The Big 5, the largest event for the construction industry in the Middle East, will introduce new features to help drive the estimated $195 billion worth of construction projects expected to start in the GCC over the next two years.

The 2011 edition of The Big 5 will run from November 21 to 24 at Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre.

“The Big 5 exhibition has been on a journey alongside the industry over the past few years,” said Andy White, event director for The Big 5 2011.

“And we are constantly in touch with exhibitors and leading industry experts to ensure that what is on offer over the four-day event is in tune with business being done.”

The Big 5 will also be continuing its support of sustainability and green building, he added.

Following a round table discussion with members of The Big 5 Platinum Club, key decision makers from the industry with budgets of over $100 million, it became apparent that a need for knowledge share with a focus on products and sustainability was being increasingly sought out.

The event has therefore made a significant commitment to creating additional platforms for discussion and showcasing new products together with applications and solutions.

Product specific seminars and green issues will be taking centre stage at the 2011 event, with dedicated arenas for exhibitors and industry experts to showcase innovative technology and relevant applications.

This increasing importance of knowledge share across a number of sectors has also generated the creation of more than 80 free-to-attend seminars.

Led by experts from the field who have collaborated on some of the most challenging projects seen across the globe, these seminars will include information on key products and technologies, with real life case studies, analysis of challenges and solutions.

There will also be seminars dedicated to international exhibitors, who want to find out further information about doing business in the region, how to set up and office and how a manufacturer can go about setting up a contract with a local distributer.

The Green Build Congress will provide an opportunity for all construction sectors to understand further the drivers for sustainable change, as well as gain experience in the practical elements of benchmarking and implementation.

“This year, feedback has shown that there needs be a strong focus on products, what is new in the market and what products can help construction processes more efficient and more sustainable,” said White.

“We are constantly searching for new and innovative ways to evolve and ensure the event is completely in sync with the industry. Feedback this year has provided us with a clear direction and a strong four-day programme that propels The Big 5 into a new era.”

Mohammed Al Saadi, marketing department manager at Qatar Steel Company, said: “The Big 5 is an excellent platform, serving the purpose of networking, showcasing and image building all at a time.”

“Qatar Steel, one of the leading brands in the Middle East in the Steel industry, continues to be the part of The Big 5 Carbon Neutral Show, for the fifth time in a row in a campaign towards reducing carbon emissions,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service