Big 5 Construct Saudi wraps up January edition today with dialogue, deal-making and cooperation, signaling increased optimism for Kingdom’s construction sector

Manal Saleh

·        Sustainability champions recognized for forward-thinking solutions in the debut edition of the EcoTrail Awards

·        Big 5 Talks spotlight data-led design, circular approaches and high-performance buildings

·        Big 5 Construct Saudi to return for its May edition from 10 – 13 May 2026, supporting projects from foundation to future, built for every scale

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 21 January 2026: Big 5 Construct Saudi enters the final day of its January edition on Wednesday, concluding a hugely successful week of sector-shaping dialogue, deal-making and cross-industry collaboration. The strong momentum of the past three days signals confidence ahead of the May edition and reinforces a positive outlook for the Kingdom’s built environment.

Taking place at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the January edition has brought industry professionals together around the finishing stages of construction, supported by practical discussions addressing project execution, materials performance and delivery efficiency.

The Architects Leaders Forum Saudi, Big 5 Talks and features such as the Architects Club and EcoTrail convened senior industry leaders, practitioners and innovators to address industry challenges and opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s-built environment. Several agreements and MoUs signed during the week further aligned Big 5 Construct Saudi’s role as a meeting place for collaboration and long-term partnerships.

Commenting on the January edition, Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President, dmg events said: “This week demonstrated the strength of the Kingdom’s construction ecosystem, with focused dialogue, tangible deal-making and strategic collaborations. Suppliers, buyers and decision-makers have been engaging in line with Vision 2030 priorities and active project cycles. Building on this momentum, we look forward to returning in May with a focus on the foundational stages of construction.”

The value proposition of Big 5 Construct Saudi was echoed on the exhibition floor. "It has been a great opportunity to exchange insights, explore new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships. Productive meetings, engaging discussions with our valued clients and a strong interest in our solutions have defined our participation," said Amir Swilam, Business Development Director, CPC Holding Company. 

‘Think data, circular designs and buildings that serve a purpose’

Following the Architect Leaders Forum Saudi, Big 5 Talks took centre stage on day three, bringing together industry experts to explore data-driven design, sustainable materials, facade performance and digital transformation.

In an insightful presentation titled, ‘Designing with date: Smarter decisions for better buildings,’ Mohammed Jabreel, Chair of the World Green Buildings Council MENA, highlighted the role of data and AI in improving cost efficiency and environmental performance, noting that buildings account for 32% of global energy use and 34% of CO² emissions. “AI augments judgement; it does not replace designers,” he said, emphasizing early-stage decision-making over late-stage corrections.

In another session, ‘Planning high-performance buildings through early sustainability-driven design’, Tamer Dahdouli, Associate Director, Diriyah Company, stressed that performance-led buildings must be designed around purpose, resource efficiency and long-term value, not just upfront cost. “Before you think about the cost of a building, you need to look at the purpose of it,” he said.

Cooperation across the Kingdom’s construction sector continue

Cross-industry collaboration remained a strong theme, with several MoUs announced during the week. NWII.III Interiors and Hail House, signed an agreement covering multiple mixed-use developments, focused on integrating cladding and flooring solutions. Hail House also signed another agreement with Rock Line, an industrial services company, to supply Rock Line with materials for the company’s industrial properties.

Sustainability innovators recognized with EcoTrail awards

EcoTrail returned this year with the launch of EcoTrail Awards, recognizing solutions that translate sustainability ambition into a measurable impact. GBS Green Building Solutions claimed the Sustainability Innovation Award for PHOMI EconiClay, which transforms inorganic waste into ultra-lightweight architectural cladding that can cut transportation emissions by up to 90% while reducing structural carbon load. Enviromesh secured the Best Circular Economy Solution with eMesh, replacing carbon-intensive steel reinforcement with 100% recycled polypropylene fibres, diverting plastic waste from landfill and extending concrete service life by up to 50 years. Meanwhile, in the Future Sustainability category, PowerStack was recognized for its Solar Poles, a fully grid-free, vertical solar solution that removes the need for trenching and cabling, offering a scalable, low-disruption renewable energy option.

“Winning this award reflects our strong commitment to developing low-carbon and environmentally responsible building materials. Innovation in low-carbon materials is the key to our differentiation and recognition at this level,” said Nasser Alsohaibani, Executive Manager, GBS Green Building Solutions. “The award validates our vision to deliver environmentally responsible building solutions that meet market needs while reducing environmental impact.”

Building on the strong engagement seen across sustainability, delivery and collaboration this week, Big 5 Construct Saudi’s May edition will return with a complementary focus on the earlier stages of the construction lifecycle. Running from 10–13 May 2026, the second edition will spotlight solutions spanning foundations, heavy construction, concrete, MEP and core building systems, aligning with upstream procurement and planning cycles. The January and May editions together are structured to support projects at every phase, ensuring the industry connects at the right time, with the right solutions, as delivery across the Kingdom continues to accelerate.

Big 5 Construct Saudi returns for its May edition from 10-13 May 2026 at Riyadh Front Exhibition at Conference Center, spotlighting everything from foundation to future, built for every scale. The event is free-to-attend for industry professionals, excluding visitors under the age of 18. To register, visit: www.big5constructsaudi.com

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