Introduction

Middle East construction: entering the digital age

Although the construction industry has historically been slow to embrace digital change and innovation, it is currently undergoing a rapid increase in digital adoption. This shift is primarily driven by the pressing need for infrastructure, a shortage of skilled labour and increased stakeholder demands for transparent data and integration. Our first edition of the Middle East digital construction market intelligence report discusses how the industry in the Middle East is entering the digital age.

While the outlook for projects appears positive, the increased pace of development in the region emphasises the necessity for more efficient and advanced construction methods. Almost every major player in the Middle East market is embarking on digital transformation initiatives. Governments are also now demanding more digitally based solutions, seen through their digital focused strategies and mandates (e.g. Dubai Municipality’s BIM mandate and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Ministry of Housing’s Building Technology Stimulus Programme). However, digital tools and processes must be used more widely to effectively deliver the pipeline of projects on time and on budget.