DUBAI: The 45th edition of Big 5 Global commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together government leaders, industry innovators, and policymakers to delve into the construction sector’s potential in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, which boasts a US$9 trillion pipeline of construction projects.
According to Emirates News Agency, Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President of dmg events, remarked on the event’s successful opening, highlighting the inspiring discussions and substantial business activities. Leaders from across the industry convened to exchange insights and ideas, resulting in new partnerships and deals that underscore the significance of Big 5 Global as a hub for collaboration and innovation in urban development and construction.
The first day of Big 5 Global featured a dynamic lineup of strategic summits, including LiveableCitiesX, Future FM, and GeoWorld. These events comprised the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, GeoWorld Summit, and IFMA Global | Middle East Su
mmit, where policymakers and industry innovators engaged in insightful dialogues. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, set the tone with a keynote address at the Leaders’ Summit, advocating for visionary leadership in the sector.
Fred Mills, Founder of The B1M, emphasized the construction industry’s transformative potential, stating that it continuously defies expectations by achieving the seemingly impossible. Concurrently, the GeoWorld Summit explored advancements in geospatial technology and data, with Dr. Hasni Ghedira from MBZUAI underscoring the importance of GIS and urban hydrology in addressing extreme weather challenges.
The IFMA Global | Middle East Summit focused on redefining facility management, with industry leaders discussing innovations to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. On the exhibition floor, significant deals and partnerships were finalized, further solidifying the event’s role in driving business growth.
Notably, BAUER Maschinen Gmb
H and Pinnacle International Piling signed a multi-million-euro agreement to expand Pinnacle’s fleet with the BAUER BG36 piling rig. Hermann Schrattenthaler of BAUER Maschinen GmbH emphasized the deal’s significance in delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions.
In another notable partnership, Saudi-based WhiteHelmet inked an MoU with India’s SB Scaffolding. This agreement introduces WhiteHelmet’s innovative construction tech solutions to India, exemplifying the global nature of the event’s business dealings.
The event also celebrated international cooperation through vibrant country pavilions, with Saudi Arabia’s ‘Made in Saudi’ programme showcasing innovations in construction. Thamer Almishrafi of Saudi Exports highlighted the event’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing the opportunity to connect with international partners and promote sustainable growth in the construction sector.