LOUISA DICKINS - 9 CONTECH TRENDS THAT WILL CHANGE REAL ESTATE

Louisa Dickens, Co-Founder of LMRE, a global proptech recruitment platform, shares her top nine ConTech trends that she believes will transform real estate in 2025.

Construction technology (Contech) is one of the most exciting trends in the Middle East real estate market right now. In recent years, the Middle East has seen significant growth in construction technology (ConTech), with innovation and technology transforming how projects are planned, designed, and executed. The region has been a hotbed for adopting cutting-edge construction tech, fueled by major infrastructure projects and a push toward sustainability and efficiency.

Here’s an overview of the key construction technology trends in the Middle East:

1. Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM technology is revolutionising the way construction projects are planned and managed in the Middle East. It enables all stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors) to collaborate on a 3D digital model of the building or infrastructure project. This has been particularly useful in large-scale developments like those seen in Dubai and Qatar.

With BIM, teams can predict potential problems before construction begins, improve accuracy in material estimations, and reduce delays. BIM also enhances sustainability by optimising energy efficiency and reducing waste in the design phase.

2. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

3D printing in construction has gained traction in the Middle East, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to reduce costs and accelerate building timelines. 3D printers are now being used to create everything from small building components to entire structures.

In Dubai, for example, the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy aims to make 25% of all buildings in the city 3D-printed by 2030. This technology allows for faster construction, reduces material waste, and can lead to more customised designs. It’s also being explored for building affordable housing and even entire neighborhoods in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project.

3. Drones and Aerial Surveys

Drones have become a crucial tool in the Middle Eastern construction industry, particularly for surveying and monitoring job sites. Drones are used to conduct aerial surveys, capture real-time data, and track progress across large construction sites, providing a bird's-eye view of the project and enabling faster decision-making.

This technology helps improve safety, reduce the time spent on manual inspections, and offer more accurate measurements for planning. In remote areas, like desert locations in Saudi Arabia, drones can also help survey land that is difficult to access.

4. Robotics and Automation

Robotics is starting to make an impact in construction, with companies in the Middle East exploring robotic solutions for tasks like bricklaying, welding, and even demolition. Robotics can increase efficiency, reduce human error, and improve safety on job sites by performing dangerous or repetitive tasks. For example, the UAE's Dubai Future Foundation has been exploring the use of robots for construction, including a pilot project using a robot to build walls in a controlled environment. As robotics technology becomes more advanced, it’s expected that its use in construction will grow.

5. Modular and Prefabricated Construction

Modular and prefabricated construction has gained momentum, particularly in fast-track projects. In this process, components of buildings (such as walls, floors, and facades) are pre-manufactured off-site and then assembled on location. This drastically shortens construction timelines, reduces costs, and improves quality control. The UAE has adopted this technology for several large-scale projects, including affordable housing schemes. The Dubai Expo 2020 site even utilised modular construction methods for various pavilions, helping to meet tight deadlines.

6. Smart Construction Materials

The Middle East is also seeing the adoption of smart materials in construction, aimed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of buildings. Materials such as self-healing concrete, energy-efficient insulation, and solar-absorbing glass are being used to create more resilient and eco-friendly structures.

For instance, the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh and other developments in Dubai are incorporating advanced materials that contribute to reduced energy consumption and increased durability.

7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are slowly making their way into the construction process in the Middle East, particularly in areas like project management, risk assessment, and predictive analytics. These technologies help with project planning by analysing vast amounts of data and predicting potential delays or budget overruns.

AI is also being used in construction site management to track labor productivity, manage equipment usage, and optimise supply chains. This results in greater efficiency and cost savings on projects.

8. Sustainability and Green Construction Technologies

Sustainability is at the forefront of construction innovation in the Middle East, driven by government mandates and consumer demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. Construction technologies that focus on reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, and using sustainable materials are rapidly growing.

For example, the Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, a project aimed at being one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments, uses advanced green technologies and eco-friendly materials. Projects like this reflect a broader push toward sustainable construction practices in the region.

9. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR are gaining popularity as tools for visualisation and design in the Middle East’s construction industry. These technologies allow architects, developers, and clients to walk through digital models of buildings before construction begins. It helps with design decisions, improves stakeholder engagement, and speeds up approval processes.

Developers in Dubai, for example, are using VR to offer virtual tours of properties to international buyers. AR is also being used on construction sites to overlay digital designs onto real-world structures, helping workers better understand and execute complex designs.

The Future Outlook

The construction technology landscape in the Middle East is poised for further innovation as demand for faster, smarter, and more sustainable building methods grows. With major projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia and Dubai Creek Tower in Dubai, the region is becoming a leader in adopting the latest ConTech, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the construction industry.

The combination of cutting-edge technologies and the region's growing focus on sustainability and efficiency will continue to shape the Middle East's real estate and infrastructure sector, setting the stage for a more advanced, eco-friendly, and high-tech construction future.

Louisa Dickins | Jan 08, 2025