In the past twelve months, the construction industry has experienced significant transformation in response to dynamic challenges and the continual emergence of new technologies. As we enter 2024, the MENA region will continue to experience significant construction growth across diverse projects, including transportation, infrastructure and residential developments, amounting to approximately $2.5tn, according to Forbes Middle East.

To gain a better understanding of what’s at play, we spoke with a number of Procore executives to get their take on everything from evolving market dynamics and global labour scarcity to emerging trends in workforce development, contemporary payment methods and burgeoning technological advancements — all within the construction industry.

Below is a summary of our top five construction predictions for MENA construction in 2024:

1. The Industry Better Leverages Generative AI to Standardise Data

Today, teams are burdened to get the project done on time and within budget — while still keeping safety and quality requirements in mind. Generative AI will be leveraged by more construction businesses to help collect and standardise the vast amounts of data they operate with — providing more actionable insights and reducing risk.

“With generative AI, companies will be able to better structure and standardise their data across the entire lifespan of a project,” said Rajitha Chaparala, Vice President of Product, Data & AI. “We are already beginning to see general contractors leverage this data in unique ways to improve their business. It’s really exciting to see.”

2. Taking Note of Construction’s Labour Shortage Ripple Effects

While there has been some improvement over the last few years, many industries continue to struggle to recruit new talent to support the increasing demands of their customers. In 2024, businesses will double down on new forms of recruitment, such as positioning themselves as a technology-first company to attract younger talent who grew up as digital natives.

With an ageing workforce, construction companies will also implement new skills training and workforce development programmes for their current employees, especially when it comes to leadership development and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) initiatives.

“The labour shortage is not just construction’s problem; it’s everyone’s problem. It’s stopping us from being able to effectively future-proof our infrastructure for population growth and climate change, let alone repair the ageing infrastructure we have today,” said Tooey Courtemanche, Procore Founder and CEO. “This means that our future energy security, home buying power, ability to commute safely to work and more hinge upon getting more people into construction. We should all be invested in attracting more people to construction because it will benefit us all.”

3. Increased Sustainability Regulation Leads to More Formalised ESG Programmes

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is now top of mind for every business, especially construction which continues to have a large carbon footprint. As we head into next year, we expect there will be a move to a more universal or standardised method of carbon reporting in the built environment.

“Many construction companies now routinely report on their ESG efforts and they typically appoint a vice president or executive to oversee this important area of the business,” said Sandra Benson, Vice President of Industry Strategy. “Not having an ESG programme in place could potentially disqualify a company from consideration for a project. In the future, the inability to meet ESG requirements may even prevent companies from submitting bids altogether.”

4. Using Data-Driven Insights to Enhance Risk Management 

Last year, as much as $40 billion was wasted in the construction industry due to inefficiencies and poor productivity. Construction companies are looking for a platform that can connect their construction data, structure that data and then glean insights to help reduce risks on future projects. Groundbreaking solutions like Procore Risk Advisors are already rewarding companies that see the value in risk management by using data-driven insights to unlock better insurance terms.

“It all comes back to predictability. The more we can use data to help construction professionals predict things like project delays, material needs, equipment and weather conditions, the better off they’ll be,” said Sarah Hodges, Chief Marketing Officer. “My hope is that we will ultimately help them avoid those kinds of situations altogether.”

5. Short-Term Challenges Associated with Data Standardisation Continue

Because each project is so unique, customisation is often required within the construction industry. The downside of that approach is that much of the data that exists is not standardised. While technology like generative AI is helping, we’re still a few years away from mainstream data standardisation within the construction industry.

“About a third of our customers are in a good place in terms of standardising their data and integrating it throughout their systems,” said Chaparala. “Another third of our customer base has started, and we have to encourage them to stay on that path by giving them tangible examples of ROI. And then I think the last third have yet to embark on this journey.”

The Future Lies in Data

One trend is consistent in the construction industry’s journey in 2024: the growing importance of rigorous and standardised data. Data is the lifeblood of business intelligence, underpinning the effectiveness of both existing and emerging technologies.

Whether it’s building a data foundation upon which to develop generative AI tools, or embracing forward-thinking data strategies and practices to attract the next generation of top talent, data powers the future of construction. The standardisation of data is an essential step towards becoming a data-driven and digital first business. Companies that have this at the heart of their business strategy will make transformative leaps this year and beyond.

To find out more about Procore, visit www.procore.com.

