Three main construction sectors record massive growth across the Middle East

Major highlights of the annual Big 5 Show, all three will have an expanded presence at this year's event that takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 28 October to 1 November.

"All of the major international companies from each of these vital sectors will be represented at this year's Big 5," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai Ltd. "We will stage the biggest ever event in the history of the show this year, due to the availability of additional floorspace."

JCI-York, a world leader in the field of air conditioning, is one of the big names that will be participating, having found the show to be a highly effective way to establish significant contact with owners, contractors and designers.

"This year we will be demonstrating our response to large fast track projects and air-conditioning needs through packaged chiller plant with controls," said a company spokesman. "One of the most exciting new product developments that will be shown at The Big 5 is our chiller plant with a single 11kV power input - the unique feature of this system is that no external transformers are needed. We will also be promoting a new concept for the Middle East - our exclusive range of car park ventilation systems. In addition to low operating costs, efficient air mixing and quiet operation, these are extremely beneficial in the event of fire, ensuring improved visibility during evacuation, smoke dilution, smoke cooling and rapid smoke extraction via axial flow fans."

"Our Refrigeration Business Group will be showing a brand new range of ChillPAC packaged ammonia chillers, which are extensively used in the food processing industry and cold stores."

JCI-York foresee continued growth in the district cooling concept, where several buildings are supplied with chilled water from a central cooling plant. These sophisticated, architecturally enhanced, prefabricated chiller plants can result in earlier building occupancy for owners, savings in mechanical and electrical engineering for designers and smooth, on time transition for contractors.

Another main player in the AC industry, UTS Carrier, has been exhibiting at The Big 5 for over a decade, making valuable contacts and signing significant deals at the show. Their regional business is growing by as much as 20% gross a year. "Our objective this year is to familiarise customers with the new features, increased efficiency and innovative features of our new products," said Imad Richani of UTS Carrier.

The marble, stone and ceramics industry will once again be well represented at the show, with major groups from the main markets of Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Jordan, Turkey, plus many individual companies from overseas and around the region, including RAK Ceramics, which is now established as one of the world's largest manufacturers in the industry.

Featuring the most renowned global brands from the bathrooms and sanitaryware industry, including industry leaders such as Franke, Geberit and Grohe, the Big 5 will showcase the world's most creative product designs.

Grohe, who have exhibited at every Big 5 since the show was first launched, depend on the show as a key element of their marketing in the region, as it gives them the opportunity to meet the key consultants, engineers, contractors, architects and developers.

"This year, we will be looking to further enhance our market share through the launch of our latest products," said Alexander Halabi, Gulf Regional Manager, Grohe. "We have a number of exciting new products, and are confident that these will have a positive impact in the Middle East market, which we expect to continue growing at a very fast pace, for at least the next 10 years."

The Big 5, globally acknowledged as one of the world's most important meeting places for the construction industry, takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 28 October to 1 November 2006.