The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) considers the Big 5 show as one of the most important exhibitions in the Gulf.

"On the occasion of the Big 5 show in October, over 150 leading German companies from various sectors - mechanical engineering, water supply and distribution and the building industry - will participate within the official pavilion of the Federal Republic of Germany, offering high-quality products and services," says VDMA spokesman Boris Abadjieff.

He continues: "As in previous years, the official German pavilion, sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, will by far be the largest national pavilion. The strong participation from Germany clearly shows that Dubai is still considered the gateway to the Middle East.

"The strategic location of Dubai, the UAE's booming economy as well as the general interest to be constantly up to date with the latest technology, makes it vital for German companies to be present in the local market. For this reason, German companies are choosing the Big 5 to offer visitors coming from all over the region new products and services."

The strong presence of German companies is also reflected in trade figures. Says Abadjieff: "In 2000, Germany's overall exports to the UAE increased by 22 per cent to DM4.2 billion ($1.93 billion). Among these general exports, about 20 per cent, or DM807 million ($372 million) were capital goods in terms of mechanical engineering.

"These impressive figures are even higher taking the activities of plant construction manufacturers into account. Last year, customers in the UAE ordered chemical, power and other plant worth DM1 billion ($461 million), a noticeable increase of 52 per cent compared to 1999.

"But Germany does not only have a leading position in the area of investment goods. Durable consumer goods too enjoy an internationally high reputation due to their outstanding technology and design. One such example is the German sanitary industry (sanitary valves), which will be on show within the official German pavilion for the first time.

"For German sanitary valve manufacturers, the UAE is the 11th most important sales market. In 2000, Germany's exports of sanitary valves increased by 21 per cent to DM27.7 million ($10.4 million). Considering the UAE's import volume of about DM63.4 million ($29.23 million), the German sanitary valve industry again asserted its leading position with a share of about 44 per cent."

"The VDMA," says Abadjieff, "warmly invites trade visitors to see German expertise at the official German pavilion at the event."