Dubai

Many of the major players in the global construction industry have already signed up for this year's Big 5 trade show in Dubai, UAE.

Around 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries, including 15 national pavilions, will exhibit at the Big 5 Show 2000, from October 15-19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Five major product areas are featured under the Big 5 roof. They are building and construction, water technology and environment, air-conditioning and refrigeration, cleaning and maintenance, and glass and metal.

A special section at the Big 5 2000 is reserved for 'bathroom and ceramics'.

The Big 5 Show in Dubai has been the annual showcase for international and local suppliers to the booming construction markets in the Gulf countries and the Middle East for many years, says a spokesman for dmg Index Exhibitions, the organiser in Dubai.

Many national pavilions at the exhibition receive the support of their governments to show their most innovative and successful products to engineering and architectural practices, developers, contractors and importers, and the public and private clients who commission the multi-million dollar projects in the Gulf region: in housing and leisure, hotels and offices, schools, hospitals and public buildings.

The national pavili4ons will include those of Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and the UK, Slovakia, Switzerland and Turkey. They will be exhibiting alongside some of the most prominent stands in the show where the major contractors, importers and distributors from the GCC countries will exhibit their latest products and high quality services, says the spokesman.

Companies such as Villeroy & Boch, ABB Kent Meters, Al Futtaim Engineering, Grundfos Gulf, Dorma Gulf Door controls, UTS Carrier, Dutco Tennant, Compass Leisure Projects, Jotun Paints, Honeywell and RAK Ceramics are expected to present their products and services at the show.