An exciting time to build in the Middle East

Across the GCC, digital tools are transforming the way architects, developers, engineers and contractors approach construction projects, and this trend towards modern systems shows no signs of slowing down.

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced plans to drive technological advancement in the construction sector in the region. The National Guide for Smart Construction - appropriately unveiled at the Department's Innovation Week celebrations - will help accelerate the UAE's transition towards digitization and support the government's broader aspirations to embrace innovation to achieve a global leadership position.

Practically speaking, the guide requires time for paper-based regulations in the construction industry in the UAE. It recognizes the potential benefits of digital tools and ushers in a new era of improved productivity, collaboration, safety and sustainability.

A digital revolution across the Middle East

Saudi Arabia is on a similar path with the Building Technologies Stimulus Program, which seeks to address the housing shortage in the kingdom by implementing digital tools. In addition to providing comfortable housing, the Saudi government believes the program will reduce costs, save time, and increase construction quality.

Familiar barriers. and solutions

The aforementioned barriers to digitization are strikingly similar across the MENA region - and indeed across the world - no matter how technologically advanced a country's construction sector may be. You may well recognize phrases like “fragmentation across disciplines,” “habitual resistance to change,” “cost (or perceived cost) to implement,” and “lack of motivation from senior management.”

And while the barriers may sound familiar, so should the solutions. The main recommendations from industry experts tend to be that governments should do more to encourage digital adoption within their countries. As we've seen in places like the UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia, government directives like this are a real driving force for positive change when it comes to modernization.

To earn a lot

The MENA region is sure to benefit greatly from the wider adoption of digital construction tools. As of November 2020, projects worth an estimated $4.3 trillion are planned or underway in the region. With this productivity, better work processes and collaboration can have a significant impact on profitability, sustainability and build quality.

As is the case around the world, the dual pressures of COVID-19 and the climate crisis have accelerated the demand for digital construction tools in the Middle East. Out of necessity, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors are finding smarter, more efficient ways to work. BIM models, artificial intelligence, digital delivery, document management, and remote visual tools like drones and scanners are becoming more popular.

“Construction companies must invest in digital transformation to future-proof their business and enhance profitability in a dynamic market,” says Riyadh Bsaibes, CEO of Dubai-based Amana Investment. The convergence of manufacturing, technology and construction will be one of the top trend stories for 2021. It reduces waste and reduces project costs and timelines, while complying with new health and safety protocols on site. "

Zutec's pride is in progress

At Zutec, we are proud to be working with our valued customers in the Middle East on some very prestigious developments. For example, in 2018, we started work on the main terminal building at Abu Dhabi Airport, providing asset registration and tear and defect management systems on a project worth AED 10.8 billion. With the help of our Business Check Orders, our client, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, has been able to reduce Business Check Orders by up to 19 days.

On a similar project, we helped TAV Construction and Taisei Corporation deliver an award-winning airport in Doha, Qatar. The Zutec commissioning team led the production of documentation and controls for all test packages and method statements for MEP commissioning. Zutec also introduced project team members dedicated to facilitating training, firewall penetration, and Building Management System (BMS) integration.

With digital tools offering so many opportunities, this is an exciting time for the construction sector in the Middle East. Zutec is excited to play our part in facilitating progress.

For a free, customized demo with a member of our local team, contact Zutec today.