Seven events under one roof, new product sectors, the largest construction industry research, an exclusive C-level forum, and a stronger focus on innovation are among the many interesting aspects of The Big 5, which this year marks its 40th anniversary in Dubai.

01 October 2019

The Middle East’s biggest event for the construction industry is set to mark its 40th anniversary when it opens its doors next month in Dubai, UAE. For the first time, The Big 5 will cover the full construction cycle, running together with six other co-located events and allowing industry professionals to source thousands of products for every stage of construction projects, from inception to completion.

The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, HVAC R Expo, Middle East Stone, The Big 5 Solar, and the Urban Design and Landscape Expo will all run alongside The Big 5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from November 25 to 28, from 11 am to 7 pm. The event is free to attend to all pre-registered visitors.

The leading event has much in store to support construction companies through a shifting economic landscape, to boost business, launch the latest building solutions (over 20,000 products from around the world), educate industry professionals (more than 220 CPD-certified workshops), and foster best practices championing technological innovation.

Matt Denton, president at dmg events, the organiser of the show, comments: “This 40-year milestone is a great testament to how our teams have effectively worked towards keeping the show fresh and relevant for our stakeholders and attendees. Innovation and adaptability have always been at the core of our strategy as we transform each edition to keep up with the changing business environment and industry needs.”

The show will also expand its product sectors’ offering with the introduction of the brand new Offsite and Modular Construction sector. “With rapid and efficient construction delivery being in high demand, buyers require state-of-the-art offsite and modular construction solutions for residential, educational, healthcare as well as commercial applications,” says Josine Heijmans, portfolio director at dmg events.

In this segment, industry leaders like BK Gulf, MACS and Katerra will present their modular solutions of pre-engineered mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) units for the first time ever. A dedicated educational agenda, the Offsite and Modular Talks, will simultaneously shed light on advances in offsite and modular construction, analysing new challenges and opportunities for prefabrication in the region.

 

‘Voice of the Industry’

Further, in an effort to drive informed decision-making, The Big 5 will present the ‘Voice of the Construction Industry’, the largest research conducted in the construction sector.

Based on the responses of nearly 6,000 industry stakeholders from 136 countries, the report will unveil current and upcoming trends, opportunities, and challenges faced by construction players. The research will also offer essential insights on which markets are most promising and why, and how industry professionals are preparing to harness business opportunities.

Heijmans states: “We are extremely proud and excited to be releasing this unprecedented report at The Big 5 2019. We expect the ‘Voice of the Construction Industry’ to massively support the decision-making of construction industry players for the next three years in a shifting economic landscape, providing exclusive intelligence that will help generate revenues, save money, and shape future strategies.”

Key findings of the report will be announced at The Big 5’s CEO Forum, a new high-level summit gathering top developers, contractors, consultants, and government entities in the UAE.

The forum, taking place on November 25, will facilitate communication across the industry, providing a unique opportunity for key construction stakeholders to meet and discuss current challenges, trends, and strategies. 

 

Innovation and technology

Following last year’s success, The Big 5 will bring back its popular features dedicated to promoting innovation and technology in the construction sector. The event will once again host some of the world’s most promising industry start-ups at its ‘Start-up City’, and will present the latest building solutions at the dedicated ‘Live Innovation Zone’.

The second edition of the FutureTech Construction Summit will run on November 27, with a brand new agenda focused on five trending topics: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Asset Management and Digital Twins, Smart Home, Smart Buildings and Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and 3D Printing, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and drones.

The RTA Innovation in BIM Summit at The Big 5 Heavy will also return on November 26. The summit will explore the impact of BIM on the present and future of the infrastructure industry with updates on AR, 3D printing, industrialised construction and data analytics.

Finally, a wealth of solutions relating to 3D printing, drones and surveillance, site mapping, robotics, thermal imaging, and virtual reality trainings, among others, will be showcased in a new dedicated area at The Big 5 Heavy this year.

 

Educational offering

Beyond bringing to Dubai more than 20,000 innovative products, the seven co-located events will also provide more than 220 complimentary high-level summits, practical seminars, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-certified workshops to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

At The Big 5, visitors will be able to attend the FutureTech Construction Summit and the Women in Construction Forum and Awards, along with the Architecture and Design Talks, BIM Talks, the Technology Talks, Project Management Talks, and Offsite and Modular Construction Talks.

This year, The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete will offer an extended education agenda including the ACI Concrete Summit, the RTA Innovation in BIM Summit, the Geospatial Leaders Conference, the Geotechnical and Engineering Summit, the ACI Seminar Series, and the Geotechnical and Engineering Workshops.

The HVAC R Pioneers’ Summit will run alongside the HVAC R Talks at the HVAC R Expo, while the Solar Talks will once again take place at The Big 5 Solar, focusing on solar energy in rental property, the future of smart grid technologies, and the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving a solar-powered future.

Moreover, Middle East Stone will offer four days of Stone Design Seminars, and the Urban Design & Landscape Expo will launch the new Urban Design Talks, in addition to the high level Urban Design & Landscape Summit that is returning this year.

• Forty and counting…
• Hadley Group to unveil key products at show
• Scanmikael brings new shopping mall concept
• CIFA reinforces its concrete presence
• Expansion in the pipeline for Flovea

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The Big 5 Glass & Metal Cranes Saudi Build Expo 2020 Countdown BIM Drilling & Excavation Just Out Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Legally Bound Real Estate Contractors Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.