The value of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contracting market in the GCC is expected to surge to $14.5 billion in 2008, according to a recent industry survey. With an estimated $1.5 trillion worth of projects under construction in the GCC, the regional MEP contracting sector, which accounts for one third of this total figure, is slated to undergo major growth transformation, with economies such as the UAE continuously exhibiting the potential for further development in the construction and real estate front. As the largest construction market in the GCC with active projects amounting to over $350 billion, the country has seen a 17 percent increase in 2007, according to data released by the UAE Ministry of Economy. In line with this, Autodesk, the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building, and media and entertainment markets, has announced its aims to leverage the rapid growth of the booming MEP market. The company plans to highlight AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite, a premier design, analysis and documentation solution for MEP contractors and consultants, in a bid to raise awareness of how MEP companies can support sustainable design efforts using Revit MEP 2009 to optimize system design for maximum efficiency and accurately predict the performance of building systems. As the leading provider of state-of-the-art building design and construction documentation solutions for MEP engineering, Autodesk has set its goal to leverage the outstanding opportunities within the UAE and the rest of the region. “Looking at the growth of the GCC MEP contracting market in terms of growth potential for our AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite, we are convinced that this solution will further gain a steady following among MEP firms working on landmark projects in the region,” said Manish Bhardwaj, field marketing specialist, Autodesk, Middle East. “Our range of MEP engineering consultancy services also holds much promise, especially in markets such as the UAE, which is currently witnessing the emergence of high-rise, high quality and technically innovative buildings.” The majority of highly competent and locally based MEP contractors and consultants have identified the advantages of utilizing Autodesk's Revit MEP solution, thereby affirming its suitability for high profile developments that are prevalent in the region. Among the top features, one that has gained the confidence of leading regional contractors is the solutions' dedication to applying Building Information Modeling (BIM) to sustainable building engineering strategies. Facilitating successful collaboration and coordination with multiple disciplines, the AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite enables MEP firms to improve productivity, accuracy, and coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design teams, as well as with architects and structural engineers. “By adopting the AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite, MEP companies can make better and faster decisions while opening doors for further business though enhanced client communication. Through the advances of Building Information Modeling, MEP contractors are also presented with an opportunity to optimize systems design and provide better engineering direction to their clients. Our familiarized approach to design and building solutions through our expertise in architectural, structural and MEP engineering provides the highest level of coordination and integration possible to our customers, thereby resulting in the most efficient solutions that meet our clients' requirements,” concluded Vijay Kumar Raina, MEP specialist, Omnix. __
