Biggest ever Big 5 attracts huge number of visitors on opening day

For many years now, the event has been acknowledged as the largest and most essential annual meeting place for the industry - it continues to expand in size and grow in international stature in line with the rapid (and highly ambitious) plans that the region's real estate developers announce on a frequent basis.

This year's event, which features 2,000 manufacturers and suppliers from 55 countries, also includes 28 national pavilions. 'We keep thinking that the Big 5 can't get any bigger,' said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of organisers dmg world media Dubai, 'but once again this year we have broken all previous records, and have an exhibition that covers over 30,200 square metres - in effect, every available piece of floorspace at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.'

'With Governments giving the expansion of their tourism, business (and by implication, residential) infrastructures priority, the large number of current (and planned) major construction projects in the residential and commercial sectors focusing on the creation of homes, workplaces, retail malls and hotels makes it crucial that the regional industry has a dedicated world class exhibition that gives key decision makers the opportunity to see the latest and best that the world leaders have to offer,' he added.

A recent report issued by Meed Projects showed that there are currently 1,400 on-going projects in the Gulf region, with a total value in excess of US$697 billion. Latest estimates are that this total is increasing at a rate of US$4 billion per week as new projects are announced. Given this, the construction sector will remain very buoyant in the medium and long term.

The UAE accounts for US$221 billion (32%) of projects and Saudi Arabia for US$146 billion (21%). Given that the population of the UAE is less than 20% of that of Saudi Arabia, this highlights the fact that planned construction is focused on the Emirates and, in particular, on Dubai. The large property developers (Nakheel, Emaar, Dubai Properties and Dubai International Properties) have announced projects worth US$26 billion while Dubai Municipality, Dewa and the Department of Civil Aviation have other projects planned which will cost a further US$20 billion.

The total construction spend in the GCC, Iran and Iraq is currently running at US$294 billion. The UAE makes up US$176 billion (60%) of this spend, clearly indicating the dominant position that it occupies in this sector.

Projects throughout the region are using state-of-the-art latest technology - the Palm Jumeirah being just one example of a development that is the first of its kind anywhere in the world - The Big 5 contributes to making these dreams a reality by giving the region's construction professionals the opportunity to meet experts from all over the world and share knowledge and best practice with them in addition to sourcing essential products, techniques and expertise.

The very first event in the series that became what is today The Big 5 took place well over 20 years ago, even before the exhibition halls were built in Dubai. Focused on water-related products and services initially, it took place in a tent on the banks of the Dubai Creek. Since that humble beginning, the event has evolved, both in size and product profile, into The Big 5, with a number of name changes over the years that have reflected the expansion of the regional market. The event now comprehensively covers seven main product areas: Building & Construction, Water Technology and Environment, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Cleaning & Maintenance, Glass & Metal, Bathrooms & Ceramics, Marble & Machinery.

One of the longest running events in Dubai, The Big 5's heritage goes right back to the very beginning of Dubai's extraordinary growth, which it has supported over the years. The Big 5 is today one of the world's major construction shows, with a global reputation. It plays a major role in the international construction industry - there are few, if any other events anywhere in the world that compare to it in terms of floorspace, number of exhibitors, international representation and number of visitors.

This year's Big 5 hosts national pavilions that represent all of the major international countries, and the level of official government support for these pavilions again underlines the strong credibility and effectiveness of The Big 5.

Every product sector has expanded, in particular marble and stone, which now fills the entire Sheikh Rashid Hall.

The Big 5 also features a comprehensive programme of free technical seminars, presented by experts from the world's leading companies. These seminars will cover the most important industry topics, including the latest developments in construction IT, natural ventilation, saving energy and using solar power, hygienic hot water in hotels and hospitals, alternative air conditioning options and plasma cutting to name but a few.

In total, sixty seminars will be held over the five days of the exhibition, and will take place in rooms A and B above Hall 8 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre. A number of the seminars focus on energy efficiency and sustainable building, subjects that are especially relevant for the region.

'We believe that these sessions will present the region's construction sector with new, innovative solutions to their requirements.' said Walsh.

The Big 5 receives support from the very highest levels, including, in recent years, their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan. There is major support from The UAE Contractors Association and other leading building associations from the region and across the world - the event also attracts VIP visitors from all over the globe, including senior ministerial representation.

The Big 5 runs from November 16th to 20th at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, and is open to trade professionals involved in the building and construction industries.