THE MARKET

The GCC states' construction industry is valued US$2 trillion. Until the end of May 2008, the value of projects being undertaken across the region touched US$1.9 trillion, a 35 per cent increase from the same period last year.

It was also reported that spending outpaces revenue growth in several GCC states. The UAE remains the biggest projects market in the Gulf, accounting for 37 per cent of the total project value.

They include residential, commercial, tourism and several other infrastructure projects, putting the construction industry into an overdrive in the region. While the GCC states lead the pack, several other countries in the region and the Subcontinent are also in the thick of construction activities.

A breakdown of estimates by the UAE Ministry of Economy showed the building and construction sector jumped by around 25.6 per cent in
2007 to Dh58.3 billion from Dh46.4 billion, boosting its contribution to the overall gross domestic product of the country to nearly eight per cent from 7.4 per cent in 2006.

These massive construction activities have created a huge demand for doors, windows, walls, roofing, related materials and machinery.

A major shift in the region towards "green and environment-friendly buildings", "smart homes" and innovative designs and concepts have encouraged the construction sector to increasingly turn to the show to meet their requirements for doors, windows, roof and cladding products.