Dubai is bracing for a busy week as Big 5 Global returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 24 to 27 November. The annual event brings together construction leaders and innovators from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With thousands expected over four days, visitors have been advised to plan, as travel around the Trade Centre area is expected to be slower than usual.
The Roads and Transport Authority has activated a special event parking tariff at Major Events Parking Zone (Code X), charging Dh25 per hour during the exhibition period. The pricing is part of ongoing measures to reduce traffic pressure around DWTC during large exhibitions. Such adjustments have become familiar to Dubai residents, especially during major global events like GITEX and Arab Health, when parking demand regularly exceeds supply.
Traffic Set to Increase Around DWTC
Big 5 Global attracts industry specialists, suppliers, and government delegations from the region and beyond. Exhibitors and attendees arriving throughout the day will make roads around Dubai World Trade Centre, especially Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Roundabout, and the venue approach roads, busier than normal.
Weekdays in Dubai already see heavy movement during morning and evening office rush hours. Add exhibition traffic, delivery vehicles, taxis, and shuttle vans to the mix, and congestion becomes almost certain. We therefore encourage commuters passing through the district to consider alternative routes to save time and avoid delays.
Dubai’s event calendar is packed throughout the year, and residents know how quickly public parking fills up during peak exhibitions. By mid-morning, it is common to see cars circling for empty spots, drivers waiting outside paid zones, and minor bottlenecks spilling into the main highway exits. The temporary parking tariff encourages visitors to rethink their usual approach and shift toward quicker options like the Metro.
Dh25 Per Hour Parking Now Active
The temporary Dh25 hourly fee for Code X parking applies throughout the four-day event. While the pricing may seem steep at first glance, it is designed to manage vehicle inflow and prevent the Trade Centre area from becoming gridlocked.
A visitor spending a full working day at Big 5 Global could end up spending more than Dh150 on parking alone. For those attending meetings, seminars, and product showcases throughout the day, the cost could increase even further.
The fee structure is part of a wider approach Dubai has been using in major event zones for several years, especially when attendance crosses tens of thousands. Instead of overwhelming the area with cars, drivers are encouraged to use the city’s well-connected public transport network, which provides direct and predictable access.
The Metro Remains the Fastest Route In
DWTC is one of the most accessible venues in Dubai, thanks to the Red Line of the Metro. Visitors can get off at World Trade Centre Station, walk directly into the exhibition halls, and skip parking and traffic altogether.
For many regulars, this is the easiest way to attend major DWTC events. A return trip typically costs around Dh15 for Silver card users and Dh25 for Gold. Topping up Nol credit can be done through the nol Pay app or at station machines, keeping the entire experience simple and efficient.
Dubai Metro also offers reliability that road travel cannot guarantee during event peaks. Even on crowded days, frequencies remain high and consistent, making the Metro particularly popular among daily commuters and event visitors.
Park & Ride for Drivers Who Still Prefer Their Cars
Not everyone can take the Metro from their doorstep, so the RTA is urging drivers to consider Park & Ride options. Stations like Centrepoint and e& Station offer large park-and-ride facilities, giving visitors the option to leave their car at the Metro station and take the train directly to DWTC.
This method has become a regular habit for residents who want the flexibility of driving without the stress of finding expensive parking at the destination. It also cuts down overall travel time, especially during exhibition hours.
Multi-storey car parks in Al Satwa and Al Jaffliya remain another alternative. These options offer a realistic middle ground for drivers who may still need their vehicle but want to avoid the Dh25 hourly rate at the Trade Centre zone.
Buses and Apps Improve Connectivity
Dubai’s bus network continues to connect major districts and commercial zones. Visitors can use the Shail app to map out the shortest public transport trip from their location. Many office workers attending Big 5 Global are already familiar with connecting from the tram, bus, or Metro, depending on where they live.
Dubai continues to strengthen its multimodal transport strategy, and residents have increasingly adopted real-time apps to avoid last-minute delays. The city’s shift toward digital mobility planning has made moving around easier during high-footfall events.
Big 5 Global: Expectations from the event
Now in its 46th edition, Big 5 Global has grown into the region’s most influential platform for the construction sector. Exhibitors from over 60 countries are presenting new technologies, materials, building solutions, and construction innovations shaping the future of urban development.
The event also addresses several industry conversations taking place across the region—supply chain stability, sustainability trends, workforce challenges, and investment in smart infrastructure. This year, sustainability plays a central role. The Big 5 Impact Trail will guide visitors to exhibitors offering low-emission products, eco-friendly building materials, and solutions supporting greener development practices.
As cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue pushing toward smarter and more energy-responsible growth, international suppliers and developers see the UAE as a crucial market in global transformation.
Big 5 Global continues to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a major business and innovation hub. With thousands expected to attend, the coming week is set to be one of the city’s busiest. Visitors who plan, especially those who use the Metro or Park & Ride, can avoid delays and enjoy a smoother experience.
know more about the event here.
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