraq, where reconstruction work is in full swing. International experts estimate to generate business worth $150bn in Iraq. About $60bn to $70bn is needed to implement the projects already under way," he said.

"We also have to keep in mind the global interest shown in our region due to the lag in the construction sector in Europe, America and elsewhere due to the fallout of the sub-prime housing crisis and resultant credit crunch," said Mr Midfa.

According to World Bank data, fuelled by rising oil revenues, the Middle East and North African economies grew more than five per cent in each of the past three years. It says countries in the region have had an aggregate fiscal surplus since 2003. According to another estimate, the GCC countries are planning to capitalise on their resource endowments by spending $1.5 trillion on infrastructure in the five years to come.

"The UAE economy grew 7.4% in 2007 and the construction sector was a key contributor to this," said Mr Midfa. "The share of the building and construction sector climbed to eight per cent from 7.5%," Mr Midfa pointed out, citing UAE Ministry of Economy figures.

"All these figures point to a booming construction sector that is constantly on the lookout for quality and innovative products. We endeavour to provide them with all their requirements under a single roof. Being the gateway to the entire region, Sharjah is strategically located to serve the industry in the entire region and beyond," he said.

Besides the exclusive exhibit profiles, added attractions of the Front and Roof & Cladding exhibitions are seminars and product presentations that will be held on the sidelines. "The seminars will cover a range of important issues concerning the regional construction industry," they will also provide ample networking opportunities," said Mr Fasahat Ali Khan.

"Several exhibitors have brought with them innovative technologies and products that will be new to the region. Last year we saw the launch of micro cement in the Gulf at the exhibition. There won't be any disappointment this year too," said Mr Khan.

For architects, designers, builders, contractors, construction professionals, consultants, civil and structural engineers, planners, importers and property managers, the shows will be the ultimate sourcing point for all their requirements.

The previous year's shows features 120 exhibitors from 54 countries and attracted 3,200 visitors.

Front and Roof & Cladding Middle East are organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The shows are open to trade visitors only, from 10am to 7pm.