The Big 5 exhibition opens its doors in Dubai
DUBAI: Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the 42nd edition of ‘The Big 5’ exhibition in Dubai on Sunday.
The Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region’s largest and most influential event for the construction industry is featuring more than 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries and 20 country pavilions.
During his visit, Sheikh Mansour was briefed on the key features of the exhibition, which is the only live in-person event to connect the global construction industry in 2021.
The organisation of the event reflects Dubai’s success in restarting its business events sector and its ability to provide a safe seting while at the same time facilitating impacful face-toface meetings.
Sheikh Mansour visit included a tour around the different country pavilions participating at the event.
He was accompanied by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Sheikh Mansoor was briefed on the latest industry innovations in the construction sector by some of the world’s leading companies in this field. He also listened to exhibitors speak about key global trends that are set to accelerate the growth of the market during the upcoming period.
He expressed his appreciation for the efforts made to ensure the highest levels of safety for exhibitors and visitors to the exhibition, noting that the strong momentum witnessed in Dubai’s events sector is the result of the emirate’s long experience in hosting and organising international events as well as its prudent handling of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The success of the emirate’s vaccination programme has also contributed to the strong return of this vital sector.
‘The Big 5’ 2021 has welcomed exhibitors across nine specialised events this year, offering visiting professionals the chance to source the latest industry innovations for any stage of the construction cycle. As part of the event, several UAE companies are also showcasing their advanced capabilities in the field of construction equipment and technologies.
The event also offers over 70 free-to-atend CPD certified talks delivered by 150 global speakers and covering critical topics such as Digital Twins, AI, Sustainability and Project management, presenting a unique opportunity for visitors to stay up to date on trends in the sector.
‘The Big 5’ provides a safe environment for face-to-face business following the dmg ‘All Secure’ protocol and in collaboration with DWTC and local health authorities.
Meanwhile, the value of exports and re-exports of Dubai Chamber members increased 21.8 per cent year-over-year to reach Dhs147.3 billion in January-august 2021 period, supported by a rebound in trade activity in Dubai.
The Chamber pointed out that the exports and re-exports of its members recorded year-over-year growth of 43.9 percent, reaching Dhs21.4 billion in August 2021. A total of 58,154 certificates of origin were issued by Dubai Chamber in August 2021, up from 48,129 certificates in July 2021.
As a region, the GCC was the top export market for Dubai Chamber members between January and August 2021. Chamber members’ exports and re-exports to the GCC countries during the January-august 2021 period recorded growth of 16.4 percent year-over-year to Dhs79.6 billion in the first eight months of 2021.
GCC markets accounted for 53 per cent of the total exports and re-exports of members during the month. Members’ exports and reexports to GCC countries reached Dhs11.4 billion in August 2021, jumping 37 per cent compared to the previous month.
Chamber members’ exports and re-exports to the top 10 non-gcc markets recorded a growth rate of over 31 percent during the first eight months of 2021. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, said the figures demonstrate the strength and resilience of Dubai’s trade sector, which is seeing increased momentum as Expo 2020 Dubai approaches. He noted that Dubai Chamber is working closely with its partners in the public and private sector to support the five-year plan announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to boost Dubai’s foreign trade from Dhs1.4 trillion to Dhs2 trillion.
He noted that Dubai Chamber’s representative offices around the world are playing a crucial role in identifying export opportunities for Dubai Chamber members and the wider business community in Dubai, which enhance economic competitiveness and drive sustainable growth, adding that Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to be a catalyst for boosting trade activity and fostering cross-border economic cooperation.