The construction sector in Dubai contributed 13.6 per cent to Dubai’s GDP in 2006 while the annual average growth rate of the sector was 17.9 per cent during 2000-2006.

The total value of construction projects being carried out in Dubai which will be completed in the next five years, has hit $100 billion, said the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which is participating in the ongoing Big 5 Show in Dubai.

Hamad Buamim, director general of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry pointed out that the success of Big 5 exhibition as one of the most significant building and construction exhibitions in the Middle East had prompted Dubai Chamber to take part in the event.

“Dubai Chamber’s participation in this exhibition aims at underlining its services and facilities offered to building and construction developers in Dubai. Through this event, Dubai Chamber promotes the activities of members operating under its two business groups of building and civil constructions and building materials trading groups,” said Buamim.

The five-day event, which commenced on November 25 will conclude on  November 29. The exhibition has drawn an international interest being the biggest and most significant building and construction exhibitions in the Middle East due to the leading regional and international building and construction developers it attracts.

The building contracting activity in Dubai represents 45 per cent of all the activities practiced in the sector. Big companies are considered the principal recruiters in the construction sector by employing more than 73 per cent of the total labour force of the sector, followed by the medium-sized companies that employ around 21 per cent labour and the small-sized companies, which recruit only 6 per cent. --TradeArabia News Service