Hundreds of construction industry experts will meet in Dubai next month for a series of international conferences set to examine four key sectors of the Middle East construction industry.

Local, regional and international government agencies, major corporations, independent consultants and architects will gather to discuss the technological developments, best practices and future trends within the aluminium and glass, insulation, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and concrete technology and corrosion protection sectors.
Under the umbrella of The Gulf Construction Conference Week, the event is being held at the Godolphin Ballroom of The Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai, from November 29 to December 3 coinciding with the Big 5 show.
The conferences will represent the region's premier platform to introduce new ideas, products and services.
'Even in  the light of the recent tensions in the region and the general downturn in the global construction market, the UAE and the Middle East, as a whole, continues to see significantly high levels of building activity, spurred on by the commitment of the public sector to invest in infrastructure development, while the private sector focuses its attention on developing hotels, shopping malls, leisure, retail, office and residential projects,' says David Hirst, general manager of Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions, the organiser of the event.

 'The Gulf Construction Conference Week will provide an opportunity for the most influential decision-makers to interact, review progress and plan for the further direction of the industry. It will have a catalytic effect - leading the regional construction industry into exciting areas of new technology and development. There is a tremendous support for this series of conferences, as it is being recognised by all, as an important and timely forum,' he says.

Khalid AlFuhaid, general manager of Aluminium Products Company  (Alupco), the gold sponsor of the Annual Aluminium and Glass Conference, states: 'As market leaders in the region, we like to do things first. This is the first time that aluminium and related industries will be together in one conference in the GCC and we fully understand the importance and timing of such an event. Alupco welcomes the chance to give ourÿutmost support to this event, as we can certainly learn from it and it also gives the participants the perfect opportunity to upgrade the industry.

'The most important aspect of this conference is that it will provide Alupco with the opportunity to help drive a forum that will make a positive contribution to the society in the region.'

These views are substantiated by Antoine Abou Mansour, general manager of Arabian Fiberglass Insulation Company (Afico), the gold sponsor of the insulation conference, who says, 'Afico chose to be the lead sponsor of the first Annual Insulation Conference in the Middle East to emphasise its position as the leading provider of insulation solution systems in the region. Afico's marketing strategy is to make as many alliances as possible with other insulation manufacturers and local authorities to promote the concept of proper insulation as this leads to energy conservation, which will benefit future generations and also protect the environment.'

Phil Gabriel of Jotun Powder Coatings (JPC), the silver sponsor of the Aluminium and Glass Conference comments: 'We see this conference as an excellent vehicle to bring together all parties, who areÿinvolved in the tremendous construction growth, which we are currently seeing in the region.

'It is an opportunity for all of us to meet and discuss what products are available, both now and in the future, to enhance the inherent structure, and also the quality and decoration of our buildings in the Middle East.
'Jotun Powder Coatings is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to support this transparency and networking, and to present its technology for the future.'

The Conference Week is being staged in association with the Gulf Construction magazine and has received the official support from dmg world media Dubai, the organisers of the Big 5 show.