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Big 5 Global opens in Dubai as industry hails defining era of innovation in construction and urban development

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7 months ago

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Big 5 Global

Industry leaders, economists and policymakers converged at the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit to examine how markets are shifting and what it will take to keep construction supply chains resilient

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

  •  ‘We have strengthened the readiness of the construction sector by updating regulatory frameworks, enabling the use of environmentally friendly building materials and expanding the adoption of smart technologies,’ MoEI tells Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit
  • During a panel discussion focused on unlocking the power of geospatial data at the GeoWorld Summit, delegates hear that in Dubai the focus is always on balancing governance with quality of life
  • Day one product showcases include agentic AI ecosystems and a graphene-reinforced luxury concrete block with 24-karat gold finish

 

The 46th edition of Big 5 Global opened its doors today at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together international exhibitors, buyers and industry leaders for four days of product showcases, knowledge sharing and on-site collaboration, catering to the region’s $9.18 trillion construction projects pipeline (Source: Ventures Onsite). Day one set the pace with active halls, packed sessions and strong participation across all features.

UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure delivers opening keynote

Industry leaders, economists and policymakers converged at the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit to examine how markets are shifting and what it will take to keep construction supply chains resilient.

Delivering the opening keynote for the summit was His Excellency Eng Yousif Abdalla, Assistant Undersecretary for Federal Infrastructure Projects Sector at UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, who highlighted how cooperation between public and private sectors remains essential to delivering projects that support economic diversification and national resilience.

“In the United Arab Emirates, we are committed to promoting the adoption of modern technologies in the construction sector and enabling a regulatory and economic environment that keeps pace with this progress,” he said. “We also encourage the use of environmentally friendly building materials, smart construction technologies and advanced data analytics in project management.

“Big 5 Global comes at a critical moment, as countries and institutions move towards smarter cities, more resilient infrastructure and projects that are more efficient in their use of resources and energy. Here, Big 5 Global plays a vital role as a global meeting point that brings together experts, innovators and companies to showcase advanced engineering solutions, exchange expertise and develop partnerships that support the transition toward a more sustainable and adaptable built environment.”

‘A defining era of industrial innovation’

In the opening executive dialogue, Asam Hussain, CEO of Arabian Gulf Steel Industries, joined Dr Nicholas Fearnley, Global Head of Construction Forecasting at Oxford Economics, for a candid assessment of the steel industry’s outlook. Their conversation addressed global demand trends, the shift towards low-carbon production models, and how locally sourced materials help reduce exposure to geopolitical and economic risks.

“Verified Net Zero steel gives developers’ clarity on material choices,” Hussain said. “AGSI’s traceable, locally sourced production offers among the lowest-carbon performance globally and supports reliable supply as regional construction needs grow.”

Angela Pernsteiner, Visionary Founder of Würth Professional Solutions, highlighted how transformational leadership and multi-generational business models are shaping new approaches to process efficiency, market positioning and strategic partnerships.

“The Middle East is entering a defining era of industrial innovation, and both the UAE and Würth Professional Solutions share a bold vision for its future,” said Pernsteiner. “With Würth Professional Solutions, we are not just expanding our footprint, we are investing in the region’s long-term success.

Big 5 Global marks an important milestone in this journey, demonstrating how shared vision and strategic collaboration can drive innovation and lasting impact

“The UAE offers a dynamic growth environment, and we bring heritage, global expertise, and applied solutions to unlock its full potential. Our family believes in building solutions that empower industries with precision, reliability, and future-ready engineering. Big 5 Global marks an important milestone in this journey, demonstrating how shared vision and strategic collaboration can drive innovation and lasting impact.”

Additional contributions throughout the day came from senior representatives of the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure South Africa, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the Italian Trade Agency and Abu Dhabi’s DMT and ADPIC, highlighting themes of diversification and long-term planning.

GeoWorld Summit discuss data governance

At the GeoWorld Summit, experts examined governance frameworks for geospatial data and the standards required for responsible use over the next decade. Key topics included data privacy, accuracy, interoperability, regulatory alignment and how AI and machine learning can support better decision-making.

Speaking on a panel session entitled Unlocking the Power of Geospatial Data: A Governance Framework for the Next Decade, Eng Maitha Al Nuaimi, Director of GIS Centre at Dubai Municipality, directly addressed the attending delegates, making it clear that the goal is always to improve the quality of life in the emirate while ensuring data security. Governance, she said, should never negatively affect quality of life, but rather enhance it regardless of whether that is for employees, residents, or visitors.

Eng Heba Matar Khalifa Alnofeli, Head of Asset Registry and Governance Section at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), added that data is fuel and the quality and safety of that data is key.

Product launches and exhibitor highlights

Day one also showcased a range of new products across building materials, smart technologies, tools, HVACR systems and finishing solutions. Exhibitors reported strong engagement from buyers seeking practical solutions that support cost efficiency, sustainability and project delivery.

GIM Black & Gold, exhibiting for the first time, is displaying their graphene-reinforced luxury concrete block with 24-karat gold finish this week. Designed for architectural icons and exclusive projects, Dr Vivek Koncherry, CEO, Graphene Innovations Manchester Ltd, called the launch of GIM Black & Gold Flooring at Big 5 Global “a milestone” for the luxury materials market.

