The Big 5 2003 to occupy eight halls at DIEC

The Big 5 is a unique trade fair, combining seven major exhibitions under one roof. Featuring around 1,500 companies from 50 countries, it is the most comprehensive event of the year for contractors and specifiers, architects, engineers and buyers.

Larger than ever before, the Big 5 2003 will now occupy all available space in the eight exhibition halls of the DIEC. For any professional involved in the construction industry in the Middle East and Asia, the Big 5 is the essential annual meeting place. More than 25,000 key buyers and decision-makers from the public and private sector attended the 2002 event, as well as architects, engineers, contractors and other specifiers.

One of the most commercially successful trade fairs in Dubai, the Big 5 features National Pavilions from all major exporting countries in East and West, alongside the important local developers, contractors, importers and distributors.

Two sections at this year's show will receive special attention: Water Technology & Environment, and Marble/Stone & Machinery.

FOCUS '03: Water Technology & Environment
Massive development of infrastructure for tourism and commerce, combined with fast population growth throughout the region, ensures ever-increasing demand for the most state-of-the-art solutions in water technology and environmental techniques. Much investment is dedicated to desalination, preservation, transport and purification. Over the next 25 years, the UAE alone will spend over 7 billion dollars to develop its water resources. Desalination provides for 80% of requirements, and a series of new plants are coming into operation throughout the Emirates.

Government efforts are focused on the development of new projects as well as effective strategies to improve current water utilisation and management. Both public and private developments throughout the region offer countless opportunities for overseas and local manufacturers and suppliers, and the Big 5 each year features thousands of products and services for the water and environment industry.

FOCUS '03: Marble & Machinery
The Marble & Machinery sector at the Big 5 2002 experienced massive growth. Construction activity in the UAE, now running at around US$ 4 billion per annum, is defined by large-scale projects, which favour marble and granite against cheaper alternatives. These products are mostly dependent on imports, estimated to be around US$ 100 million in 2002.

Demand for marble and granite products has been growing at around 6% per annum. Both products are imported mainly in large, uncut blocks or rocks and slabs polished for final use. Imports of blocks and slabs account for approx. 12% of total imports. Meanwhile, demand for flooring stone in the UAE is the highest in the entire region, higher than Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Seven Shows under One Roof
The Building and Construction section is the largest such event for suppliers of systems, components, materials, fittings and services. This is the main component of the Big 5 Show, covering about half of all available space and growing every year.

In the Middle East, no building is complete without Air Conditioning, and with systems operating around the clock, there is a continuous requirement for replacement, renovation and maintenance.

Cleaning and Maintenance is a fast growing sector in an area characterised by extremes of heat, humidity and direct sunlight, and there are excellent opportunities for suppliers of technology associated with repair and restoration.

Prospects for the Glass & Metal sector in the Gulf are excellent. Massive public and private sector investments offer business potential for suppliers of top-of-the-range and custom-built glass and metal fixtures and fittings from inside the region and overseas.

Finally, the Gulf region is brimming with opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers in the Bathrooms & Ceramics sector. Around 100 international suppliers of bathroom products occupied a complete hall at the Big 5 in 2002.

Ongoing Boom
Throughout the Middle East, construction activity is currently running at its highest level for over 20 years. The Gulf countries have a young population and massive housing needs, while the oil wealth drives a construction boom in both public and private sectors. At the same time, following recent events in Iraq, the Dubai construction sector will play its part in serving the needs of the country.

The ongoing construction boom in the Gulf region is founded on an active public sector, commissioning hospitals, mosques, fire stations, tourism and educational facilities. Private sector development is even more ambitious with the emphasis on hotel, leisure and commercial developments, shopping malls, apartment blocks, condos and trade towers. Architects, designers, consultants and contractors involved in these projects throughout the region are keen visitors to the BIG 5, where major business deals are concluded.

The Big 5 Show is the most important date for decision-makers throughout the GCC, the Middle East and Asia.