In spite of fears that the global credit crunch and economic slowdown could impact the Arabian Gulf, latest analysis shows there are still more than 250 major civil construction projects in the bidding phase across the region worth nearly $120 billion. As the most important five days for the construction sector in the Middle East fast approaches with The Big 5 exhibition, the organizers say the show is now a sell out with industry exhibitors. The Big 5 takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre on Nov. 23-27. “The exhibitors are coming in record numbers to promote themselves in a region continuing to grow and develop,” said Paula Al Chami, exhibition director, dmg world media Dubai, organizers of The Big 5. The Big 5 is the largest show for the industry in the Arabian Gulf and one of the world's largest trade shows for the construction industry and associated suppliers. The 2007 show featured more than 2,830 exhibiting companies from 53 countries. “We are already well over 3000 exhibiting companies for the 2008 show and we are looking at more than 50,000 visitors,” said Al Chami. Analysis carried out by The Big 5 research partner Proleads has identified more than 250 major civil construction projects across the Gulf Co-operation Council countries which have gone beyond initial planning and are in the bidding phase for consultants, contractors and suppliers. They range in value from $12 million to $13.6 billion with 135 of them in the United Arab Emirates and 60 in Saudi Arabia. The Top 10 projects in bidding alone are valued at a staggering total of $64.3 billion, headed by the building of new cities in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “These statistics underline that there is still a lot of activity planned in civil construction in coming years, which is being reflected in the growth of the show,” said Simon Mellor, vice president, construction for organizers dmg World Media. This year, The Big 5 will be promoting energy efficient green building solutions and environmentally friendly technologies at The Big Technical Conference, compiled in conjunction with Ecospecifier International where industry experts will present practical project case studies, the best practice in green building compliance requirements and the latest issues surrounding rating schemes such as LEED. Another green focus is The Big 5 Gaia Awards showcasing environmentally friendly products and services, the first of its kind in the region. Products and services exhibited at this years' Big 5 exhibition that reduce the impact on the environment are eligible for the awards and a judging panel, comprising senior individuals from local developers, contractors and government has been assembled with the support of Ecospecifier International. The organizers are also collaborating with experts from the British Safety Council for a program of health and safety training workshops. __
