DEALS worth millions were signed as more than 2,000 visitors from across the Gulf visited the two-day Arabian MEP Exhibition 2012, held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre last month.

Among the deals, Nass group signed a contract worth $1 million with ABB for the supply of variable frequency converters for a project it is undertaking at Arab Ship Building and Repair Yard (Asry).

In addition, Clyde Union pumps entered into a $6 million contract with the Electricity and Water Authority to supply 24 pumps for installation in six pumping stations in Bahrain.

Organised by Exposure Media, the event saw mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) professionals showcase the latest projects and services with a focus on environment-friendly technologies.

The exhibition had 70 stalls dealing in all sectors of the industry from pipes to air-conditioners and high technology plants. A series of technical seminars and presentations were also conducted.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Ministry of Works (MoW) undersecretary Nayef Omer Kalali said the event offered professionals an opportunity to keep abreast of latest technologies in the MEP sector.

Kalali said fairs such as these also helped the ministry keep up to date with the latest technology in mechanical, electrical and plumbing services. 

Commenting on the proposed monorail for the kingdom, he said that with initial studies now complete, the ministry was looking at ways of financing the project because of its high cost of around around $3 billion.

He also said that the MoW’s projects were progressing smoothly, adding there were a number of mega projects – including highways, flyovers and various infrastructure in and around Manama – under way which would change the face of Bahrain when completed.

In line with global efforts towards sustainability, Kalali said the government lay great emphasis on the development of green technologies for buildings in order to save energy, improve efficiency and mitigate negative environmental impact. “We are trying to incorporate the latest technologies to achieve these goals,” he said.

He also said that the ministry was evaluating the benefits of a district cooling project currently being undertaken in the Diplomatic Area.

Arabian MEP Exhibition 2012 was sponsored by Almoayyed Air Conditioning (ABB), Ion Exchange, Arabian Dredging Company, Arabian Marinas, Sultan Air-conditioning, Ideal Projectlink Trading, JGB and 3i Group.

Strategic partners included Kerala Engineers Forum, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia chapters, and the Bahrain and Saudi Ashrae chapters.