The Big 5 Heavy, the largest event dedicated to heavy machinery in the Middle East region, ended on a successful note clinching deals worth a total of $2.5 million, said the organisers.

The event will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre next year running from January 14 to 16. In its debut edition last month, The Big 5 Heavy brought together over 300 exhibitors across 7,000 sqm of specialized exhibition space and also played host to more than 6,000 visitors.

When asked, 90 per cent of visitors said that they would return next year, said the organisers.

Richard Pavitt, the event director for The Big 5 Heavy, said it is now the largest event dedicated to heavy machinery in the Middle East.

“When combined, deals that were made at The Big 5 Heavy between leading manufacturers like Total Foundation Solutions, Deewan, and Putzmeister, came in at a total of $2.5 million,” he noted.

"The event this year was a visually stunning crowd pleaser. And as for the deals, well they support a growing infrastructure industry in the Middle Eastern region," he added.

Andrea Bristot, the area sales manager (Middle East) for leading Spanish tower crane manufacturer, Linden Comansa, agreed wholeheartedly.

"During the three days of the show, we were very busy with customers and potential buyers, not only from the emirates but also from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, which shows that the entire region is under an evident recovery," noted Bristot.

"Another good indicator is that the world’s main tower crane manufacturers were at the Big 5 Heavy show," he added.

The exhibition showcased heavy equipment from a range of industries with product variety including concrete, mining, and construction.

In addition to mega tyre displays, scaffolding structures, tower crane and heavy vehicle spectacles, there were also over 40 learning opportunities free-of-charge to visitors.

Speaker Omar Essam Barakat, Dubai Novus Chairperson for The Chartered Institute of Building, said: "Events like this should be mandatory for professionals to come and see, and companies should be encouraging their employees to come and visit - it's a must."

The Big 5 Heavy is the largest exhibition dedicated to the infrastructure and heavy construction industry in the Middle East showcasing innovative solutions and products clustered into five sectors: Middle East Concrete, PMV Live, Foundations & Geotechnical, Mining & Quarrying, and Road Construction.

Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, the event is the re-launch of the former Middle East Concrete and PMV Live shows, part of The Big 5 portfolio of events.-TradeArabia News Service