Bahrain to showcase the first ever Intelligent Building Middle East (IBME) exhibition

IBME, which will be held under the patronage of H.E. Fahmi bin Ali Al-Jowder, Minister of Works and Housing, Bahrain is being organised by the Bahrain Convention & Exhibition Bureau (BCEB) along with Nuernberg Global Fairs, Germany and Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE), Bahrain.

The trade show, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will showcase Innovative Building Solutions and State-of-the-Art Technologies. This hallmark exhibition will bring in the latest in building concepts, materials and technology offering world class solutions and services.

The Middle East and the GCC states in particular, are increasingly in the spotlight with their ambitious new high end construction and infrastructure projects. GDP growth rates of 3-4% per annum offer an excellent base for investment in commercial, tourist and residential areas. The special climatic conditions in the Middle East together with diminishing resources of fossil energy demand new materials, solutions and technologies to achieve high added values for buildings throughout their life-cycle.

The IBME will offer a comprehensive world of solutions for planners, manufacturers, property owners, users and investors in hot and humid/ hot and dry climatic conditions. This one of a kind exhibition will compliment the booming construction activity and development in the Middle East as it aspires to meet the demands of the ever growing construction industry. IBME will bring together all the different facets of the construction industry- from machinery to materials, to buildings services and interior designs.

The current boom in construction industry in Bahrain and GCC on the whole is on the ascend with government spending rapidly increasing on the creation of new infrastructure projects, office and residential accommodations. Reports on immense investments and increasing building projects can be found in the media everyday.

There is an unlimited business potential, as the Middle East has become one of the prime contenders in the world economic market. Markets are opening, new businesses are simultaneously on the rise, thus creating an increasing demand for space for business as well as personal use. Also with the overall development, there has been a noted alteration in lifestyles. Awareness levels have shot up, people are looking for qualitative living. They have become selective about the location, architect, security, energy and the added benefits of a modern living.

Even though the constructional graph is on the rise unfortunately the region has to import almost all the components required in construction. Therefore the main intention of IBME is to create an awareness and update the world of construction in areas related to security, energy saving, durability etc. Due to the special climatic condition of the region, IBME will focus on suitable approaches for intelligent building in hot climates.

IBME consists of the trade show, the conference and the special exhibition & project show case. The trade show is a market of cost-effective materials, components and products to improve quality, performance and comfort of buildings. For the conference, 60 international speakers are scheduled to present case studies from the region and discuss the latest research results and innovative solutions for buildings in hot and humid/ hot and dry climates. The special exhibit will exhibit cutting- edge materials, products and technologies. The Project Show Case includes innovative and up-coming building projects of the Gulf region

IBME 2005 is targeted at all investors, developers, project managers, architects, planners, construction and trade companies, executives and decision makers involved in the planning, construction, marketing and maintenance of public and commercial real estate. 2,343 sqm space has been sold. The event is anticipated to attract over 114 exhibitors along with 60 conference delegates from around 14 countries including the Middle East, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Italy, UK, India and Singapore.

Architecture and Technology, Smart materials and sustainability, Use of environmental energies for building in Mediterranean climates, Design approach for sustainable buildings, Comparative study of 5 innovative buildings in the GCC are among the topics which will be covered by the conference.

The exhibition will remain open daily from 10:00 am to 18:00 pm.