The 44th edition of Big 5 Global has begun at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
It is hosting over 2,200 exhibitors from 60-plus countries showcasing products and services aimed at transforming MEASA’s construction landscape towards a more sustainable future.
“Big 5 Global is steadfast in its commitment to align with the discussions shaping up this week at COP28, echoing global sustainability goals. As conversations around climate action amplify as part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference here in Dubai, we at Big 5 Global are proud to mirror the world’s commitment to sustainability. Running for four days, the event also embodies this ethos by fostering innovation and collaboration towards a more sustainable future for the construction industry,” said Josine Heijmans, vice president of the construction division at Big 5 Global.
The event organisers highlighted that the construction industry’s substantial energy consumption and carbon emissions make it a “crucial sector” in the race towards net-zero goals.
This week, Big 5 Global is introducing various solutions to address these challenges, with companies presenting new products, technologies and practices geared towards energy efficiency and decarbonising the construction sector.
The event also introduces the Big 5 Impact Trail.
One of the companies joining the Impact Trail is the UAE’s homegrown Emirates Steel Arkan. The company presents construction materials and products produced “efficiently and sustainably.”
Saudi Arabia-based Green Building Solutions (GBS) is another such company participating in the Impact Trail. The company presents Phomi MCM products such as clay sheets, wood sheets and stone sheets manufactured from natural materials and environmentally friendly.
Throughout the four days of the event, Big 5 Global will host a number of thought leadership discussions across Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, Big 5 FutureTech Summit, Everything Architecture and Big 5 Talks.
Some of the sessions shaping the conversation around sustainability and decarbonising the industry include The Role of Architects in Building a Net-Nero World by Lutz Wilgen, Acting Head Design Management at Masdar City; Planning for Sustainability and Decarbonization for Built Environment Assets by Katarina Uherova Hasbani, Partner and Global Director of Strategy and Advisory at AESG; as well as a session by Dr. Michael L. Tholen, Senior Managing Director, Technical Operations at ACI: Middle East & North Africa on its new Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete.
“As Big 5 Global continues to be at the heart of building connections and supporting businesses grow, we are looking forward to creating a remarkable four days of diverse activities and product launches driving sustainability and decarbonization,” concluded Heijmans.