The UAE’s built environment is evolving fast

Population growth and a shifting economic landscape are driving change across the Emirates

Government and private sector investment is rising. The focus is on infrastructure, especially transport and urban development. These projects are key to building a vibrant lifestyle, with connected communities.

Infrastructure investment leads the way

The scale of upcoming infrastructure is unmatched:

Abu Dhabi: AED 75 billion invested by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to transform the urban environment and improve services.
Dubai: The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) Roads and Transport Plan 2030 includes 39 major road projects and the AED 18 billion Metro Blue Line, adding 30 km and 14 stations.
Nationally: Etihad Rail is building a passenger link, connecting 11 cities and all seven Emirates. Daily freight capacity already reaches up to 22,000 tonnes.

These developments are reshaping accessibility and enabling wider economic growth from real estate to logistics and tourism. We’re seeing increasing residential demand outside the usual hotspots, with Ajman, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah all gaining momentum.

Growth must be managed with precision

As activity accelerates, careful planning is key. Demand for skilled professionals and quality materials is rising. Add in regional competition from Saudi Arabia’s giga projects, global geopolitical tensions and the risk of inflation, shortage, or delay becomes real.

To navigate this complexity, clients need to build in certainty from the start.

Our advice to clients:

Plan ahead: Book your suppliers and skilled teams early to stay ahead of shortages and rising costs.
Choose joined-up delivery models: Options like design-build and PPP’s help teams stay coordinated, control costs, and deliver on time.
Make technology work harder: BIM and project data platforms give you clearer insights, faster decisions, and fewer surprises.

Tariff turbulence creates both risk and opportunity

Global market uncertainty, including the impact of US tariffs, is being felt across the UAE. With the dirham pegged to the US dollar, fluctuations, combined with lower oil prices, are pushing up the cost of imported construction materials.

Budget pressure is rising, particularly as the UAE continues its push to diversify the economy.

But there are silver linings. With reduced US-China trade, surplus materials from China may enter Middle Eastern markets at more competitive rates. Combined with the UAE’s open trade zones, low regulation, and energy independence, the region can adapt quickly.

Our advice to clients:

Broaden your supply chain: Find backup suppliers now to reduce risk.
Secure skilled labour: Make sure you’ve got the right people in place before demand rises.
Plan with care: Build realistic timelines with clear forecasting, smart buying, and strong oversight.

The UAE continues to offer big opportunities. Strong foundations, bold government plans and rising population and visitor numbers are all driving growth. But to succeed here, you need certainty.

With the right planning, flexible delivery and a clear view of costs, developers and investors can keep projects moving no matter what the market throws at them.