Foreword
Adam Ralph, Director, Country Manager, Dubai
Welcome to the UAE market intelligence report for 2025. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) economic and construction landscape, with a focus on the country's ambitious initiatives and visions.
In this edition, we examine the remarkable growth and transformation of the UAE’s construction sector. This evolution is being driven by substantial government investments and strategic initiatives aimed at economic diversification and urban development. These efforts are fueling a robust pipeline of projects across the region.
We explore the key drivers contributing to this growth, including the rise in residents and tourism. This has resulted in a demand for expanded infrastructure and transport developments. This surge is also reflected in the boom of real estate developments, the rise of smart cities, and a growing number of energy and natural resource projects. As the region gradually reduces its reliance on oil, there is a clear shift toward sustainability and digitalisation, shaping the future of the built environment in the UAE.
The report is structured to offer a comprehensive overview of the current market conditions, including detailed sections on the economic outlook, sector performance, and construction cost trends. We also examine the challenges faced by the industry, such as skilled labour shortages and rising material costs, and discuss potential strategies to overcome these obstacles.
"Our analysis is gathered from insights from our 2025 market intelligence survey distributed to industry experts who work across the seven Emirates in the region including developers, consultants, engineering firms, contractors, designers and architects. This is further supported by market data, providing valuable perspectives on the future of the UAE's construction market.
We hope this report will serve as a useful resource for stakeholders and decision-makers, helping to navigate the complexities of the market and capitalise on the opportunities ahead."
Adam Ralph
Director, Country Manager, Dubai