Despite the rumblings of the global credit crunch, the construction and interiors markets in the Northern Gulf countries remains buoyant, say the organisers of a leading trade fair.

“In Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, major developments continue to rise,” said Simon Mellor, vice president construction, dmg world media.  “The database of research company Proleads also shows that projects in planning or under construction in the four countries total around $1.5 trillion across the civil engineering, oil, gas, petrochemical, and power sectors.”

Proleads also forecasts total investment for 2009 will reach $140 billion in the four countries, growing to almost $200 billion in 2010.

It is against this background that the gulfBID trade fair for construction and interiors takes place in Bahrain from May 5 – 7.  “gulfBID continues to offer unrivalled opportunity for immediate and long-term business and a promising return on investment,” Mellor added.

Nearly 200 exhibitors from all over the world will take part in gulfBID offering products and services to the region's architectural, engineering and design sectors.

“As the only business event for the combined construction and interiors sectors in the Northern Gulf region, gulfBID provides a venue for companies committed to doing business with the region's most important specifiers, consultants, contractors, engineers, architects, interior designers, developers, property owners and suppliers,{“ said Mellor.

“Even in these days of the internet and online trading, there is no alternative to judging products first hand and developing the personal relationships so important in establishing long term, successful business,” he said.

gulfBID is organised by dmg world media Dubai and Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions. –TradeArabia News Service