The United Arab Emirates as a hub for global construction projects
The UAE is home to some of the most ambitious construction projects in the world, making it a prime destination for global suppliers seeking lucrative business opportunities. In this blog post, we explore the top 10 UAE construction projects that are shaping the future of the region’s skyline and economy.
Overview on the pipeline of construction projects in the UAE
1. Maktoum International Airport
The Maktoum International Airport is one of the most significant UAE construction projects currently underway. Located in Dubai, this government project is in the construction stage. The airport is planned to have the capacity to accommodate 220 million passengers by 2050. With a value of $32 billion, the Maktoum International Airport project is a key development in the UAE’s transportation industry.
2. Saadiyat Island
The Saadiyat Island project is a significant addition to UAE construction projects, located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This ambitious development, led by Aldar Properties PJSC, involves the construction of a residential community featuring 2,700 villas spread over a 6.2 million sqm land area. The project is set to be completed by July 2026, contributing to the dynamic growth of UAE’s construction industry. Saadiyat Island is set to become a landmark residential community in the UAE, reflecting the country’s commitment to innovative and sustainable construction.
Split of UAE construction projects by sector
3. Ruwais LNG Terminal
The Ruwais LNG terminal project is the largest oil and gas project in the UAE. It consists of two 4.8 mmtpa LNG liquefication trains and will be the first LNG export facility in the MENA region to be powered with clean energy. The project is developed by a joint venture of oil and gas multinationals ADNOC, Total, Mutsui, BP, and Shell. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2024 and competition for early 2028
4. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
Beyond glamorous real estate and fossil fuels, large UAE construction projects also span renewable energy. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of the largest of these at a total project value of an estimated $13 billion. Developed in 6 phases, this project by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is part of Dubai’s clean energy strategy 2050.
5. Ghasha Ultra Sour Gas Project
The Ghasha Ultra Sour Gas Project is one of the largest oil and gas UAE construction projects. With an estimated value of close to $13 billion, the project consists of the development of several gas fields. When complete, the total natural gas production is expected to reach more than 1.5 billion cubic feet per day
6. Palm Jebel Ali
The Palm Jebel Ali aims to create an island with residential and commercial buildings, hotels, marinas, and a theme park around the Jebel Ali district in Dubai. After initial delays, the project is currently under construction with completion scheduled for 2033.
7. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City is a large mixed-used UAE construction project, developed by the company Meydan. The master plan includes several projects in the areas of leisure, retail, health, education, and more. Construction on the first sub-projects started in 2015, with overall completion scheduled for 2035.
8. Upper Zakum Field Expansion
The Upper Zakum Field Expansion project is developed by ADNOC. It aims to increase crude oil production capacity to 1 million barrels per day, from the current 640,000. Contractor award is scheduled for October 2024, and construction is estimated to conclude in 2029.
9. Al Fahid Island Development
The Al Fahid Island Development in Abu Dhabi is currently undergoing a feasibility study. If successful, the project will comprise of 4,000 residential units, in addition to leisure and educational facilities. At the current timeline, construction is scheduled to start in late 2024.
10. Sharjah Waterfront City
Sharjah Waterfront City is a $6.8 billion UAE construction project. Currently nearing completion, developer Sharjah Oasis Real Estate is aiming to create a mixed-use area that will include residential buildings, offices, hotels, and a shopping mall, among others.
Learn more
If you would like to explore similar opportunities in the Saudi Arabian market, have a look at this recent blogpost. To learn more about oil and gas projects in the region, continue reading here. To browse ABiQ’s wealth of project data in the Middle East and Africa, visit our blog. Sign-up to your Free Trial of our database, covering projects in the built environment across Africa and the Middle East.
