What to expect from Big 5 Global and Automechanika Dubai this H2 2025: A look into funding and partnership

• The Dubai World Trade Centre will host some of the region’s largest trade shows and conferences, like Big 5 Global and Automechanika Dubai, in H2 2025.
• Dubai’s MICE sector generated AED22.35 billion in 2024, adding AED13.04 billion to GDP.
• These globally recognised events gather international experts, investors, and innovators, driving knowledge exchange, partnerships, and growth prospects.

In 2024, Dubai’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector yielded AED22.35 billion in economic output, with AED13.04 billion added directly to GDP. This rise is influenced by large-scale conventions that showcase product displays and serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, funding access, and strategic partnerships.

In H2 2025, major industry conferences such as Big 5 Global and Automechanika Dubai will bring together international leaders from C-suites, innovators, and investors. This article, the second in our series that highlights the must-attend events for the rest of the year, covers how they create new prospects for global entrepreneurs and promote overall industry advancement.

Dubai World Trade Centre to host Big 5 Global and Automechanika

This year’s Big 5 Global and Automechanika Dubai are set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Inarguably, both inspire international participation and demonstrate the scale of Dubai’s influence across the construction and automotive industries.

Big 5 Global: Uniting the world of construction and urban development

The 46th edition of Big 5 Global, renowned as among the region’s largest construction events, will take place from 24 to 27 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

This year’s edition is expected to welcome more than 85,000 attendees and over 2,800 exhibitors showcasing 60,000 products. With 400 industry speakers from 165 countries, it reflects the diversity of expertise converging in Dubai. The focus on C-level strategy will bring together 1,200 government and private sector leaders, aiming to shape sustainable cities and explore new technologies.

The strength of Big 5 Global lies in its co-located shows, each dedicated to specialised sectors driving construction and urban development:

1. HEAVY – showcasing the latest in plant, machinery, and vehicles
2. Totally Concrete – covering concrete innovations, including precast and cement
3. Marble & Stone World – focused on stone, stone design, and quarrying
4. Urban Design & Landscape – highlighting sustainable urban design, park development, and landscaping
5. Windows, Doors & Facades – featuring innovations in building exteriors and facade systems
6. HVACR WORLD – advancing climate innovation across industries
7. LiveableCitiesX – driving transformation in urban living
8. GEOWORLD – pioneering excellence in geospatial solutions
9. FutureFM – redefining facilities management

This ecosystem creates multiple entry points for investors exploring how to start a business in Dubai, particularly in construction-linked industries. The strong institutional backing from entities such as the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Dubai Municipality reinforces its credibility and influence.

Automechanika Dubai 2025: Driving the future of the automotive aftermarket

The 22nd edition of Automechanika Dubai, the largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket in the region, is set to be held from December 9 to 11, 2025, at DWTC. This event is ideal for companies looking to start a business in the city, providing a platform to connect with stakeholders in parts, tyres, diagnostics, and digital technologies.

The 2025 program features international pavilions, live demonstrations, and expert-led conferences, organised around five key themes: (1) sustainability, (2) electrification, (3) digitalisation, (4) innovation, and (5) workforce development. It also emphasises safety in the automotive sector, aligning with regulatory priorities.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Automechanika Dubai facilitates connections between local SMEs and international partners. With strong regional demand and government backing, the automotive aftermarket field continues to expand, making this an ideal point of entry for firms wondering how to start businesses in Dubai.

Should you do business in Dubai?

The magnitude of internationally renowned events like Big 5 Global and Automechanika Dubai demonstrates the strength of the MICE sector, which supports more than 85,000 jobs. These events level the playing field for foreign companies by providing them with guides to maximise Dubai’s business incentives, which keep drawing participants from all over the world. By identifying overlaps between industries — such as sustainable mobility, smart infrastructure, and digital solutions — companies can find avenues for collaboration that cover more than a single sector.