Construction

Holcim UAE has introduced its ECOCycle technology platform in the UAE during the Make it in the Emirates event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), as the company looks to accelerate circular construction practices across the country.

The launch represents a significant step in tackling construction and demolition waste, which accounts for the majority of the UAE’s solid waste stream. Through ECOCycle, Holcim aims to convert discarded construction materials into new building products, reducing landfill use while conserving natural resources.

The technology platform enables recycled construction and demolition materials to be incorporated into building products at levels ranging from 10% to 100%, while maintaining the same standards of quality and performance expected by contractors and developers.

Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman, said the initiative supports both sustainability objectives and customer demand for more environmentally responsible construction solutions.

“With ECOCycle, we are helping to create a true circular construction model by transforming old buildings into materials for new developments,” he said. “This allows our customers to meet ambitious sustainability targets without compromising on quality, durability or performance.”

He added that the platform would also help reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and minimise the volume of waste sent to landfill sites.

The UAE construction sector continues to expand rapidly, increasing pressure on waste management systems and natural resource consumption. Holcim stated that ECOCycle is designed to address these challenges by recovering materials from demolition projects and reintegrating them into the production cycle.

The company noted that the technology has already been deployed in several international markets. In France, Holcim used fully recycled concrete in the construction of a residential building, demonstrating the commercial viability of large-scale circular construction practices.

By bringing the platform to the UAE, Holcim hopes to support the country’s wider sustainability ambitions, including efforts to divert 75% of waste away from landfill.

Said commented, “Circularity is becoming increasingly important for the future of construction, particularly in fast-growing markets such as the UAE. ECOCycle is designed to support developers, architects and contractors in delivering projects that align with evolving environmental standards and green building requirements.”

Holcim added that ECOCycle-labelled products can contribute towards internationally recognised green building certification programmes, supporting more sustainable urban development across the region.

The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) and Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) have signed a new agreement aimed at significantly increasing the use of locally manufactured building materials across housing developments in the emirate, with a target of reaching up to 80% local sourcing.

The memorandum of understanding was signed during ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’, the UAE’s flagship industrial platform, and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, reinforce supply chain resilience and support national economic diversification goals.

The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for UAE-based manufacturers and suppliers by increasing demand for locally produced construction materials across upcoming residential developments in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, it is intended to support the delivery of more cost-efficient and sustainable housing projects by reducing reliance on imported materials and streamlining procurement processes.

The collaboration builds on an existing working relationship between ADPIC and ADHA, particularly in the development of integrated residential communities for Emirati citizens. Both organisations said the agreement reflects a shared vision to improve coordination across government entities while strengthening the role of the local industrial sector in major infrastructure and housing programmes.

Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, director-general of ADPIC, said the initiative marks an important milestone in integrating local industry more closely into Abu Dhabi’s project delivery ecosystem.

“Our collaboration with ADHA represents a significant step in strengthening the role of local industry within the capital project development ecosystem,” he said.

“By working towards sourcing 80% of building materials locally, we are empowering UAE manufacturers, enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring that our infrastructure delivery continues to meet the highest standards of quality.”

He added that the agreement aligns with ADPIC’s wider mandate to oversee and improve project delivery across the emirate through greater efficiency, resilience and integration between stakeholders.

“At ADPIC, we are committed to advancing a more integrated, efficient and resilient approach to capital delivery. This MoU aligns with our mandate to oversee, supervise and monitor work across the emirate,” Eid said.

Officials noted that increasing local sourcing is expected to provide long-term economic benefits by stimulating industrial growth and encouraging greater investment in the UAE’s manufacturing sector. It is also expected to contribute to improved project timelines and enhanced supply chain stability amid ongoing global market fluctuations affecting the construction industry.

Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, director-general of ADHA, said the partnership supports the authority’s objective of creating a more future-ready and sustainable housing ecosystem.

“Our collaboration with ADPIC reflects a shared commitment to advancing a more sustainable, agile and future-ready housing delivery ecosystem,” he said.

“Expanding local sourcing across housing project supply chains is a strategic step that strengthens supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on external markets and supports the efficient and reliable delivery of housing projects with greater long-term stability and confidence.”

