Construction boom tops US$2.4 trillion in Gulf projects.

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25 Nov 2007

The construction boom in the Gulf region has reached new heights, with 2,837 projects estimated to be worth in excess of US$2.4 trillion now underway, the majority of development being carried out in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The phenomenal scale of current and planned projects across the GCC emerged today as the Big 5 PMV, a major new industry event launched on the back of huge Middle East construction growth, opened in Dubai. According to research by database company Proleads, which monitors regional construction projects across all industry sectors, the biggest construction project currently underway in the region is the King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia valued at US$120 billion. This is followed by Dubailand in the UAE, valued at US$110 billion, and the US$86 billion Silk City Project in Kuwait. The research also shows that, when additional developments currently at the early planning or concept stage are also taken into account, the Gulf countries account for a total of 3,519 projects worth US$ 2.527 trillion.

Massive development like this has turned the Middle East into the world’s biggest market for plant, construction vehicles, machinery and equipment, and the Big 5 PMV, taking place this week at Airport Expo Dubai, is giving manufacturers and suppliers a new window of opportunity to capitalise on the construction boom. Organised by Streamline Marketing Group in partnership with dmg world media and running until Thursday, the Big 5 PMV is giving a new dimension to the Big 5, the region’s most influential construction and contracting event which continues for a 28th year at Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The event has attracted over 240 key manufacturers and suppliers from 24 countries who are displaying a huge range of plant, machinery and construction vehicles. Laith Kubba, Director of Streamline Marketing Group, said: “We’re excited to launch this new event which is dedicated to suppliers and manufacturers of construction plant, machinery and vehicles. All of the participating companies have a unique opportunity to meet face to face with key buyers from across the region and overseas and increase their presence in the region’s booming construction market.” The vast array of current and planned projects across industry sectors including civil, industrial, power and water, has made the region one of the largest markets in the world for construction supplies and machinery. Streamline Marketing Group director Nick Webb said: “There was a huge need for a dedicated trade show to cater for this important part of the construction industry and the Big 5 PMV is the biggest single sector launch event that Dubai has ever seen. The exhibition covers over 30,000 sq metres of exhibition space including a dedicated outdoor arena, where a huge selection of the latest innovations in construction equipment is on show.” The Big 5 PMV features five national pavilions with representation from Germany, Austria, Italy, Korea and France. A series of seminars and interactive workshops will be staged throughout the exhibition, providing trade professionals with an educational and informative platform to learn about the latest developments in the region. Construction boom 3 Today’s seminar programme includes a presentation from the Director of the Dubai Accreditation Center (DAC) and an overview of unreserved auctions facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. There will also be a construction equipment outlook for the Middle East, featuring panelists from Volvo Construction Equipment AB, Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company LLC, House of Equipment and Kanoo Machinery.