A major focus is on improving energy efficiency, particularly through smarter cooling.

The International Code Council (ICC) looks at how the construction landscape in the GCC is changing, especially with smarter materials, cooling, and policy changes. 

Behind the GCC's towering structures and landmark megaprojects lies a critical question: how can the region build in a way that is not only transformative but also sustainable?

As urbanisation intensifies, construction is under mounting pressure to evolve. Sustainability is no longer optional, it is essential. The choices made today will shape the resilience and livability of tomorrow’s cities.

To meet this challenge, governments and developers across the region are actively rethinking how buildings are designed, constructed and operated.

From low-carbon materials to pioneering technologies and updated regulations, the GCC is making bold moves to create a greener built environment.

A major focus is on improving energy efficiency, particularly through smarter cooling.

In a region where air conditioning can account for up to 70% of a building’s energy use, upgrading HVAC systems is both an environmental and financial imperative.

This has spurred the adoption of passive cooling techniques, better insulation, and demand-driven systems powered by renewables, enabling climate control with a lighter carbon footprint.

Green materials

The materials used in construction are also undergoing a transformation.

Concrete, long the backbone of GCC development, is now being refined with low-carbon alternatives and advanced admixtures to reduce emissions without compromising strength or durability.

This shift is being accelerated through regional standardisation and innovation in cement technology.

In parallel, the GCC, particularly the UAE, is leading a global push toward 3D-printed buildings.

These structures reduce material waste, speed up project timelines, and allow for complex, custom designs. They represent a fundamental reimagining of how construction can be more efficient, scalable and sustainable.

Underpinning these efforts are national climate policies like the UAE Net Zero 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Green Initiative.

These frameworks are driving practical action, not just policy statements, supported by updated building codes and new training pathways for professionals.

Programmes from bodies such as the International Code Council (ICC) are equipping the workforce with the skills needed to meet increasingly ambitious environmental standards.

The GCC’s approach to sustainable construction is comprehensive: it combines innovation, policy, and people. In doing so, the region is not just keeping pace with global trends, it is setting new ones.

Through its commitment to smarter, cleaner, and more responsible building, the GCC is demonstrating that environmental stewardship and architectural progress can, and must, go hand in hand.

Also read: ICC to showcase global building safety standards in Egypt

The collaboration is further bolstered by ADQ’s acquisition of a 49% stake in Plenary in 2024. (Image source: Abu Dhabi Media))

Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Plenary Group, deepening efforts to bring greater private sector participation into the emirate’s infrastructure landscape.

The agreement, forged during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, aims to accelerate the development of strategic projects through collaborative planning and delivery frameworks.

Working in tandem with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), ADPIC is actively pursuing new models of public-private collaboration, inviting international expertise and capital into priority sectors.

ADPIC currently oversees around AED200 billion worth of infrastructure initiatives, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and timely execution.

Advancing infrastructure in the region

Plenary, a global infrastructure specialist, has strengthened its presence in the UAE since its market entry in 2022.

The firm has already secured three major projects in Abu Dhabi, including the landmark Zayed City Schools initiative, the emirate’s first school PPP.

The collaboration is further bolstered by ADQ’s acquisition of a 49% stake in Plenary in 2024.

This marked a milestone as the first major UAE investment into an Australian company following the signing of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The joint venture, Plenary Middle East, now serves as a regional vehicle for developing infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Central Asia.

The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, hosted by ADPIC, continues to serve as a key platform for exploring new investment avenues, showcasing innovation, and advancing sustainable infrastructure strategies aligned with the emirate’s long-term development goals.

His Excellency Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, said, “Strengthening private sector engagement is vital to delivering resilient, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure.

“This partnership with Plenary reflects our commitment to fostering high-impact collaboration that unlocks long-term value for Abu Dhabi, while supporting innovation, economic diversification, and world-class project delivery.”

Paul Crowe, Plenary CEO, said, “The MoU strengthens our strategic relationship with ADPIC and reinforces our mutual commitment to advancing private sector engagements across the emirate. We look forward to collaborating with ADPIC on Abu Dhabi’s strong pipeline of PSE projects.”

Also read: ICC to showcase global building safety standards in Egypt

he five-year contract covers full-scope project management services. (Image source: Parsons)

Parsons Corporation has been selected by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as the project management consultant for the ambitious Dubai Metro Blue Line project.

