About 700 exhibitors from over 50 countries are expected. VdS is showing its extensive services in the area of fire protection on Stand 5407F in Hall 4 and is presenting its "Blue Book" for the first time to visitors to the trade fair in which all VdS-recognised products will be specified.

Due to the continuing construction boom in the Middle East in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman fire safety has become more and more important. "There are good opportunities for growth for us in this region because VdS has got the right know-how and offers the appropriate services for fire protection," says Gero F. Poppe, CEO of VdS which is a subsidiary of the German Insurance Association (GDV).

Inspections of fire protection facilities by the Technical Inspection Office will be presented at the trade fair, for example. VdS experts advise real estate developers about new buildings and the renovation of office buildings, hotels, production buildings and warehouses as early as the planning stage and develop fire protection concepts together with them In addition, VdS offers assistance in the selection of the right fire protection systems as well as the selection of certified specialist fire protection facility planning and assembly companies. The VdS seal of approval offers clear guidance because facilities with VdS recognition meet high requirements because they have been built according to DIN or European standards. Thus the VdS seal of approval and its inspection reports serve as the basis for assessments by insurers and as evidence which can be given to the authorities that building regulations have been met.

"VdS is already one of the leading accredited certification offices in the United Arab Emirates" says Mr Poppe "Products and services with VdS recognition guarantee the highest safety standards and justifiably enjoy international trust," he continues.

VdS is also providing information about its international specialist conferences and its extensive apprenticeship and training programmes on the trade fair stand. This is how fire protection officers in companies, hospitals or retail outlets are trained. These courses can take place on site on request.

In Dubai VdS is also presenting its new "Blue Book", a complete directory in English of all products and systems recognised by VdS in the areas of fire protection and security, classified according to manufacturers and product groups. This reference book, published by the VdS inhouse publisher, also contains all the components for the systems listed. Planners, building companies, authorities, manufacturers and decisionmakers can thus get a quick and comprehensive overview. The "Blue Book" is available free of charge from the VdS trade fair stand.