His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Eng. Osama bin Abdulaziz Al-Zamil, opened the 11th edition of The Big 5 Saudi – the leading construction industry expo – in a record-breaking year for the tradeshow.

 

The four-day event this year welcomes 28,000+ construction experts, with a record-breaking 820 exhibitors emanating from over 40 countries worldwide showcasing the latest construction sector innovations and technologies. 

“The Big 5 Saudi constitutes an opportunity to reshape the modern construction industry and involve new technology towards the implementation of the 4th Industrial Revolution,” said His Excellency, speaking on the opening ceremony. “This will play a crucial role to keep up with transformation and open new opportunities for investment in the industry and domestic resources, as well as enhancing the position of Saudi Arabia in the industrial sector.’’ 

Advancing the Kingdom’s construction sector

His Excellency pointed out that the national strategy for industry aims to increase the use of modern methods of construction such as prefabricated and insulated concrete systems, and to add the use of advanced methods of construction such as 3D printing and robotics, indicating that the construction industry sector in the Kingdom includes 1,436 factories distributed in 13 administrative regions throughout the Kingdom, where it diversifies between the manufacturing of cement, bricks, ceramics, porcelain, ready-mixed concrete, gypsum boards, flat glass and electrical wires. 

The Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources affirmed the ministry's keenness to enhance the competitiveness of the sector by raising the level of operating efficiency and energy consumption of factories and enhancing integration with associated industries such as the iron and steel sector, and the chemical manufacturing industries.

Unlocking key business opportunities

As the Big 5 Saudi opened its doors to exhibitors, visitors, and industry leaders, innovative and future-focused technologies took centre stage, with local and international companies from more than 40 countries showcasing cutting-edge products and services. Marking a phenomenal start to the show, Day 1 of The Big 5 Saudi 2023 recorded an incredible turnout of visitors, leading into several high-profile business opportunities being unlocked in the Kingdom’s evolving construction landscape.

Deewan Equipment Trading, representing ALMIX – a leading provider of concrete and asphalt equipment in the Middle East and GCC region – signed a contract to work on its 98th asphalt plant in the Kingdom. Located in Riyadh, the plant will be operational in five months and will have a capacity of 160 tons per hour. The deal was signed at The Big 5 Saudi 2023 with Alomaier Trading and Contracting Co., who are collaborating with ALMIX for their sixth plant. 

“We are always excited to forge new partnerships with new companies. However, it is always an achievement to sign repeat clients,” remarked Ghaith Al-Ani, Managing Partner, Deewan Equipment Trading. “The Big 5 Saudi has provided a wonderful platform for companies like ours to meet and do business with new and existing clients.” 

The Big 5 Saudi has been instrumental in facilitating partnerships and collaborations between businesses in the construction sector, resulting in increased growth and profitability for exhibiting companies. 

"We are thrilled to see so many organisations signing new partnerships and deals at The Big 5 Saudi,” remarked Muhammed Kazi, VP – Construction, at dmg events, organiser of The Big 5 Saudi. “The event provides an exceptional platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate, and we are proud to facilitate these partnerships in the construction sector while also creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. Partnerships are the backbone of progress, and with the right combination of technology and collaboration, we can build a brighter future for the construction industry in the Kingdom.”

As Saudi Arabia’s largest construction event, The Big 5 Saudi is home to over 820 local and international exhibitors from 40 countries showcasing more than 15,000 leading-edge, disruptive, and futuristic products and services across four days (18 –21 February), allowing businesses to stay up-to-date and competitive.

The exhibition serves as a platform for productive networking opportunities, allowing attendees to meet industry professionals, experts, and potential business partners.

Live demos and technology-enabled displays 

The diverse range of companies showcasing at The Big 5 Saudi have turned it into a hub for live demos of latest technology-enabled displays, representing the trailblazing features and capabilities that could revolutionize and innovate design, building, and delivery processes throughout the industry.

Mena3D, a Geospatial & Metrology 3D Solutions provider in the Middle East and North Africa displayed a live demo of their product, Simscan, one of the lightest and most efficient handheld 3D Scanners that can scan up to 2.8 million points per second, supported by a 42-laser system.

Aggreko, a world-leading provider of temporary power, temperature control and energy services, showcased modular solar solution as well as batteries that could support businesses through their ambitious energy transition goals.

Spider Access Cladding Works and Building Cleaning LLC, a Gulf-based organisation that offers a broad range of access-related services for use on high-rise structures, demonstrated its amazing rope access products at The Big 5 Saudi.

ROSHN, the National Real Estate developer of Saudi Arabia, presented its state-of-the-art VR Technology that allows users to witness the construction future of Saudi Arabia, as envisioned by the company to develop humanised communities across the Kingdom.

Elsewhere, Masdar – a leading building & construction materials company in Saudi Arabia – brought its impressive stand to life with live entertainment and music, making the visitor experience enjoyable while encouraging productive business partnerships.

Knowledge sharing with industry talks and sessions

The Big 5 Saudi has become an unmissable platform for industry professionals to engage in CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certified talks and educational panels and discussions. 

Over the upcoming days of the event, many key figures in the construction industry will share case studies and provide insightful takeaways on topics including risk management in infrastructure projects, initiatives for advancing the concrete industry & sustainability, applicability of carbon-neutral concrete, and the role of effective project management to ensure sustainability, among others. Such industry experts include: including Mohammed Aleemuddin (Head of Training and Development, Saudi Services Company Ltd); Alastair Common (Technical Director, Schüco Middle East Windows & Façade Systems LLC); Steven Gutierrez (Program Director, Parsons); Ahmad Mhanna (Director – Middle East and North Africa Region, American Concrete Institute); Dr. Saad Bin Howimal (Assistant Research Professor, The Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Institute at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology); Abdulrahman AlMutairy (Senior Account Manager, Honeywell); Eng. Salah Abuobaid (MACI Founder and CEO of Yibna Contracting, and Jordan Concrete Association Board member); Paul Prescott (Senior Associate, Dentons and Co.).

The event also presents the much-anticipated leadership panel featuring David Watkins (Chief of Delivery, Diriyah Company); Mark Graham (Executive Director, Technical Engineering, ROSHN); Katarina Uherova Hasbani (Partner and Global Director of Strategy and Advisory, AESG); and Fahad Al Balawi (Head of Construction, AMAALA) to discuss the importance of driving leadership and collaboration to deliver Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects. 

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), a Supporting Partner of The Big 5 Saudi, hosted an engaging networking session, where Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive Officer at the CIOB, addressed the attendees.

The 2023 edition of The Big 5 Saudi is sponsored by industry leaders including AFAQ Wood Industries Factory, Bluu, Carrier, Saudi Services Company Ltd, Zamil Industrial, SABB, Al Bawani, Midea and SRACO. 

Co-located with speciality events HVAC R Expo Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia, and FM Expo Saudi, the exhibition covers 8 product sectors: Building Envelope & Special Construction, Building Interiors & Finishes, Construction Technologies & Innovations, Building Materials & Tools, Solar & MEP Services, Offsite & Modular Construction, Plant Machinery & Vehicles, and Building Security & Access Control. In its 11th edition, The Big 5 Saudi also brings to the Kingdom the inaugural editions of the Windows, Doors & Facades and Saudi Glass events, providing visitors in Saudi Arabia with unparalleled access to leading brands in these fields. 

Industry professionals are free to attend the sold-out exhibition. Visitor registration remains open at: www.thebig5saudi.com