Dubai: The Big 5, a regional construction trade exhibition, opens in Dubai on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre with exhibitors and organisers bullish they can capitalise on renewed industry momentum.

New construction contracts and the resumption of previously sidelined projects have kick-started growth in the regional building and construction sectors in 2013. Andy White, Group Event Director behind The Big 5, said some $15.5 billion in construction contracts awarded in the UAE in the first half of 2013 were a 66 per cent jump on those awarded in the second half of 2012. Regionally, he said the $67 billion of contracts awarded in the first half of 2013 in the GCC outstripped contracts awarded in the second half 2012 by 53 per cent.

Demand for infrastructure in the Middle East is driving international companies that are faced with their own stagnant markets to the region.

White said The Big 5 2013 would see a “considerable increase” in companies from reece. Interestingly, politically-torn Egypt will lift its presence at the show with 74 more exhibitors than last year.

International companies continue to lead The Big 5 with 70 per cent of exhibitor bookings coming from international agents, White said. However, the 483 companies from the UAE at the show represent an 11 per cent jump on the previous year.

Overall, The Big 5 2013 is set to be 12 per cent larger than last years show.

“We have sold every metre of space,” White said.

Ras Al Khaimah-based company RAK Ceramics will be exhibiting at The Big 5 for the 12th consecutive year. As one of the largest global ceramic tile brands, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remains an important market for the company. Massaad said GCC countries, including the UAE, contribute more than 50 per cent of sales.

Massaad said that he was bullish on the future outlook for the UAE and regional building and construction sector and that the momentum of the local real estate market would have a trickle -down effect.

Visitors looking to jump the queue can save time and money with online pre-registration, White said. The Big 5 2013 edition is offering free entry to all those who pre register. A day before the show’s first day, there had been 35,000 pre-registrations, compared to 28,000 the day before last year’s show.

White said visitors can continue to pre-register online through the event or pay Dh100 onsite fee.

Two other industry shows will run this year alongside The Big 5. Middle East Concrete (MEC) and Plant Machinery Vehicles (PMV) Live will have 9,000 metres of floor space including 3,500 metres of outdoor space of heavy machinery.

Nathan Waugh, Group Event Director behind MEC and PMV Live, said there will be 350 exhibitors representing 27 countries. Along with the exhibition, visitors can attend 33 sessions across two theatres. Waugh said the conferences will discuss ongoing issues in the region, including sustainability.

Visitors to The Big 5 can attend MEC and PMV Live without having to re-register for the two events. White said the concrete and heavy machinery sectors played fundamental roles in the building and construction sector.

The Big 5 will run until Thursday at the Dubai World Trade Centre and feature more than 2,500 exhibitors.