This year’s Big 5 show promises to be the Middle East’s largest construction exhibition ever with around 1,600 exhibitors from around 50 countries worldwide presenting their innovative products and services in Dubai next month (November 20 to 24), to an audience which is expected to exceed 30,000.

This year will see the Big 5 expand even further utilising the Sheikh Rashid Hall and a specially-erected pavilion besides the eight halls at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
The expansion follows growing demand for space from individual exhibitors and national pavilions, says a spokesman for the organiser, dmg world media Dubai.
“The importance of the demand for space led the organisers to dedicate the Sheikh Rashid Hall to exhibitors from all over the world and specialise in one of the seven sectors, marble, ceramics and stone products and machinery,” says the spokesman.
The other major industry sectors include building and construction, cleaning and maintenance, water technology and environment, air-conditioning and refrigeration, bathrooms and ceramics and glass and metal.  The dedicated sectors provide a distinct advantage for exhibitors as well as visitors, assisting all concerned to find the right products for future projects.”
Last year the event attracted 27,097 visitors, showing an increase of 7.8 per cent over 2002 figures (25,146). Some 42 per cent of the registered visitors came from Dubai, 24 per cent from Abu Dhabi and the other emirates and 15 per cent from Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. Visitors from other countries (19 per cent) included significant numbers from Egypt, India, Iran and Europe, demonstrating the massive worldwide appeal of the show.
Exhibitors came from 48 countries and took up 1,313 (1,030 – 2002) stands representing 1,732 (1,701 – 2002) companies. These included 25 (21 – 2002) national and regional groups.
Several of the exhibitors last year expressed satisfaction with the response they received at the show and pledged to return this year. 
Sanam Shahani  of the Canadian Consulate commented: “It’s been an excellent show from Canada’s perspective. What we’ve seen – and it’s all thanks to dmg – are the decision makers, people who can talk with authority and technical expertise. Some of our companies are staying behind for talks. The show is recognised as the key event in the region, one which provides access to the wider Middle East and India.”
Simona Novelli of the UK’s Construction Products Association reported that the association’s exhibitors were delighted with both the quantity and quality visitors.
Asuman Soylu of IGEME (Turkey) said: “We strongly believe that the Big 5 Show will stimulate an atmosphere of greater cooperation between companies from the UAE and Turkey. Once again, it’s been a successful show for exhibitors. Of course, we’ll be back next year, with more companies.”
A number of exhibitors also reported having clinched deals right at the show.
“Once again, Big 5 has surpassed our expectations with a significant order for us on Day One of the exhibition. We exhibit here every two years and this is the sixth time for us. We look forward to the rest of the show,” said Lou Frost of  Marley Plumbing & Drainage (UK).
Michael Bollom of Creative Resins (UK) said: “This is our third year at the Big 5 and we’ll be back. We’re delighted to have sold our first machine in Iran, having nine machines in the Gulf already.”
Yet another UK exhibitor Craig Elliot of Hydron said: “We’re really pleased: it’s been an excellent show for us. We have already made a deal with a major local company who will supply our technology, and we are expecting another distributor to start stocking our products immediately. We will definitely be back next year!”
Bander Alasaker of Saudi Arabia’s Alasaker for Electric Systems & Airconditioners indicated that within the first couple of days, the company had met with potential agents for its products in most of the GCC countries.”
The Big 5 show opens windows on to the booming UAE market, and Dubai in particular, says the organiser.
“The current boom in the construction industry in the UAE is increasing with government spending set to continue over the next decade on the creation of new infrastructure projects, office and residential accommodation,” says Bob Hughes of dmg world media Dubai. “The value of building projects under construction in the UAE is estimated at around $30 billion most of these projects being situated in Dubai. They include for example new residential districts, the construction of over 60 new hotels across the country, the massive expansion of the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the building of large shopping centres and other commercial premises.
He continues : “Activity in this industry is at a premium with current large-scaled projects due for completion representing just 10 per cent of those to be implemented. With the show’s continued increase in demand, it can only benefit exhibitors, distributors and exporters, and continue to augur well for the sustained economic well-being of Dubai.”
An international exhibition and publishing company, dmg world media produces more than 300 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year and publishes 65 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports.