Smart Construction Key to Safeguarding GCC'S $2.39TRN Project Pipeline, say Experts

• Nearly $2.39trn worth of projects planned and un-awarded in the GCC despite recent challenges reports dmg events, organisers of The Big 5 construction event.

• Focus on building technology at The Big 5 in response to increased demand for smart construction

• The Big 5 is the only live, in-person event connecting the global construction industry in 2021, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12-15 September

dmg events announce that promotion of smart construction has increased at The Big 5 this year, marking a positive shift towards digitalisation in the region’s sector. As the only in-person event connecting the global construction community in 2021, The Big 5 is a vital platform for industry development in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

GCC construction

Ahead of the event, organisers reveal there are $2.39trn worth of projects planned and un-awarded in the GCC and valued at $1.56trn the construction sector alone represents 65% of the future pipeline. According to The Big 5’s Data & Research Partner, MEED Projects, despite the recent short-term upheaval, the longer-term outlook for the market remains largely positive.

Josine Heijmans, Vice President - Construction at dmg events says these figures offer huge opportunities for the adoption of new technology and systems in the market, stating that “The construction sector is a vital contributor toward economic growth across the region and smart construction is well poised to drive its strong rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

She adds that, “Now more than ever the industry needs to take advantage of the increased efficiency, sustainability and improved quality that new technologies offer. That's why The Big 5 puts the spotlight on technology this year with a wealth of features dedicated to promoting digital transformation of the industry.”

Set to open from 12-15 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre, The Big 5 incorporates a technology focus through its broad offering of product showcases, high-level summits, and free-to-attend certified talks, including the all-new Digital Construction World, Intelligent Buildings and Offsite & Modular product sectors, Start-Up City, and the exclusive FutureTech Construction Summit.

Speaker at the FutureTech Construction Summit and Director at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction, Dr. Anas Bataw says that the COVID-19 pandemic forced the industry to slow down and provided the opportunity to reflect on the improvements required for the construction industry to rebound quicker and better.

He adds, “With the growth of the construction industry over the past few months, smart construction practices such as the use of digital technologies is particularly important as it will accelerate and automate the way we design, build and operate. In fact, the World Economic Forum estimates that full-scale digitalisation could unlock savings between?USD700 billion?to USD1.2 trillion in design, engineering, and construction industries within ten years.”

Other high-level summits at The Big 5 this year include the highly anticipated Global Construction Leaders’ Summit, and the Future of Facades Summit, each designed to shed light on crucial developments in the construction sector and long-term opportunities on the horizon. The popular free and CPD-certified talks series will continue at the event, with 70 sessions set to cover vital industry topics.

The Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region’s largest and most influential event for the construction industry has so far confirmed more than 1000 exhibitors from 45 countries and 20 country pavilions and has recently opened an online networking and meeting facilitation add-on to help organisations kick-start their experience wherever their location.

Organised by dmg events, The Big 5 runs from 12-15 September 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre alongside The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, Urban Design & Landscape Expo, FM Expo.

The events are supported by Diamond Sponsor Schüco, Platinum Sponsor Saudi Exports, Gold Sponsor Alumil, Extrusions Partner AKFA, Concrete Partner MASA, Pavers Sponsor Raknor, Lighting Partner Lumo, FM Talks Gold Sponsor Schneider Electric, Supporting Partner Enterprise Greece and Supporting Partner Heriot-Watt University’s Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction.