Against the backdrop of a successful 38th edition of The Big 5 in Dubai, organisers dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa announced the expansion of the show with new co-located events in 2018. The largest construction event in the Middle East will further broaden its offer with the addition of the new HVACR Expo, the Urban Design & Landscaping Expo and the second edition of The Big 5 Solar.
“Meeting the evolving demand of construction professionals is our number one priority. For this reason, recognising the outstanding performance of the dedicated HVACR Hall during the last edition of the show and the growing demand for energy-efficient and technologically advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the region, we’re pleased to announce the launch of HVAC R Expo in 2018,” said Josine Heijmans, Portfolio Event Director of The Big 5.
“Outdoor-specific design and build projects are also on the rise in the GCC, boosted by an explicit change in lifestyle and a strong call for more authentic public spaces,” explained Heijmans. “The Urban Design & Landscaping Expo will thus perfectly complement The Big 5 exhibition, providing industry professionals from around the globe an enhanced platform to source the latest solutions for the construction and maintenance of urban and green spaces, sports grounds and playgrounds.”
Running 26-29 November 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 39th edition of The Big 5 will provide 360-degree building solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces, with a strong focus on technology and sustainability. The second edition of The Big 5 Solar will run alongside the major construction event, showcasing the most advanced solar technologies to meet the growing demand for environmentally sustainable solutions in the Middle East.
Commenting on the latest edition of the event, Heijmans said: “The record international participation at The Big 5 2017 established the event as a leading platform and a point of reference for the future of the construction industry, not only in the MENA region but at a global level.” The event, which welcomed over 65,000 participants and more than 2,600 exhibitors from 64 countries, was recognised as the most successful edition to date thanks to its high quality in terms of both participants and features.
Visiting The Big 5 2017, Touseef Aahmed, Project Manager of iGreen Italian Landscaping, said: “This is my first time attending the event and I’ve met many potential suppliers not only from the region but internationally. I’m very impressed with the quality of exhibitors.” From Saudi Arabia, Fauzi Faisal confirmed: “I work in the industrial equipment industry and have attended The Big 5 exhibition 2017 to source building materials. It is a truly international gathering in Dubai to source products; we use this platform to meet our existing clients and to build new ones, and it has been successful.”
One of the speakers at The Big 5 Talks (the complimentary CPD-certified workshops offered at the event), Michael John Lawrence, Director of Insite, reflected: “The Big 5 offers a unique opportunity to meet and network with a range of suppliers, contractors, consultants and clients from the construction Industry. It also keeps me abreast of the latest developments, particularly with regard to sustainability and technology.”
The continued expansion of construction activities in the GCC region attracted industry professionals from over 140 countries at The Big 5 2017, 26-29 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. According to the latest statistics released by The Big 5’s intelligence partner BNC Network, in 2017 the number of active construction projects in the UAE increased by 17.4% compared to 2016, reaching a total value of $818 billion.
Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, the 39th edition of The Big 5 will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, 26-29 November 2018. For more information about the event, visit www.thebig5.ae.