Andy Boutle, head of digital construction at ALEC. (Image source: ALEC)

ALEC, one of the Middle East’s leading construction companies, has once again achieved the BIM Kitemark recertification from BSI.

This marks the third consecutive year it has met the global benchmark for excellence in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and information management under the ISO 19650 series of standards.

The achievement reinforces ALEC’s position at the forefront of digital transformation in construction, aligning with findings from the McKinsey Global Institute, which show that technology and innovation can enhance construction sector productivity by up to 60%.

Recognised globally as one of the most rigorous certifications for information management, the BIM Kitemark requires companies to pass a detailed audit.

ALEC was assessed on its ability to meet client information requirements, maintain accuracy and consistency, enable effective supply chain collaboration, and comply with the ISO 19650 framework.

This recertification not only validates ALEC’s ability to lead digital delivery but also reflects its role in raising industry standards.

VR and other tools

Throughout the past year, ALEC has advanced its Innovation Strategy, supported by focused Digital and IT strategies. Technology and automation remain central to its approach, with initiatives such as a new ERP system to streamline internal processes, expanded use of HoloBuilder, and the introduction of ‘Resolve’, a VR tool integrated with Revizto’s issue tracker.

In parallel, ALEC continues to scale the use of Morta, a data structuring and standardisation platform that allows the company to digitalise ISO 19650 documentation and improve project oversight across design change, procurement, and risk management.

Through this sustained focus on digital innovation, ALEC is not only enhancing its operational performance but also shaping the future of construction in the region.

Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC, said, “Innovation is part of our DNA, and securing this BIM recertification for a third consecutive year highlights how deeply embedded our digital-first mindset has become. We see enormous growth potential in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and our ongoing investments in innovation and digital excellence enable us to remain agile, deliver the highest quality projects, and capitalise on these opportunities.”

Andy Boutle, head of digital construction at ALEC, said, “We see this recertification as another step on a much broader journey. The regional industry has made great strides in BIM adoption, but there’s still a gap to bridge to reach the next level of utilisation and maturity in line with international standards. At ALEC, we’re committed to helping close that gap, not just within our own projects but also by leading by example and encouraging our partners and clients to embrace a digital-first mindset. In the months ahead, we’ll continue to focus on building seamless interconnectivity between our digital solutions, creating a more data-driven, efficient, and sustainable way of delivering projects.”

Also read: Is the GCC leading in sustainable construction?

Operator safety also depends on proper use of personal fall protection equipment. (Image source: Niftylift)

Niftylift has said that it continues to advance safety in powered access equipment by focusing on the practical risks of working at height.

Although industry statistics show improvement in workplace incident rates, the company remains committed to driving further innovation through smarter engineering and user-friendly technology.

One of its standout developments is the ToughCage platform, which combines a reinforced steel cage with a robust, impact-resistant composite base.

This dual-layer protection not only shields the operator in the event of a collision but also absorbs impact energy to minimise damage to the machine’s boom and surrounding structures.

To tackle the challenges of working on sloped ground, Niftylift has equipped its MEWPs with Inclination Sensing technology.

While machines can travel across gradients beyond operational limits when booms are stowed, any attempt to elevate the booms on a slope triggers alarms and disables the drive function.

The booms must be lowered and the machine repositioned before operations can resume, preventing unsafe working conditions on unstable terrain.

If the basket is raised and the tilt angle becomes too steep, the machine automatically halts drive functions until safely reset.

Operator safety also depends on proper use of personal fall protection equipment.

Built-in safeguards

Niftylift addresses this with its intuitive ClipOn system, which provides red and green LED indicators and an audible alert to confirm harnesses are correctly attached before work begins.

Trapping incidents remain one of the most severe risks when working at height, especially if an operator is forced against the control panel.

In response, Niftylift introduced SiOPS (Sustained Involuntary Operation Prevention System) across all self-propelled machines.

SiOPS detects pressure on the control console, immediately halting all machine movements without waiting for a user response, allowing the operator to recover by simply pressing a flashing green reset button.

Further reinforcing safety protocols is Load Sensing technology, which monitors platform weight in real time.

If the system detects an overload, it disables all work functions until the weight is reduced. During operation, a recovery override allows the basket to be safely lowered first.

Supporting these built-in safeguards is Niftylink, a telematics solution that provides performance insights, real-time diagnostics, and access control.

Using PIN codes or RFID-enabled PAL cards, Niftylink ensures that only trained and authorised personnel can operate the machines, reinforcing on-site compliance and reducing the risk of human error.

Recognising that many incidents result from knowledge gaps, Niftylift also launched the NiftyPRO mobile app, an on-demand training and support tool for operators, fleet managers, and technicians.

With over 100 video tutorials covering machine operation, troubleshooting, and recovery procedures, the app bridges the gap between theoretical training and real-world application, making best practices easily accessible on-site and in the moment.

By combining smart safety features, operator-focused design, and accessible digital training, Niftylift offers a comprehensive approach to making work at height safer, more efficient, and better supported.

“Niftylift is synonymous with innovations in operator safety, introducing technologies over the years that have redefined safety standards, addressing critical risks in working at height, including entrapment, overloading, harness misuse, and unsafe tilting,” said Tom Hadden, technical sales manager, Niftylift. ‘Together, they enhance operational efficiency and provide operators with the confidence they need to work safely at height. We are committed to continuing to lead the industry in promoting safer working practices worldwide.”

Also read: Niftylift's real-time harness safety compliance in access platforms

Powering North African infrastructure growth (Image source: Zoomlion)

China’s Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. has highlighted a series of recent global orders it has completed, including several in the region.

Notably, the company is active in helping to upgrade North Africa’s infrastructure sector.

Zoomlion's heavy-duty crawler cranes are designed for large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, it noted in a statement.

“Zoomlion's ZCC32000 crawler crane is supporting Egypt's first nuclear power plant, El Dabaa, by lifting and installing major equipment,” the statement read.

“With a 2,000-ton capacity and a boom height of 168 metres, it delivers strong and precise performance to keep the project on track.”

Handling major projects

Separately, the company is helping Morocco to prepare for the FIFA World Cup in 2030, which entails a massive infrastructure upgrade.

“In Morocco, the 800-ton ZCC9800W is handling key lifts at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for the 2030 World Cup, delivering efficient and stable performance.”

The company also reported deliveries of machinery, ranging from cranes, aerial work platforms, mining equipment, to foundation construction machinery, in support of major infrastructure, energy, and urban development projects in Indonesia Australia, Turkey and the Middle East.

“Zoomlion is building on recent momentum to strengthen its local presence and global collaboration, delivering smarter, more adaptable solutions worldwide,” the statement added.

In an earlier statement, released on 2 July, the company outlined more of its work in Morocco with the ZCC9800W undertaking critical hoisting operations at the stadium site in Rabat, one of the country's key tournament venues.

Designed for large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, the ZCC9800W is delivering high-precision lifts of steel components weighing hundreds of tons.

Following the completion of hoisting operations at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the ZCC9800W will be transferred to the construction site of Grand Stade Hassan II Stadium, in Benslimane, Morocco, which is projected to be the largest football stadium in the world.

“The crane's performance in Morocco marks a key milestone in Zoomlion's continued advancement in the high-tonnage crane segment,” the statement noted.

Read more: How Volvo CE machines tackle emissions from construction equipment

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