Experts said that the GCC tubes and pipes industry will invest USD 18 billion in the next 5 years in new pipelines and associated infrastructure,as the Gulf is set to add more than 21,000 kilometer to its current pipe network.

According to the organizers of the upcoming Arabia Essen Welding&Cutting,Tekno Arabia and Tube Arabia,the 3 in 1 show,to be held from January 7th to 10th at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre,this constitutes 14%of the globally extended planned pipeline network of 161,000 kilometer.

This was revealed at a press conference held in Dubai by event organizers Al Fajer Information&Services and Messe Essen and Messe Dusseldorf.

Mr Satish Khanna GM of AFIS said that"Each of these industrial exhibitions has its own value proposition to respective industries in the UAE and the wider pan Arab region."

Mr Khanna said that"The GCC's drive to extend its railway network will boost the demand for tubes,pipes and welding solutions.This demand is being met with increased domestic production by local players.Moreover,the remarkable utility and construction projects are giving a shot in the arm to the pipes,tubes and welding industries.This has boosted the importance of these three shows by attracting more companies to display their products to target the rapidly increasing trade visitors."

He said that"This year's event has a special flavor as Arabia Essen Welding&Cutting 2013 makes its debut in the GCC.The new fair is the result of successful collaboration between the fair companies in Essen and Düsseldorf and us."

He said that"The debut show is leveraging on the leading position of the Tekno and Tube shows which have established themselves as international events for industrial machinery,metal working,machine tools,tubes and pipes."

Meanwhile,the three shows are regarded as gateways to the extremely important Gulf and Middle East markets by exhibitors from Europe,North America and Asia.