Construction boom in KSA mirrored in the growth of The Big 5 Saudi show in its second year

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. December 18, 2011: Demand from the international construction industry will see The Big 5 Saudi double in size, in just its second year. Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mansour Bin Mutaib Bin Abdulaziz, The Big 5 Saudi has seen unprecedented success since its launch in February 2011, with show space increase from one hall to two, as well as an outdoor area for 2012.

According to a report published by Ventures Middle East for The Big 5, entitled 'New technologies utilised in the GCC market', there is an estimated US$108,156m worth of construction to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2012 - an increase of over $7.1m from two previous years- the country is the most active in the GCC within the building and construction industry. With a market heavily fuelled by domestic consumption, as opposed to future projections in other GCC countries, Saudi Arabia represents a significant hub of opportunities for the local, national and international industry players.

Andy White, event director of The Big 5 Saudi, said: "The launch event of The Big 5 Saudi surpassed all expectations and was an even bigger success than we had ever anticipated. Demand from both local and international companies wishing to participate in 2012 has meant that we have had to establish a second, purpose built hall as well as an outdoor area to accommodate heightened interest."

Taking place at Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events from 10-13 March 2012, with the support of the Ministry for Municipal and Rural Affairs, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Jeddah Municipality, the event is set to host more than 400 exhibitors from 35 countries.

New features for this year include the Concrete Zone and Facilities Management Zone, dedicated areas for companies working in these sectors, an outdoor demonstration area for heavy construction showcases and accredited workshops, with globally renowned company bodies talking on topics including LEED regulation and Concrete Repair.

White concluded: "We want to create a platform for the industry that provides access to the opportunities that the Saudi market presents now and for the upcoming years. The support for The Big 5 Saudi 2011, together with the event being recognised as the Best Trade Event 2011 at the Middle East Event Awards in its first year, has given us a very stable and promising foundation from which the event can grow."

Al Arabiya comes on board as the official broadcasting partner for The Big 5 Saudi 2012. The news channels has been broadcasting since 2003, with viewers tuning in from across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, North Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australia.

-Ends-

About The Big 5
The Big 5 Saudi launched in 2011 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following the phenomenal success of the flagship exhibition, The Big 5, in Dubai, UAE.

The Big 5 is the largest event for the building and construction industry in the Middle East. It attracts more than 2,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, taking place at the Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre.

For more than 30 years The Big 5 has provided a business and networking platform for the construction industry. It is an opportunity for buyers and sellers of construction products and services from around the world to source an astounding array of the very latest technologies, innovations and techniques.

More than an exhibition, the event provides attendees with unrivalled access to information, intelligence, contacts and hands on experience. Experts from around the world engage in the industry's most topical discussions, finding solutions, facing challenges and seizing opportunities.

It is the gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) providing both exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity to conduct serious business with like-minded professionals.

www.thebig5saudi.com

About dmg :: events
dmg :: events is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk), one of the largest media companies in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1989, it now manages over 80 Exhibitions, Conferences and online platforms for a variety of industries in up to 25 countries each year.

dmg :: events produces market-leading exhibitions and conferences for the global energy, technology, digital marketing, gift, construction, hospitality and interior industries, with events in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

dmg :: events Middle East has operated since 1995 delivering exhibitions, conferences, events and publications across the Energy, Construction, Hospitality, Commercial, Residential and Interiors industries.

As a leading supplier of face-to-face business information, with a customer-centric focus that localizes operations and relationships, our objectives are to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant consumers to create vibrant marketplaces across multiple event platforms.

For further information:
Contact BPG PR for The Big 5 Saudi
BPG Saudi Contact
Susan Parker in Dubai: susan@batespangulf.com /+971 4 295 3456 Ext 310/ +971 50 101 4403

© Press Release 2012