Big 5 2009 'beyond all expectations'

Big 5: 'barometre of the construction industry'.

Last week's Big 5 show was the most successful edition to date, according to organisers, with more exhibitors than ever before and a lot of business being done.

"Widely regarded as barometer of the construction industry, many people were waiting to see what would happen at this year's The Big 5. We were delighted with the success of the show, which was beyond all expectations – it was particularly exceptional given the economic slowdown of the past year," commented event director Paula Al Chami.

Kicking off with the official opening by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, the exhibition saw a number of high profile deals announced, including a JV between Saudi Arabia's Alessa Group and US industrial conditioners manufacturer Huntair Inc worth US $200m.

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FEATURED COMMENT My China counterpart who participated in this time says, it was a big flop in this year. I feel it is not good for the i   2 Comments Read more comments »

The UAE's Mulk Holdings signed an $80m contract with Dacs Electro Systems for the manufacturing and distribution of its products and Mulk Holdings said claimed to have done more business at this year’s Big 5 than in any previous year.

"The show halls were buzzing, and exhibitors were impressed with the quality of visitors we attracted this year. It was also great news that there were some announcements made during the event of significant contracts. This bodes well for the regional construction industry in the future, and we are now looking forward to next year's event!" added Al Chami.