Concrete and cement sector to play a major role at The BIG Show 2013

At Omanexpo's 10th international exhibition of building materials, heavy construction equipment and interior furnishings, special attention will be given to local and international companies that provide the much-needed and sough-after concrete and cement requirements by the trade.

A UFI-approved event since 2009, The BIG Show pioneered in the building, construction, housing and infrastructure sector in the Sultanate. It will be held from March 17 to 20 at the Oman International Exhibition Center. Formerly a three-day event, it is now a four-day show, in response to previous exhibitors and other companies' need to leverage the opportunities presented by the show.

The BIG Show's project manager Ebrahim Taher says "Oman is placed at an advantage over other regional markets when it comes to construction materials because it has an abundance of raw resources that are needed to produce cement and other building materials."

He added that more and more foreign companies are entering the local market, which will benefit local industrial skill and capacity as well as provide job opportunities. "We are encouraging companies to take advantage of this sourcing, educational and networking platform. Here you will find the most relevant materials, products, services and equipment for under-construction, renovation, interior design projects, and any type of construction activity," he adds.

To date, companies from the UAE, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt are coming to the event with a number of concrete and cement firms such as RAK Concrete and National Concrete. More companies are expected to participate in this landmark show, recognized as the biggest and most significant one in the Sultanate.

Apart from the exhibition, The BIG Show will hold a two-day Oman Builders Forum, focusing on the themes "Interior Technologies", "Concrete and Alternatives", "Toward Sustainable Construction", and "Safe Buildings".