The five-year contract covers full-scope project management services, including design oversight, procurement coordination, construction supervision, commissioning support, and final handover.

The Blue Line, set to open in 2029, will stretch 30 km and feature 14 stations, strengthening links between key areas such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.

Designed to support Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and the D33 Economic Agenda, the line is expected to carry up to 320,000 daily passengers, promoting smarter, more sustainable urban mobility.

Advancing public transport systems

Parsons has long been a strategic partner to RTA, playing a major role in landmark infrastructure efforts like the Dubai Metro’s Red and Green lines, the Route 2020 expansion, and the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center.

With a legacy of over 65 years in the region, Parsons continues to lead on complex projects in mobility, transport, urban development, and smart infrastructure, drawing on its experience with more than 400 rail and transit clients worldwide.

‘‘We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the RTA and are committed to working with their expert team on expanding the Dubai Metro network in line with the RTA’s goal to provide seamless, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions that cater to the needs of Dubai’s growing population,’’ said Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons. ‘‘Our team will leverage our 80-plus years of global experience coupled with our local knowledge to deliver a world-class transportation system using the safest methods and most innovative technology available.’

Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said, "We are pleased to appoint Parsons as the project management consultant for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, particularly given the company’s extensive and proven experience in delivering projects awarded by the RTA since its establishment in Dubai. Parsons is a key partner in the RTA’s success and achievements, which it continues to deliver."

Mishmish added, "The RTA is committed to working with leading global companies to implement its various projects and initiatives in line with the vision and ambitions of the Government of Dubai to make the Emirate the smartest and happiest city in the world. The RTA also strives to play an active role in achieving this vision, which is based on excellence, innovation, and future foresight, while leveraging advanced technologies in the field of smart and sustainable transportation.”

Also read: Cairo Metro’s deep challenge: Giza Station foundation work underway

The system offers a dynamic vertical reach of 3 metres. (Image source: COBOD)

COBOD International, in partnership with Technische Universität Braunschweig, has launched the first commercially available multifunctional construction robot, expanding the scope of 3D printing in construction.

Unveiled during the grand opening of the Digital Construction Site at TU Braunschweig, the system merges COBOD’s BOD2 3D construction printer with a telescopic vertical extension and robotic arm designed for the Shotcrete 3D Printing Process (SC3DP).

Shotcrete, a concrete-spraying technique typically used in complex structures such as tunnels, retaining walls, and swimming pools, forms the basis of the SC3DP system.

However, the telescopic unit’s versatility allows it to host multiple tool types beyond shotcrete, including sanding equipment, paint spray guns, and insulation tools, transforming the 3D printer into a multifunctional robotic platform.

A 3D printing aid

The system offers a dynamic vertical reach of 3 metres, enabling the robotic arm to operate on printed structures situated up to 3 metres below the X-axis.

This functionality allows users to print, reinforce, and finish complex, double-curved concrete walls with precision and geometric freedom. Reinforcement can either be embedded after concrete placement or applied by spraying around prefabricated reinforcement meshes.

The launch was attended by Helga Kühnhenrich, Head of Research and Innovation in the Construction Industry at Germany’s Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), who highlighted the growing industry focus on automation to cut costs and reduce labour dependence.

According to COBOD, the robotic system can even be equipped with a gripper to automatically install prefabricated elements such as aerated concrete blocks or bricks, features traditionally outside the scope of standard 3D printing setups.

With this, the company aims to redefine what construction robotics can achieve, merging digital precision with functional adaptability.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, general manager and founder of COBOD International, said, “For years we have had the vision of making multifunctional construction robots on the basis of our 3D construction printers. Seeing the first materialisation of our vision here makes me very proud. With this new technology we offer automation of many more construction processes than just printing of concrete walls. With our new COBOD robotic arm at the end of the telescopic arm there is an endless amount of construction tasks that our printing system can now automate and expedite to the benefit of our global customers.”

Professor Harald Kloft for Structural Design at ITE explained, “Our partnership with COBOD is a decisive step towards the digital construction site of the future. 3D printing enables automated, digitally controlled processes of simple as well as very complex tasks, like the fabrication of reinforced double curved walls. The ability to make complex, individualised, material efficient and low waste construction solutions makes 3D printing ideal for the construction industry, as it brings together economic, environmental and social aspects, such as the reduction of physical stress.”

Also read: Volvo CE excavators undergo rigorous testing; outperform rivals