Construction technology platforms are transforming project delivery globally. Despite this, the Gulf has been a reluctant participant in the digital revolution, until now.

A focus on delivery at the lowest possible cost, combined with demanding deadlines, incomplete designs, challenging on-site conditions and a shortage of digitally trained employees, has impeded the uptake of digital technology. 

This is changing as industry stakeholders realise the benefits of implementing advanced technologies. 

A 2022 MEED/GlobalData information and communications technology (ICT) decision-makers survey reveals a positive outlook for ICT spending in the construction sector. 

Nearly 20 per cent of respondents cited a more than 6 per cent increase in their enterprises’ ICT budgets for 2022 compared with 2021, underlining the industry’s willingness to embrace smarter construction technology. 

The change is unsurprising, given the growing understanding of the opportunities offered by platform technology, particularly in detecting, preventing, predicting and optimising project delivery – all of which are key in meeting the needs of the increasingly large and complex builds taking place across the Middle East.

However, the benefits of platform technology go far beyond project management. Digital platforms not only enable the execution of multiple tasks in one place, but also utilise the data fed directly from the construction site and by dispersed teams. By doing so, this simplifies planning and design, enhances data management, reduces safety risks and improves decision-making.

Yet construction remains a heavily fragmented, point-solutions-driven market, in which technology solutions are often used in silos. As a result, information sharing is often delayed or miscommunicated completely. 

The result? Owners and contractors end up working on several outdated project plans without access to real-time updates.

Download this report to understand how integrated software platforms can help.