Latest news with #GulfConstruction
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia gears up for mega Big 5 Construct expo
Driven by the exponential growth of the Saudi construction sector and the kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030, this year's edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi will feature a larger-than-ever exhibition space, dedicated sectors, and a robust conference programme, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development within the industry, according to the organisers. In an exclusive interview with Gulf Construction, Firas Abou Ltaif, Portfolio Director – Construction at dmg events, shares insights into the expanded two-week format of Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025. Excerpts of the interview with Firas Abou Ltaif: Big 5 Construct Saudi is expanding to a two-week format in 2025. What prompted this significant change? In its 13th edition, the decision to expand Big 5 Construct Saudi into a two-week format was driven by the exponential growth of Saudi Arabia's construction sector and the increasing demand and opportunities in the kingdom's multi-trillion-dollar pipeline of mega and giga projects. With Vision 2030 fuelling the $1.7 trillion construction industry, we saw an opportunity to better serve the industry by expanding the event into two focused weeks due to the growing demand from our international and local potential exhibitors to participate in the event. First Week (15-18 February) will be dedicated to 'Strong Foundations: From Design to Build,' covering essential elements like heavy construction, concrete, HVAC and general contracting. Second Week (24-27 February) will focus on 'Transforming Projects: From Fit-Out to Services', featuring windows, doors, facades, finishing materials, marble and stone, hospital design, urban planning and facilities management. By splitting the event, we allow exhibitors and attendees to engage deeply with their specific sectors while optimising their business and networking opportunities. What can visitors expect from this year's event in terms of scale and new offerings? The 2025 edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi will be our largest yet, covering 140,000 sq m, double the size of previous editions, and welcoming over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. We are also introducing new specialised events: •Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia (First Week): Focused on precast, cement and advanced concrete solutions; •Heavy Saudi Arabia (First Week): The largest outdoor exhibition of heavy construction machinery and equipment in Saudi Arabia; and •Urban Design & Landscape Saudi Arabia (Second Week): A dedicated platform for urban planning and sustainable landscape solutions. Additionally, attendees will benefit from more than 100 expert-led Big 5 Talks sessions, covering critical industry topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, project management and modular construction. Some of the other visitor features include Concrete Dash Block, where visitors can show their grip strength and endurance by carrying a concrete block with one hand for the maximum distance; and The Architects' Club, an exclusive programme designed for top architects taking place during the Second Week of the event, providing architecture professionals with networking, learning and growth opportunities. Furthermore, the Vetrotech GlassSmash Challenge will test participants' strength by attempting to break Vetrogard glass. Winners will receive vouchers redeemable at over 150 outlets across Saudi Arabia. Visitors will also have an opportunity to compete against an AI-powered goalie and explore the technology shaping Saudi Arabia's stadiums, from smart infrastructure to sustainable designs at the World Cup Zone. For further details, visit
Trade Arabia
05-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Riyadh's Sports Boulevard: A game-changer
Work is well under way on the Sports Boulevard, a monumental project poised to transform Riyadh's urban fabric and redefine how residents experience the city. Phased openings of its key components including the Cycling Bridge, Promenade, Sand Sports Park and Prince Nourah Inner Loop are set to begin this year. Spanning an impressive 135-plus km along Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, this visionary initiative is designed to bring a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle to the heart of the kingdom's capital. The legacy project, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, aims at making Riyadh one of the most livable cities in the world. By blending innovation, sustainability, and community well-being, it is set to become the world's largest linear park and a cornerstone of Riyadh's transformation. From recreational spaces for events and activities to cultural venues, the Sports Boulevard has been designed to ensure there is something for everyone. The Sports Boulevard will feature a network of safe, landscaped pathways designed for cycling, walking, and horse riding, spanning diverse landscapes from Wadi Hanifah in the west to Wadi Al-Sulai in the east. With over 220 km of cycling tracks and more than 135 km of pedestrian pathways, it is set to encourage an active lifestyle for residents of all ages. This ground-breaking project incorporates over 4.4 million sq m of greenery and 170,000 newly planted trees, dramatically increasing the city's green spaces. 'The Sports Boulevard is redefining what urban spaces can achieve, seamlessly blending recreation, culture and sustainability to enrich the lives of Riyadh's residents and visitors,' Jayne McGivern, the CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, tells Gulf Construction. 