EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | REALTY CATALOGUE
Firas Abou Ltaif, Portfolio Director at dmg events, shares his insights in an exclusive interview featured by Realty Catalogue, covering Saudi Arabia’s construction market, Big 5 Construct Saudi, Vision 2030, technology, sustainability and international participation.
Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is entering a new phase of growth. The focus is shifting from announcing major projects to delivering them efficiently, sustainably, and at scale.
In an exclusive interview with Realty Catalogue, Firas Abou Ltaif, Portfolio Director at dmg events, explores the forces reshaping the Kingdom’s construction industry.
He also discusses the evolution of Big 5 Construct Saudi and its role in connecting the construction ecosystem.
The conversation covers project delivery, digital technologies, sustainability, local manufacturing, international participation, and industry collaboration.
It also examines how the event is adapting to Saudi Arabia’s changing construction lifecycle and the priorities of Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Construction Industry Is Moving Toward Execution
Realty Catalogue: How has the industry’s role evolved over the years, and how has Big 5 Construct Saudi evolved alongside it?
Firas Abou Ltaif: Saudi Arabia’s construction industry operates in a very different environment today.
Growth is no longer measured only by the number of announced projects.
Instead, the industry is increasingly focused on efficient and sustainable delivery. Scale has also become a major factor.
We have also seen greater emphasis on local manufacturing and digital technologies.
Workforce development is another important priority. Stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders is also becoming essential.
Big 5 Construct Saudi has evolved alongside these changes.
Connecting buyers, suppliers, and government stakeholders remains important. However, the event now places equal emphasis on technical knowledge exchange.
It also supports industry dialogue and partnerships that can improve project delivery.
Through Big 5 Construct Saudi, which returns for its August edition, we bring together the stakeholders behind construction projects.
This includes those involved in planning, specifying, procuring, and delivering projects.
We also connect them with manufacturers and solution providers supporting the industry.
As development accelerates under Vision 2030, market priorities continue to change.
Therefore, Big 5 Construct Saudi reflects these priorities by creating an environment for practical solutions.
It also gives professionals opportunities to share expertise and strengthen long-term relationships.
What Is Driving Saudi Arabia’s Construction Market?
Realty Catalogue: Saudi Arabia continues to lead construction activity in the region. What are the biggest shifts driving the market?
Firas Abou Ltaif: The scale of investment in Saudi Arabia remains significant.
Several major projects are now moving from planning into execution.
As a result, demand is growing for reliable supply chains and efficient procurement.
The market also needs stronger technical expertise and solutions that improve productivity.
At the same time, digital technologies, sustainability, and industrial development are becoming embedded in construction.
AI, BIM, and data-led decision-making are improving project visibility and coordination.
Meanwhile, local manufacturing continues to strengthen supply chain resilience.
It also supports national priorities under Vision 2030.
The most notable shift is the industry’s changing focus.
The conversation has moved beyond investment announcements and project pipelines.
Today, greater attention is being placed on project delivery and execution efficiency.
The industry must also meet the standards expected under Vision 2030.
Achieving this requires stronger collaboration and greater technical capability.
It also requires continued investment in innovation, localization, and resilient supply chains.
Why Does Big 5 Construct Saudi Have Two Editions?
Realty Catalogue: Big 5 Construct Saudi now takes place in two editions each year. Why was this format introduced?
Firas Abou Ltaif: The decision to introduce two editions came from listening to the industry.
The priorities of contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and project teams change throughout the project lifecycle.
Therefore, we wanted to create two focused editions.
This approach better reflects how procurement and decision-making actually happen.
The January edition focused on architecture, design, fit-out, and finishing.
It included windows, doors and facades, as well as Marble & Stone.
Meanwhile, the August edition focuses on the foundational stages of construction.
These include heavy equipment, concrete, HVACR, and facilities management.
Each edition creates a more focused environment for exhibitors and visitors.
Exhibitors can engage with audiences that are more relevant to their needs.
Visitors can also spend more time exploring relevant products and technologies.
Ultimately, the objective is greater relevance for the industry.
As Saudi Arabia’s construction sector expands, specialization can deliver better conversations.
It can also support stronger business outcomes and a more valuable visitor experience.
Big 5 Construct Saudi Connects the Construction Ecosystem
Realty Catalogue: Beyond product sourcing, what role does Big 5 Construct Saudi play in industry collaboration?
Firas Abou Ltaif: Big 5 Construct Saudi provides a common meeting ground for the wider construction ecosystem.
It brings government entities, developers, contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and solution providers together.
This creates opportunities for business dialogue that supports project delivery.
It also contributes to long-term sector development.
We work closely with government stakeholders and industry partners.
These include the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Saudi Code Council, Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), and American Concrete Institute (ACI).
The network also includes ASHRAE and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), among others.
This collaboration helps ensure that the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s construction priorities.
It also supports the objectives of Vision 2030.
Knowledge exchange remains another key part of the event.
Through the CPD-certified Big 5 Talks at the August edition, professionals will explore several critical topics.
These include codes and regulations, project management, health and safety, sustainability, AI, technology, HVAC, and concrete.
As a result, participants can share practical experience and explore emerging trends.
They can also discuss solutions that support better project outcomes.
How Big 5 Construct Saudi Supports Sustainable Construction
Realty Catalogue: How is Big 5 Construct Saudi supporting practical and scalable sustainability solutions?
Firas Abou Ltaif: Sustainability has become a practical business priority for construction stakeholders.
Developers, contractors, and consultants are increasingly seeking more efficient solutions.
They want to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.
At Big 5 Construct Saudi, our focus is on real-world applications.
For example, the Big 5 Impact Trail highlights products and systems supporting responsible construction practices.
This makes it easier for visitors to identify sustainability-focused solutions.
It also allows them to compare solutions across different product categories.
The Big 5 Impact Trail Awards further recognize organizations demonstrating measurable progress.
These areas include circular materials, low-carbon technologies, and resource efficiency.
Beyond the exhibition floor, sustainability is integrated into the content programme.
Discussions cover materials, building performance, energy efficiency, and environmental standards.
By combining product discovery with technical learning, we support informed decision-making.
We also aim to encourage practical solutions that contribute to Saudi Arabia’s long-term development ambitions.
Why Is International Participation Growing?
Realty Catalogue: What is driving continued international participation at Big 5 Construct Saudi?
Firas Abou Ltaif: Saudi Arabia continues to attract strong international interest.
The Kingdom combines long-term project visibility with clear national priorities.
It also has sustained investment across infrastructure, residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism developments.
For international manufacturers and solution providers, Saudi Arabia represents more than one project opportunity.
It offers a market where companies can establish long-term presence.
They can also build local partnerships and support major construction projects.
This confidence is reflected in participation at Big 5 Construct Saudi.
The event brings together leading brands from more than 50 countries.
It also features 10 dedicated country pavilions.
These include China, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States.
International participation continues to grow as companies expand their Saudi presence.
They are also strengthening relationships with contractors, developers, and government stakeholders.
Across the exhibition, visitors can engage with international manufacturers and suppliers.
These companies showcase technologies, materials, and specialist expertise across the construction value chain.
Companies including Top-Werk, Masa, Victaulic, E-Mak, Calpak, Lu-ve, Tazzetti, Al Tawakol, Sunhunk Group, and Aquafilter Europe demonstrate the breadth of international capability supporting Saudi construction.
This international ecosystem works alongside an increasingly strong local manufacturing base.