“This patented 24k gold legacy surface delivers true uniqueness, scientific depth, and material excellence, perfectly aligned with the Middle East’s drive for innovation and iconic design. To preserve exclusivity, access will be limited.”

Another new-to-market launch comes from Verosoft, a global provider of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. EAM is showcasing its latest innovation, mobiMentor AI, which is an agentic AI ecosystem designed to autonomously execute maintenance tasks, automate workflows, and support technicians with real-time, context-aware insights.

Rounding off the day one product showcases was PlanRadar, a digital platform helping transform construction and real estate workflows by combining task management, reporting, and AI-powered insights. At Big 5 Global 2025, the company is showcasing SiteView 360°, its AI Assistant for automated reporting, reality capture and visual documentation and instant audit-ready reports designed for QA/QC, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

“The opening day of Big 5 Global has certainly set the tone for the 2025 edition, spotlighting how industry transformation and the increasing adoption of technology and artificial intelligence is reshaping the way cities across the world are conceptualized, designed and built,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events.

Big 5 Global runs until Thursday, 27 November, at Dubai World Trade Centre, welcoming industry professionals daily from 10am to 6pm. Registration remains open on-site.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg events.

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Africa Launches the First Pan-African Pact for Insurance Inclusion

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9 hours ago

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June 23, 2026

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Africa

400 decision-makers gathered in Cotonou to accelerate access to insurance and contribute to doubling insurance penetration by 2040

DAKAR, Senegal, June 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Faced with a major paradox representing nearly 19% of the world’s population while accounting for less than 1% of global insurance premiums African insurance stakeholders are mobilizing.

 

From July 6 to 8, 2026, the Federation of African National Insurance Companies (FANAF) will organize the General Assembly on Insurance for All at the Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou, Benin, a major pan-African gathering dedicated to inclusive insurance.

The event will bring together nearly 400 African decision-makers from governments, regulatory and supervisory authorities, insurance and reinsurance companies, financial institutions, development banks, technical and financial partners, as well as professional organizations from across the continent.

The ambition is clear: to foster a shared vision and concrete commitments aimed at accelerating access to insurance for African populations while strengthening the sector’s contribution to the continent’s economic and social development priorities.

The discussions will culminate in the adoption of the Pan-African Pact for Insurance Inclusion and a 2026–2030 Strategic Action Plan, designed to structure collective action around an ambitious objective: contributing to the doubling of insurance penetration across the FANAF region by 2040.

An Economic, Social and Development Imperative

Within the CIMA zone, insurance penetration remains below 1% of GDP, compared to more than 6% globally.

As a result, millions of households, farmers, entrepreneurs, SMEs and informal sector actors remain deprived of essential protection mechanisms against health, climate, economic and social risks.

For FANAF, this reality now constitutes a major development challenge.

Africa cannot build sustainable growth without strengthening protection mechanisms for its populations, businesses and investments

“Africa cannot build sustainable growth without strengthening protection mechanisms for its populations, businesses and investments. The Cotonou General Assembly must mark the starting point of a new continental ambition for African insurance and its role in the continent’s economic transformation,” said Mamadou Koné, President of FANAF.

Beyond Insurance: A Driver of Continental Transformation

For FANAF, insurance is no longer merely a risk coverage mechanism. It is also a strategic lever for economic resilience, savings mobilization, investment security, SME financing, support for climate transitions and the strengthening of financial inclusion.

Through this General Assembly, FANAF seeks to reposition insurance as a key stakeholder in Africa’s economic, social and financial transformation.

A Pact to Accelerate Action

The conclusions of the General Assembly will lead to the adoption of the Pan-African Pact for Insurance Inclusion, a reference framework intended to mobilize governments, regulators, market players, financial institutions and development partners around shared objectives.

The Pact will be accompanied by a 2026–2030 Strategic Action Plan defining priority intervention areas, coordination mechanisms and monitoring arrangements for the commitments undertaken.

A broad mobilization of public, private and financial partners will support its implementation in order to translate commitments into tangible results for African populations and economies.

Cotonou 2026: Building a Shared Vision

Beyond the insurance sector, the General Assembly aims to create an unprecedented platform for dialogue between governments, regulators, investors, financial institutions, technical partners and market actors in order to identify the levers needed to accelerate insurance inclusion across the continent.

Holding this event in Benin reflects the country’s broader economic and financial transformation momentum and illustrates the collective determination of African stakeholders to develop solutions tailored to the continent’s realities.

Through this initiative, FANAF intends to make Cotonou 2026 a defining moment for the future of African insurance and the starting point of a lasting continental mobilization in favor of insurance inclusion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération des Sociétés d’Assurances de Droit National Africaines (FANAF).

