An Exclusive Interview With Firas Abou Ltaif, Portfolio Director, Dmg Events
Big 5 Construct Saudi has evolved alongside Saudi Arabia’s fast-moving construction sector. How do you see its role today in supporting Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s expanding project pipeline?
Big 5 Construct Saudi plays a strategic role in supporting the Kingdom’s construction agenda and Vision 2030 by providing a common meeting ground for engagement across the entire construction ecosystem. With Saudi Arabia’s $1.7 trillion project pipeline, including giga and mega projects such as Red Sea Global, Qiddiya, Diriyah, NEOM, New Murabba and King Abdullah Financial District, timely access to solutions, materials and expertise is critical. The exhibition connects government entities, developers, architects, contractors and consultants with suppliers and service providers, supporting knowledge transfer, procurement efficiency and project delivery at scale. By bringing international expertise and local requirements together, the exhibition helps stakeholders meet performance, regulatory and sustainability standards while enabling collaboration that drives the sector forward.
The January 2026 edition introduces an expanded content programme. What sets this edition apart in terms of industry insight and value?
This edition expands the learning and knowledge offering with a CPD-certified programme spanning Architects Leaders Forum Saudi, Big 5 Talks and the new CIAAD Masterclasses. These sessions provide practical guidance on real-world challenges, including sustainable materials, digital workflows, project management and design leadership. By combining exhibition sourcing with structured knowledge exchange, the January edition enables attendees to engage directly with solutions and expertise that are immediately relevant to projects in the fit-out and finishing stages, ensuring actionable takeaways for professionals operating under tight timelines.
Architects Leaders Forum Saudi brings together senior architects and urban leaders in a closed-door setting. Why is this platform especially important now and what conversations need to happen at leadership level?
Architects Leaders Forum Saudi is vital for driving leadership dialogue at a time when Saudi Arabia’s urban and construction landscape is evolving rapidly. The forum enables senior architects and design leaders to discuss strategic topics, including innovation in practice, sustainability, AI adoption, urban planning and design ethics.
These discussions support informed decision-making on high-profile projects and encourage knowledge-sharing across the industry, helping ensure that design excellence and functional performance are delivered at scale. The speaker lineup includes Engr Abdulmohsin Almulhem, Director of Regional Initiatives, Sharqia Development Authority; Yehia Madkour, Middle East Director, Perkins&Will; Tariq Shaikh, Co-Managing Director & Principal, Gensler Middle East; Erik Hokanson, Principal, Design Director, Board of Directors, AE7; and Dr Albert Fakhoury, President of Council, Council for International Accreditation of Architecture & Design (CIAAD), among others.
AI and data led design are key themes across Big 5 Talks and the CIAAD Masterclasses. How is artificial intelligence beginning to influence real world design, planning and delivery decisions in Saudi Arabia?
AI is increasingly evolving workflows across architecture, engineering and construction by improving design efficiency, enhancing accuracy and supporting predictive decisionmaking. At Big 5 Talks and CIAAD Masterclasses, we highlight practical applications of AI, from automated design simulations and digital fabrication to project planning and resource optimisation. For Saudi Arabia, integrating AI into design and project delivery accelerates execution, improves quality and reduces risk, allowing stakeholders to respond faster to complex project requirements while maintaining compliance with local regulations and sustainability standards.
Sustainability features strongly across both the exhibition and knowledge programme. How is Big 5 Construct Saudi helping move sustainability from strategy into execution, particularly at the fit-out and finishing stages?
Sustainability is a core focus at Big 5 Construct Saudi, both on the exhibition floor and within the content programme. EcoTrail highlights real-world solutions, including low-impact glass from Saudi Guardian International Float Glass, recycled aluminium systems from ShiningPearl Industrial, engineered wood products from Alahmed Elite Venture and sustainable acoustic materials from Asona Middle East. These exhibits demonstrate how environmentally conscious approaches are integrated into specification, material selection and delivery practices, providing attendees with actionable insights to implement sustainability across projects.
The launch of CIAAD Masterclasses marks a new focus on accredited learning. How do these sessions respond to current skills gaps and evolving industry demands in the Kingdom?
CIAAD Masterclasses respond directly to the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia’s construction and design sectors. The sessions equip professionals with accredited training on sustainability frameworks, ethical design, circular economy principles and AI-assisted workflows. By addressing both regulatory and practical considerations, the masterclasses help fill skills gaps in project delivery, design management and technology adoption, enabling professionals to contribute effectively to high-quality, future-ready projects aligned with Vision 2030 priorities.
With Big 5 Construct Saudi now running two editions annually, how does this format better align with procurement cycles and support collaboration across the construction ecosystem?
The two-edition format allows us to align more closely with project cycles and sector priorities. The January edition focuses on fit-out and finishing solutions, supporting the delivery phase of active projects, while the May edition highlights general construction, heavy machinery, concrete, HVACR and facilities management. This segmentation provides more targeted engagement for suppliers and buyers, helping them connect when it matters most and ensuring efficient decision-making. Running two editions also enables ongoing collaboration, offering multiple touchpoints throughout the year to benchmark solutions, explore innovations and support project execution across the Kingdom.
