01 October 2012

MIDDLE East Concrete (MEC) – now in just its second year – has grown an impressive 50 per cent, with significant demand from international participants, according to its organiser.

The event – taking place alongside The Big 5 show at the Dubai World Trade Centre next month (November 5 to 8) – reflects the increasing growth rate of construction in the Middle East. The region, and specifically GCC countries, is expected to continue to make a significant contribution to the global construction industry in the coming years, with approximately 5,045 ongoing building construction projects worth an estimated value of $1.82 trillion, says a spokesman for dmg::events, the organiser, citing figures provided by Ventures Middle East.

“With these numbers in mind, it is perhaps not surprising that the demand for concrete, as the most utilised building material universally, has also soared. In fact, in Saudi Arabia alone – the Middle East’s biggest construction market at present – demand for concrete is expected to grow at an annual rate of around 23 per cent,” says the spokesman.

He says the rate at which construction has grown in the Middle East, and the potential that it still signifies to both regional and international markets, has meant that a growing number of companies have looked to set up operations within the region. So much so that Dubai has now become one of the top 10 business destinations in the world and a popular regional base for companies operating throughout the Middle East and North Africa (Mena). As a result, there has been a growing need for platforms upon which companies, suppliers and industry professionals can showcase their services and products, connect with customers and do business.

“It was with this ethos that Middle East Concrete was launched in 2011, alongside the well-established plant, machinery and vehicle show, PMV Live. The inaugural event saw some 9,000 visitors, and more than 170 exhibitors, representing 27 countries, attend during the four-day event,” adds the spokesman.

MEC is designed to be the essential showcase for everything related to the concrete business, providing a one-stop shop covering everything from raw materials and logistics to precast products, training and certification in the industry.

“For an event in only its second year, we have seen a significant step change in the interest being shown regionally and globally,” says Nathan Waugh, event manager.

“This year we will bring together all concrete-related companies in one central area, situated close to The Big 5, ensuring a clear alignment, yet structured categorisation, of the construction industry’s requirements.”

One topic that continues to dominate both the concrete and construction industry generally is sustainability and building for the future. There will be over 40 free-to-attend seminars taking place throughout the four days. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to some of the leading experts from across the industry, including presentations on new technologies, innovative products and guidance on buying processes, as well as a strong focus on sustainable solutions.

In additional to the seminars, there will also be a concrete repair workshop that will take participants through the key issues surrounding prevention of degradation in reinforced concrete, repairing deteriorated structures and cathodic protection of new structures. Experts will provide insight into proper prevention and repair procedures for any concrete structure, as well as answering participants’ specific queries.

A full-day Concrete Sustainability Conference looking at government and private initiatives, new products meeting sustainable criteria, and carbon footprints, round off the educational content at the event.

“The educational elements of Middle East Concrete have been specifically developed with the regional and international audience in mind,” says Waugh. “This event provides an excellent opportunity for companies to gain access to information and contacts within the Middle East market and help them to further their business understanding.”

Participants can save Dh50 ($13.6) by pre-registering online at www.middleeastconcrete.com.

Link for the Make a Date:

• Bigger, better
• Big 5-Exibitor List
• Export drive
• Major presence
• Expansion focus
• In the limelight
• Aggressive strategy
• In command
• Sustainable future
• Designer boards
• High-volume solutions
• Opening doors
• Steeling the show
• Sensing the heat
• Maiden show
• Green panels
• Professional finish
• Green focus this year
• MEC adds volume as demand for concrete rises

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Regional News UAE Focus Events Diary of Events Legally Bound Glass & Metal JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Precast Concrete The Big 5 Drilling and Tunnelling Tenders

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