As Saudi Arabia’s multi-trillion-dollar construction pipeline continues to reshape the kingdom’s urban landscape, Big 5 Construct Saudi is set to return to the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center this month (January 18 to 21, 2026) putting the spotlight on the fit-out and finishing sector.

Marking the start of the regional construction events calendar, the January iteration of the two-edition event will run under the theme “Fit-out to finishing, built for every detail”, showcasing solutions that enhance quality, durability and design across the interior, façade and urban environments. The event aims to address the surge in demand for high-quality, durable, and climate-responsive solutions required for the final stages of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 giga-projects.

Over 1,100 exhibitors from more than 50 countries will showcase over 20,000 products spanning building interiors and finishes, marble and stone, personal protective equipment, smart interior technologies and more. Country pavilions from China, Türkiye, Italy, Kuwait, the UAE, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Greece, Germany, the UK and the USA will present curated displays of national expertise and export-ready solutions that meet the kingdom’s evolving construction requirements.

Big 5 Construct Saudi provides a robust content programme aimed at supporting professional development and practical insights.

Co-located with Marble & Stone Saudi, Windows, Doors & Facades Saudi and Urban Design & Landscape Saudi, the January event offers a comprehensive overview, connecting decision-makers, specifiers and suppliers across the construction ecosystem.

The second edition of  Big 5 Construct Saudi, which will be held in May (10 to 13), expands further with more than 1,300 exhibitors and co-located events, including Heavy Saudi Arabia, Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia, HVACR Saudi Arabia and Saudi FM & Clean, showcasing a full spectrum of construction solutions and services. Both editions connect industry professionals, project owners and suppliers driving Saudi Arabia’s construction sector forward.

“Saudi Arabia’s construction sector continues to grow at pace, with multiple projects across the kingdom driving strong demand for quality solutions and expertise,” says Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice-President, dmg events, the organiser of the show. “By offering two editions of Big 5 Construct Saudi, we aim to align with project cycles, ensuring that suppliers, buyers and decision-makers can connect, share knowledge and source solutions that meet the industry’s evolving needs, supporting both project delivery and the kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.”

SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS

With developers and specifiers prioritising eco-friendly, energy-efficient and durable solutions, sustainability is a key consideration across the sector during the January edition of the show. Features such as EcoTrail, return with performance-led, sustainable solutions that are ready to be deployed across local projects. Exhibitors will showcase their latest technologies and solutions, including acoustic ceilings, raised floors and advanced coating systems, demonstrating practical approaches to energy efficiency, environmental responsibility and long-term durability, according to dmg events.

Architect Leaders Forum Saudi brings together the kingdom’s most influential architects, planners, designers and urban visionaries.

KNOWLEDGE-SHARING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Beyond the exhibition, Big 5 Construct Saudi provides a robust content programme aimed at supporting professional development and practical insights. Key highlights include the Architect Leaders Forum Saudi Arabia, Big 5 Talks and the introduction of Council for International Accreditation of Architecture & Design (CIAAD) Masterclasses.

Running from January 18 to 19, the Architects Leaders Forum Saudi brings together the kingdom’s most influential architects, planners, designers and urban visionaries to explore the strategic role of design in contemporary Saudi Arabia. Sessions will cover AI and data-led design, architectural leadership, sustainability in early-stage planning and cultural and heritage integration, translating strategic priorities into actionable project outcomes. Confirmed speakers include Dr Albert Fakhoury, President of Council, CIAAD; Prof Mohamed Fekry, Vice-Chair of the Saudi Urban Planners Association, Professor of Architecture, Effat University; Andy Shaw, Managing Partner, AMA; and Isabelle McKinnon, Director of Architecture and Design, Gerber Architekten; alongside specialists from AESG, Carter Hones Associates, Setec KSA and Aedas.

Big 5 Talks, a two-day content programme, offers CPD-certified technical sessions on specification, façade performance, finishing innovations, and sustainability. Speakers include Marina Kindelan Calvo, Director of Facades, AESG; Matt Doran, MENA Regional Hub Manager, CIOB; Faisal Alghamdi, Architect, Gensler Middle East; and Radwa Medhat, Design Project Manager, DAR Engineering. Sessions explore practical topics such as meeting fire performance standards in façades, balancing thermal comfort with adaptive envelopes, circular strategies in sustainable architecture, project management, model-based digital workflows and leveraging AI for predictive planning.

“Architect Leaders Forum Saudi, Big 5 Talks and CIAAD Masterclass are central to advancing design and construction thinking across the kingdom,” says Kazi. “By bringing regional and international industry experts together, the sessions provide practical solutions, inspire a sustainable approach and support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious construction pipeline. We look forward to facilitating a space where innovation, collaboration and industry expertise come together to help the sector meet its evolving challenges and opportunities.”

Over 1,100 exhibitors will showcase over 20,000 products at Big 5 Construct Saudi.

CIAAD MASTERCLASSES

New to this year’s programme, the CIAAD Masterclasses respond directly to evolving industry needs, equipping professionals with tools and insights to navigate a rapidly changing built environment.

The first masterclass, ‘Artificial Intelligence: A catalyst for responsive architecture and design’, explores how AI is transforming architectural workflows, enabling performance-oriented, sustainable solutions. Participants will examine generative and predictive methodologies, case studies, and ethical considerations to enhance creativity, optimise resources, and improve building performance.

The second masterclass, ‘From vision to reality: Designing sustainability for societal transformation’, guides participants on translating sustainable design principles to create measurable impact across cities and communities. The course highlights global frameworks, circular methodologies, cross-sector collaboration, and strategies to deliver inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible built environments aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“CIAAD is committed to strengthening professional competency across the architecture and design community,” says Dr Virna Ramazzini, CIAAD Executive Board Member. “As the industry navigates rapid shifts in technology, sustainability, and cultural integration, we aim to provide practical guidance that can directly be applied to projects underway across the kingdom. Our collaboration with Big 5 Construct Saudi reflects a shared focus on supporting the market with accredited programmes and certified training that responds to real-world needs and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s development ambitions.”

CONNECTING THE CONSTRUCTION COMMUNITY

Big 5 Construct Saudi combines sourcing, knowledge exchange and networking opportunities to support decision-making, procurement and project delivery. Features such as The Architects Club and Platinum Club enable targeted business meetings with top-tier buyers, connecting suppliers with key stakeholders across the kingdom’s built environment.

Big 5 Construct Saudi remains free to attend for industry professionals, with registration open at www.big5constructsaudi.com. The event presents a platform for professionals to explore sustainable solutions, progressive workflows and high-value networking, positioning Saudi Arabia’s construction and design sector to deliver its ambitious Vision 2030 projects with efficiency, quality and resilience.