Saudi Arabia is leading the Middle East with 52% active transport projects. More than half of the $592 billion active transport projects are currently under construction. ABiQ expects a further $110 billion to start construction during 2023.

Following in second place is Iraq, with more than $140 billion in active transport projects. Iraq’s transport projects are predominantly in the rail and aviation sub-sector. In third place is the UAE, with $47 billion in active transport projects.

Resource demand

With the volume growth in transport projects, Engineering and design costs will increase by 70% in 2024 to exceed $1.5 billion.

Construction work on transport projects will employ up to 1.6 million construction workers by the end of 2025—roughly 950,000 workers in Saudi Arabia alone. With construction activity ramping up over the next two years, in addition to labour, engineering and design services, demand for primary construction materials such as concrete, reinforcing steel, and structural steel will significantly increase. By 2026, transport sector projects will spend more than $6 billion on concrete alone. The value of structural- and reinforcing steel will exceed $7 billion in the same year.

At ABiQ, we focus on supporting the development of the African and Middle Eastern markets. We identify investment opportunities and help businesses make the right choice when it comes to their role in investment, economic development and socioeconomic improvement. ABiQ provides validated data and trusted business intelligence. Our unique forecasting and project tracking tool provide data and analysis to support your business growth strategy across the Middle East and Africa. Contact us for a free demo.