With the UAE’s real estate sector anticipated to reach a staggering value of $710 billion by the end of 2024, this reinforces the importance of developers prioritising sustainability, circular economy, green energy, and digital technologies like digital twins and Metaverse in upcoming mega projects.
With the infrastructure of UAE growing at a rapid rate, so is the need for the construction industry to focus on safe, secure, and sustainable practices. Building codes are one of the primary defence mechanisms in relation to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures, addressing critical safety aspects such as indoor air quality, disposal systems, system efficiency, and building envelopes.
Building codes
Building codes and standards are constantly evolving and the implementation of modern codes is crucial. Recent market activity shows more regulations emerging that support clean energy infrastructure, new methods of construction and the importance of a circular economy.
“In Saudi Arabia, for example, several ambitious projects such as the Red Sea Development Project and NEOM are pushing the boundaries that look towards provisions of the ICC’s model codes which advocate for energy efficiency, water conservation, and green construction in terms of the building materials used,” says Mohamed Amer, Regional Director of Operations, International Code Council MENA.
One of the most important initiatives from the International Code Council revolves around collaborating with other Standards Development Organisations to develop an international standard to support quantification of greenhouse gas emissions across a building’s lifecycle, from design to construction to operations, bringing together operational and embodied impacts.
In addition, working on initiatives to establish industry standards for the adoption of eco-friendly cement in construction, driving advancements towards carbon-neutral cement production.
Installing energy-efficient systems like smart lighting and HVAC systems allows for the optimised use of resources and promotes adoption of renewable energy sources leading to the reduction of overall energy consumption and operational costs.
Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable water management solutions such as solar-powered desalination, and greywater reuse for non-potable purposes, alongside the implementation of water-saving technologies like low-flow faucets and showerheads, is becoming increasingly crucial.
Two emerging construction processes that are gaining popularity around the world, particularly in the MENA region, are 3D printing of concrete structures and offsite construction. Such methodologies contribute to reduction in material waste, enhanced construction quality, more accessible work environments, and optimised project timelines.
Sustainability
Dubai’s real estate sector is progressively embracing sustainability to align with key mandates issued by HH Sheikh Mohamed, like the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan and UAE Net Zero 2050.
“With sustainability being an integral part of future-proofing the country’s real estate landscape, prioritising energy-efficient buildings, efficient design and sustainable construction methods will ensure that upcoming developments mitigate negative environmental impacts,” says Madhav Dhar, COO and Founding Member of ZAZEN Properties.
A recent study found that over 80% of UAE residents believe it is time to focus on preventing further damage rather than reversing damage already done. With the UAE’s real estate sector anticipated to reach a staggering value of $710 billion by the end of 2024, this reinforces the importance of developers prioritising sustainability in upcoming projects.
By emphasizing green practices, the sector can play a pivotal role in achieving the country’s carbon emission reduction targets by the half-century mark; yielding the potential to increase the nation’s GDP by approximately $1 trillion before 2050 and to simultaneously transform the real estate landscape so that future generations can inherit a more sustainable world.
According to recent reports, Dubai already ranks third among global cities within the domain of having the highest number of green buildings; the emirate currently has nearly 400 LEED-certified projects.
With the UAE’s leadership extending the Year of Sustainability to 2024, residential projects that make the most of natural light, utilise thicker concrete slabs for improved insulation, and incorporate smart technology, energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy sources like solar panels, will help increase this number further while contributing to the country’s green agenda.
With a recent survey conducted by UBS Global Wealth Management showing that 75% of UAE investors think that sustainable developments will become the norm in 2030, this notion is backed by the surge in interest in environmentally conscious developments.
While ROI was once thought to be the measure of success, 93% of investors now think that selecting sustainable options will not affect performance but rather enhance longevity.
Construction technologies
With its advanced suite of solutions, Trimble, a vendor in construction technology, is paving the path for the development of state-of-the-art projects in the region. Leveraging its long-standing potential in connected construction and Building Information Modelling technology, Trimble has redefined the standards of large-scale construction project execution and completion.
“With the surging demand of construction projects for different purposes such as tourism, large scale events, economic plans and more, the Middle East and GCC region offers vast opportunities for innovation and growth in the sector,” says Paul Wallett, Regional Director of Trimble Solutions Middle East.
The company’s broad suite of software services includes Tekla Structures, Tekla Structural Designer, Tekla Tedds, Tekla PowerFab, Tekla Model Sharing for Tekla Structures, and Trimble Connect.
Trimble provides a wide range of MEP products for complete project information management that transforms workflows from the office to the field. An Award-Winning Common Data Environment, Viewpoint For Projects is a powerful construction management tool that enables businesses to manage project documentation and communications.
Viewpoint Field View ensures productivity by cutting administrative work back in the office. The line-up of Trimble’s software solutions has been instrumental in optimising operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of projects.
Dubai’s Metaverse Strategy
“The architecture, engineering, and construction, AEC industry is on the verge of an exciting transformation, thanks to the integration of Metaverse technology. The Dubai Metaverse Strategy is an example of how immersive technologies revolutionise design processes, enhance collaboration, and boost operational efficiency in the AEC sector,” says Tithi Tewari, Co-Founder Trezi.
Imagine being able to visualise projects in virtual environments that look and feel real. The UAE and the broader GCC region present conditions for adopting immersive technologies in the AEC sector. With ambitious projects like smart cities, iconic skyscrapers, and sustainable developments on the horizon, there is a growing need for innovative solutions that streamline workflows and boost collaboration.
The Dubai Metaverse Strategy is set to make a splash in the AEC sector, aiming to create 40,000 new jobs in the metaverse sector over the next five years. This initiative is projected to add $4 billion to the Dubai economy by 2028. These economic gains highlight just how crucial immersive technologies are for driving growth and innovation in the industry.
Immersive technologies are becoming a must-have for enhancing business efficiency and staying competitive in the AEC sector. By cutting down project timelines and costs, these technologies make operations smoother and keep clients happier with better project outcomes. Virtual simulations help optimise building designs for energy efficiency and sustainability, which cuts down on both environmental impact and operational costs.
Developers who launch sustainable community-centric developments with world-class amenities can cater to a variety of consumer preferences and lifestyles, reshape the UAE’s real estate landscape, adhere to both regional and global green objectives, and inject added value to the country’s economy as a whole.