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Kuwait has announced plans to allocate US $604mn to the Ministry of Public Works for the completion of Mubarak Al Kabeer Port project during FY 2024-2025. The project, which is being built on an area of 1,161ha will accommodate 24 berths and will have a capacity of 8.1m containers.

The amount allocated to the development under the country’s capital projects expenditures reflects the importance attached to its early completion, especially since there was an initial hiatus in the issue of competitive tenders. Eight months ago, the Ministry of Public Works resumed issuing tenders for Phase I. The tenders also include for the operation and maintenance of the ‘cathodic’ protection system for the port quay wall and the berth for small ships.

As per the feasibility study for the Mubarak Al Kabeer Development Port, the project is likely to cost US $3.2bn and will be completed through nine executive contracts. Once operational, the project will help transform Kuwait into a major hub for transit trade and regional transport.

The scope of work includes implementation of the road linking Subiya area to the east of Bubiyan Island; completion of the port dock and reclamation of the land, as well as completion of the design of handling equipment and quay deepening.

Currently, around 90% of the work has been completed on the 7km-long link road on Bubiyan Island, connecting directly with the port area.

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Breedon has acquired readymix supplier BMC Enterprises as part of its entrance into the North American market, the company has announced. The deal was valued at US $300mn according to Breedon, which specialises in construction materials and quarrying.

BMC, formerly Breckenridge Material Company, is a supplier of ready-mixed concrete, aggregates and building products. Headquartered in St Louis, Missouri, the firm turned over $179mn last year and has more than 400 million tonnes of reserves and resources.

“This transaction will give us a platform that is well-placed to grow in the highly-fragmented US construction market, is culturally aligned with Breedon and has a familiar performance track record. The acquisition of BMC represents a compelling opportunity for Breedon to launch our third platform in the USA. BMC has an excellent performance track record over a sustained period and is positioned in an attractive market for future growth,” said Breedon Chief Executive Rob Wood.

“As a high-quality aggregates and concrete business that has grown at pace, organically and through acquisitions, with a strong management team and deep local knowledge, BMC’s culture and values are fully aligned with the Breedon business model. The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing for shareholders, while allowing Breedon to maintain a conservative and flexible balance sheet to pay dividends and make further bolt-on acquisitions across each of our platforms as opportunities arise,” he added.

“We are delighted to welcome our BMC colleagues to Breedon and look forward to working with them to build Breedon’s presence in the USA,” he concluded.

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Big Project Middle East’s (BPME) 2024 Energy & Sustainability Summit took place at the Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR, Dubai on 7 March and tracked over 150 delegates in attendance. The third edition of the annual event saw participation from five government organisations, in addition to dozens of firms from across the built environment and energy sectors.

Delegates and speakers included industry bodies, developers & operators, construction and engineering stakeholders, energy specialists and manufacturers, the magazine’s editorial team confirmed. The event was officially endorsed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

“I’m immensely proud of the third edition of the Energy & Sustainability Summit, the event is now unquestionably one of the top decarbonisation and sustainability focused conferences in the region, which is no small feat given the absolutely packed regional event roster. Six other events took place on the same day of the conference, so I’m very grateful to have had five different government organisations participate at the event, all of whom enriched the event’s agenda significantly. They were joined by experts from a variety of private sector firms, all of whom provided our audience with incredible insights, and food for thought with regards to the ongoing journey towards decarbonisation and achieving Net Zero,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

He added, “I would like to thank all of our sponsors for throwing their weight behind this keystone event, and look forward to working with my team to build the next edition in 2025.”

Eng. Faisal Ali Rashid, Senior Director – DSM at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

The event opened with a welcome note from BPME’s Head of Content, following which delegates heard from three keynote speakers: Eng. Faisal Ali Rashid, Senior Director – DSM at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Chris Wan, Associate Director of Sustainability and CSR at Masdar City, and Ahmed Jehad Saeed Binsahoo Al Suwaidi, VP – Asset Management at Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE).

Following the three high level keynote addresses, the first panel discussion ‘Post COP28 Net Zero Action’ took place. The session was moderated by Farah Naz Innovation and ESG Lead, MEA at AECOM Middle East, and featured several speakers including: Ali Amiri, Building Engineering, Façade & Sustainability Director, Middle East & South Asia at Egis; Abdullatif Albitawi, Director at Emirates Green Building Council; Ahmed Labeeb, Senior Sustainability Manager at KEO International Consultants; Dr. Yianni Spanos, Vice President, Sustainability at EXPO City Dubai, and Farouk Jivani, Co-founder and CEO at Zeroe.

