The ongoing construction boom in the Middle East and a strong demand for French products and services has led to an influx of French companies in the UAE construction market.

According to the French Trade Commission, there is a growing tendency for local real estate developers and contractors to award design and build contracts to French companies, enticing many French companies to increase their presence in the UAE.

“While French equipment and building material suppliers have been present in the UAE for some time, there is a large influx of French contractors coming to the UAE at present,” said Pascal Roger of the French Trade Commission.

"This is due to changing market conditions in France as a result of increased tax rates and the affects of the economic slow down. While the French construction industry is not doing poorly compared to the rest of the world, as seen by the 60,000 plus jobs that were created in 2007, French construction groups are keen to work in the UAE and further develop their activities in this region," he observed.

"These companies are more competitive in terms of price, and are winning more design and build contracts as a result,” Pascal added.

Recent large scale projects in the UAE undertaken by French companies include Bouygues, the biggest contractor in France.

Bouygues is currently working on the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dubai and has recently been awarded the design and build contract for the Dubai Formula One Theme Park by Union Properties.

Many French businesses looking to capitalise on the booming UAE construction industry are participating in the Big 5 PMV which runs from November 23 to 27 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre to meet with some of the Gulf region’s most important developers and contractors.

The latest machinery and construction equipment will be on display at the show’s dedicated French pavilion, including road building equipment manufacturers, Fayat Group; handling and lifting equipment specialist, Haemmerlin SAS, as well as the world leader in lighting balloons, Lumiair.

Haulotte Group who have set up an operation in Dubai Airport Free Zone, will once again display their telehandlers and work access platform ranges.

Violette Ghabali, UbiFrance, the organisers of the French pavilion at the Big 5 PMV said,
"French companies are profiting on their well-known experience and innovations by seizing the opportunity to be present at one of the region’s largest construction industry exhibitions."

“They want to establish business contacts and market their products and services to capitalise on the large scale projects underway in the Middle East region, now estimated to be worth a staggering $2.8 trillion,” said Ghabali.

Ghabli pointed out that the event’s new location at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre was very high-profile and had attracted more French companies to the show.

"There will be three times the presence of French companies at this year’s Big 5 PMV," she opined.

Nick Webb, director of Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the Big 5 PMV said: “We are pleased to welcome French companies to the Big 5 PMV in 2008 and hope the show will help these businesses to find new opportunities in this exciting part of the world.”-TradeArabia News Service