Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan is driving unprecedented growth in its construction and architecture sectors, with a particular focus on sustainable and culturally sensitive urban development. Responding to these evolving needs, Big 5 Construct Saudi, taking place January 18–21, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, is expanding its content program to provide practical insights for professionals. A key component of this program is a focus on construction challenges and opportunities, offering professional development aligned with national goals.
The event will feature the Architects Leaders Forum Saudi and Big 5 Talks, designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote best practices. Additionally, the inaugural Council for International Accreditation of Architecture & Design (CIAAD) Masterclasses will address critical topics like artificial intelligence and sustainable design, reflecting the industry’s increasing demand for specialized training.
Advancing Construction Through Knowledge Sharing
The Architects Leaders Forum Saudi will gather leading architects, planners, and urban visionaries to discuss the strategic role of architecture in the Kingdom’s transformation. The forum will explore how design can contribute to social, cultural, economic, and environmental objectives, while also tackling the practical hurdles faced by those shaping Saudi Arabia’s built environment. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Albert Fakhoury, President of CIAAD, and Prof. Mohamed Fekry, Vice Chair of the Saudi Urban Planners Association.
Sessions will cover a range of topics, including AI-driven design, architectural leadership, and integrating cultural heritage into modern projects. Networking opportunities will connect attendees with key decision-makers from prominent organizations like ROSHN Group and the Royal Commission for AlUla. This collaboration aims to translate strategic priorities into tangible project outcomes.
Big 5 Talks: Practical Solutions for Industry Professionals
Complementing the forum, Big 5 Talks will run throughout the four-day exhibition, offering practical sessions on core construction and architecture themes. These talks are geared towards architects, designers, sustainability specialists, and technology leaders, focusing on optimizing resources and integrating sustainability and digital technologies into daily workflows.
Experts like Marina Kindelan Calvo, Director of Facades at AESG, and Faisal Alghamdi, Architect at Gensler Middle East, will lead discussions on topics such as fire performance standards for facades, thermal comfort in building envelopes, and circular economy strategies for sustainable architecture. The program also delves into project management, digital workflows, and the application of AI for scheduling and risk assessment.
CIAAD Masterclasses: Addressing Emerging Industry Needs
The introduction of CIAAD Masterclasses marks a significant addition to Big 5 Construct Saudi’s educational offerings. These masterclasses directly address the evolving demands of the industry, providing professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. The courses are designed to align with both international standards and the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The first masterclass, “Artificial Intelligence: A catalyst for responsive architecture and design,” will explore how AI can enhance design processes and create more sustainable solutions. The second, “From vision to reality: Designing sustainability for societal transformation,” will focus on applying sustainable design principles to achieve measurable impact. Dr. Virna Ramazzini, CIAAD Executive Board Member, emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening professional competency in the region.
Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President of dmg events, stated that the content program is central to advancing design and construction thinking within the Kingdom. He highlighted the event’s role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and expertise to support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious infrastructure projects.
Looking ahead, Big 5 Construct Saudi will continue with two editions in 2026, expanding the scope to include related industry sectors like heavy machinery, concrete technology, and facility management. The success of these initiatives will likely depend on continued collaboration between government agencies, private sector companies, and international organizations to ensure the construction industry has the resources and expertise needed to meet the goals of Vision 2030, and future developments in this evolving field.
