Large-scale imports of construction-related material into the Northern Gulf testify to an unprecedented constru-ction boom there, an official of an events company says.

Abdulla Shafeea, general manager, Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE), says construction imports to feed into the boom in that area will reach $9.2 billion this year.
“Studies and observations of the construction market conducted recently for countries in the northern part of the Gulf including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait show that the skylines of these nations will be as crowded as Dubai’s,” Shafeea said.  HCE is organising gulfBID 2007, the leading Gulf international exhibition for construction, interiors and furniture, in a joint venture with DMG Media Group, the organisers of the Big 5 and Index shows in Dubai.  gulfBID will be staged at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from May 15 to 17. 
“Demand is expected to accelerate in the Northern Gulf countries until it reaches maturity in about 12 to 15 years’ time, and is also expected to boost other industries, including the interiors and furniture sector, with higher and more efficient standards of interiors to be in demand for decades to come.  In fact, more players find it feasible to invest in this industry for the upcoming markets of this specific region,” said Shafeea.
The accelerating pace of building and construction in Bahrain, Qatar, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait is powering a project and infrastructure boom.  gulfBID is designed to cater for the business-to-business requirements of this vital economic sector. 
“The mega developments taking shape are also creating massive demand for these fast-track projects and the supply of fixtures, fittings and furnishings for these interiors, which are essential supply components to the construction industry,” said Shafeea.
gulfBID has sold 60 per cent of its total available space, with a further 20 per cent already reserved three months before the expo.  gulfBID will continue to provide the local and regional market with information on the most up-to-date and sophisticated construction materials from the world’s leading suppliers and service providers.
It has widened its portfolio to include the full spectrum of quality interiors and furniture, including contract furniture for hotels and offices and new facilities such as airports and hospitals.
A major marketing campaign is underway involving the investment of more than $1.5 million regionally and internationally to raise awareness of the increasing importance of gulfBID whilst highlighting the pivotal role being played by Bahrain as a regional gateway and trading hub.
Within one year of its launch, gulfBID 2007 is targeted to reach capacity in one of the most important business-to-business expos both in the region and internationally.