$49 billion GCC concrete market sees demand for optimisation & sustainable practices

$49 billion GCC concrete market sees demand for optimisation & sustainable practices

Middle East Concrete 2013 to focus on concrete application efficiency

Dubai, UAE. 18 September 2013: There is more than $49 billion of demand for concrete forecast within the GCC over the next two years. As such, the industry is keen to stay ahead of the trends with a prominent drive to ensure that concrete is more energy and cost efficient, as well as increase its contribution to the sustainability of buildings and infrastructure, meeting demand with innovative, long-term solutions.

Leading the projected regional demand is Saudi Arabia, with more than $30.5b of concrete forecast to be needed through 2014 and 2015. The UAE follows, but with less of a requirement at $4b – a result of the country’s further advanced infrastructure development. The GCC construction sector as a whole shows no signs of slowing down over the coming years; demand for concrete will follow a similar path, with Qatar and Kuwait also representing big business for the sector.

With this in mind, and with sustainable construction continuing to dominate industry debate, the concrete sector is working to understand its role in furthering this innovation and how concrete technologies can contribute to more sustainable building practices, whilst at the same time keeping pace with demand. This is strongly reflected in the educational content at this year’s Middle East Concrete (MEC), as concrete professionals come together to share challenges and solutions for the most effective, efficient and sustainable applications.

The free-to-attend seminar theatre will host a range of industry professionals, discussing some of the latest, leading solutions from across the market, with companies including Grace Construction Products, Elematic, Fosroc and FADOX Group taking part. Seminar topics will include Enhancing performance and durability of concrete structures through the use of construction chemicals; New applications of lightweight cellular concrete; and Glassfibre reinforced concrete (GRC) - a green building material.

In addition, there will be a full day workshop onsite focusing on Asset Maintenance; delivered by international speakers the workshop will provide delegates with all the tools and knowledge necessary to maximise the lifespan of all concrete based structures, either during the design and construction phase or during ongoing management of the facility.

Laith Haboubi, commercial director, Middle East and India at Grace Construction Products, who will be presenting a range of solutions during the technical seminars commented: “Middle East Concrete provides a perfect platform to share and showcase advances in concrete technology to the region’s concrete stakeholders, such as engineers and architects, many of whom may not have had the opportunity previously to have experience with such systems as macro-fibre reinforcement and the latest in pre-applied waterproofing systems.”

Nathan Waugh, event director, Middle East Concrete, added; “Now in its third year, MEC continues to respond to visitor demand by expanding its educational programme. More companies than ever are coming forward to present their own findings and research on best practice solutions for a variety of issues including sustainability, maintenance, and new technologies. ”

Taking place from 25-28 November at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will also host a range of live product demonstrations, situated on the central concourse, as well as the International Concrete Sustainability Conference, in partnership with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) and Grey Matters Consultancy, which will bring a number of regional and international experts to discuss trends and challenges, including green building codes, high performance concrete applications, and recycled and alternative materials.

Ihab Bassiouni, UAE country manager, Grey Matters said, “As demand increases, so does competition, and it is important that the industry keeps ahead of the latest trends and developments. The International Concrete Sustainability Conference will bring together experts to discuss industry challenges and solutions with access to information and research that can help further drive the quality and efficiency of the concrete industry across the region.”

MEC provides a unique platform for the industry to take advantage of the opportunities available within the region; it will take place alongside the region’s largest event for the building and construction industry, The Big 5, and PMV Live, a dedicated platform for plant, machinery and vehicles.


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