THE Big 5 2014 is expected to be the largest and best attended edition, surpassing last year’s visitor number of 74,000, according to the organisers.

The Big 5, which will be held from November 17 to 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE, has cemented its international footprint with the 35th edition having already seen an increase in international exhibitors, driven by renewed confidence in the region’s construction sector.

Last year, the show welcomed 2,700 international exhibitors from nearly 60 countries, and attracted more than 74,000 international and local visitors from 124 countries last year. More than a third of the previous edition’s participants hailed from countries outside of the GCC, with some of the highest numbers coming from Europe (Italy) and Asia (South Korea).

Running alongside The Big 5, two co-located events, PMV Live and Middle East Concrete (MEC), offer a 360-degree platform to the building and construction industry, with the three shows providing the largest platform for international building construction, concrete and heavy machinery in the region.

PMV Live provides visitors and decision makers a platform to source and preview plant equipment, construction machinery and vehicles, with multi-million-dollar equipment deals signed at the event over the past three years, while MEC has already established itself as the largest dedicated concrete event in the Middle East.

Andy White, group event director of The Big 5, believes this year’s event will be the largest and best attended in its 35-year history.

“The Big 5 has become the region’s leading hub for construction professionals to source new products, discover the latest innovations, engage in educational workshops and conferences, and network with thousands of key players and potential customers.

“The buzz surrounding the industry is growing and I am confident that this year will be the biggest yet for The Big 5, as the region’s construction sector continues to make a strong comeback,” White said.

The UAE is expected to spend over $300 billion on infrastructure by 2030, according to a report by hospitality consultancy HVS, to include the expansion of the Dubai Metro Red line, new concourses at the recently opened Al Maktoum International Airport, interchanges on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and the construction of the main Expo 2020 centre.

Regionally, Qatar forges on with its National Development Strategy 2011-2015 through a pipeline of major infrastructure projects, including the $45-billion Lusail City project, and a high number of road, rail and associated World Cup 2022 construction projects, while Saudi Arabia is undertaking infrastructure improvement projects in roads, bridges and rail to the tune of $77 billion.

The Big 5 returns this year with eight dedicated product sectors: steel; building interiors; coating, adhesives and sealants; general construction; kitchens and bathrooms; water technology; windows, doors and cladding; and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC).