Marvel at Marble and Machinery at Big 5

Bigger and better than ever before, Dubai's longest running exhibition for the region's construction and contracting industry, The Big 5 2003, will now comprise a massive 1,500 companies from 50 countries. The rapidly expanding sector of Marble and Machinery, one of The Big 5 2003's dedicated focus areas this year, is set to feature even more exhibitors, including national groups from Italy, Spain, & China.

First time exhibitors at The Big 5, Turkish SN Cons. Eng. Trade Co. Ltd., have been a leader in marble and granite production and installation since 1981. The company has completed many prestigious projects, in Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and Saudi Arabia, designing and producing marble and granite for cladding and floors. They also export high quality Turkish marble, including "Anatolian" and "Hittite Beige" marble, from their own quarries.

Demand for marble and granite products in the region 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.

Bob Hughes of dmg world media Dubai Ltd., said, "Construction activity in the UAE is now running at around US$ 4 billion per annum and is defined by large-scale projects, which favour marble and granite against cheaper alternatives. We have decided to highlight this industry sector, because it is clearly becoming big business and we want both our exhibitors and visitors to benefit from the increase in demand."

Dubai's annual Big 5 Exhibition will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and the Dubai International Convention Centre between the 29th November and 3rd December 2003.