Local and International Exhibitors use the BIG 5 as a Strategic Platform for New Products and Innovations within the Construction Industry

The Middle East continues to be a strategic choice for both local and international companies to launch new products and technologies into the construction market. The region’s ambitious and world-leading construction projects are driving the need for continual development in construction technology due to the challenging designs and drive for sustainability within the sector. Current projects underway include the new ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, a state-of-the art, energy efficient structure set to accommodate over 2,000 staff and customers, while recently awarded contracts include the $817 Million Jewel of the Creek in Port Saaed, Dubai.
The increasing significance of the region’s market place is set to be highlighted at The Big 5 2011 in November, the Middle East’s largest event for the building and construction industry, with many of the exhibitors using the event to bring their product to the market for the first time.
“We are delighted The Big 5 continues to be recognized as one of the most important platforms for new product launches and the unveiling of innovative new technology in the construction industry,” commented event director for The Big 5 2011, Andy White. “We have consistently identified product development and innovation as key to driving the industry forward, and have consciously developed The Big 5 to provide both formal and informal opportunities to bring this knowledge to the market. This is why we are focusing on product led, free seminars for attendees this year as regional and international businesses need to be aware of, and embrace, new technologies. These developments within the sector can enable lower construction costs, provide more sustainable methods of construction and result in safer, more rigorously regulated buildings that are the key to a safe, profitable future in the construction industry. 2011 is going to be an exceptionally exciting year for The Big 5, we’re anticipating a record number of product launches in the region.”
The Big 5 2011, held at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 21-24 November, will be providing over 80 product led seminars designed to ensure that information on the latest industry innovations and developments is available to all. Early indications show that companies from wider Gulf countries, Europe and Japan are using The Big 5 as a launch platform for their latest products and technology. International brands, as well as UAE based companies, are increasingly looking at The Big 5 as a benchmark for the latest innovations being adopted in the region and thus a key opportunity to offer their latest developments to the Middle East market.
New research from Ventures has revealed that building construction has remained strong in the UAE in Q2 of 2011, garnering 57% of contracts awarded in construction in the region, with initiatives such as the Presidents Housing Programme to provide low cost homes to Emirati nationals now progressing’ . This continued strength opens up opportunities for companies to provide new and innovative products to compliment and develop this area of construction.
A selection of companies who will be showcasing new products to the region at The Big 5 2011 include:
• Mapei, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, with offices based in the Middle East, will be using The Big 5 2011 to unveil a unique new locally manufactured product which is a single – component, high-performance, flexible, lightweight, cementitious adhesive for ceramic tiles, stone and thin porcelain tiles. This product is easy to apply by trowel with no vertical slip and long open time with and extremely high yield. Developing products with safety and efficiency in mind, Mapei will also be demonstrating ULTRABOND P990 1K at The Big 5 2011; a solvent-free; ready-to-use polyurethane one-component that can be used as a elastic adhesive for all types of wooden flooring;
• Beirut based Kassa’a Paints Group, will be launching three new Colourtek products at The Big 5 2011; “Polistof” a fabric like decorative paint finish, “Klondike” a modern look in decorative paint finishes, and “Neocement” the latest in floor finishing. Polistof in particular introduces a completely new style of paint finish that blurs the line between colored and fabric‐effect paint. As a water‐based paint for indoor application it can be used to create velvet, denim or shantung fabric effects. Created using cutting edge technology, it is safe, durable and washable.
• Japanese brand Einwood WPC, who are partnered with Nahar in the GCC will be introducing their latest range of composite garden and street furniture, the Erems range, to the Middle East at The Big 5 2011. This latest development from Einwood, whose wood/plastic composite is created from building wood and plastic wastes in order to offer a sustainable alternative to exotic woods, shows a move into creative, sustainable alternatives to traditional wooden garden and street furniture. The new range offers a new selection of colours including white and chocolate and features frame working produced in France using aluminium and solid stainless steel, as well as being easy to clean and long-lasting. Einwood are bringing a new sustainable aesthetic for decking and cladding to The Middle East.
• In what is only their second year exhibiting at The Big 5, Italian brand Brandoni, are launching their new range of bio-ethanol fireplaces at The Big 5 2011, using a natural ethyl alcohol, which has low emissions and eliminates the need for smokestacks. These are sustainable, easy to install, eco-friendly products that provide a clean, safe, stylish alternative to wood-burning fireplaces.
Middle East Concrete, PMV Live and FM Expo are now operating under The Big 5 portfolio of events and will run alongside The Big 5 in 2011 and beyond. Developed to cater to industry demand they will provide dedicated zones for buyers, which will focus on those products and services most relevant to each industry.
 
Source:  Big 5 NewsRoom