 

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Flat6Labs and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Launch StartAlgeria, a Capacity-Building Program Designed to Empower the Organizations Progressing Algeria’s Startup Ecosystem

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9 hours ago

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June 23, 2026

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Flat6Labs

StartAlgeria comes at a key moment for Algeria’s entrepreneurship landscape, shifting the focus toward improving how the ESOs operate by providing them with international best practices

ALGIERS, Algeria, June 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Flat6Labs (www.Flat6Labs.com) and IFC in collaboration with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises are launching StartAlgeria, a capacity-building program that puts Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) at the forefront of Algeria’s ecosystem future. The program is designed to equip Algerian ESOs reinforcing pre-seed and seed-stage startups with the expertise, frameworks, and networks needed to contribute to a stronger, more competitive entrepreneurship ecosystem in Algeria and expand into global markets.

 

StartAlgeria comes at a key moment for Algeria’s entrepreneurship landscape, shifting the focus toward improving how the ESOs operate by providing them with international best practices adapted to each organization’s needs, a community-driven approach that focuses on peer learning, and facilitating connections with investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders.

Algeria’s entrepreneurial community is among the most dynamic and vibrant in the region, and the potential is not just real, it is ready to scale

StartAlgeria will pilot a first cohort focusing on incubators in the capital, Algiers. Following a call for application, the selected ESOs will go through a structured program comprising workshops and masterclasses covering key areas such as startup selection, program design and delivery, and investment readiness. In addition to the core program, participating ESOs will benefit from 6months of post-program mentorship, focusing on areas such as fundraising strategy, partnership development, financial sustainability, and program improvement. This sustained engagement’s goal is to provide a lasting impact in how Algerian ESOs operate and what they’re able to offer the startups they champion.

Yehia Houry, CEO of Flat6Labs, shares “Algeria’s startup ecosystem is demonstrating remarkable potential and a rapidly growing level of maturity, driven by an ambitious new generation of founders, increasing institutional support, and a strong national commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. The opportunity today lies in further empowering entrepreneurship support organizations to match this momentum by strengthening their ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups, deliver impactful and results-driven programs, and create stronger connections between entrepreneurs and sources of capital. With the right support structures in place, Algeria is well positioned to become one of the leading innovation hubs in the region.”

“Algeria’s entrepreneurial community is among the most dynamic and vibrant in the region, and the potential is not just real, it is ready to scale. Through StartAlgeria, we are committed to ensuring that the organizations standing behind founders are equipped with the tools, frameworks, and expertise to take them from early ideas to investment-ready ventures. This program is a direct expression of IFC’s long-term confidence in Algeria’s private sector and in the ecosystem’s capacity to produce the next generation of high-impact companies.” underscored Cemile Hacibeyoglu Ceren, WBG Resident Representative in Algeria.

“The launch of StartAlgeria marks an important step in reinforcing Algeria’s startup support ecosystem. By strengthening the capabilities of Entrepreneur Support Organizations, we are investing in the long-term growth, resilience, and international competitiveness of Algerian startups. This initiative reflects our shared ambition to build a dynamic innovation-driven economy and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country,” said H.E Mr. Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises.

This IFC program is implemented in partnership with the Government of the Netherlands.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Flat6Labs.

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Hong Kong unlocks new opportunities with Central Asia

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10 hours ago

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June 23, 2026

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Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Led by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, a high-level delegation visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (May 31 – June 5) is already paying dividends, forging fresh opportunities to deepen ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The business delegation comprised over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises of various sectors.

During the visit, 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements were reached, including a total of 15 co-operation documents at the government level between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively.

“The examples of agreements and co-operation are just so abundant that they range from the service sector to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development,” Mr Lee said. “I think the sky is the limit.”

The multiple outcomes achieved during the trip demonstrate Hong Kong’s role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, as the city actively plays its roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to promote broader and deeper co-operation between the two places and establish a hub-to-hub co-operation model.

“Kazakhstan is an important commercial and logistics hub connecting China and Europe. It is also the place where the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed, and is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia. There are broad prospects for further co-operation,” Mr Lee said, adding that a lot of B&R projects are also being pursued in Uzbekistan.

“For example, Uzbekistan sits in the heart of the corridor of Asia and Europe, so logistical development, railway development, and also how we can complement and supplement each other in cargo handling will be an area for a very wide range of co-operation.”

The Chief Executive also encouraged companies in Central Asia to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle.

“Under this unique principle, Hong Kong has its own economic, social, legal, legislative and judicial systems. We are the only common law jurisdiction in China. We have our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. We are, as well, a separate customs territory,” Mr Lee said.

Building on the positive outcomes from the delegation’s mission to Central Asia, Mr Lee welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Kanat Bozumbayev, to Hong Kong (June 10) and they both attended the Alatau City Investment Round Table (June 11).

Speaking at the event, Mr Lee said Hong Kong could contribute to the future success of Kazakhstan’s innovative, high-tech Alatau City in three concrete ways: as a gateway to global capital; a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area; and as a partner in talent and technology.

“We share a development vision with Alatau City and Kazakhstan,” Mr Lee said, “Today, right here, right now, is a golden opportunity to bring our two economies closer together.”

He looked forward to Hong Kong and Kazakhstan achieving complementary advantages and co-ordinated development across different sectors and welcomed enterprises in Kazakhstan to make good use of Hong Kong’s premier financial and innovation and technology platforms, as well as its world-leading professional services, to explore more business opportunities.

 

 

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