H.E. Eng. Yousif Abdalla
Assistant Undersecretary for Federal Infrastructure Projects Sector
UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Connecting government
and industry to guide
construction priorities
Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit brings together senior leaders from government and industry to explore what is impacting construction now and what comes next.
Join ministers, CEOs, investors and developers for direct conversations on national priorities, market shifts, funding, project delivery and growth opportunities.
This programme covers:
- Where governments are focusing growth and spend
- How the industry is changing and growing
- What is affecting delivery and how to respond
- Where funding is going and why
- What global shifts mean for construction
When: 23 November 2026
Where: Al Multaqua Ballroom, Dubai World Trade Centre
Curated for leaders.
Delivered by them.
Meet the local, regional and global leaders taking the stage at Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit.
Built for leaders setting direction.
Focused on what matters most.
The agenda mirrors the discussions CEOs, ministers and investors have in boardrooms:
- How do we deliver projects despite economic and political risks?
- How do we secure funding, partners and policy support quickly?
- Who can help us turn risky plans into solid, resilient results?
Key themes
Each theme was built to address your biggest challenges. From funding to delivery, the agenda tackled the issues shaping your decisions now.
National visions and
economic priorities
Track where governments are investing and what comes next
Industry transformation requirements and opportunity
See how the industry is changing and where to grow
Project delivery challenges
and solutions
Tackle delivery risks with smarter ways to stay on track
Investment
environments
Understand what attracts capital and unlocks new funding
Geopolitical and
global market dynamics
Read global shifts and respond with greater confidence
Why attend?
Because strategy needs more than instinct.
Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit helps you understand where construction is heading and which opportunities are opening up. Each session gives you stronger market insight and access to the leaders influencing the current market. Here’s how it helps you:
Government & public sector
Need clearer policy direction?
See where governments are focusing and what it means for growth.
Executive leadership
Unsure where the market is heading?
Track shifts in demand, risk and opportunity across construction.
Contractors & delivery firms
Finding delivery harder to manage?
Learn how leaders are tackling delays, risk and complexity.
Tech & digital leaders
Trying to spot the next opportunity?
See where priorities, policy and market demand are aligning.
Strategy & advisory leaders
Need sharper strategic direction?
Get clearer signals to guide planning, partnerships and growth.
Finance & investment
Looking for stronger investment signals?
Understand what attracts capital and where funding is moving.
Delegates in the room:
Industry leaders who joined us
Guided by those
leading the change
Our international advisory board shapes every theme, topic and session, so the summit speaks to the pressing priorities of those leading construction and urban development across international markets.
Ana Hudson
Executive Director of Sustainability & Environment
King Salman Park Foundation
Anas Bataw
Partner
Zacua Ventures
Andre Vreman
Chairman
Climate Neutral Real Estate
Angela Pernsteiner
Visionary Founder
Wurth Professional Solutions
Anna Tari
President
Circular Economy Institute
Corey Gray
President
Smart Cities Council
Dr. Christina Yan Zhang
CEO
The Metaverse Institute
Dean McGrail
President, Middle East and Asia
WSP
Gaurav Jaisinghania
Head of Consulting - Middle East
L&T Technology Services
Greg Karpinski
CEO/COO
KEO International Consultants
Marjan Faraidooni
Chief HR Officer and Chief of Education and Culture
Expo City Dubai
Michelle Carr
Founder
Construction Alchemy
Patrick Rouse
Chief Development Officer
Deyaar
Pedram Rad
CEO
Elev8 Architects
Paul Hilton
Regional Managing Director Middle East, South Asia and International Development
Mott MacDonald
Shawn Myers
Middle East Masterplanning Director
DLR Group
Richard Abboud
Chief Executive Officer
Group Amana
Vladimir Kantar
CEO
Blackline Architects
Vladimir Vlahovic
Vice President and Founding Member
International ConTech Network
Here's what our
delegates had to say
"The interactions with colleagues and industry experts were some of the most valuable I've had."
Asisipo Mteleli, Engineering Manager, University of Pretoria
"Inspiring and highly relevant to the evolving construction landscape."
Omnium International
"Provided insights about changes affecting the entire industry."
Institute of Civil Engineers
"Invaluable wealth of knowledge in global construction trends."
CPM Africa
Highlights from 2025
Agenda recap:
Designed for global leaders and strategists
See what delegates learned from the previous edition.
Collaboration strategies to achieve national visions
Key learnings:
Delegates learned directly from leaders on collaboration, risk mitigation and key trends to align their strategy with national visions and future opportunities.
How leaders shape cultures and legacies beyond projects
Key learnings:
Delegates left with a playbook to embed resilient culture KPIs, develop succession plans and hardwire governance so results endure after major transitions.
ESG as a driver for business transformation
Key learnings:
Delegates took part in a live discussion on ESG, policy and sustainability. They shaped the debate, explored affordable solutions and gained strategies for measurable ROI.
Rethinking innovation for real impact
Key learnings:
Delegates learned how to future-proof their organization with AI, IoT and smart innovation choices while building resilient teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
Trusted by our 2025
sponsors, partners and supporters
Main supporting partner
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Government growth partner
Net-zero steel sponsor
MEP sector sponsor
Gold sponsor
Bronze sponsor
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Academic partner
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Academic Partner
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Supporting association
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Knowledge partner
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Media partner
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Official airline partner
Official hotel partner
Official radio station
Official transport partner
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