H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum opens the Big 5 2016

• The largest event dedicated to the construction sector in the Middle East runs from 21 to 24 November at the DWTC

• The Big 5 2016 hosts over 3,100 exhibitors and is expected to welcome more than 73,000 attendees

• H.E. Hani Rashid Al Hamli, Secretary General of the Dubai Economic Council, and Najeeb Al-Ali, Executive Director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, to speak at the Excellence in Construction Summit on 22 November

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, officially opened the 37th edition of The Big 5 and the co-located Middle East Concrete and PMV Live shows this morning, Monday 21 November. Thousands of construction industry professionals gathered at the Dubai World Trade Centre to source new and innovative construction products from around the world during the first day of the largest, most influential and renowned construction industry event in the Middle East.

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The Big 5 is hosting over 3,100 exhibitors this year, showcasing thousands of never before seen solutions for the built environment. Running from 21 to 24 November 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event is expected to welcome over 73,000 visitors from 140 countries across the four days of the show.

On the second day of the event (22 November), the Excellence in Construction Summit will gather 500 industry leaders to discuss current and future trends of the construction sector in Dubai, the GCC region and beyond. H. E. Hani Rashid Al Hamli, Secretary General of the Dubai Economic Council (DEC), will deliver a keynote speech at the Summit exploring the construction industry in the current global economic framework.

“The Big 5 is the largest construction event in the Middle East, and its Summit is a rich opportunity for all stakeholders who look forward to develop the construction industry,” H.E. Al Hamli said. “Our endorsement of The Big 5 2016 and the Excellence in Construction Summit mirrors the Dubai Economic Council’s keenness to support and contribute to all activities that enhance Dubai’s economy,” H.E. Al Hamli added commenting on the DEC’s strategic partnership with The Big 5 2016 and the Excellence in Construction Summit.

The Summit will also host Executive Director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, Najeeb Al-Ali, who will offer a preview of the much-awaited Expo 2020 Dubai. “We are confident The Big 5 and The Excellence in Construction Summit will positively support Dubai’s Vision, providing strategic insights into a world of opportunities as well as challenges faced by construction professionals in the region and from around the world,” Event Director, Josine Heijmans, said.

This year, The Big 5 is welcoming visitors with a brand new floor plan to facilitate business opportunities and meet current industry’s needs. For the first time ever, exhibitors are clustered in five product sectors: Building Interiors & Finishes, MEP Services, Building Envelop & Special Construction, Construction Tools & Building Materials, and Smart Building & Design technologies.

“At The Big 5 Dubai 2016 we are introducing a New Collection, RETAJ, which has a wide product range in Kitchens, Wardrobes, Internal Doors, & Stone Marble and we will also exhibiting our latest innovative collection of Interior Decorative surfaces suitable for modern and classic interiors, Furniture hardware, lighting and accessories,” Pradeep Ashramathil, Commercial Manager of the exhibitor Hassan Abul, said.

The leading UK ceramic and glass tile manufacturer, British Ceramic Tile, is exhibiting at The Big 5 for the first time this year, bringing an inspirational range of wall and floor tiles to the Middle East market. The company is unveiling its exclusive partnership with global lifestyle brand Ted Baker, as well as its stunning selection of structured glass.

Sustainability in construction and innovative technologies are at center stage. For the first time ever, Microsoft is exhibiting at the event, showcasing devices and solutions that promise to empower organizations in the construction sector. On 23 November, The Big 5 Gaia Awards honours companies in the construction sector whose products and services demonstrate a reduction of construction's impact on the environment. The event also hosts over 80 free to attend and CPD-certified workshops delivered by industry experts, sharing cutting-edge insights on hot industry topics, from BIM to LEED certification.

The Big 5 2016 is open daily from 11:00 to 19:00, from 21 to 24 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

To know more about the event, visit www.thebig5.ae.