Big 5 Global, the premier construction industry event in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), is back for its 45th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 26 to 29. This event brings together a global assembly of professionals from urban development, construction, geospatial, and facilities management sectors. Running concurrently with new events such as LiveableCitiesX, Future FM, and GeoWorld, the combined events will host over 100,000 attendees from more than 165 countries, featuring more than 2,700 exhibitors and over 300 speakers over four days of networking, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

According to the World Bank, by 2080, 80% of the world's population will live in cities, with significant growth expected in the MEASA region. As urbanization accelerates, the demand for construction and infrastructure will surge, making these events crucial platforms for industry professionals to address challenges, explore opportunities, and foster collaboration among key stakeholders.

Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President - Construction at dmg events, emphasized: “This ultimate urban development and construction gathering is where the future of our cities is shaped. With stakeholders from concept to completion under one roof, the events provide a unique opportunity for professionals to gain insights, network with leaders, and discover new solutions and innovations. If you aim to stay ahead in the industry, this is the place to be.”

The total value of MEA projects stands at $9 trillion, with $6.75 trillion in pre-construction stage projects, driven by substantial investments in urban development, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Consequently, Big 5 Global not only showcases the region’s expanding opportunities but also solidifies its position as the premier industry meeting point.

For the third consecutive year, Big 5 Global is supported by the UAE’s Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, underscoring the importance of industry collaboration and advancement, and reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global leader in urban development and construction.

This year, the event is complemented by five specialized events covering the entire construction value chain. These include Heavy, showcasing advanced plant, machinery, and vehicles; Totally Concrete, introducing new technologies and sustainable methods to the concrete industry; HVAC R Expo, featuring state-of-the-art technologies in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration; Marble & Stone World, presenting innovations in stone, stone design, and machinery; and Urban Design & Landscape, focusing on design, urban planning, and landscape architecture.

LiveableCitiesX, running alongside Big 5 Global, addresses city-making challenges by uniting global and regional experts to create sustainable, resilient, and livable cities. GeoWorld, the only event of its kind in the MEASA region, highlights the critical role of geospatial technologies and intelligence in transforming industries worldwide. Future FM redefines facilities management, addressing the transformative shifts within the FM industry and serving as a hub for professionals.

“Together with Big 5 Global, LiveableCitiesX, Future FM, and GeoWorld, we bring the entire urban development and construction value chain together, addressing the interconnected challenges and opportunities in these sectors and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration,” added Heijmans.