Big 5 Global opens in Dubai as industry hails defining era of innovation in construction and urban development
• ‘We have strengthened the readiness of the construction sector by updating regulatory frameworks, enabling the use of environmentally friendly building materials and expanding the adoption of smart technologies,’ MoEI tells Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit
• During a panel discussion focused on unlocking the power of geospatial data at the GeoWorld Summit, delegates hear that in Dubai the focus is always on balancing governance with quality of life
• Day one product showcases include agentic AI ecosystems and a graphene-reinforced luxury concrete block with 24-karat gold finish
Dubai, UAE, 26 November 2025: The 46th edition of Big 5 Global opened its doors today at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together international exhibitors, buyers and industry leaders for four days of product showcases, knowledge sharing and on-site collaboration, catering to the region’s $9.18 trillion construction projects pipeline (Source: Ventures Onsite). Day one set the pace with active halls, packed sessions and strong participation across all features.
UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure delivers opening keynote
Industry leaders, economists and policymakers converged at the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit to examine how markets are shifting and what it will take to keep construction supply chains resilient.
Delivering the opening keynote for the summit was His Excellency Eng Yousif Abdalla, Assistant Undersecretary for Federal Infrastructure Projects Sector at UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, who highlighted how cooperation between public and private sectors remains essential to delivering projects that support economic diversification and national resilience.
“In the United Arab Emirates, we are committed to promoting the adoption of modern technologies in the construction sector and enabling a regulatory and economic environment that keeps pace with this progress,” he said. “We also encourage the use of environmentally friendly building materials, smart construction technologies and advanced data analytics in project management.
“Big 5 Global comes at a critical moment, as countries and institutions move towards smarter cities, more resilient infrastructure and projects that are more efficient in their use of resources and energy. Here, Big 5 Global plays a vital role as a global meeting point that brings together experts, innovators and companies to showcase advanced engineering solutions, exchange expertise and develop partnerships that support the transition toward a more sustainable and adaptable built environment."
‘A defining era of industrial innovation’
In the opening executive dialogue, Asam Hussain, CEO of Arabian Gulf Steel Industries, joined Dr Nicholas Fearnley, Global Head of Construction Forecasting at Oxford Economics, for a candid assessment of the steel industry’s outlook. Their conversation addressed global demand trends, the shift towards low-carbon production models, and how locally sourced materials help reduce exposure to geopolitical and economic risks.
“Verified Net Zero steel gives developers’ clarity on material choices,” Hussain said. “AGSI’s traceable, locally sourced production offers among the lowest-carbon performance globally and supports reliable supply as regional construction needs grow.”
Angela Pernsteiner, Visionary Founder of Würth Professional Solutions, highlighted how transformational leadership and multi-generational business models are shaping new approaches to process efficiency, market positioning and strategic partnerships.
"The Middle East is entering a defining era of industrial innovation, and both the UAE and Würth Professional Solutions share a bold vision for its future,” said Pernsteiner. “With Würth Professional Solutions, we are not just expanding our footprint, we are investing in the region’s long-term success.
“The UAE offers a dynamic growth environment, and we bring heritage, global expertise, and applied solutions to unlock its full potential. Our family believes in building solutions that empower industries with precision, reliability, and future-ready engineering. Big 5 Global marks an important milestone in this journey, demonstrating how shared vision and strategic collaboration can drive innovation and lasting impact."
Additional contributions throughout the day came from senior representatives of the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure South Africa, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the Italian Trade Agency and Abu Dhabi’s DMT and ADPIC, highlighting themes of diversification and long-term planning.
GeoWorld Summit discuss data governance
At the GeoWorld Summit, experts examined governance frameworks for geospatial data and the standards required for responsible use over the next decade. Key topics included data privacy, accuracy, interoperability, regulatory alignment and how AI and machine learning can support better decision-making.
Speaking on a panel sessi
