Over 30 Portuguese companies participating at BIG 5 exhibition

'Portugal is ready to tap this boom with a bang in the Middle East construction industry,' Dr Carlos Carvalho Costa, Director of the Portuguese Trade Centre, based in Dubai commented.

With over 30 Portuguese companies participating under the theme of 'Portuguese Building Material, Building Your World' the increased number of companies showing at the BIG 5 from last year is in direct response to the growing demand in UAE & GCC for quality Portuguese building materials. Materials such as stone, tiles and ceramics, which have attracted even the new innovative sectors of Cork Flooring, Metal roofing and Waste Management Technologies that are participating at BIG 5 2006.

The quality and variety of Portugal's marble, which due to its beige hues, has become much sought after in the local market. Portugal delivers in high style with Moca Creme, Moleanos and Rosal, amongst other colours and types such as the famous Rosa Aurora. Today, top architects, renowned artists and creative designers use Portuguese marble with different finishes, to apply to all manner of interior and exterior finishes.

Companies in Portugal anticipate future needs for industrial and residential waste management solutions which are environment friendly and Portugal offers one of the best solutions on designing of waste containers technology. This system consists of lodging SUR (Solid Urban Residue) containers below the ground, which are normally located above ground at street level.

The entire system is kept locked under a metallic lid with rubber joints, which makes it impermeable to water or odour. The lid of the framework surface is adjustable in height, making it adaptable to the different gradients of slopes in the streets. The lifting and tipping of the equipment is activated hydraulically.

One of the most innovative technologies used in Industrial metal roofing is the Skinzip systems technology, which provides self supporting roofings, mainly used in large industrial warehouses and airports. It meets the challenges posed by architects, designers and end users by providing technical and aesthetic solutions that exceed expectations. This system has been designed to meet both domestic and international market needs and offers a new range of possibilities for building projects of any kind.

This construction solution is exceptionally elegant and has an outstanding technical performance. With Skinzip it is possible to cover a vast range of architectural shapes, giving designers tremendous creative freedom. The cultural art form of hand-painted tiles dates back to the Arabic influence of the Moors, who dominated the Iberian Peninsula in 711.

The designs and concepts have evolved now into a contemporary form, but still retain their traditional appeal. Terracotta shingles used on rooftops, along with the predominance of domes and arches is yet another reflection of the Arabic influence on Portugal's architecture.

Traditionally, Portugal's major export markets are France, Spain, Germany, UK, USA and Angola, but companies are now looking at the potential of the markets in the Middle East.

Costa concluded, 'With the boom in the Middle East construction industry set to continue for many years to come, we are confident that Portuguese building materials will play an increasingly important role in that development.'

The Portuguese Pavilion can be found in Halls 3&4 and in Sheikh Rashid Hall.