Major showcase

THE region’s largest exhibition for the construction and interiors industry, gulfBID 2007, has opened with more than 190 exhibitors from 18 countries.

The three-day exhibition which ends tomorrow at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, is double the size of last year’s show, says Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions general manager Abdulla Shafeea.
There are at least six national pavilions, representing Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Germany, Turkey and the UK.
The show is organised by a joint venture of Hilal and the dmg world  media. The booming projects in the Gulf is one of the main driving forces for the expanded event, said Al Hilal Group managing director Ronnie Middleton.
“In fact, the project market in the Middle East is expected to reach more than $1.5 trillion in 2007 and since the beginning of this year – in just over four months – we have already had a number of major projects announced through the region which will help maintain the continuum of the past couple of years,” he said.
Major local developments include a new $633 million development linked to the Bahrain City Centre and the $2.7 billion Northern Town reclamation project off the Duraz coast.
“The second reason for launching gulfBID was Bahrain itself,” said Mr Middleton. “The kingdom’s own economic development is there for all to see.
“Several significant projects have been announced which will add to an already vibrant building, construction and interior sector.
“But it is Bahrain’s unique and highly strategic position vis-a-vis Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf which is the key to the continued future success of the country’s exhibition industry and guarantees the success of gulfBID in the years to come.”
Bahrain’s position as a gateway to the Northern Gulf is one of the key reasons companies are looking to exhibit here, says one of the gulfBID exhibitors.
“The market potential for construction products in the Northern Gulf region is huge, with the value of the market estimated to be around $9.2 billion,” said Rizwan Sajan, chairman of Dubai-based Danube Building Materials, which recently opened a new facility in Salmabad.
“Following our expansion in Bahrain, our participation in events such as gulfBID is part of our aggressive business strategy, as it will allow us to reach key audience within a short time and establish or enhance existing relations with prospect partners and end-users.”