Source: www.zawya.com
An estimated US$915b worth of construction projects are expected to be undertaken in the GCC over the next two years, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounting for more than 75 per cent of that figure. With business consistently on the increase, the building and construction industry has a continual need to evolve, and The Big 5 2011 will be introducing new features and opportunities to help drive business forward.
“The Big 5 exhibition has been on a journey alongside the industry over the past few years,” commented Andy White, event director for The Big 5 2011, “and we are constantly in touch with exhibitors and leading industry experts to ensure that what is on offer over the four-day event is in tune with business being done.”
Heralded as the most influential event for the building and construction industry in the region and responsible for significant economic growth across the construction industry, The Big 5 is set to reflect this evolving landscape of the industry in 2011
Following a round table discussion with members of The Big 5 Platinum Club, key decision makers from the industry with budgets of over $100 million, it became apparent that a need for knowledge share with a focus on products and sustainability was being increasingly sought out. The event has therefore made a significant commitment to creating additional platforms for discussion and showcasing new products together with applications and solutions.
Product specific seminars and green issues will be taking centre stage at the 2011 event, with dedicated arenas for exhibitors and industry experts to showcase innovative technology and relevant applications. This increasing importance of knowledge share across a number of sectors has also generated the creation of more than 80 free-to-attend seminars. Led by experts from the field who have collaborated on some of the most challenging projects seen across the globe, these seminars will include information on key products and technologies, with real life case studies, analysis of challenges and solutions.
There will also be seminars dedicated to international exhibitors, who want to find out further information about doing business in the region, how to set up and office and how a manufacturer can go about setting up a contract with a local distributer.
Taking place from 21-14 November at Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre, The Big 5 will also be continuing its support of sustainability and green building. The Green Build Congress will provide an opportunity for all construction sectors to understand further the drivers for sustainable change, as well as gain experience in the practical elements of benchmarking and implementation.
Global politicians, CEOs and experts involved in the strategic planning and execution of sustainable processes will be presenting their own theories and experiences relating to green technologies and practices in the region. The event will include a ‘Vision Day’ with industry experts defining their vision for a green and sustainable future, followed by a two-day ‘Action Forum’ enabling action of a green strategy in an interactive, practical and engaging event format.
Mr. White continues: “This year, feedback has shown that there needs be a strong focus on products, what is new in the market and what products can help construction processes more efficient and more sustainable. We are constantly searching for new and innovative ways to evolve and ensure the event is completely in sync with the industry. Feedback this year has provided us with a clear direction and a strong four-day programme that propels The Big 5 into a new era.”
Securing a position as a key business driver in the Middle East over the last three decades, The Big 5 has seen a number of substantial projects specked during previous years, including the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Metro and the Palm Jumeirah. Beyond these significant projects, businesses across the globe have testified to the impact of The Big 5 on local and international economic growth:
Mohammed Al Saadi, Marketing Department Manager at Qatar Steel Company, commented, “The Big 5 is an excellent platform, serving the purpose of networking, showcasing and image building all at a time. Qatar Steel, one of the leading brands in the Middle East in the Steel industry, continues to be the part of The Big 5 Carbon Neutral Show, for the 5th time in a row in a campaign towards reducing carbon emissions.”
The Big 5 anticipates building on last year’s phenomenal success; BPA audit figures from 2010 saw an unprecedented seven per cent increase in visitor attendance from 45,177 visits in 2009 to 48,366 visits in 2010, with exhibitors from over 70 countries occupying a vast 37,872 net square feet of floor space.