The session was followed by a fireside chat with Engi Jaber, CEO and Managing Director at Climatize Engineering Consultants, and was moderated by Jason Saundalkar.

Maxwell Stanley, Behavioral Scientist at the Department of Energy then gave a presentation which introduced delegates to the world of behavioral science, and how organisations can leverage it to achieve business and societal objectives.

Chris Wan, Associate Director of Sustainability and CSR at Masdar City.

The second panel discussion ‘Sustainable Materials and Decarbonising Construction Sites’ then took place, which was moderated by John Shenton, Chair of Dubai Hub at CIOB. The sessions speakers included: Atousa Aslmainezhad, Assistant Professor of Architecture at Heriot-Watt University Dubai; Basel Khalid Mohammed, Technical & Factory Manager at 3DXB; Calum Perey, Principal Structural Engineer at Cundall; Christopher Nicolas, Director at TBH; Matthias Gelber, NetZero Ambassador for Desert Board and Co-Founder at ESG Innovation Hub Singapore, and Seb Davies, Director – Cost Management at Rider Levett Bucknall.

The second fireside chat of the day was led by Matthias Gelber, who discussed Desert Board and its various applications with Kamal Farah, Director at Desert Board by Al Talah Board Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

The third panel discussion ‘Raising the Middle East’s Clean Energy Game’ was moderated by Boushra Barakat, Senior Environmental Engineer at AECOM, and discussed advancing the region’s clean energy mix. Its speakers included: Abdullatif Albitawi, Vice Chair, Energy Institute Middle East Branch; Dr Tadhg O’Donovan, Deputy Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University; Riad Bestani, Founder and CEO at ECOSquare; Rola Nasreddine, Energy and Environmental Consultant at Springs Global Consultancy, and Sophia Hasnaoui, Senior Business Development Manager at Yellow Door Energy.

The event was sponsored by:

Strategic Sponsor: KEO International Consultants
Bronze Sponsor: Thinkproject
Supporting Partner: Climatize, Cundall, Engineering Contracting Company, Egis, TBH Consultancy

Read more about the Energy & Sustainability Summit here.

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Construction works on the Al-Urubah Park has begun according to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). The facility is being developed as part of the Green Riyadh programme and will help boost the quality of life of its residents and visitors, providing them recreational places, and transforming Riyadh into one of the most sustainable cities in the world, said a statement from the RCRC.

Spanning a 754,000sqm area, the park is said to be distinguished by its vital location at the intersection of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road with Al Urubah Road, allowing residents to access it from various parts of the city easily.

The park’s design features international specifications which were adopted from several designs submitted by six international contestants, who participated in the competition to present the best ideas and designs to achieve sustainability and conform to environmental standards, the RCRC added.

Its design features a panoramic path that is 3km long and 12m high, and provides a view of the city’s landmarks. The design also utilises modern technologies, in which nature harmonises with technology, to give visitors an interactive experience using augmented reality.

According to RCRC, more than 600,000 trees and shrubs will be planted, covering 65% of the park’s area. In addition, the development of permanent water bodies accommodated in the initial design stages with the Al Laysan Valley pass through the park. The park also features a 14km-long walking trail, green terraces, open spaces, and theatres for events and festivals. The release also includes information about sports facilities catering to various age groups.

The Green Riyadh Program is focused on developing residential neighbourhoods, neighbourhood parks, streets and corridors, developing sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, mosques and schools, as well as planting valleys and their tributaries as well as main roads. It also focuses on the development of government and public buildings such as ministries, authorities, and universities, in addition to developing water networks for irrigation with a total length of 1,350km at the city level.

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Expressions of interest (EOI) have been requested by Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) from developers and consortiums for the development of an independent, greenfield, 400MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) power project.

EWEC said it will deploy BESS to provide additional flexibility to its system and ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage regulation. BESS technology will play a crucial role in EWEC’s strategic plan to diversify its portfolio of energy projects with a focus on sustainability, in addition to increasing its total solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation capacity to 7.5GW by 2030.

“This project is a key part of our strategy to achieve the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 and supports the UAE’s wider sustainability and decarbonisation objectives. Importantly, it also actively enhances the reliability of the nation’s energy infrastructure,” stated EWEC CEO Othman Al Ali.

