The 45th edition of Big 5 Global held in late November at the Dubai World Trade Centre recorded a remarkable 75 per cent year-on-year increase in international attendance, thus solidifying its reputation as the ultimate meeting point for the construction and urban development sectors. 

The four-day event, co-located with LiveableCitiesX, Future FM, and GeoWorld, attracted 85,000 attendees from across the globe, marking a significant milestone in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region’s construction and urban development landscape.

 The Big 5 Global welcomed over 25 country pavilions, offering a rich showcase of innovation, technology and expertise from around the world, said the organisers dmg events. These included pavilions from Germany, India, Italy, US, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and China.

Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President at dmg events, commented: “The phenomenal growth in international participation underscores the value Big 5 Global delivers to stakeholders from over 165 countries. This incredible achievement and the successful wrap up of our inaugural events, LiveableCitiesX, Future FM and GeoWorld, highlights the event’s critical role in driving collaboration at a time when the MEASA region is witnessing an unparalleled construction boom.”

Innovation took centre stage at Big 5 Global with the Start-Up City Pitch Competition, supported by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers. The competition crowned winners for their role in reshaping traditional practices in the construction sector.  These included Vecros which bagged the first place for its Spatial-AI-powered drones designed for construction and other industries; Ailytics in second place, for its AI-powered video surveillance systems (VSS) that enhance safety and boost productivity; and Nirwana in third place for its generative AI tool that personalises interior spaces. Simultaneously, Vecros was also awarded Big 5 Global prize.