Commercial and industrial application of decorative concrete to change the face of buildings in the GCC.

Dubai, UAE, 21 November 2016

Thousands of industry professionals attended the ‘Deco-concrete Day’ today at Middle East Concrete (MEC) and PMV Live 2016, discovering how decorative concrete can be used in commercial and industrial application, turning dreary floors and walls into works of art. Dubai, UAE, 21 November 2016: Thousands of industry professionals attended the ‘Deco-concrete Day’ today at Middle East Concrete (MEC) and PMV Live 2016, discovering how decorative concrete can be used in commercial and industrial application, turning dreary floors and walls into works of art.

According to a report by Research & Markets, the cement market in the GCC is to post a healthy market growth rate of more than 6% during 2015 - 2019. The rise in population, influx of tourists, demand for affordable housing, and the large number of infrastructure projects in the pipeline are some of the factors that are expected to propel market growth during the forecast period.

The ‘Deco-Concrete Day’ at Middle East Concrete 2016 included demonstrations of the concrete stamping techniques in the Decorative Concrete Zone along with a series of illuminating workshops on the subject. Visitors were treated to a masterful show on how concrete is beautified and used for decoration and function. Some of the unique pieces being stamped at the event included pattern work, polished concrete and exposed aggregate, stamp work with decorative stones and patterns, polished concrete, stained concrete and metallic floors.

During the Decorative Concrete Workshop, Jaime Villagomez, CEO of NewLook International, revealed how concrete can be transformed from dull and lifeless to rich and vibrant, and discussed what is being done globally to turn concrete into a functional and creative material.

Villagomez said: “In the last 20-30 years, making concrete more decorative has grown. It is everywhere, from hotels and theme parks to highway mediums, concrete walls and floors. It is often specified by discerning architects but, in many countries, it is still a new thing. Our goal is to train more contractors, make them more successful and creative, and do quality workmanship to keep up with the demand.”

The Decorative Concrete Workshop was rounded off by a session in the latest trends in polished concrete. Other sessions included solutions to coating and sealer problems, as well as best practice in coating prep for floors and wall coatings.

Middle East Concrete (MEC) and PMV Live 2016 are the region’s biggest and most prestigious infrastructure and heavy machinery events in the region. Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, the shows host 430 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. What is more, Middle East Concrete and PMV Live 2016 offer over 50 CPD-certified and free-to-attend forums, workshops and seminars delivered by industry experts

James Meltz, MEC and PMV Live Event Director said: “With the GCC governments looking to spend US$100 billion over the next three years, growth in this sector will result in the growth of the cement market during this period. Decorative concrete can add a touch of style, glamour and colour to the concrete used in a number of these projects. It is also low maintenance and requires minimum cleaning. Moreover, any colour or texture can be added to concrete, and this can literally change the face of buildings in the GCC in the future.

“The Decorative Concrete Zone at MEC & PMV Live has proved to be a firm favourite with our visitors adding a touch of fun to their time at the show.”

Other event highlights include the ‘Selfies at height’, offering visitors the chance to take pictures of the show from a bird’s-eye-view, 27 metres above the ground, and the Excavator Challenge, hosted by M. H. Al Mahroos, where attendees can race against the clock to play basketball using an excavator.

Middle East Concrete and PMV Live will run from 21-24 November 2106 at the DWTC, Za’abeel Halls 4-6, and is open daily from 11:00 – 19:00. Please visit www.middleeastconcrete.com and www.pmvlive.com for more information.

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About The Big 5
The Big 5 in Dubai is the largest, most influential and renowned construction industry event in the Middle East. The 36th edition of The Big 5, co-located with Middle East Concrete and PMV Live, saw record breaking numbers, with 73,584 participants, including 3,104 exhibitors from 67 countries, across 113,526 sqm of floor space. The Big 5 is the number one choice for construction professionals across the industry, as it is the perfect platform to source from 1000s of innovative, certified and locally distributed products. Alongside the exhibition, The Big 5 offers a Live Demonstration area and advanced educational features, including 75 free CPD certified workshops and the free-to-attend Excellence in Construction Summit, giving delegates a unique insight into strategies, opportunities and challenges facing designers and planners in the GCC.

About dmg events
An international exhibition and publishing company, dmg events produces market-leading exhibitions and conferences for the global energy, construction, coatings, hospitality and interior design industries. dmg events is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT) an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses listed on the London stock exchange.

dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa
Founded in 1989, dmg events has operated in the Middle East since 1995 and owns many leading brands including The Big 5 portfolio of construction events, INDEX – the Middle East’s largest event for the interior design industry and The Hotel Show, the longest running and most important event for the hospitality industry. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE and with satellite offices in India, South Africa and the UK, dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa organizes over 45 events across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. For more information visit www.dmgeventsme.com

© Press Release 2016