Josine Heijmans, Vice President – Construction at dmg events, the organizer of The Big 5, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia’s largest and most influential construction industry event, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 5 – 8 December 2022.
This year’s event is a very exciting one as the industry looks to be poised to capture growth opportunities as 55,000 attendees from 150+ countries are expected to gather over the 4 event days. Over 2,000 exhibitors from 60 countries will be showcasing their leading-edge innovations further complemented with an extensive offering of special event features, content sessions and fringe events to facilitate new partnerships and business opportunities, face-to-face networking and advance knowledge and industry best-practice.
Q. What impact do digitalization and technology have on construction?
Innovation has always been a fundamental part of construction. One that has spurred impressive advances in the types of buildings and infrastructure we can develop.
Technology is reshaping the face of the industry from its conventional perspectives to the modern era. And now technological innovations in construction and digitalization are affecting every aspect of the industry, from project planning to health and safety. While the benefits are endless, it improves communications, increases efficiency, enhances safety, increases productivity, provides greater accuracy, and can reduce costs. All allowing for more thoughtful, collaborative, sustainable and efficient construction projects.
Digitization and technology are not just construction trends – they’ve been happening for decades and will continue. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, 3D printing, virtual reality, and so much more aren’t for the future, they’re for the here and now.
The question now isn’t whether companies are going to use technology, but when and how are they going to keep up and adapt to ever evolving and improving construction technologies.
Q. What are the different offerings and opportunities that distinguish The Big 5 and what can the audience expect from this edition?
Technology is one of the core pillars of The Big 5 this year. During the pandemic, the construction industry showed an impressive level of resilience and adaptability under very challenging circumstances, with the advancement of the use of technology at the forefront. At this year’s The Big 5, we are showcasing all that’s contech; we’re pushing boundaries and reimagining what the future of technology will be.
We’re delighted that for the first time the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is endorsing the event. With smart technology shaping the future of construction, the Ministry is calling for industry collaboration to drive adoption of smart technologies in the sector.
Throughout the show we have exciting feature areas dedicated to the advancement of tech:
Start-up City
Technology disruptors from across the globe, including Paltic, Opteam, Sveltedca Partners, Poliark Architecture and Environmental Technologies, Vertliner, and many more will demo solutions for the contech, proptech, infratech, sustainability, and energy sectors.
The FutureTech Construction Summit
A stellar line-up of global leaders in innovation, technology, and business will share their insights at The FutureTech Construction Summit, including Christian Gleich, Chief Strategy Officer & Futurist, The New Now/Ambassador at European Blockchain Association; Lara Paemen, Managing Director, International Facility Management Association; Leila Hurstel, Board Member and Chief Metaverse Officer at VerseEstate, and Founder of AllStars Women DAO, to name a few. Covering the three critical areas; ‘Mobilizing the construction technology ecosystem’, ‘Accelerating sustainable development through technology, and ‘Reimagining the future’, the Summit paves the way to redefine digital technologies and transformations.
CPD Certified Technology workshops
The series of workshops will explore the trends, techniques, and technology being embraced by the construction industry to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
Digital Construction World
Explore the most innovative technology and its impact on construction at Digital Construction World, including solutions from Open Space AI, Rendra, Plan Radar, Xyicon, Prysmian Group, Green Figure Technique and many more. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, 3D printing, virtual reality, geospatial technology, and everything tech will be on display with your chance to see how these can help your business.
Q. Where do you see the market going regarding the future of construction in the Middle East and which areas are being affected by this?
The UAE, and the wider Middle East, have always had a strong vision for developing smarter communities by embracing technology and digitalization. Giga projects including Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, to create a truly interconnected, people-led city; NEOM, the first cognitive city where world-class technology is fueled with data and intelligence through to Egypt’s new mega-city, New Administrative Capital (NAC) are all set to make the most of the advancement of technology.
With all these significant strategic initiatives in the region, in which technology will play a pivotal role, The Big 5 is perfectly situated to be the central hub for construction technology.
Finally, to add, the pandemic triggered a wave of digital transformation in the construction industry. The increased demand for digital innovation is exciting, and by embracing these technological advancements, all of which will be on show at The Big 5, the possibilities in construction are endless!
