Construction contract value in GCC reaches $32bn and will continue to grow

Construction projects across the GCC reached AED 117.44bn ($32bn) so far in 2017, with the value only expected to grow even further.

A report from BNC, a construction intelligence agency with specific focus on the Middle East & North African regions, has revealed that as many as 801 construction projects currently in the tender stage are valued at $32bn across the GCC.

By the end of the year, that figure is only expected to grow, with the report forecasting that figure to rise to $50.9bn.

The figure is actually lower than some of the peaks that have been seen in previous years, but still stands as a testament to the importance and growing focus on infrastructure and construction in regions such as Dubai, particularly with the World Expo 2020 nearing closer and closer.

BNC also reports that there could be an increase of 29% in the value of construction contracts, reaching $65.6 billion 2018 followed by another one per cent growth to reach $66 billion in 2019.

Urban construction contracts represent around 80% of all contracts awarded for all sectors in in the GCC.

Related stories:

• UK construction facing a tough 2018 as Australian sector surges to 12-year high
• U.S construction investment suffers biggest drop since 2002
• $97 trillion of infrastructure investment needed by 2040, report finds
• Hill International awarded $7.6 million Dubai Harbour Creek project

“Events like Dubai Expo 2020 along with stabilisation of the oil price and the drive of the various GCC countries to achieve economic diversification and increase in the living standards will play a vital role in the construction industry contract awards,” Avin Gidwani, chief executive officer of BNC Network, said.

“As the economic growth is expected to pick up pace next year, we expect increased construction activity across the board in 2018. New project announcements by major developers that have taken place from 2016 till now – will go into tender next year and trigger increased construction activities across the GCC,” he added