The Dubai Economic Council (DEC) and dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa have announced a strategic partnership for the organisation of the “Excellence in Construction Summit” in Dubai, UAE.

Taking place on November 22 during The Big 5 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the summit will gather 500 industry leaders to discuss current and future trends of the construction sector in Dubai, the GCC region and beyond.  

“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,” Hani Rashid Al Hamli, secretary general of the DEC, 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.”

The construction sector is considered among the key pillars of Dubai’s economy beside trade, tourism and banking.

According to a recent international report, the value of Dubai’s construction projects in the execution and planning stages is expected to reach a record of $390.7 billion this year. A total of 13.7 per cent of these projects, which are valued $53.5 billion, are currently under progress.

In 2016, Dubai is expected to award an additional $36.5 billion worth of projects. “The construction sector is key for the sustainable growth of the emirate. Dubai Plan 2021, Expo Dubai 2020, and the massive number of projects launched by the government over the last few years are all vital areas intrinsically related to the construction industry,” Al Hamli commented.

The DEC secretary general will deliver a keynote speech at the summit, offering a presentation on the construction industry in the current global economic framework. Also, DEC experts will take part at the workshop on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and the future development of the infrastructure industry in the UAE and GCC.  

An advocate of the ‘knowledge accumulation’ aiming at materialising the UAE vision 2021 and the Dubai Plan 2021 through a knowledge-based economy, Al Hamli strongly believes in strategic partnerships and alliances with local and international entities to exchange knowledge and expertise. “By endorsing and participating in the Excellence in Construction Summit, DEC wishes to contribute to the great efforts and ongoing programmes embraced by the Government of Dubai to push the industry into a new milestone,” Al Hamli stated.  

“We are extremely proud and honoured by DEC’s decision to support The Big 5’s summit this year,” event director Josine 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.”

The Dubai Economic Council is a strategic partner for the Government of Dubai in the economic decision making. Its mission is to advice the government of Dubai on forward-looking economic strategies and to advocate sound economic policies that promote business environment, productivity, investment climate and to enhance Dubai's competitiveness in the world economy.

The Big 5, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 21 to 24, is the largest and most influential construction industry event in the Middle East. It is expected to attract 75,000 visitors, hosting over 3,000 exhibitors from around the world.  - TradeArabia News Service