'Our mission is to create a vibrant destination that not only transforms the city but also fosters a deeper connection between people and their surroundings, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations,' she adds. Beyond its environmental impact, the Sports Boulevard's design reflects Riyadh's heritage through Salmani architectural principles, seamlessly merging authenticity with modernity. The Sports Boulevard will host many different areas, each offering unique experiences and attractions. These range from the Urban Wadi that will feature shaded play areas, picnic spots, and even kayaking zones, to the Sands Sports Park that will cater to adventure enthusiasts with mountain biking and hiking trails, to the Promenade, that will serve as a hub for retail, leisure, and relaxation, providing residents with a vibrant space to unwind. The Promenade is distinguished by the Cycling Bridge, an architectural marvel stretching over 900 m and connecting its visitors from Wadi Hanifa to Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, providing safe passage for both pedestrians and cyclists. Among the project's highlights is the Global Sports Tower, a cutting-edge landmark that will host over 30 sports facilities, including the world's highest indoor climbing wall at 98 m. Fully digitised and with a circuit of 250 m, athletes can enjoy a unique training experience amidst one of the best views of Riyadh. Standing 130-m high, the Global Sports Tower is set to be the tallest sports tower in the world. It encompasses a total built-up area of 84,000 sq m. The tower is distinguished by its unique architectural design that applies to the Sports Boulevard Design Code, driven by the principles of Salmani architecture, which is based on both originality and modernity.
Trade Arabia
05-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Arabia gears up for mega Big 5 Construct expo
Driven by the exponential growth of the Saudi construction sector and the kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030, this year's edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi will feature a larger-than-ever exhibition space, dedicated sectors, and a robust conference programme, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development within the industry, according to the organisers. In an exclusive interview with Gulf Construction, Firas Abou Ltaif, Portfolio Director – Construction at dmg events, shares insights into the expanded two-week format of Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025. Excerpts of the interview with Firas Abou Ltaif: Big 5 Construct Saudi is expanding to a two-week format in 2025. What prompted this significant change? In its 13th edition, the decision to expand Big 5 Construct Saudi into a two-week format was driven by the exponential growth of Saudi Arabia's construction sector and the increasing demand and opportunities in the kingdom's multi-trillion-dollar pipeline of mega and giga projects. With Vision 2030 fuelling the $1.7 trillion construction industry, we saw an opportunity to better serve the industry by expanding the event into two focused weeks due to the growing demand from our international and local potential exhibitors to participate in the event. First Week (15-18 February) will be dedicated to 'Strong Foundations: From Design to Build,' covering essential elements like heavy construction, concrete, HVAC and general contracting. Second Week (24-27 February) will focus on 'Transforming Projects: From Fit-Out to Services', featuring windows, doors, facades, finishing materials, marble and stone, hospital design, urban planning and facilities management. By splitting the event, we allow exhibitors and attendees to engage deeply with their specific sectors while optimising their business and networking opportunities. What can visitors expect from this year's event in terms of scale and new offerings? The 2025 edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi will be our largest yet, covering 140,000 sq m, double the size of previous editions, and welcoming over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. We are also introducing new specialised events: •Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia (First Week): Focused on precast, cement and advanced concrete solutions; •Heavy Saudi Arabia (First Week): The largest outdoor exhibition of heavy construction machinery and equipment in Saudi Arabia; and •Urban Design & Landscape Saudi Arabia (Second Week): A dedicated platform for urban planning and sustainable landscape solutions. Additionally, attendees will benefit from more than 100 expert-led Big 5 Talks sessions, covering critical industry topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, project management and modular construction. Some of the other visitor features include Concrete Dash Block, where visitors can show their grip strength and endurance by carrying a concrete block with one hand for the maximum distance; and The Architects' Club, an exclusive programme designed for top architects taking place during the Second Week of the event, providing architecture professionals with networking, learning and growth opportunities. Furthermore, the Vetrotech GlassSmash Challenge will test participants' strength by attempting to break Vetrogard glass. Winners will receive vouchers redeemable at over 150 outlets across Saudi Arabia. Visitors will also have an opportunity to compete against an AI-powered goalie and explore the technology shaping Saudi Arabia's stadiums, from smart infrastructure to sustainable designs at the World Cup Zone.
