THE 2014 edition of The Big 5 show in Dubai, UAE, witnessed a record 81,401 participants, marking a nine per cent increase over the 2013 show.

The region’s biggest construction event, The Big 5 along with Middle East Concrete and PMV Live was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre over four days in November and attracted 2,801 exhibitors from 61 countries.

“We’ve had a tremendous response in terms of business and participants, as well as feedback on new features at show. The enhanced educational programme with more than 55 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) workshops and the new innovation trail have been a huge hit,” said Andy White, group event director for The Big 5.

The next Big 5 event will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from March 9 to 12, 2015, with 570 exhibitors and 11,500-plus visitors expected to attend.