ACI to power “Concrete Talks” conference sessions, showcasing leadership in concrete knowledge.

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced its participation at Big 5 Global 2025, November 24-27, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As part of the event, ACI will host the “Concrete Talks powered by ACI and the ACI UAE Chapter” conference sessions, an engaging series of expert-led discussions exploring sustainable concrete design and durability, technology, and regional carbon neutrality efforts. The “Concrete Talks powered by ACI” sessions are scheduled for November 24, 2025.

Big 5 Global is one of the largest and most influential events for the construction and infrastructure industry in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Each year, it brings together thousands of professionals, innovators, and decision-makers shaping the built environment. ACI’s participation underscores its ongoing commitment to advancing concrete knowledge and supporting best practices worldwide.

Concrete Talks powered by ACI and the ACI UAE Chapter

Through the “Concrete Talks powered by ACI and the ACI UAE Chapter” sessions, ACI will deliver thought-provoking presentations and discussions on critical topics such as:

• Innovations in concrete materials and design

• Low-carbon and sustainable concrete solutions

• Advancements in construction technology and productivity

• Quality, durability, and resilience in modern infrastructure

• Challenges and innovations in sustainable construction

• Sustainable concrete design and durability

These sessions will bring together leading engineers, researchers, and industry professionals to share insights and real-world experiences transforming how concrete is designed, produced, and built.

“The Concrete Talks powered by ACI and the ACI UAE Chapter sessions provide an opportunity to share practical, research-based knowledge that helps the global construction community advance concrete excellence,” said Ahmad Mhanna, director, Middle East and North Africa Region, American Concrete Institute (ACI). “Our presence at Big 5 Global reflects ACI’s mission to lead, connect, and educate the worldwide concrete industry.”

Speakers include Ahmad Mhanna, Director, Middle East and North Africa Region, ACI; Brian Wheeler, Managing Director, Communications and Marketing, ACI; Khaled Nahlawi, PhD, PE, Distinguished Engineer, ACI; Engr Ahmad Khartabil, Technical Manager, Transgulf Readymix Concrete Co; Engr Ibrahim Tarek, Principal and Head of Structures, Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners) S.A.L.; Mariusz Mlodawski, Country Director, Cemex UAE; Tarek Emara, QA/QC Director, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East; Usama Jacir, Founder and CEO, Pulse IoT Technologies; Engr Ahmed Ezzat, Senior Vice President – Technical, Damac properties LLC; Hilal El-Hassan, Professor, United Arab Emirates University; Mohammed Zaki, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, The American University in Dubai; and Youssef Elshennawy, Student, American University of Dubai. The full agenda for Concrete Talks is available here.

Today, Big 5 operates in some of the world’s most dynamic and high-growth markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Qatar, South Africa – creating access to over 300,000 construction professionals across these strategic hubs. For more information, visit big5global.com.