Gulf Construction Online - CityBuild 2011 grows threefold

Events

Speller ... hopeful.

CityBuild 2011 grows threefold

01 April 2011

THE second edition of CityBuild Abu Dhabi 2011 will be held this month (April 17 to 20) amid increased investment in construction projects in the UAE capital, which currently stands at $568.8 billion.

To be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, CityBuild Abu Dhabi is the ultimate showcase for the ‘A to Z’ of products, materials and services used in the construction of real estate and infrastructure projects, says the organiser IIR Middle East.

This year’s event is three times larger than the inaugural event in 2010, and by popular demand will once again be co-located with Cityscape Abu Dhabi and for the first time with Malaysia Services Exhibition.

Cityscape and CityBuild Abu Dhabi, which together attract more than 30,000 visitors, are held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Chris Speller, group director of Cityscape and CityBuild Abu Dhabi said: “Despite the global recession, Abu Dhabi has continued along a sustained path of development in its infrastructure and economic diversification.

“This has resulted in increased investment in the construction industry, and as we are witnessing, a positive growth in new project contracts being signed. CityBuild Abu Dhabi is the perfect platform for construction industry professionals to meet future contacts and grow their businesses,” he added.

Despite the slowdown, Abu Dhabi has witnessed a growth in the award of contracts in the energy, infrastructure and buildings sectors, accounting for 66 per cent of the value of all contracts awarded in the UAE for 2010. The expected value of construction contracts to be awarded in 2011 will reach $39.8 billion, an increase of 12 per cent from 2010.
By sector, buildings contributes $304.4 billion to the total value of construction projects in Abu Dhabi.

Running alongside CityBuild Abu Dhabi will be the CityBuild Construction Summit, Concrete Construction Day (in association with Grey Matters and NRMCA) and the CityBuild Abu Dhabi Construction Awards, which will recognise the notable achievements and standards of excellence in the Middle East construction industry.

Experts set to address the CityBuild Construction Summit will spotlight the growing significance of rail travel in the region and the huge business opportunities available. The GCC countries are forging ahead with railway projects worth $106.2 billion, according to latest research figures.

“The rail and transit market has never been stronger in the Middle East,” said Tom Topolski, vice-president of transportation Middle East for Aecom, one of the summit speakers. “The rapid industrialisation of the region has created significant freight rail opportunities.”

Aecom is a global provider of professional technical and management support services.

Topolski will pinpoint ways to capitalise on new market opportunities on the second day of the CityBuild Construction Summit. The event features more than 30 speakers, 21 focused conference sessions, and four interactive workshops, including one hosted by Masdar City.

The opening day of the summit will feature a ‘Leaders in Construction Series’ address by a keynote panel whose members include Fatima Al Jaber, chief operating officer of Al Jaber Group, the Abu Dhabi-based construction, heavy lifting and logistics specialists.