THE second Intermat Middle East will return to the region this year donning a new format, according to organisers Clarion Events Middle East and Comexposium.

The international exhibition for machinery, materials and equipment for construction and infrastructure will now combine a high-level conference with international experts and a comprehensive exhibition featuring the most representative companies in heavy machinery, equipment and solutions for construction and infrastructure.

Intermat Middle East will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from October 8 to 10, 2012.

Maryvonne Lano, Intermat exhibition manager, said: “The exhibition and conference will constitute a unique platform on technologies, equipment and solutions to urban planning, transport infrastructure and sustainable mobility, enabling participants from the GCC markets and neighbouring countries to network and share innovations.”

The three-day event will focus on creating a productive atmosphere for business meetings to facilitate new opportunities in the Middle East. Further, a hosted buyers programme for senior management and government members will provide intergovernmental and international contacts, enabling co-operation between global and local business leaders.

An estimated 7,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors are expected to participate in the second edition. In preparation for the event, delegates and construction industry professionals from the UAE will participate in a briefing at Intermat in Paris, France, on April 18, 2012, dedicated to discussing the numerous opportunities in the Middle East.

Intermat Paris, which runs from April 16 to 19 this year, is expected to attract more than 200,000 international visitors and journalists over the course of the event.