Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said Dubai has emerged as a platform for sustainability and innovation thanks to the array of events and exhibitions it hosts annually. Drawing the brightest minds and the latest innovations to Dubai, such events highlight the advances in diverse sectors including the construction sector, which has deployed fourth industrial revolution technologies such as AI to develop robust infrastructure that is vital for sustainable development, His Highness said.

Sheikh Hamdan was speaking at the opening of the 44th edition of Big 5 Global, the largest and most influential construction industry event across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, which opened on Monday and runs until 7 December at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event brings together construction industry stalwarts from across the world under one roof, exhibiting the latest innovations and technologies driving the sector forward. The event features the participation of 2,200 exhibitors and is set to attract 68,000 visitors from 150 countries.

Hamdan highlighted the importance of the global event at a time when the world is increasingly turning to advanced technologies for designing smart buildings with the implementation of environmental standards becoming a focal point for the industry. His Highness reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to advancing the key sector, reflecting its leadership across every sphere of development. This commitment aligns with Dubai’s quest to assume a leadership position in establishing unified global standards for building design through collaboration with international specialised entities.

Hamdan toured the exhibition accompanied by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority; Dawood Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality; Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; and Omar Hamad Bushahab, Executive Director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment.

Hamdan toured a number of pavilions including those representing Saudi Arabia, Greece, Turkey and Germany where he was apprised of the latest innovations and the major breakthroughs in the sector, especially in the context of sustainability as the UAE celebrates 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’ and redoubles its efforts to achieve global collaboration to boost climate action as it hosts COP28.

Hamdan also commended the impressive growth of the event, which features 23 international pavilions that foster international trade ties. Big 5 Global spans the whole gamut of activities of the construction industry across dedicated sectors and eight specialised events. The event enables industry professionals to source building solutions internationally for every stage of construction through eight specialised events, namely Big 5 Heavy; Middle East Concrete; Windows, Doors & Facades Event; Gulf Glass; HVAC R Expo; Middle East Stone, Urban Design & Landscape Expo; and FM Expo. The unified event is part of Big 5, the world’s largest and most diverse portfolio of construction events.

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 an array of innovative solutions to address these challenges and where companies present new products, technologies and practices geared towards energy efficiency and decarbonising the construction sector.

One such company is US-based Milwaukee Tool, which introduces zero-emission technology for equipment as well as showcases a comprehensive range of solutions, from professional hand tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) for storage and outdoor products. “We are thrilled to announce Milwaukee Tool as one of the key sustainable innovators at Big 5 Global, where we are going to unveil a groundbreaking array of new products dedicated to different industries. As part of our global strategy to reduce the impact of our operations on environment footprint, we are committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 60% by 2030,” said Pierre Pinau, General Manager at Milwaukee Tool MEA.

Another company, LINQ Modular, a subsidiary of Dubai-based contracting heavyweight ALEC, showcased an electrically-powered prefabricated modular hotel room that allows visitors to step inside to experience high-quality factory-made finish. The controlled factory setting leads to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions compared to traditional on-site construction.

Big 5 Impact Trail As Big 5 Global advances its efforts to make a positive impact by supporting participating companies in their journey to promote eco-friendly construction products and solutions, the event also introduces Big 5 Impact Trail, a green path across the exhibition that leads all visitors to explore products helping to create a sustainable future for the industry.