The project will closely follow the model of Abu Dhabi’s successful independent power project programme, where developers enter into a long-term agreement with EWEC as the sole procurer. It involves the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership of the BESS system and associated infrastructure.

By implementing these critical strategic renewable energy projects, EWEC expects to cut its average carbon dioxide intensity from power generation by 42% from 330kg per megawatt hour (kg/MWh) in 2019 to an estimated 190kg/MWh by 2030.

He added, “Compared to traditional grid storage solutions, BESS offers unmatched advantages, including increased flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and improved efficiency. EWEC continues to see BESS as a critical investment to manage system operability when large amounts of renewables are synchronised to the power system. We look forward to receiving EOI submissions from developers and developer consortiums to partner with us in accelerating the UAE’s energy transition.”

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New York authorities have announced the release of a new Green Economy Action plan, which includes almost US $1bn of investments into climate-focused construction and infrastructure projects. The plan was announced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball

Billed as a ‘first-of-its-kind’ scheme, the plan serves as a roadmap for New York City’s (NYC) fight against climate change and its goal of a greener economy. It includes the creation of a ‘Climate Innovation Hub’ at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, which is a proposed 112,000sqft (10,405m2) building for ‘business development, incubation, and research commercialisation’.

“The Green Economy Action Plan delivers the first forecasting of New York City’s green economy and job growth through 2040. New York City’s green economy will host nearly 400,000 jobs by 2040 – up from 133,000 today. The plan identifies key occupations that are essential to growing the green economy and highlights 21 occupations that provide pathways to economic mobility, many of which do not require higher education degrees,” stated the NYCEDC.

According to NYCEDC, the hub will be able to house 150 start-ups over a 10-year period with goals of building and prototyping products, providing business support, and carrying out product research and development. Mayor Adams said the city plans to invest up to $100mn in the Climate Innovation Hub. Across three campuses, the initiative aims to support 5,000 new and permanent jobs, while educating and training 2,100 New Yorkers across various industries.

“This work will build on a strong foundation of green economy projects such as the 400,000-square-foot New York Climate Exchange, an academic and research consortium anchored by Stony Brook University on Governors Island, and the development of five-million-square-feet of net-zero manufacturing space at the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” the NYCEDC added.

Through a ‘Request for Proposal’ which NYCEDC said would be released on 18 March, the organisation will seek an operator for its new Climate Innovation Hub at the Brooklyn Army Terminal.

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Achieving gender equality and women’s wellbeing in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a sustainable planet. As a result, International Women’s Day is being celebrated on 8 March under the United Nations’ theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’. Infrastructure consulting firm AECOM is therefore celebrating the achievements of three incredible women, working across three different areas:

Rana Al-Halalsheh, Resident Engineer, AECOM

Rana sheds light on her role as a Resident Engineer, stressing the responsibilities that come with her position. “My role involves monitoring on-site construction work and ensuring it complies with the design and that it is progressing according to the baseline and maintains quality standards,” she explains.

As the first female to be promoted to a Resident Engineer in the civil infrastructure business line in the Middle East, Rana radiates pride. “I am so proud and happy. It is not just about me; it is about breaking barriers and inspiring other females. I feel a significant responsibility to show that we can do it,” she comments.

Reflecting on her professional growth, Rana expresses gratitude for the extensive support she has received at AECOM. “I had so many training sessions from the beginning, covering HSE, quality and even unconscious bias. Continuous training is a huge opportunity for development,” she affirms.

Discussing the challenges faced by women in the construction industry, Rana acknowledges the initial difficulties she encountered. “In the construction industry, it is not that common to see women. People often act like they are not listening when a woman speaks,” she notes. However, Rana highlights the importance of perseverance. “You must work hard, be strict and prove yourself. After the first month, people recognise your dedication and perceptions change,” she adds.

Hybrid work arrangements and role models are critical factors for success. “Flexible working hours are crucial to balance work and personal responsibilities. Additionally, having role models like the late renowned architect Zaha Hadid inspires women to pursue STEM careers,” she suggests.

Rana shares a powerful message for young girls contemplating STEM careers: “Do not listen to others who say no to the role of women. You can work hard, achieve something significant and experience the sense of accomplishment when you finish a project. Engineering is amazing; it is a challenge, but worth it.”

Reflecting on the International Women’s Day theme, Rana views it as a fundamental right. “Investing in women is not a request for something extra; it is a recognition of our rights. Women contribute equally to society and their investment is essential for societal progress,” she asserts.

