In spite of fears that the global credit crunch and economic slowdown could impact the Arabian Gulf, latest analysis shows there are still more than 250 major civil construction projects in the bidding phase across the region worth nearly $120 billion.

As the most important five days for the construction sector in the Middle East fast approaches with The Big 5 exhibition, the organisers say the show is now a sell out with industry exhibitors.

The Big 5 takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 23-27 November 2008. "The exhibitors are coming in record numbers to promote themselves in a region continuing to grow and develop," said Paula Al Chami, Exhibition Director, dmg world media Dubai, organizers of The Big 5.

The Big 5 is the largest show for the industry in the Arabian Gulf and one of the world's largest trade shows for the construction industry and associated suppliers. The 2007 show featured more than 2,830 exhibiting companies from 53 countries. "We are already well over 3000 exhibiting companies for the 2008 show and we are looking at more than 50,000 visitors," said Al Chami.

Analysis carried out by The Big 5 research partner Proleads has identified more than 250 major civil construction projects across the Gulf Co-operation Council countries which have gone beyond initial planning and are in the bidding phase for consultants, contractors and suppliers. They range in value from $12 million to $13.6 billion with 135 of them in the United Arab Emirates and 60 in Saudi Arabia.

The Top Ten projects in bidding alone are valued at a staggering total of $64.3 billion, headed by the building of new cities in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia (see table for details). "These statistics underline that there is still a lot of activity planned in civil construction in coming years, which is being reflected in the growth of the show," said Simon Mellor, Vice President Construction for organisers dmg world media.

This year, The Big 5 will be promoting energy efficient green building solutions and environmentally friendly technologies at The Big Technical Conference, compiled in conjunction with Ecospecifier International where industry experts will present practical project case studies, the best practice in green building compliance requirements and the latest issues surrounding rating schemes such as LEED.

Another green focus is The Big 5 Gaia Awards showcasing environmentally friendly products and services, the first of its kind in the region. Products and services exhibited at this years' Big 5 exhibition that reduce the impact on the environment are eligible for the awards and a judging panel, comprising senior individuals from local developers, contractors and government has been assembled with the support of Ecospecifier International.  The awards will feature over 30 products and services.

The Big 5 organisers are also collaborating with experts from the British Safety Council for a programme of health and safety training workshops.

Alongside The Big 5 exhibition will be The Big 5 PMV - The Middle East's premier construction plant, machinery and vehicles at the same venue..

For more information, please visit www.thebig5exhibition.com

-Ends-

About The Big 5 and the exhibition organisers
The Big 5, which takes place is held annually in Dubai and is globally acknowledged as the biggest and most important exhibition for the Middle East building and construction industry, attracting key regional and international decision makers. 

The Big 5 is organised by dmg world media Dubai Ltd, part of the dmg world media group of companies and is an acknowledged leader in the region's exhibitions industry since 1999. dmg's portfolio includes some of the largest exhibitions in the Middle East.

All seven dedicated product sectors in The Big 5 are substantial events in their own right and cover:  Building and Construction; Water Technology and Environment; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Cleaning and Maintenance; Glass and Metal; Bathrooms and Ceramics; Marble and Stone. In addition, The Big 5 PMV - the specialist show for plant, heavy machinery and large vehicles will be co-located with The Big 5.

About the Big 5 PMV
The Big 5 PMV www.big5pmv.com  will take place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 23-27 November 2008. Organised by Streamline Marketing Group in conjunction with dmg world media, the event runs in conjunction with The Big 5 www.thebig5exhibition.com

The Big 5 PMV has the support of key international organisations including UBIFRANCE (French Foreign Trade Council), Builders' Association of India and the UK's Construction Products Association.

For more information about Big 5 PMV, please contact Project Manager Samantha Kane-Macdonald, Tel: +97 4 332 9029 or sam@smg-online.com

For media inquiries about The Big 5 please contact:
Chris Mullinger
Senior Consultant
Shamal Marketing Communications
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Office: +971 4 365 2718
Mobile: +971 50 6585843
E-mail: chris@theshamalgroup.com
Web site: www.smc-pr.com

For media enquiries about PMV:
Danielle Fanning
Consultant, Total Communications
Dubai
Tel: +971 4 336 9909
Email: danielle@totalcompr.ae  

© Press Release 2008 from Shamal Marketing Communications

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