01 April 2008

A total of more than 200 exhibitors from 25 countries across the world have already signed up for gulfBID 2008, which is set to open next month (May 6 to 8), and show organisers are reported to be battling to meet increasing demand for exhibition space.

This major event – to be staged for the third time in Bahrain – is recording massive interest from regional and international exhibitors and is increasingly recognised as the premier event for the kingdom and the northern Gulf. The show reflects the buoyant growth opportunities in the region with a cluster of mega projects being implemented and on the drawing boards. Bahrain and the region is in the midst of an unprecedented construction boom driven by the commercial, residential and tourism sectors underpinned by power, water, airport, seaport, and infrastructure developments.
gulfBID 2008, the leading Gulf International Exhibition for Construction, Interiors and Furniture, will be staged at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC) under the patronage of Bahrain’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
gulfBID 2008 is already ahead in total size of the 2007 event, reflecting the buoyant nature of the construction and finishing-trades sectors. It will fill both halls, according to Jubran Abdul Rahman, managing director for Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE). One hall will be used for the Gulf Interiors and Furniture sector and the other for Gulf Construction.
The show will include several national pavilions and a strong presence from Greece, the UK, Malaysia, India, Germany, Turkey and New Zealand.
The expo is a joint venture between dmg media group, the organiser of the Big 5 and Index shows in Dubai, and HCE Bahrain. The stated aim of the organisers is to provide an international show to meet the increasing business-to-business requirements of architects, surveyors, real estate developers, contractors, consultants, specifiers and materials suppliers in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
“In Bahrain alone, the top 50 projects under way are valued at a staggering $22 billion, including high-profile projects such as the City Centre, Durrat Al Bahrain and Bahrain Bay,” says Ronnie Middleton, managing director of Al Hilal Group, the parent company of HCE Bahrain. “Construction materials imports are booming and expected to reach more than $10 billion in 2008 due to unprecedented demand for construction materials and interior décor expertise.”
Exhibitors and visitors declared last year’s event an unqualified success, with several companies recording million-dollar deals through the three days of the show. gulfBID 2007 attracted a total of 190 exhibitors.
One of the major players to announce million-dollar deals was Danube Buildings Materials, which recorded close to $2.5 million in sales – the biggest ever in the show’s history.
“Our strong earnings in the exhibition reflect our ability to meet demands from major and emerging industries with high quality products and services,” said Rizwan Sajan, chairman of Danube Building Materials.
Dubai’s Alomi also clinched a million-dollar deal to supply hardwood for a hotel project within the King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. Under the contract, at least 20,000 sq m of English Natural Oak was to be supplied in three phases for the project.
Qatar Steel, which participated at the show for the second time in as many years, had doubled the size of its stand.
Saad Group made its debut at gulfBID through occupying the biggest stand ever. The company used the show as a platform to exhibit its range of recent projects in Al Khobar including the renovation of its Saad Hospital and the unveiling of models of its 250-villa project.
Mohammed Baite, colour consultant of Hempel Middle East (West), said he was “very, very impressed. The show is of international standards. The planning of the exhibiting space is well thought out, and the reason behind such a great response from visitors”.
For 2008, gulfBID has widened its portfolio to include the full spectrum of quality interiors and furniture including contract furniture for hotels, offices and new facilities such as airports and hospitals and the real estate sector.
gulfBID has become the meeting point of all professionals and investors in the booming construction, interior design and furniture sectors – with high-profile industry professionals already confirming their participation. It provides a forum to showcase the latest technologies, materials, and design concepts to meet the exacting demands of the construction and interiors professions and those of developers.
The expo will also include industry-led seminars with special speakers.

• Show garners massive interest
• Mohammed Jalal to promote Genie range
• Carl Stahl returns with new systems
• Veneer ace set to showcase the latest
• Reach Contracting diversifies operations
• Rezayat puts FBECR on show
• Chinese fittings set to steal the show
• Al Nimr focuses on market expansion
• Bahraini firm to launch wide product range

Tags

Dubai Expo News Events UAE Focus Projects Loaders Expo News - gulfBID 2008 Legally Bound Regional News Concrete Technology Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Sustainability Focus Face to Face Tenders Expo News - Batimat

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.