73,000 Construction Professionals Gather in Dubai
For the next four days, all eyes will be on the Emirate of Dubai, where current and future trends, as well as the most innovative building solutions, will be revealed to over 73,000 visitors attending The Big 5 2016.
The latest edition of the longest-running and largest construction industry event in the Middle East, will be inaugurated today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Confirmed attendees include 200 Canadian delegates, institutional representatives of the "Make In India" initiative, and Saudi Export which will be showcasing products and services from 60 of the Kingdom's leading companies in a 1,600 square metre (sq m) pavilion.
"These are just a few examples of the international interest we are witnessing in The Big 5 2016 and Dubai's promising construction market, more generally", says Event Director Josine Heijmans. "A growing population, the tourism sector, strategic government investments like the Dubai Plan 2021, are all fueling the local industry. With the Expo 2020 only four years away, over 3,700 projects are currently ongoing across the Emirate and positioning the city as the number one construction hub in the GCC region".
Building a smart, technologically advanced future
A smart revolution is taking place within the construction industry and The Big 5 2016 is one of its major boosters, bringing technological innovation to the regional construction market. Microsoft will be exhibiting at the event this year for the first time ever. At The Big 5 2016, the company will demonstrate how its devices and solutions can empower organizations in the construction sector to develop new capabilities and differentiate with technology.
The significant shift towards smart and sustainable solutions and the introduction of new building regulations are encouraging companies to look for innovative ways of working; that's where technology plays a pivotal role. Microsoft will showcase a range of devices including Surface Hub, Surface Pro 4 and a variety of OEM devices from partners including Dell, Exertis, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, all of which deliver innovative Windows 10 experiences and help transform the line of business with the enterprise-grade mobile solutions.
New Products and Big Names
Local and international construction industry leaders will launch thousands of innovative solutions for the built environment at The Big 5 this year. Danube Group will showcase a new range of products from the Milano brand, introducing to the local market its water purifiers, which promise to give people the luxury of pure drinking water anytime at home. Moreover, the UAE-based multi-conglomerate will present the recently launched A2 Aluminum Cladding Panel under Alucopanel Middle East, a non-combustible panel suitable for all construction related projects.
Hassan-Abul, a market leader specialized in internal architectural solutions, will launch the new RETAJ Collection for kitchens, wardrobes, internal doors, and stone marble, while Albaddad will present the high cube and Waves halls, structures meant to satisfy any outdoor requirement from VIP lounges to big events. Alfanar, a leading electrical manufacturing and construction company, will showcase its latest range of Granada switches and sockets, featuring a futuristic design and cutting-edge technology.
The leading UK ceramic and glass tile manufacturer, British Ceramic Tile, will exhibit at The Big 5 for the first time this year, bringing an inspirational range of wall and floor tiles to the Middle East market. The company will be unveiling its exclusive partnership with global lifestyle brand Ted Baker, as well as its stunning selection of structured glass.
A new Floor Plan
The 2016 edition of The Big 5 will welcome attendees with a brand new floor plan. For the first time ever, exhibitors are in fact clustered in five product sectors: Building Interiors & Finishes, MEP Services, Building Envelop & Special Construction, Construction Tools & Building Materials, and Smart Building & Design technologies. The new floor plan is the result of a meticulous analysis of the industry's current needs and will facilitate business opportunities.
"The five main sectors are further broken down into subsectors, so it will be really easy to navigate the exhibition halls and find the right exhibitors and products. In addition, route planners, a search function on the website and staff onsite will further support visitors attending the show," Ms. Heijmans explained.
Focus on Sustainability
The theme of sustainability is at center stage this year at The Big 5. The event will offer a dedicated "Sustainability is the Future" agenda with 12 CPD certified workshops and a series of Eng. LEED & Refurbishment Workshops on LEED and sustainable building retrofitting. Moreover, the eight edition of The Big 5's Gaia Awards will honour companies in the construction sector whose products and services demonstrate a reduction of construction's impact on the environment.
A panel of industry experts will select the overall Gaia Awards winner on Nov 23, 2016 at the DWTC. This year for the first time ever, shortlisted products will be voted for by the public through a voting page on The Big 5 2016 website. Also, voting stations will be available at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the first and second day of the event.
Unparalleled educational offer and the "Excellence in Construction Summit"
The Big 5 2016 will offer over 80 free to attend and CPD-certified workshops, unveiling industry's latest trends, innovations, challenges, opportunities and best practices. The workshops are divided in six agendas to meet every construction professional's need: 'Technology in Construction', 'Architecture and MEP services', 'Safety and Logistics', 'Sustainability is the Future', 'Business and Marketing Strategies', and 'Project Management'.
Also, on Nov 22, The Big 5's 'Excellence in Construction' Summit, organised with the strategic partnership of the Dubai Economic Council (DEC), will gather 500 industry leaders to discuss current and future trends of the construction sector in Dubai, the GCC region and beyond. The list of high-profile speakers include H.E. Saeed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board, MD and CEO of DEWA, H.E. Hani Rashid Al Hamli, Secretary General of DEC, and Najeeb Al Ali, Executive Director of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau.
"Our endorsement of The Big 5 2016 and the Excellence in Construction Summit mirrors the Dubai Economic Council's keenness to support and contribute to all activities that enhance Dubai's economy," H.E. Al Hamli said. "The Big 5 is the largest construction event in the Middle East, and its Summit is a rich opportunity for all stakeholders who look forward to develop the construction industry."
"We are extremely proud and honored by DEC's decision to support The Big 5's Summit this year," Ms. Heijmans said. "We are confident this partnership will positively support Dubai's Vision, providing strategic insights into a world of opportunities as well as challenges faced by construction professionals in the region and from around the world."
Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, The Big 5 2016 is co-located with Middle East Concrete (MEC) and PMV Live 2016, the biggest and most important infrastructure and heavy machinery shows in the region.
To find out more about The Big 5 which will be at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 24 November, visit www.thebig5.ae.
