The Dubai Economic Council (DEC) has announced a strategic partnership with dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa (MEA) for the upcoming “Excellence in Construction Summit” in Dubai, UAE.

The summit, to held on November 22 during The Big 5 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, 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 DEC’s keenness to support and contribute to all activities that enhance Dubai’s economy,” stated Hani Rashid Al Hamli, the secretary general of the DEC.

“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,” he noted.

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

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

In 2016, Dubai is expected to award an additional $36.5 billion worth of projects, the report added.

According to Al Hamli, the construction sector is key for the sustainable growth of Dubai.

"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," he pointed out.

"Dubai is currently witnessing a new momentum of growth, thanks to the critical initiatives launched by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The knowledge-based economy, innovation, Islamic economy, in addition to the industrial Strategy 2031 to name a few are driving forces strengthening the contribution of the construction sector to Dubai’s economic growth," he added.

Lauding the DEC endorsement, event director, Josine Heijmans, said: "We are extremely proud and honoured by DEC’s decision to support The Big 5’s Summit this year.”
 
“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,” he added.

Al Hamli will deliver a keynote speech at the Excellence in Construction Summit, offering a presentation on the construction industry in the current global economic framework.

Also, DEC experts will join the workshop on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and the future development of the infrastructure industry in the UAE and GCC.-TradeArabia News Service