Gulf Construction Online - Big 5 evolves ‘significantly’

Events

This year’s event ... attracted 2,300 exhibitors.

Big 5 evolves ‘significantly’

01 December 2011

THIS year’s edition of The Big 5, the Middle East’s largest event for the building and construction industry, concluded on a positive note as a number of exhibitors expressed confidence in the region’s construction sector and remained upbeat about their prospects going into 2012.

More than 2,300 exhibitors from 75 countries, covering all sectors of the industry from heavy construction to fit-out, participated at the event held last month (November 21 to 24) at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Dubai, UAE.

The show attracted interest from all over the world as construction spending in the emerging markets of this region is projected to be more than $600 billion by 2015, according to dmg: events, the show’s organiser.

While there are no official figures yet regarding the number of visitors to the show this year, it is expected to be more than last year’s figure of 36,000.

In 2010, there were 2,150 exhibitors from 71 countries and 27 national pavilions. This year’s event covered 37,800 sq m of floor space.

Event director Andy White says this year’s show grew by more than seven per cent on 2010 and was a significant evolution in terms of content, added-value elements and further sectorising the event in terms of product categories.

In addition to the new layout, The Big 5 2011 had more than 130 free-to-attend product seminars, with participants presenting the latest in product innovation, including case studies and research.

Contracts & product launches

The show, which attracts consultants, contractors, developers, solution providers and architects from all over the globe, was utilised by the exhibitors as a platform to announce new contracts and products.

Technology company Elematic announced a deal with Smeet Precast to provide a complete 300,000-sq-m precast factory in Qatar, delivering machinery, equipment, software, and services for production of all structural parts (hollowcore slabs, walls, columns, beams and staircases).

Switzerland’s Sterilios Group unveiled its ground-breaking anti-bacterial product Microsilver, which is designed to kill bacteria without causing environmental damage.

Dubai’s Emirates Building Systems unveiled its new range of industrial products, citing The Big 5 as providing 'a unique opportunity to explore alliances and investment opportunities'.

Global adhesives manufacturer Mapei launched Ultralite S1, a next-generation adhesive designed to bond all types and sizes of ceramic tiles and natural stones on internal and external surfaces, as well as thin porcelain gres tiles on floors, walls and external facades.

The company also showcased new flooring solutions along with its new next-generation waterproofing membranes. In addition, it hosted a seminar titled ‘Controlling corrosion in reinforced concrete buildings and structures using Mapeshield innovative galvanic protection technologies’.

'The Big 5 is an important platform for us to assert our leadership in installation systems for ceramic, stone and flooring. Ultralite S1 particularly reflects our commitment to products that deliver optimal sustainability and efficiency. It also demonstrates our focus on novel chemistry coupled with the latest in manufacturing techniques to develop pioneering products that suit prevailing market needs,' said Stefano Iannacone, managing director, IBS-Mapei.

Meanwhile, 3M launched two innovative products – 3M Cubitron II and 3M Scotch-Weld – as part of the company’s adhesives and abrasives range respectively. It also exhibited safety and sun control films.

Hörmann Middle East, Europe’s leading manufacturer of doors for private, commercial and industrial applications, exhibited its new WA 300 operator and the HS 7030 PU spiral high-speed door, for optimised material flow and improved efficiency. The company also announced plans to open another showroom in Dubai.

Leading tools manufacturer Hilti introduced its new generation of electric breakers. The new electro pneumatic tools have been designed for heavy breaking and demolition work at floor level providing all power of an air tool but with no compressor.

Paul Weil announced the signing of an agreement with Atlantic France, a premier multi-energy solutions provider in Europe, to distribute its state-of-the-art products in the region. Paul Weil aims to leverage its local and regional reach to increase Atlantic France’s sales fourfold by 2012. Atlantic launched a new range of water heaters, which are designed to withstand the aggressive nature of water in the region (see Bathrooms & Water Heaters feature).

And Danube Building Materials launched its Florence water heaters, which utilises single weld technology for its inner tank and has a built-in copper heating system that offers stronger resistance to acid and alkalis.

Green focus

The inaugural The Big 5 Green Build Congress provided the construction sector with an opportunity to understand further the drivers for sustainable change, as well as gain experience in the practical elements of benchmarking and implementation.

The event witnessed leading experts discussing sustainability in the built environment, best practice and solutions for the future. Addressing the congress, the UAE Minister of Environment and Water Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad spoke about the initiatives taken by the country to address the issue of resource consumption and building in a more sustainable way.

The event also included a ‘Vision Day’ with industry experts defining their vision for a green and sustainable future, followed by a two-day ‘Action Forum’ enabling implementing a green strategy in an interactive, practical and engaging event format.

The Big 5 also saw the return of the Gaia Awards, which honour companies who have contributed towards reducing the impact of construction on the environment, through the development or distribution of sustainable products and services.

MEC & PMV Live

Middle East Concrete (MEC) and PMV Live, co-located at this year’s Big 5, attracted a number of international companies with China and Austria, in particular, boasting a significant presence. More than 100 exhibitors representing 19 countries participated at the two exhibitions, according to Nathan Waugh, exhibition manager, MEC and PMV Live.

This year also saw the first national pavilion at the show, with 16 companies from Austria taking advantage of a dedicated space to showcase the country’s expertise in construction.