AT THE BIG 5 GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION EXHIBITION IN DUBAI, RETS SUCCESSFULLY PRESENTED THE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE RUSSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The Big 5 Global International Construction Exhibition, held annually in Dubai, has once again confirmed its status as a key global platform for the construction industry and a flagship event for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. For Russian exporters, participation in this event is a strategic step in exploring one of the most dynamically growing and investment-attractive markets. This year, under the auspices of the Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group), a large-scale joint exhibition of Made in Russia was held in Dubai. 30 Russian companies from 17 regions of the country participated in the exhibition. The delegation included leading manufacturers of construction equipment, innovative finishing materials, and developers of advanced solutions for the smart city concept. This wide range of products reflects the global trend towards sustainable construction and the use of eco-friendly materials. According to the Russian Export Center, the results of Russian exporters' work at Big 5 Global demonstrated a high demand for domestic innovations. Over 500 substantive negotiations were held at the Made in Russia stand over several days. Russian participants held meetings with potential partners from key strategic countries in the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and others. Major market players showed particular interest in the Russian exhibition: the stand was visited by more than 100 foreign companies, including representatives of major developers, distributors, traders, as well as government agencies and industry organizations. The potential of all the negotiations conducted amounted to more than 3.5 billion rubles. Many companies returned home with specific agreements and even contracts signed directly at the exhibition. The exhibition was attended by the Tver company 2019, which specializes in the production of decorative panels made of natural wood. The panels presented by the company are created to individual dimensions and designs, which allows them to be precisely adapted to a specific interior, space zoning tasks and complex architectural solutions. Each product is made for a specific object, taking into account its style, lighting features and geometry of the room. 2019 panels are suitable for both residential and commercial spaces, and their design is characterized by reliability, designed for long-term operation and stable geometry. "Thanks to our cooperation with the Tver Region Export Support Center, we were able to participate in specialized exhibitions in countries such as China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, Armenia, and Germany. This allowed us not only to make a name for ourselves, but also to gain a deep understanding of different markets, collect valuable feedback, and lay the foundation for long-term international partnerships. For our company, participating in events with the Russian Export Center is a strategic investment in the future. We see this not as a one-time event, but as an opportunity to join a professional community of exporters where we can learn, grow, and find reliable partners for long-term and successful development in the international arena," said Sergey Rubanov, Director of 2019. Participation in the international event was made possible for companies thanks to the comprehensive state support provided by the Russian Export Center. Russian companies submitted applications and received a full range of services through the digital platform "My Export." This platform, developed by the Russian Export Center, provides convenient online access to services for organizing participation in foreign exhibitions and business missions, including cost reimbursement, logistics, and customs consulting. The use of the digital service "My Export" significantly simplifies the process of obtaining state support for SMEs and large businesses, allowing them to focus on negotiations and product promotion. In addition to working at the booths, Russian participants established business connections at a business breakfast at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Such events not only provide an opportunity to establish contact with private businesses, but also to receive support from the UAE's official business community, which is crucial for the further development and protection of Russian companies' interests in the region. The REC also added that the successful participation in Big 5 Global 2025 was another confirmation that Russian export-oriented manufacturers have the necessary potential to gain a foothold in new markets and actively participate in the implementation of ambitious construction and infrastructure projects currently underway in the MENA region. The Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group) is a state-owned institution that supports non-commodity non-energy exports. It provides both financial and non-financial assistance to companies from various industries at all stages of entering international markets, including as part of the International Cooperation and Export National Project. Most of the services offered by the REC Group are available online on the state-owned digital platform "My Export." The REC Group's Export School provides training on all aspects of export activities. The REC is also responsible for ensuring and implementing the Made in Russia program.