Interview with Firas Abou Ltaif, Portfolio Director – Construction, dmg events
1. Big 5 Construct Saudi is expanding to a two-week format in 2025. What prompted this significant change?
In its 13th edition, the decision to expand Big 5 Construct Saudi into a two-week format was driven by the exponential growth of Saudi Arabia’s construction sector and the increasing demand and opportunities in the Kingdom’s multi-trillion-dollar pipeline of mega and giga projects. With Vision 2030 fuelling the $1.7 trillion construction industry, we saw an opportunity to better serve the industry by expanding the event into two focused weeks due to the growing demand from our international and local potential exhibitors to participate in the event.
First Week (15–18 February) will be dedicated to “Strong Foundations: From Design to Build,” covering essential elements like heavy construction, concrete, HVAC and general contracting. Second Week (24–27 February) will focus on “Transforming Projects: From Fit-Out to Services,” featuring windows, doors, facades, finishing materials, marble & stone, hospital design, urban planning and facilities management. By splitting the event, we allow exhibitors and attendees to engage deeply with their specific sectors while optimizing their business and networking opportunities.
2. What can visitors expect from this year’s event in terms of scale and new offerings?
The 2025 edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi will be our largest yet, covering 140,000 sqm, double the size of previous editions, and welcoming over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. We are also introducing new specialized events:
- Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia (First Week): Focused on precast, cement, and advanced concrete solutions.
- Heavy Saudi Arabia (First Week): The largest outdoor exhibition of heavy construction machinery and equipment.
- Urban Design & Landscape Saudi Arabia (Second Week): A dedicated platform for urban planning and sustainable landscape solutions.
Additionally, attendees will benefit from more than 100 expert-led Big 5 Talks sessions, covering critical industry topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, project management and modular construction.
Some of the other visitor features include Concrete Dash Block, where visitors can show their grip strength and endurance by carrying a concrete block with one hand for the maximum distance. The Architects’ Club, an exclusive program designed for top architects taking place on the Second Week of the event, providing architecture professionals with networking, learning and growth opportunities. Furthermore, the Vetrotech GlassSMASH Challenge will test participants’ strength by attempting to break VETROGARD glass and winners will receive vouchers redeemable at over 150 outlets across Saudi Arabia. Visitors will also have an opportunity to compete against an AI-powered goalie and explore the technology shaping Saudi Arabia’s stadiums, from smart infrastructure to sustainable designs at the World Cup Zone.
3. How does the new format enhance business opportunities and networking?
By structuring the event across two weeks, we have created a more targeted and efficient environment for networking and business matchmaking. Participants can now engage with the right stakeholders at the right time, based on their sector focus.
For example, a heavy construction company exhibiting in the First Week can directly connect with project developers and contractors involved in early-stage construction, while an interior design supplier in Second Week can meet decision-makers involved in finishing and operational phases. This segmentation ensures deeper discussions, higher-quality leads and better alignment with ongoing and upcoming projects.
Furthermore, we have our new mobile app which has been designed to connect people and for them to book meetings will potential clients.
4. How does the expanded format align with Saudi Arabia’s giga projects and Vision 2030?
Saudi Arabia’s giga projects, such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, ROSHN and Diriyah Gate, require a vast range of expertise across different construction phases. Our new format directly caters to these needs by offering a tailored focus for each stage of construction, wherein the First Week addresses core construction and foundational needs, while the Second Week is dedicated to advanced finishing, sustainability and urban development.
Additionally, Big 5 Construct Saudi supports Vision 2030’s objectives of economic diversification and infrastructure expansion by providing a vital networking and knowledge-sharing platform for global and local stakeholders.
5. Big 5 Construct Saudi is partnering with the Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) to host the International Contracting Conference (ICC). What role will the conference play in the event?
Once again, we are honoured to collaborate with the Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) to host the International Contracting Conference (ICC), a two-day conference that brings together key industry leaders to discuss the future of contracting and construction in Saudi Arabia. This partnership builds on our commitment as a leading international events organizer to equip professionals with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed in this rapidly growing market. In its 5th edition, ICC will gather the top contractors and international contracting experts in the Kingdom for two days of insightful dialogues and discussions. Some of the high-profile speakers include, Ayman Alwaleedi, Executive Director – Project Management, Rua Al Madinah; David Watkins, Chief Project Development Officer, Osool Integrated Real Estate Company and Amr Saad, Vice Chair, QSI MENA.
ICC will provide in-depth discussions on crucial topics such as the transformative impact of Vision 2030, innovative construction methods, digital tools for project management and strategies for driving collaboration between the government and private sector. The conference will serve as a hub for industry professionals to gain critical insights, exchange expertise and explore business opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s evolving contracting landscape.
6. Sustainability and digital transformation are key trends in construction. How are these reflected in Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025?
Sustainability and digital transformation are at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s evolving construction landscape, and Big 5 Construct Saudi plays a crucial role in driving these trends forward.
At the event, exhibitors will present AI-driven project management, digital twin solutions, and advanced automation alongside green building materials, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and circular economy innovations. The EcoTrail feature will highlight eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction strategies, showcasing the future of sustainable construction.
Additionally, the “Green Buildings” and “Technology & Innovation” tracks within the Big 5 Talks programme will provide attendees with deep insights into how the industry is evolving to meet environmental and technological challenges.
7. What message would you like to share with industry professionals planning to attend?
Big 5 Construct Saudi has established itself as a critical trade platform, facilitating over $1 billion in business engagements during its previous editions. With its refreshed format and expanded scope, the 2025 edition aims to enhance opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation and partnerships, strengthening its role in driving the Kingdom’s construction development priorities.
Whether you are a policymaker, developer, contractor, consultant, supplier or engineer the event provides an opportunity for two weeks to engage with the Kingdom’s biggest projects, explore the latest innovations and establish high-value business connections. By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the event enables local and international industry leaders to connect, collaborate and contribute to the Kingdom’s giga projects and economic diversification goals.
