KUALA LUMPUR, 15 DECEMBER 2025 – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) proudly announced the success of Malaysia’s participation in The Big 5 Global 2025, which secured growth in sales outcomes.
The exhibition was held from 24 to 27 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and is recognised as the largest construction event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The 2025 edition attracted massive international attention, drawing attendees from 165 countries and featuring more than 2,800 exhibitors.
MATRADE has orchestrated Malaysian companies’ participation in the event for over two decades, demonstrating a steadfast, long-term commitment to the Middle East market. This year, MATRADE spearheaded the Malaysia Pavilion, featured 10 Malaysian exhibitors and yielded impressive commercial results generating RM3.62 million in actual sales, contributing to RM195.25 million in total sales and securing 307 trade enquiries.
Additionally, MATRADE provided instrumental support to the National Landscape Department (JLN) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) for an Exploratory Trade Mission. Through this mission, JLN facilitated four (4) participating landscape companies, integrating them into strategic networking programmes jointly organised with MATRADE.
This strategic collaboration and synergy among government agencies represents a collective effort under the Export Promotion Programmes Coordination Committee (JK-Eksport) in which MATRADE plays a pivotal role in facilitating the national trade promotion agenda.
Driving Market Access and Immediate Orders
Over the four days, MATRADE ensured Malaysian participants maximised their exposure to international buyers by organizing targeted B2B matching sessions and networking engagements. This facilitated crucial interaction with potential partners from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other high-growth markets.
As a direct result, products including bathroom accessories, rubber-based plumbing products and termite reticulation systems secured immediate orders for direct market entry.
Among the top potential products that contribute the most to total sales are:
- Construction materials such as CLC foam boards, mouldings and decorative façades
- Electrical and mechanical solutions
- Energy-efficient air-moving systems
- Custom-designed aluminium and steel fabrication components for the construction industry
- landscape-related products, including EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber flooring
The EPDM flooring products leverages the unique expertise of the Malaysian rubber industry and adheres to stringent international quality compliance. It offers exceptional UV stability, weather resilience and a non-toxic composition, earning strong recognition from international visitors.
Expanding Opportunities in the Middle East
In 2024, Malaysia’s total trade of building materials increased by 2.1% to RM82.79 billion. This robust performance was largely driven by iron, steel bars, rods, angles, shapes and sections, which accounted for RM10.57 billion, making up nearly a quarter (24.9%) of all building material exports.
Opportunities exist within mega projects included Dubai Creek Harbour, a major waterfront and mixed-use district integrating residential, leisure, commercial components and high-profile architectural landmarks. The Dubai Creek Tower is among the iconic structures tied to this development. Projects of this scale require a broad range of capabilities including high-end construction, architecture, interior fit-outs, landscape design, and infrastructure works creating diverse contract scopes and strong potential for Malaysian suppliers with proven expertise.
For foreign firms, it is important to note that many tenders require bidders to establish local presence or trade licence to be awarded the contract. Therefore, forming the appropriate legal footprint or strategic partnerships is essential for successful market entry.
As Dubai advances major development programmes including transport network upgrades, airport expansion, waterfront developments, mega-islands and smart-district initiatives will stimulate the demand for broad technical expertise and continue to rise. Key areas of opportunity include civil engineering, marine works, green construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and smart or sustainable building technology sectors in which Malaysian companies are well-positioned to offer competitive strengths.
Commitment to Long-Term Market Growth
MATRADE remains committed to providing comprehensive support and securing Malaysia’s long-term position as a reliable construction solutions partner in the MEASA region. These initiatives will significantly expand Malaysia’s export footprint in one of the world’s most lucrative construction markets.
