As the pace of construction continues to gather speed, the market for plant, machinery, vehicles and equipment is also growing massively, with industry estimates forecasting an increase of up to 20% over the next five years as the region realises its ambitious programme of projects and developments.
“Over 2,100 existing and planned projects, valued at US $1.2 trillion (AED 4.4trillion), are already underway in the GCC, and investment will rise even further as the countries of the Middle East continue with their essential infrastructure development and expansion plans,” said Bernard Walsh, managing director, DMG World Media, organisers of The Big 5. “This has seen the region become the world’s largest market for plant, construction vehicles, machinery and equipment.”
In recognition of this, a dedicated exhibition for this sector of the market will be launched at this year’s Big 5. Running on the same dates as the Big 5 and linked via a free shuttle bus service, the Big 5 PMV will be staged at Airport Expo Dubai and will cover a minimum of 10,000 m2 of exhibition space. Its line up will include Al Baher (Caterpillar), Terex Equipment Middle East (Genie Industries Tele handlers), Imer Group as well as other big name suppliers and service providers from the global construction sector.
In 2005, analysts estimated the UAE’s market for heavy construction machinery stood at $190 million, road construction machinery at $176 million and earth moving machinery at $150 million. Growth of 15-20% is forecast over the next five years as developers invest in the extra machinery and equipment that is essential to build airports, ports, mega resorts, theme parks, residential and commercial cities and huge man-made islands.
“The fact that 24% of the world’s 125,000 construction cranes are currently in use in the region clearly demonstrates the demand – we received strong feedback from our Big 5 exhibitors and visitors and there was a clear and defined need for an area solely dedicated to heavy equipment and vehicles,” added Walsh.
Follow us on
