Celebrating construction excellence Big 5 Global Impact Awards crown winners in 19 categories

From Ranju Warrier
During a glittering awards ceremony held at the Ritz Carlton DIFC last night, dmg events, organizers of Big 5 Global announced the winners of Big 5 Global Impact Awards under 19 categories.

The awards recognize innovation, sustainable development, technology and digital achievements in the construction industry, where people, projects, initiatives and organizations won accolades.

“Every year, we are honoured to showcase the businesses and people behind the monumental and impactful projects in the construction sector. Big 5 Global Impact Awards have become synonymous with inspiring the industry’s transformation, celebrating success in sustainable development and technological advancements,” said Josine Heijmans, Vice President – Construction at dmg events.

The awards kick-started with the presentation of the Big 5 Lifetime Achievement Award, a first for Big 5 Global Impact Awards, to His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the former Minister of Climate Change and Environment for the UAE for his impact and contribution to construction projects and sustainable development.

The remaining awards were judged by an independent and international panel of renowned industry experts, including government officials and leaders, the winners being chosen on merit and excellence.

The awards were attended by dignitaries from the public and private sector including the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Dubai Municipality, Albawani Holding and ROSHN Group.

In recognizing the industry’s technological transformation and the adoption of innovation, Engineer Naseibah Al Marzooqi, Director of Studies Research and Development and Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure presented the award for Digital Transformation of the Year to Retal Urban Development Company.

Big 5 Global Impact Awards have been serving as a platform to showcase sustainable practices and innovation in the construction industry, contributing to the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One award that applauded the industry’s contribution to building a more sustainable future, Carbon Net-Zero Initiative of the Year, won by Masdar City for The Link – CO-LAB building. “This award is very special to us serving as a proof point towards our journey on the path to net-zero. Big 5 Global Impact Awards is a world-recognized awards programme and we felt very important to be involved in the awards because we work with many stakeholders in the industry,” said Chris Wan, Associate Director of Sustainability and CSR at Masdar City.

The awards were sponsored by Gold Sponsor, Al Bawani, Category Sponsor, BETAM and Reception Sponsor, KEO International Consultants.

The winners of Big 5 Global Impact Awards 2023:

Lifetime Achievement Award: His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the former Minister of Climate Change and Environment for the UAE

Sustainability Leader of the Year: Majed Al Mansoori, Deputy Executive Director, Museum of the Future

Technology Leader of the Year: Joel Baur, Founder and CEO, Citra Construction

Sustainable Initiative of the Year: Qatareef, Egis

Best Use of Technology: BIM Technology, ROSHN Group

Workforce of the Future Initiative: Sobha Institute of Construction Excellence + Honor & Pride Initiatives

Conservation & Heritage Initiative of the Year: Jubail Island, LEAD Real Estate Developer

Community of the Future: The Sustainable City, SEE Holding

Circularity Initiative of the Year: Vipingo Development Limited, Centum Real Estate

Award for Diversity Equity & Inclusion: Gensler Middle East

Carbon Net-Zero Initiative of the Year: The Link – CO-LAB building, Masdar City

Digital Twin Project of the Year: 30 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant – Wastewater, MaRS Planning and Engineering Services

Digital Transformation of the Year: Retal Urban Development Company

Digitalization Project of the Year: The Sustainable City Yas Island, SEE Holding

Retrofit Project of the Year: Reconstruction of Beirut, Aluminum, Glazing, Engineering & Contracting Company (ALGECO)

Prefabrication & Modular Construction Project of the Year: Red Sea Sheybarah South Hotel, KSA, Grankraft Construction

Partnership of the Year: Joint Venture of Metito Limited, Orascom Construction, The Arab Contractors Company, Hassan Allam Construction, Khatib & Alami

Innovative Construction Organization of the Year: Dubai Municipality

Sustainable Construction Project of the Year: Masdar City Square, Masdar City

Sustainable Construction Organisation of the Year: Red Sea Global

Ranju Warrier is the Head of Communications – Construction, dmg events