Looking ahead, Rana expresses her ambition to progress within AECOM. “I wish to become a Principal Resident Engineer and take charge of a whole project from A to Z. I believe in AECOM’s commitment to providing such opportunities,” she shares.

Limi Engoor, Assistant Project Manager, AECOM

Limi’s transformative journey at AECOM started in 2022. She reflects on her professional evolution, transitioning from architecture and design to management, eventually finding her place. Limi shares her ascent to the role of Assistant Project Manager, highlighting her involvement in the captivating Diriyah Square project in Saudi Arabia, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

She expresses her enthusiasm for her on-site experience, an integral part of her role at AECOM. Involving hands-on project management, collaboration with diverse teams and real-time problem-solving, working on-site has provided her with a holistic understanding of projects, enhanced leadership skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

AECOM’s commitment to nurturing talent, irrespective of age, showcases the company’s dedication to fostering excellence among its team members. In her role as a young professional in the industry, Limi orchestrates various project facets, overseeing timelines, budgeting and fostering stakeholder engagement, with the overarching goal to ensure seamless project delivery. She acknowledges AECOM’s instrumental role in her professional growth and development, stressing the unwavering support evident through initiatives like the AECOM University. In particular, the Accelerate Program, a leadership initiative that has expanded her skillset and global professional network.

Limi shares the challenges she has faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry, including gender bias and stereotypes. To overcome these obstacles, she has focused on her capabilities and proved her expertise through hard work and dedication. Limi expresses her gratitude that without a strong support system of colleagues and mentors within AECOM, navigating through these challenges would have been difficult.

To encourage more women in STEM fields, Limi highlights the importance of mentorship programs, scholarship outreach efforts targeting young girls and fostering a culture of inclusivity while eliminating gender biases.

Her message to young girls considering STEM careers is clear: “Believe in yourselves, pursue your passion and let curiosity and skill drive you.” She encourages women to be resilient, challenge stereotypes and make a meaningful impact.

Reflecting on the International Women’s Day theme, Limi sees it as a reminder to invest in women’s potential to drive positive change and innovation. By providing resources, support and opportunities, progress can be accelerated not only within companies but on a broader societal level.

Limi aspires to continue advancing her career at AECOM while making meaningful contributions to the industry. Passionate about mentorship and diversity advocacy, she envisions taking on leadership roles to support and empower more women in STEM.

Himanshi Kaushik, Talent Management Specialist, AECOM

Himanshi joined AECOM as an HR business partner in a generalist role, initially based in India. However, fate had other plans for her as her manager entrusted her with assignments related to talent management, eventually confirming her role as a Talent Management Specialist.

She attributes her success to AECOM’s commitment to a unified global culture, where collaboration across geographies is not only encouraged but also essential for career visibility and growth. “AECOM’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident from the top down, with leadership setting targets for the hiring and representation of women in leadership roles,” says Himanshi.

Himanshi stresses the importance of seizing opportunities. She acknowledges the empowerment provided by her managers, the acceptance of her unique working style and the numerous certifications she has obtained, including becoming a certified DiSC facilitator and a certified Fierce facilitator.

She highlights the global EDI steering committee, which meets monthly to discuss initiatives and goals. Flexible working arrangements, inclusive training programmes and mentoring initiatives for high-potential females further drive AECOM’s dedication to creating an inclusive workplace.

She shares a powerful and positive experience of being selected for an international transfer while pregnant. “The trust and empowerment shown by my current manager encouraged me to take on the challenge despite being pregnant. The flexibility provided by AECOM during this transition demonstrated a commitment to supporting employees in various life stages,” says Himanshi.

Himanshi advocates for gender-inclusive workplaces by eliminating gender restrictions in job advertisements and avoiding discriminatory questions during interviews. “Flexible working arrangements and fair representation of women in leadership roles showcase a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” she says.

For Himanshi, the International Women’s Day theme holds personal significance. “I see it as a call for increased representation of women in leadership roles across industries, ensuring equitable decision-making. Company commitment to diversity, especially at the leadership level, will attract more women to join and contribute meaningfully.”

As AECOM celebrates the achievements of these remarkable women, their respective journeys exemplify the transformative impact of investing in women. AECOM’s progressive culture, commitment to diversity and empowerment of women contribute to a workplace where talent thrives, regardless of gender. On International Women’s Day 2024, AECOM stands as a beacon for the hashtag #InvestInWomen, illustrating the power of inclusivity and equality in driving progress.

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