Continued expansion of the regional construction industry makes for the biggest ever Big 5

The latest developments in the industry have seen Emaar Properties unveil its plans to expand the retail sector with billions of dollars earmarked for the development of around 100 malls in the still flourishing markets of the Middle East, North Africa and Indian subcontinent, with a further US$4bn committed to build a residential and commercial project in Cairo, Egypt.

Tourism continues to be one of the key drivers of the region's economy, and as this continues to demonstrate consistent growth, timeshare property, alongside the still expanding hotel sector, is emerging as another factor that will sustain the expansion of the construction sector.

Elsewhere, Solidere's multi-billion dollar Beirut City Centre project, which is due to open in 2007, involves the development of the Martyr's Square axis, a new waterfront district plus residential property. Contracts have also recently been awarded to contractors for Phase One of the new Doha International Airport, which comprises design detailing, procurement, construction and the start-up and commissioning of airfield facilities, including two runways, three full-length parallel taxiways, airfield lighting and electrical infrastructure. US-based Bechtel has also been awarded a $900 million contract for phase two of the airport. Due to be completed by March 2009, the new terminal will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers every year.

These projects are, in turn, boosting the business of the entire spectrum of supply industries - a typical example is cement, with Dubai Holdings establishing the Emirates Cement Company (ECC), which aims to profit from the current boom in the region's construction sector. To be located in Fujairah and be operational within two years, it will feature a three million tonne capacity plant and raw material quarries.

"Given the staggering pace that construction is running at, and with all of the indications pointing to yet further expansion, it's no surprise that The Big 5 2005 is totally sold out, as leading regional and international organisations seek to ensure their share of the vast sums of money being invested." said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai Ltd., organisers of the event.

A comprehensive showcase of building and construction, water technology and the environment, air conditioning and refrigeration, cleaning and maintenance, glass and metal, bathrooms, ceramics and kitchens, marble and machinery, the Big 5 has, over the years, built its reputation as the event where major business deals from the UAE, GCC and beyond are concluded.

Acknowledged as the most vital meeting place for the regional industry's decision-makers, who are eager to see (and purchase) the latest technology, products and services, the Big 5 is the largest trade show for the construction industry in the Arabian Gulf. Having grown into a unique event that combines seven major exhibitions under one roof, it has played a real role in the adoption of global industry best practices throughout the region.

"Completely filling all of the available floor space at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, including the Pavilion, plus, new for this year, the recently added Marquee, the Big 5 will feature over 2,000 companies from 54 countries and 29 National Pavilions - this will include the world's major exporting countries along with the most important local manufacturers, importers and distributors," added Walsh, who confidently anticipates that the biggest and best ever Big 5 will attract an all-time record attendance of key buyers and decision-makers from the public and private sectors, plus architects, engineers, contractors and specifiers.

"The contribution that the Big 5 makes to economies across the region is significant" he concluded - factor in the revenue that the massive influx of visitors makes to the economy of the UAE, and the event's importance is even further enhanced.

The Big 5 runs from the 16th to 20th of November at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.