Every available square metre of floorspace at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) is being utilised to satisfy the huge demand from companies all around the world clamouring for space at the region’s largest construction show that opens this month (November 16 to 20).

The Big 5 is even bigger than 2004 due to the addition of extra space in the form of the Marquee, according to the organiser, dmg world media Dubai.
“Featuring 28 national pavilions and exhibitors from 55 countries, The Big 5 will have representation from all of the major international countries – the high level of official government support for the growing number of national pavilions again underlining the strong international credibility and effectiveness of The Big 5,” says Bernard Walsh, managing director of dmg world media Dubai.
Every product sector has expanded, in particular marble and stone, which now fills the entire Sheikh Rashid Hall.
The event is expected to feature products and services from a total of 1,900 companies and attract around 40,000 visitors, who will include the cream of the region’s local developers, contractors and distributors who will brush shoulders with their counterparts from all over the world.
“The Big 5 has grown in importance as the construction industry has become an essential part of the economic development strategy of countries throughout the region,” says dmg world media Dubai project manager Bob Hughes.
“With governments in the region focusing strongly on the expansion of their tourism, business and residential infrastructure, the large number of current and planned major construction projects means that it is more crucial than ever that the regional industry has a dedicated exhibition that gives key industry decision-makers the opportunity to see the latest and best that regional and world leaders have to offer,” he says.
“Furthermore, projects throughout the region are using state-of-the-art technology – Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah being just one example of a development that is the first of its kind in the world. The Big 5 contributes to making these highly ambitious and creative concepts a reality by giving the region’s construction professionals the opportunity to meet experts from all over the world, share knowledge and best practice with them, and source essential products, techniques and expertise.
“For many years now, The Big 5 has been acknowledged as the largest and most essential annual meeting place for the industry – and the event continues to expand in size and grow in international stature, in line with the rapid and highly ambitious plans that the region’s real estate developers announce on a frequent basis,” he points out.
The event comprehensively covers seven main product areas: building and construction, water technology and environment, air-conditioning and refrigeration, cleaning and maintenance, glass and metal, bathrooms and ceramics, and marble and machinery.

“One of the longest-running events in Dubai, the history of The Big 5 goes back well over 20 years – to the very beginning of Dubai’s extraordinary growth. Today, it is one of the world’s major construction shows, with a powerful global reputation. It plays a major role in the international construction industry and few, if any, other events anywhere in the world compare in terms of floorspace, number of exhibitors, international representation and number of visitors,” Walsh says.
To further enhance the value of the event to the construction industry, The Big 5 2005 will also feature a comprehensive programme of free technical seminars. Aimed at architects, engineers, specifiers, contractors, developers and other professionals involved in the construction industry, they will be presented by experts from the world’s leading companies.
“The seminars will cover the most important industry topics, ranging from the latest developments in construction IT, natural ventilation, saving energy and using solar power, hygienic hot water in hotels and hospitals, alternative air-conditioning options and plasma cutting, to name but a few. In total, 60 seminars will be held over the five days of the exhibition, and will take place in rooms A and B above Hall 8 at the DIEC,” he adds.
dmg world media Dubai, part of the dmg world media group of companies, has a wealth of experience in organising exhibitions – such as Index, The Big 5, Office Exhibition and Hotel Show – to the highest international standards.
These specialists will give presentations on new equipment, processes and technology in all aspects of construction and contracting, while a number of the seminars will focus on energy efficiency and sustainable building, subjects that are especially relevant for the region, and we believe that these sessions will present the region’s construction sector with new, innovative global solutions to their requirements.”
One of the largest exhibition and publishing companies in the world, the dmg world media group of companies produces more than 300 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year. It also publishes 45 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports.