Big 5 plays major role in boosting growth of UAE construction sector
- 05 Dec 2022
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, on Monday opened the 43rd edition of the Big 5, the largest and most influential construction event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Speaking on the occasion of the opening, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed said major international events held in Dubai like the Big 5 play a major role in boosting growth opportunities in their respective industries locally, regionally and globally. With the remarkable success of Expo 2020, which featured more than 190 nations and attracted 24 million visitors, Dubai has grown in stature as a leading venue for global events, he added.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the role of the Big 5 exhibition in bringing together various stakeholders to address the challenges facing the construction industry and explore ways to make the world’s cities environmentally friendly. The event supports the UAE’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and the growth of the circular economy in the region and beyond, His Highness said.
Sheikh Ahmed also said the Big 5 has emerged as a global platform for major companies, institutions, and investors in the construction, building and facilities management sectors to discuss how they can shape a new future for the industry. More than 2,000 participants from 60 countries are taking part in the event this week, which hosts 20 national pavilions. The event is set to attract over 55,000 attendees.
The opening of the four-day event was also attended by Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General, Dubai Municipality; Butti Saeed Al Kindi, Second Deputy Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre; and Khalifa Zaffin, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed started his tour of the event by visiting the Greek pavilion where he was welcomed by Antonis Alexandridis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the UAE. At the Italian pavilion, His Highness was welcomed by Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed also visited the German and Saudi pavilions, and the stands of Gulf Extrusions and Dubai Municipality.
Taking place from December 5-8, 2022, the annual Big 5 show features six specialised events addressing the entire industry ecosystem - the Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, HVAC R Expo, Middle East Stone, Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo. Running alongside the Big 5 this week is the inaugural Everything Architecture, the only exclusive event for the architecture and design community in the Middle East.
Sharjah participation: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), represented by the Sharjah Exports Development Center (SEDC), announced it is taking part in the 43rd edition of the “Big 5“, the largest and most influential event for the construction industry. The exhibition kicked off today at the Dubai World Trade Center and will last until December 8.
The SEDC is participating in the event under a platform bringing it together with a number of national companies specialized in building and construction materials, which are members of the Chamber.
Through its participation in the Big 5, the SEDC aims to strengthen the presence of local industries and open new export channels for Emirati companies in the regional and international markets.
Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awad, Director General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the Chamber is keen to participate in every new edition of the Big 5, as it provides a great platform to network with major players in the construction sector and discuss co-operation.
“During the show, the Sharjah Exports Development Center will be able to explore new areas for investment, benefit from the available export opportunities provided by the Big 5, promote local products, and open up new markets for them,” Al Awad added.
For his part, Abdulaziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General of the Communication and Business Sector, said that the Sharjah Exports Development Center seeks through its participation to provide its members with an opportunity to meet and exchange knowledge with the most prominent players in the construction sector. This will definitely reflect positively on the development and growth of the sector in Sharjah.
