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Home > News and Events > News > News Detail

ACI Brings Concrete Expertise to Big 5 Global 2025

12/4/2025

From November 24-27, 2025, the Dubai World Trade Centre once again hosted Big 5 Global, a premier construction and built-environment event for the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. On the show floor during the opening day was the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and its UAE Chapter, which delivered a full day of “Concrete Talks powered by ACI.” Concrete Talks was a series of expert-led sessions exploring cutting-edge developments in concrete materials, technology, sustainability, and structural design.

The Concrete Talks were designed around the most critical challenges and opportunities facing modern concrete construction, with specific themes changing annually. This year’s event was highly focused on sustainable concrete design and durability, technology, and regional efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

The speaker lineup brought together a diverse mix of industry leaders, technical experts, and academics from the region and beyond. Presenters included:

ACI leadership of Ahmad Mhanna, director, Middle East and North Africa; Khaled Nahlawi, PhD, PE, distinguished engineer; and Brian Wheeler, managing director, Communications and Marketing.
Engineers and industry professionals, such as Mariusz Mlodawski Country Director, Cemex UAE Engr. Ahmad Khartabil of Transgulf Readymix Concrete Co.; Engr. Ibrahim Tarek from Dar Al-Handasah; Tarek Emara of China State Construction Engineering Corp.; Engr. Fadi Buqain of Holcim; Usama Jacir of Pulse Technologies and Engr Ahmed Ezzat of Damac.
Academic and research voices, including Prof. Hilal El-Hassan of United Arab Emirates University; Dr. Mohammed Zaki of the American University of Dubai, as well as future talent, including Youssef Elshennawy, a student from the American University of Dubai.

This balance of professionals ensured that the sessions offered practical insights grounded in real-world construction practices and forward-looking research perspectives.

ACI’s presence at Big 5 Global 2025 underscores several trends and strategic shifts:

Bridging global standards with regional realities, as ACI, a global authority on concrete design, standards, and best practices, brings international expertise to the Middle East.
Supporting sustainability and net-zero ambitions with low-carbon concrete solutions and sustainable design were among the core themes.
Advancing knowledge by involving seasoned professionals and younger students, ACI helps ensure knowledge transfer and capacity building.

Given the scale of Big 5 Global, with an estimated 85,000 visitors along with thousands of exhibitors showcasing 60,000 products and solutions, ACI’s engagement enhances the credibility and technical depth of the event’s concrete track.

ACI Brings Concrete Expertise to Big 5 Global 2025

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