The head and chairman of the Municipality of Muscat His Excellency Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthi inaugurated the 8th edition of “Interiors & Buildex” Exhibition, now re-branded The BIG Show, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre on Monday, March 21, 2011. 

The inauguration was opened with a welcome speech by pioneer and leading exhibitions organiser Omanexpo’s general manager Nasser Diab, accompanied by a formal invitation to the chief guest to the stage to officially launch the show.  The inauguration has taken on a surprising but exciting twist with its ground-breaking opening ceremony, which is in line with the company’s new initiatives to take the show to a whole new level by introducing bigger and better features and concepts and by pioneering event and conference organizing and management strategies.

“The “Interiors & Buildex” Exhibition is a prestigious event which has established itself firmly as a strong representative of the building and construction sector over the years, and the re-branding of the show only signifies the start of the greater success which it aims to achieve in terms of reach, exhibitor participation, and country representation, regionally and globally,” said Abdullah Beg, The BIG Show’s project manager.

According to Nasser Diab, Omanexpo’s general manager, “We are doubly excited about this year’s exhibition, as we have begun to implement some significant changes, commencing with our innovative opening ceremony.  We plan to do this for the succeeding editions of the show and for our other events.”    

“As always, The BIG Show has set the stage for local and international companies to provide product, service and technology sourcing opportunities as well as to offer the latest building and construction products and interior furnishings, equipment and services in the market.  It also provides a platform for new opportunities and for opening up new markets in the Sultanate.  Furthermore, it showcases what Oman has to offer to the world,” he added.

The BIG Show will include a conference from March 21 to 22, and will tackle the most relevant topics related to the fast-growing industry.  The Conference will be a first for the show and expects to gather greater interest and participation from the business sector.

This year’s event has seen the participation of such big names in the industry as Khimji Ramdas Bait Al Ahlam, OMASCO, Wolf Enterprises, Al Mutawaa Trading Company, Abou Nabil, Muscat Electronics, Al Maha Ceramics, Service & Trade, Al Anwar Ceramics Company, Sadolin Paints, Al Bilad Building Materials, Henkel Polybit, Al Turki Enterprises, Suleiman Al Fadhi, Nuhas Oman, and Tech Windows.  It has also witnessed the increase in the number of national pavilions, which include Italy, Iran, Turkey, the UK and the UAE.

The show’s roster of sponsors include Windows 2000 (Platinum Sponsor), Panorama Windows Co. LLC (Gold Sponsor), Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (VIP Lounge Sponsor), and Mohammad Riaz & Partner LLC (Visitor Badge Sponsor).   

It is supported by the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI), UK Trade & Investment, Brand Oman, Public Establishment of Industrial Estates (PEIE), Oman Society of Contractors, and Oman Society of Engineers.  Agility is the official logistics partner and Golden Tulip is the event’s Official Hotel.