The region’s largest showcase of construction products and services will be unveiled when the Big 5 2007 opens at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) this month (November 25 to 29), putting the spotlight on products and services of 2,700 exhibitors from 56 countries worldwide.

A key indicator of the show’s global appeal is the fact that all the space available – more than 37,000 sq m – was sold out well in advance of the event with a long wait-list of companies eager to have a representation at the must-attend event.
Such is the importance of the show that leading officials from the countries represented are expected to visit the show.
This year, the Big 5 banner – which over the years has grown to include seven key sectors of the construction industry – has expanded even further with the launch of the Big 5 PMV, including the products and services of the global heavy-weights in the plant, machinery and vehicles sector. Recognising the need for a dedicated exhibition for plant, construction vehicles, machinery and equipment, dmg world media Dubai, the organiser of the Big 5 show, has joined hands with Streamline Marketing Group to create the Big 5 PMV, which will be held concurrently at the Airport Expo Dubai.
There will be literally thousands of products and services at the Big 5 show on offer to the 40,000-plus audience, including the latest innovations and services that are essential to meet the rapid pace of project development across the region.
Filling the entire floor space of DIEC, the Big 5 will feature major official pavilions organised by countries that are considered the world leaders in innovation in the construction sector.  Leading the field is the show’s largest pavilion hosted by Germany, which at more than 6,500 sq m, will be the largest-ever put up by the country in any construction event worldwide. Germany’s representation at The Big 5 has grown consistently year on year and this year will see more than 300 German companies presenting their high-quality products and services at the show.
“Germany and Italy will feature the largest pavilions at the show. While the German arena will cover more physical space, Italy has more companies. Standing alongside are all the major nations of the world and a large local presence, which is going to make this show diverse in its own way,” says Bernard Walsh, managing director of dmg world media Dubai.
The Austrian pavilion at the Big 5 show continues to grow in strength and will feature almost 40 companies this year from all sectors of the construction industry. The number of companies participating in this show has grown year on year — from just 21 in 2002 to 35 last year.
Turkey is another country that will have a massive presence at this year’s Big 5 show, with 78 leading Turkish companies exhibiting, covering a total area of 1,395 sq m in two separate national pavilions. Major products to be exhibited in the Turkish pavilion range from marble, travertine and limestone tiles and slabs, other kinds of natural stones to electric hand tools, paint brushes and electronic security systems.
“We believe that the Big 5 show will stimulate an atmosphere of greater cooperation between Turkey and other Gulf countries as well as the UAE — we issue an open invitation to visit us at the show and see our quality products first-hand,” says an organiser for the Turkish pavilion.
More than 300 Welsh companies will be displaying their products and services, while the Construction Products Association will bring in around 50 companies eager to do business in the region. Brazil will showcase the various products and services of 28 companies and even tiny Malta will have as many as 10 companies represented at the Big 5 show.
Standing proud alongside the internationals will be regional success stories such as RAK Ceramics, the Ras Al Khaimah-headquartered ceramics and sanitary ware major will use the Big 5 show as the launchpad for several new products, and to showcase its diversification into high-class faucets. The company has launched several new models in tiles and sanitary ware as part of its commitment to offer its customers new models on a regular basis.
The Lounge series is one of them, in gres porcellanato, as well as exquisite metallic-look models such as Paradox. Besides tiles, RAK Ceramics has recently launched many new sanitary ware suites such as Empire, Metropolitan, Reserva, Rondo, Shino, Mistral, Venus, Arcadia, to cater to both local and international needs. The company has also diversified into the manufacture of high-class faucets and mixers for bathrooms and kitchens, in collaboration with Kludi of Germany.
“Over the past 16 years, RAK Ceramics has created the largest and most exclusive product lines in the ceramic world with new styles offered every month, appealing to all market segments, such as interior designers and architects; engineers, major retail chains, corporates, do-it-yourself retailers and home owners,” says Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of the company. RAK Ceramics is today a frontrunner in the ceramic industry and boasts current worldwide sales of $500 million.
The Big 5 covers every construction industry product sector, including air-conditioning and refrigeration, water technology and the environment, marble, stone and ceramics and a comprehensive range of products and services related to building and construction.
The global significance of The Big 5 has continued to increase as the region’s importance to the international construction industry expands at a dramatic rate.
“The Big 5’s success is based on its unique combination of all seven key sectors under one roof, making it a vital sourcing point for the region’s key decision-makers,” says Walsh.
“Exhibitors recognise that as well as attracting orders during the show, they can also make invaluable long-term contacts that will help grow their business throughout the Middle East and beyond,” he adds.
The show will include an impressive portfolio of seminars which aims to promote awareness of the latest technology and developments in the construction industry (see page 153).
Meanwhile, running on the same dates as The Big 5, and linked via a free shuttle bus service, the Big 5 PMV will cover a minimum of 10,000 sq m of exhibition space at the Airport Expo this year and will feature an impressive international exhibitor line-up that includes Mohamed Abulrahman Al Bahar (Caterpillar), Terex Equipment Middle East (Genie Industries telehandlers), Imer Group as well as other major suppliers and service providers from the global construction sector.
dmg world media Dubai, part of the dmg world media group of companies, has a wealth of experience in organising exhibitions to the highest international standards. Apart from the Big 5, the firm is also the organiser of Index, The Office Exhibition and The Hotel Show, which are all leaders in their respective market sectors.
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.