Fujairah, 18th Nov. 2008 -- HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, inaugurated today BUILDEX08, the Construction and Quarry Industry Exhibition, at Fujairah Exhibition Centre.

Running until 20th November, the event is organised by the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah.

The opening ceremony was graced by high-level officials from Fujairah Government, FCCI, other Government departments from the various Emirates and several international delegates.

Trade Visitors will have a first-hand view of the latest products, services, technologies and equipment from companies from diverse sectors such as construction, construction products, equipments supply and rentals, contracting, civil engineering, aggregates and sand, stone crushing, screening and washing, marble manufacturing, rock drilling and blasting, sandblasting and transport.

Major players in the industry from more than 17 countries Japan, US, Germany, Iran, India, Pakistan Britain, Austria and Ireland besides national UAE and GCC companies.

Ahmed Khalifa Al Shamsi, First Deputy Chairman of FCCI, said BUILDEX '08 - east coast's first '&' exclusive exhibition for the construction and stone crusher industry, promises to be the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of trade, technology, and equipment specific to the construction and stone crusher industry.

BUILDEX '08 provides an ideal platform for trade consultants, contractors, building raw material traders, equipment manufacturers and project developers to exhibit their products and services.

Organisers say the UAE steady economic growth and progressive policies provide a strong foundation for maintaining a steady rate of commissioning of ambitious projects, be they luxury apartment, malls, landmark complexes, hospitals, hotels, industries or infrastructural projects like roads, bridges and ports.

The UAE today tops the list of Arab construction markets.

As per a study conducted by FCCI on UAE building material industry and its prices, the demand which today stands at around USD 55 billion, will steadily increase over the next five years.

Not only domestic consumption, but the local industry also serves other markets in the Middle East, North Africa and the subcontinent, through export of technology '&' materials.(WAM/TF)