It was yet another record-breaking year for The Big 5 with more than 3,000 exhibitors gathering in Dubai, UAE to connect with the region’s construction sector in new and innovative ways.

The Middle East’s largest construction show took place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) last month (November 23 to 26) on an increased floor space of 56,400 sq m, eight per cent more than last year following the expansion of  the DWTC and strong demand from exhibitors.

Extra floor space was also used to accommodate a new hall called The Big 5 Focus, which made its debut at the event.

As the latest addition, organiser dmg events Middle East and Africa said The Big 5 Focus was created to serve the increasing number of visitors seeking information on the challenges and opportunities for technology in construction and project management.

Among the highlights were an update on Dubai Municipality Green Building Regulations and updated energy modelling strategies for Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v4.

Meanwhile, a series of green initiatives, including the Gaia Awards, were held in addition to  the Design Summit, which brought together leading architects, consultants, urban planners, engineers and contractors.

The Gaia Awards, which were launched in 2008, honour companies in the construction sector whose products and services demonstrate a reduction of construction’s impact on the environment.

As in the previous years, two major shows – Middle East Concrete 2015 and PMV Live 2015 – were co-located with The Big 5.

Visitors benefited from a programme of free CPD (continued professional development) workshops and seminars.

The show was expected to attract as many as 85,000 visitors over the course of the event.