A specialist lighting and building exhibition will be held in Abu Dhabi early next year.

The exhibition aims to help develop contacts between international manufacturers and potential investors, decision-makers and government representatives as well as to intensify the trade relations between Europe and the UAE.

Construct Light and Building will be held from January 19-22, 2003 at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibitions Centre.

The event is being organised by Abu Dhabi's General Exhibitions Corporation (GEC) and Germany's Messe Frankfurt.

While Messe Frankfurt will bring its experience in organising this event, GEC will complete it with its own expertise and experience in organising international event such as the IDEX and ADIPEC, say the organisers

Construct Light and Building Abu Dhabi will have an international representation, with products classified broadly into three categories - building materials, technical finishing and IT engineering.

The organisers say the show will provide an international marketing platform for local exhibitors while also attracting overseas exhibitors targeting the growing building sector in the UAE and in the Middle East.

It aims to attract as exhibitors manufacturers of building materials, technical products and IT products and services for the building industry.

Organisers expect nearly 4,000 visitors to attend the show with 65 per cent of them coming from the UAE.

The GEC was established with the purpose of serving as a supervisory body for all exhibitions and conferences held in Abu Dhabi.