Under the agreement, both entities will work together to increase the adoption of UAE-made materials across housing developments while ensuring compliance with approved standards for quality and sustainability. The partnership will also focus on improving procurement pathways and supporting local suppliers in accessing major development opportunities.

The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to increase the contribution of national industries to strategic projects while advancing the UAE’s broader industrial and economic diversification agenda.

Dubai Municipality has convened a high-level workshop aimed at reinforcing the resilience of the emirate’s construction sector, bringing together leading suppliers, contractors and industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges and strengthen coordination.

The session focused on evaluating recent market pressures and identifying practical steps to support business continuity, operational stability and long-term growth. It forms part of the municipality’s broader strategy to engage directly with industry players and gain insights into real-time challenges affecting project delivery.

Held against a backdrop of sustained construction activity in Dubai, the discussions highlighted the sector’s strong performance, underpinned by ongoing development momentum and resilient demand. Participants explored flexible and integrated solutions to maintain efficiency, quality and overall market performance, while ensuring the sector remains adaptable to evolving conditions.

Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, emphasised the importance of collaboration in navigating current market dynamics. “Dubai’s construction sector remains a key pillar of the emirate’s development and a vital contributor to economic growth,” she said. “Through this workshop, we are strengthening engagement with suppliers, contractors and stakeholders to better understand challenges and develop coordinated responses.”

She added that the municipality is committed to enhancing transparency and supporting uninterrupted project execution. “Our focus is on ensuring clarity across the sector while reinforcing its resilience and long-term sustainability through close partnership with industry stakeholders,” she noted.

The workshop also served as a platform to improve alignment across the construction value chain, with representation from key segments including ready-mix concrete, steel reinforcement, aluminium, building materials and MEP services, alongside major contractors.

Industry participants expressed confidence in the sector’s outlook, citing stable market conditions and continued growth in construction activity. Many highlighted the importance of proactive collaboration and data-driven decision-making in maintaining performance levels amid changing economic and operational conditions.

The initiative underscores Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to foster a transparent and resilient construction ecosystem. By strengthening dialogue and coordination across the supply chain, the authority aims to ensure that the sector remains robust, efficient and well-positioned to support the emirate’s long-term development ambitions.

Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) has announced the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS), set to take place from 12-14 May 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Positioned as the emirate’s flagship platform for infrastructure and urban development, the event will return with an expanded agenda, reflecting rising global demand for scalable and sustainable city solutions. Held under the theme ‘Urban evolution: rethinking cities, redefining how we live’, the summit will convene policymakers, industry leaders, investors and developers to explore practical approaches to building resilient, people-focused urban environments.

The event is underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s US$57bn infrastructure pipeline, covering sectors such as transport, housing, education and culture. According to ADPIC, the emirate delivered 100 capital projects in 2025, highlighting its ability to execute large-scale developments efficiently.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the summit goes beyond showcasing future plans. “ADIS is a platform to demonstrate how cities can be designed and delivered with people at their core,” he said. “Through integrated planning and advanced mobility systems, Abu Dhabi continues to create connected, sustainable communities that enhance quality of life.”

He added that global collaboration will be central to addressing urban challenges. “Cities today require coordinated efforts at an unprecedented scale. ADIS 2026 brings together international expertise to develop solutions that support responsible growth while meeting the needs of communities.”

With urban populations expected to account for around 70% of the global total by 2050, the pressure on infrastructure systems is intensifying. Abu Dhabi’s economic performance reflects this momentum, with GDP reaching AED325.7bn in Q3 2025 and construction activity rising by 13.9% year-on-year.

Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, said execution remains at the heart of the emirate’s strategy. “Abu Dhabi has established itself as a benchmark for infrastructure delivery through consistent performance,” he said. “This summit reinforces our commitment to working with global partners to shape how cities are planned, financed and delivered.”

ADIS 2026 will feature a multi-day conference, exhibition and targeted networking sessions, focusing on key themes such as infrastructure delivery, urban wellbeing, smart technologies, sustainability and resilience. The programme will also include dedicated sessions with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, addressing contracting frameworks and project governance.

The summit is expected to attract increased international participation, building on strong engagement from global markets and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for infrastructure innovation and investment.