Construction activity in the Middle East currently running at its highest level for over 20 years, with yet more planned

The ongoing construction boom throughout the Gulf is the result of an extremely active public sector and the commitment of Governments to develop and enhance their infrastructures, leading to the commissioning of hospitals, mosques, fire stations, tourism and educational facilities.

The region's public sector has budget allocations worth millions of dollars for infrastructure maintenance, including airports, hospitals, schools, streets and parks - for example, with desalination providing 80% of the annual requirement, the UAE alone will spend in excess of US$7 billion over the next 25 years to develop its water resources, with a series of new plants planned or in development throughout the Emirates.

Private sector development is even more ambitious, with the focus throughout the region firmly on hotels, leisure and commercial developments, shopping malls, apartment blocks, residential developments and office towers, as the growth and significance of the tourism trade continues at a rapid pace.

Against this backdrop, and with significant new developments announced throughout the region on a regular basis, architects, designers and contractors are already looking forward to seeing the very best and latest that the world has to offer at 2005's Big 5, which takes place from 16th to 20th of November at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Showcasing building and construction, water technology and environment, air conditioning and refrigeration, cleaning and maintenance, glass and metal, bathrooms ceramics and kitchens, marble and machinery, the Big 5 has the deserved reputation of being the event where the major business deals are concluded, generating business from the UAE, GCC and beyond.

Internationally acknowledged as the most important meeting place for the regional industry's decision-makers, who have access to millions of dollars for the purchase of the latest technology, products and services, there has been stronger than ever demand for space at this year's show, which is already completely sold out with six months still to go before the show opens.

"The Big 5 is, without doubt, the largest trade show for the construction industry in the Arabian Gulf - over the years it has grown into a truly unique event, combining seven major exhibitions under one roof, and bringing the best global industry practices to the region" said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai.

"In 2004, we hosted 2,000 companies from 50 countries and attracted 34,000 key buyers and decision-makers from the public and private sector in addition to architects, engineers, contractors and other specifiers - with the seemingly endless expansion of the construction sector, it continues to grow in significance and is a real catalyst in the development of the industry" he added.

One of the most commercially successful trade events staged in Dubai, the Big 5 features national pavilions from all of the world's major exporting countries along with the most important local manufacturers, importers and distributors.

"The recently announced plans to develop a brand new exhibition venue for Dubai, with greatly increased capacity, means that the Big 5 will, in the not too distant future, have the opportunity to expand proportionately to the growth of the regional construction industry," added Walsh, "it has also been announced that in the interim period, Dubai International Exhibition Centre will have an additional two halls available from 2006, allowing us to welcome more of the world's leading construction industry companies to Dubai".