News DeskDubai, UAE – As urbanization accelerates globally, the need for innovative urban development and construction strategies has become more urgent, with 80% of the world’s population projected to live in cities by 2080, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. From November 26 to 29, Big 5 Global, along with co-located events LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld, and Future FM, will host five strategic summits, uniting 1,500 leaders from government and the private sector to shape the future of urban communities.
“As cities in the Global South face challenges like overcrowding and resource optimization, the Global North faces the complexities of aging populations and infrastructure, all which require immediate action. This calls for governments, national vision initiatives, and the construction sector to work together and build liveable cities of tomorrow,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events. “Big 5 Global, together with LiveableCitiesX, has established itself as the epicenter of thought leadership, uniting visionaries, innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of urban development and set the agenda for sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure.”
UAE Leaders Align with National Visions
The urban construction and infrastructure sector across MEASA is booming, with $6.75 trillion in projects underway. National visions like UAE Vision 2031 are key drivers, pushing forward urban development and economic diversification. Aligning with these goals, Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit and LiveableCitiesX Summit will bring together global leaders to lead strategic discussions on innovation, sustainability, and the future of urban development.
“The United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of sustainable global leadership across all sectors, one of them being construction,” said His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy & Infrastructure. “Our commitment extends beyond dialogue to tangible actions, exemplified by our commitment to adopting global innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of society. At this year’s Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, I look forward to addressing the significance of public and private sector collaboration in building a future-ready and greener industry as well as promoting collective partnerships, technology, and advanced sciences.”
Other UAE-based speakers headlining the summits include H.E. Maysarah Eid, Acting Director General, Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre; H.E Dr. Saif Al Nasri, Undersecretary, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi; Gurjit Singh, Chief Development Officer, Aldar Properties; and Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO, Deyaar Developments.
International Speakers Shape Global Conversations
For the first time in the MEASA region, some globally renowned speakers will participate in the summits, bringing perspectives and real-life city use cases that align with global urban development and construction trends.
His Excellency Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, will deliver a keynote address at LiveableCitiesX Summit. “The future of our nations lies in building cities that are resilient and liveable, which demands a visionary approach that combines sustainable urban planning with robust infrastructure and deep-rooted community engagement. I am honored to participate in the LiveableCitiesX Summit, where we will share insights and shape the blueprint for a sustainable and thriving urban future for generations to come,” he commented.
In the lead-up to Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, Fred Mills, Founder and Managing Director of The B1M, emphasized the transformative role of construction in shaping the future of cities. “From pioneering energy projects to transformative urban regeneration and vital infrastructure developments, construction is at the heart of progress. In my keynote address at Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, I will share some of the most inspiring examples of how construction is changing the world today and explore what we can do as an industry to enhance our impact, innovate, and build our future projects,” he said.
Among the renowned international speakers joining the summits are Lord Udny-Lister, UK Co-Chair, UAE-UK Business Council; Sandro Alex Cruz de Oliveira, Secretary of Infrastructure Paraná – Brazil; Lufuno Ratsiku, President, South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions; and Prof. Carlos Moreno, Founder of the 15-minute City Concept and Scientific Director of the research lab “Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation”, IAE Paris-Sorbonne, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
These summits aim to set the agenda for sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure, driving the vision of creating liveable cities for the future.
