The Big 5 - an essential part of the Middle East building and construction industries

For many years now The Big 5 has been acknowledged as the largest and most essential annual meeting place for the building and construction industries - it has continued 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.

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 truly global reputation. It plays a major role in the international construction industry, and this year will feature over 3,000 companies from 60 countries - there are few, if any other events anywhere in the world that compare in terms of floorspace, number of exhibitors, international representation and number of visitors.

With Governments focusing strongly on the expansion of their tourism, business (and by implication, residential) infrastructures, the large number of current (and planned) major construction projects in the residential and commercial sectors makes the role that The Big 5 plays ever more crucial, as it gives the region's key decision makers the opportunity to see the latest and best that the world leaders have to offer.

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.

This year's Big 5 will also feature a significant number of national pavilions, representing all of the major international countries - the level of official government support for these pavilions again underlines the strong credibility and effectiveness the event. It is also clear evidence of the global credibility of Dubai, which, linked to the country's strategic location between East and West, and a sophisticated business infrastructure means that it is a highly attractive and easily accessible venue - in the majority of cases much more convenient for visitors to get to, and definitely the gateway to the lucrative markets of the Middle East.

Every product sector has expanded, in particular marble and stone, which now fills the entire Sheikh Rashid Hall. An educational element was also introduced as part of The Big 5, and feedback from both visitors and exhibitors last year rated these very highly, as they benefit the industry in general. Comprehensive programmes of free technical seminars, presented by experts from the world's leading companies, covering the most important industry topics, including the latest product and service developments will again feature throughout the five days of the 2006 show.

"Covering a wide range of topics that have particular relevance to the Middle East market, the seminars, which are free to attend, will be presented by leading international experts from all around the world," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai, the organisers of the event. "We have worked hard with our exhibitors to create a programme that will help our colleagues in the construction industry keep up to date with the latest developments in an ever evolving sector."

Among the many topics that will be covered are thermal insulation, structural glazing and cladding, new materials and systems, passive cooling & daylight deflection, fire safety, ventilation, corrosion resistant reinforcement and AC systems. The speakers will discuss the latest trends and product innovations that will help the region's construction industry work more efficiently and more securely to deliver ever higher quality results, all key elements in what is the world's most active and competitive construction market.

"The Big 5 brings the best that the world has to offer, in terms of products and services, to the Middle East each year," added Walsh. "These seminars give us the opportunity to allow visitors access to best international working practices, and to discuss new technologies and product innovations that will directly benefit their businesses."

The significance of The Big 5 is best demonstrated by the support received from the very highest levels, including, in recent years, their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed and Hamdan. There is also major support from major associations and other leading trade bodies from the region and across the world.