The French building sector will be once again putting up a strong show at the upcoming Big 5 construction expo with nearly 50 companies representing various sectors of the industry.

To be held in Dubai from November 23 to 26, the Big 5 is a major event in the Middle East region for the networking of industry's decision-makers and professionals.

The French companies will be grouped together in a 552 sq m French section organised by Business France, a government agency supporting the international development of the French economy.

With a highly fragmented network of over 380,000 companies and €124 billion ($133 billion) in turnover, the French building sector is extremely diverse ranging from structural (cement, concrete, exterior), building (roofing, insulation, bathroom facilities, heating and air conditioning), interior finishing and decoration (wall and floor finishing, paneling, luxury fixtures and home automation).

Total construction sector projects awarded in 2014 amounted to $30 billion, up 10 per cent from 2013, said a statement from Business France.

The strong population growth (up 8 per cent in 2014) and the World Expo expected to be held in Dubai in 2020 will require an additional 40,000 hotel rooms likely resulting in greater opportunities and allowing for French companies to position themselves with the purchasing advisors, namely the consultants, architects and interior designers, it stated.

France benefits from a reputation for reliability and quality, which are especially important in the building sector due to safety risks, it added.

The government agency said the French companies were renowned for their substantial expertise in sectors where technical skills are required and innovation, quality and design play a major role. In addition, French companies serve as a benchmark in terms of standards and regulations.

For several years, French companies have been striving to boost their presence in the Middle East by positioning for major projects or by offering the market products with constantly evolving technology.

The French offer stands apart thanks to its diversity and its innovative products and materials in the intelligent building, home automation, sustainable and ecological building, energy efficiency and wood construction sectors, it added.-TradeArabia News Service