Technological inventions are paving the way for digital transformation in the construction industry in UAE. Advancing technologies like the Internet Of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping construction companies to eradicate low productivity and inefficiency. Besides, new technologies are fueling the growth of the construction industry in the UAE.
Though the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a hub of construction activities for decades, the country has witnessed the massive development in the construction industry in recent years, with various mega-projects completed or under construction. The UAE construction industry has shown impressive growth and has become a significant contributor to the country’s economy. In this blog, we will showcase the top trends driving the construction industry in the UAE.
Trends that propel the Construction industry in the UAE
The future of the construction industry in the UAE is promising because of urbanisation and increasing population growth. Emerging trends like sustainability, smart cities, green building, software adoption and many more are changing construction dynamics. Listed below are some of the emerging trends that drive the construction industry in the UAE.
1. Evaluation of new construction materials
With ongoing competition in the construction industry, organisations are pressured to cut construction costs and look for sustainable materials. Besides, people nowadays are interested in looking for alternative construction materials that do not affect the environment. Therefore, the choice to make more sustainable choices reflects positively.
2. Digitalization and Technologies in Construction Industry
The construction industry in UAE is evolving and has started using cutting-edge technologies. It provides different services like database access from anywhere at any time, flexible resources, analytics, storage, and many more. Moreover, managers can use technology-based equipment to get live data and site visibility anywhere. Hence, these technologies are in high demand as they can track devices and monitor equipment and asset performances at the construction site.
3. Sustainable Construction Practices
The UAE construction industry is gradually moving towards sustainable construction practices. The UAE government has mandated that all new constructions and major renovations adhere to sustainable construction practices. The government has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which means the construction industry has to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions. This trend has led to using sustainable materials, such as recycled materials, low-carbon concrete, and green roofing systems. Additionally, energy-efficient building designs and the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming more common in the construction industry in the UAE.
4. Prefabricated and Modular Construction
In modular construction, most of the structure is constructed off-site and then put together at a destination. Likewise, prefabrication involves creating or building the components off-site and then assembling them at the destination place. This process targets the transport-related emissions that are related to construction. Hence it allows the building process to proceed smoothly with fewer errors.
Modular construction is an emerging trend in the construction industry in UAE and hence it is beneficial in the UAE because it reduces the required on-site labour, which can help address the labour shortage which the industry is facing currently.
5. Smart Construction
Smart construction is another trend gaining popularity in the construction industry in UAE. Innovative construction involves using advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) the Internet of Things [IoT] and building information modelling (BIM), to improve construction efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety. Smart construction also enables remote monitoring and control of construction sites, which can help improve the quality of construction and reduce the risk of accidents. The UAE government has been promoting smart construction and has set a target to become a leader in smart city technology.
6. Digital Collaboration and Mobility
Digitalisation has substantial benefits. Digital construction solutions must deliver a seamless real-time experience across facets like materials management, design management, scheduling, QC, crew tracking, etc. These tools help improve project coordination, reduce errors, and improve stakeholder communication. Additionally, digitalisation can reduce costs and improve project efficiency.
7. Green Building Certification
Green building certification is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry in UAE. The UAE government has set a target to have 75% of all buildings in Dubai to be green-certified by 2030. Green building certification involves assessing the environmental impact of a building, including its energy efficiency, water efficiency, and use of sustainable materials. Green building certification helps reduce the environmental impact of buildings and can lead to lower operating costs.
8. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency and renewable energy trends are leading to clarity about future development prospects in the construction industry in UAE. To meet this demand, many new technologies and eco-friendly building materials have been developed to reduce energy consumption. These include insulated doors and windows, solar panels, energy-efficient lighting systems and motion sensors. These systems help optimise energy use while providing an improved living environment for residents.
9. Infrastructure Development
The UAE government invests heavily in infrastructure development, including roadways, bridges, airports, and ports. Infrastructure development is crucial to the UAE’s economic growth and is essential for attracting foreign investment. The government is also investing in public transportation, such as the Dubai Metro, to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transport. Infrastructure development provides significant opportunities for the construction industry in UAE and is expected to remain an important driver of growth.
10. Renewable Energy Trends
The UAE also promotes renewable energy sources like solar power and is currently home to the world’s largest solar parks. The government also offers generous financial incentives for individuals and businesses who install rooftop solar panels on their properties. These incentives attract more people to invest in renewable energy sources while helping them save money on electricity bills.
11. Tourism and Hospitality
The UAE is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and the tourism industry is expected to grow in the coming years. The growth of the tourism industry will likely lead to increased demand for hotels, resorts, and other hospitality facilities. The construction industry in UAE is responding to this trend by building more hotels and resorts, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
12. Affordable Housing
The UAE is also experiencing a growing demand for affordable housing, particularly among low-income families. The government addresses this need by launching several affordable housing projects, like Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment. The construction of affordable housing provides opportunities for construction companies to work on large-scale projects and contributes to economic and social development by providing homes for families.
13. Response of Covid -19
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the construction industry in UAE. The industry has had to adopt new safety measures and protocols to protect workers and prevent the spread of the virus. The pandemic has also led to changes in the demand for specific construction projects, like the increased demand for healthcare facilities. Additionally, the pandemic has focused on the importance of digitalisation and remote monitoring in the construction industry. These technologies can help reduce the risk of infection and ensure business continuity during times of crisis.
Conclusion
The construction industry in UAE is evolving rapidly, and various trends are driving it. These trends provide opportunities and also contribute to the UAE’s economic and social development. As the construction industry evolves, companies and contractors must continuously keep up with the latest trends and technologies to remain competitive and cater to the changing demands of clients and stakeholders.
