New Thinking for the New Normal

The region-wide fiscal rebalancing triggered by the fall in oil prices since 2014 has had a profound effect of the region’s construction industry.

Many of the issues that have dogged the industry for years such as late payments, unequal contracts, and disputes over project variations, have been exacerbated by the slowdown in new projects. And contractors say that cash flow is the biggest challenge that they are facing today.

But just as the region’s governments have responded to lower oil prices with-ranging reforms, the drop in oil prices also presents an opportunity for the UAE construction industry to change and to get rid of some of its entrenched, self-harming practices.

In New Thinking for the New Normal, a construction industry research report from MEED in partnership with Mashreq, senior stakeholders from across the UAE construction industry set out their views on the challenges facing the UAE construction industry today. And on the opportunities for change.

Download New Thinking for the New Normal now to find out about the opportunities and challenges facing UAE construction. 

Related Posts
Bahrain joins China’s Belt and Road with housing deal
Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing signed a construction deal with China Machinery Engineering Corporation Bahrain joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) when the Ministry of Housing formally signed a BD260m ($690m) ...
READ MORE
Investing in food security
The opportunities for ensuring sustainable food supply in the UAE and GCC Food security has long been a priority issue in the Gulf. Faced with a hot, arid climate and limited ...
READ MORE
UAE mid-market growth outlook subject to economic uncertainties
Despite improved demand conditions, the UAE’s mid-market firms are not invulnerable to external market challenges Mid-market firms in the UAE must gear up to face potentially choppy business conditions Macroeconomic ...
READ MORE
Hydrocarbon project activity contracts sharply
The value of active oil and petrochemical projects in the Middle East has exhibited a steep decline over the course of 2020, while gas project activity has modestly grown   Hydrocarbon-exporting majors in ...
READ MORE
Egypt growth to continue with support
Fnancial support, project investment and tourism are key factors for Egypt's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic Given it is the most populous Arab country, with 42,980 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 1,484 ...
READ MORE
Oil price expected to move higher in 2021
Expectations of rising global demand come amid vaccine optimism   Oil forecasters are expecting global crude prices to move higher in 2021 amid increasing optimism about the viability of Covid-19 vaccines. Forecasters from ...
READ MORE
Long-term project plans give comfort to Dubai’s construction sector
Contractors say there has been a drop-off in tendering activity in recent months Contractors working in Dubai have long expected a drop-off in new work opportunities as the opening of Expo ...
READ MORE
UAE stimulates real estate by relaxing legislation
There has been a raft of legislative changes over the past two years that will help stimulate the demand for real estate in the country The move on 6 January to ...
READ MORE
Sewerage network
Stormwater network will serve Expo and Dubai South developments in Jebel Ali area Dubai Municipality has awarded the joint venture of Austria’s Porr and Belgium’s Besix has been awarded the contract ...
READ MORE
Dubai allocates funding for PPP projects
Dubai has several PPP projects planned and awaiting contract award The Dubai Finance Department (DOF) has allocated AED1bn ($272m) for public-private partnership (PPP) projects in order to attract private sector investments, raise government service quality ...
READ MORE
Bahrain joins China’s Belt and Road with housing
Investing in food security
UAE mid-market growth outlook subject to economic uncertainties
Hydrocarbon project activity contracts sharply
Egypt growth to continue with support
Oil price expected to move higher in 2021
Long-term project plans give comfort to Dubai’s construction
UAE stimulates real estate by relaxing legislation
Joint venture wins Dubai tunnel construction deal
Dubai allocates funding for PPP projects
13 December, 2017 | .By RICHARD THOMPSON