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Construction Sector Research Highlights

The Report: Qatar 2025
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Construction & Real Estate Sector Analysis

Substantial public investment in a range of infrastructure projects has driven growth in Qatar’s construction and real estate sector in the decade preceding 2025. The development of several transport...

The Report: Oman 2025
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Construction & Real Estate Sector Analysis

Oman’s construction and real estate sectors are experiencing significant growth, driven by rising demand for housing, increased foreign investment, and national plans for economic diversification...

Special Reports on the Construction Sector
Focus Report

Focus Report: New cities and mega-projects are driving growth in Egypt

During a time of heightened global macroeconomic uncertainty, progress on new cities and mega-projects has helped Egypt maintain positive economic growth during the pandemic. Demographic expansion...
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How Egypt’s infrastructure agenda is driving sophistication in the construction sector

While the construction sector in Egypt was temporarily paralysed during the early months of the pandemic, the infrastructure project pipeline has remained robust. The need to boost utilities...
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How the pandemic is reshaping ASEAN construction demands

Construction – and infrastructure development in particular – is expected to be a key driver of economic growth across ASEAN from 2021. The bloc, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies...

Focus Report: New cities and mega-projects are driving growth in Egypt
Report: How Egypt’s infrastructure agenda is driving sophistication in the construction sector
Report: How the pandemic is reshaping ASEAN construction demands
 

The Report: Ajman 2025
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Construction & Real Estate Sector Analysis

The UAE’s economic development drive sees significant financing being channelled into infrastructure development, with Ajman – the smallest of the seven emirates – witnessing increased activity...

Construction Sector Analyses

Overview

Qatar’s construction sector poised for continued expansion
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ubstantial public investment in a range of infrastructure projects has driven growth in Qatar’s construction and real estate sector in the decade preceding 2025. The development of several transport networks; new residential, retail and leisure spaces; and the expansion of Qatar’s industry in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup has supported market growth. The government established new laws and regulations in recent years aiming to foster more collaboration between public and private entities, and open Qatar’s real estate...

Interview

Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Minister of Municipality
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On establishing a comprehensive strategy for the creation of sustainable urban centres by 2030

Interview

Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President, Public Works Authority
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On strengthening planning and construction processes to meet evolving standards and market demand

Analysis

Technology and tourism drive smart growth in Qatar’s urban development
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With a population that has remained around 3m since 2023 – up from approximately 1.5m in 2008, primarily driven by labour migration and large-scale infrastructure development – Qatar has experienced an increasingly rapid pace of urbanisation. In parallel, the tourism sector achieved a major milestone in 2024, recording 5m international visitors and surpassing the annual target of 4.8m – representing a 25% increase. This progress aligns with national ambitions to attract 6m tourists annually by 2030 and increase the...

Analysis

Qatar’s urban demand and landmark projects boost real estate investor confidence
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While some segments of Qatar’s real estate market faced challenges in 2024, these shifts have opened up new opportunities – particularly in the evolving villa segment, which is adapting to changing tenant tastes and market dynamics. Rental rates for villas dropped by 7.5% in 2024, averaging QR15,085 ($4140) per month. The steepest declines were observed in Nuaija (20%) and West Bay Lagoon (9%), reflecting a shift in tenant preferences towards compact, urban living – particularly in the high-end bracket...

The Report: Bahrain 2024
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Construction & Real Estate Sector Analysis

Bahrain’s construction and real estate sectors are key to the kingdom’s economic diversification. After overcoming challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and cost volatility...

Construction in Emerging Markets

Economic News

New cities set to alter investment landscape in Africa
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With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, countries are planning new cities to house increased industrial activity and urban populations, and address the constraints of many of the continent’s mega-cities. New urban developments around the globe are working to tackle issues surrounding population growth, sustainability and economic resilience. In 2015 Egypt announced that it would build a new capital. In addition to administrative offices, the New Administrative Capital is expected to host a stadium...

Economic View

Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, The Ascott

On creating investment opportunities and fostering sustainable infrastructure development

Economic News

Can sustainable architecture help lower the construction sector’s emissions?
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Amid efforts to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the construction industry, there is increasing recognition of the benefits of sustainable and regenerative architecture as a means of lowering emissions. The construction sector is one of the world’s biggest polluters. According to the “2019 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction” published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the sector accounts for close to 40% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. In light of this, a greater emphasis...

Economic News

Can smart cities solve Egypt’s housing shortage?
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Architects, property developers and other key stakeholders in Egypt’s construction sector are increasingly embracing digitalisation as the country looks towards smart city solutions to solve its housing shortage. Reflective of the broader sea change in the sector, in February Etisalat Misr, a subsidiary of UAE telecommunications group Etisalat, and US-based conglomerate Honeywell signed a partnership deal that will see the two firms collaborate on developing digital solutions for the Egyptian construction industry...

Economic View

Sayed Farouk, President and CEO, Arab Contractors

On bolstering the strength and adaptability of Egypt’s construction sector

Economic News

Sustainable construction in the Gulf: building a greener future?
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As industries around the world increasingly turn towards environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to support their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, focus is sharpening on sustainable construction in the Middle East. Perhaps more so than most sectors, construction could significantly benefit from a shift towards more sustainable practices. A UN report released in December estimated that, including operational emissions, the construction industry accounted for 38% of the world’s energy-related...

Economic View

Mohammed Hamad Al Ghanim, CEO, Al Hamra Kuwait

On infrastructure priorities and project frameworks

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