Global Scans · Construction · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: 65 per cent of global construction growth for the next decade will happen in emerging markets. Smart cities, sustainable construction, greater urbanization and pre-fabricated buildings will all play their part in future construction growth.

• [New] Initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy continue to influence construction practices through mandatory requirements and targeted incentives. Day of Dubai
• [New] Building Information Modelling has already improved planning accuracy and pre-construction simulations, and its integration with artificial intelligence in 2026 is expected to unlock further efficiencies. Day of Dubai
• [New] The UAE is expected to maintain its global leadership in construction-scale 3D printing, with additive manufacturing playing a growing role in sustainable project delivery. Day of Dubai
• [New] By 2026, low-carbon construction materials are expected to move beyond early adoption toward broader standardization. Day of Dubai
• [New] Green building standards, innovative climate-resilient solutions, and AI-driven automation will define the next phase of construction across the GCC, fundamentally changing how projects are designed, delivered, and operated. Day of Dubai
• [New] As buildings evolve and incorporate more smart technologies like IoT platforms, automated building management systems, and real-time sensors, the workforce will need to go through a similar evolution. Commerce Bank
• [New] The twice-annual Floating Offshore Wind Report published today by TGS | 4 C Offshore predicts 12.4 GW of potential floating wind capacity will be operational or under construction globally by 2030, increasing to 39 GW by 2035. TGS 4C | 4c Offshore
• [New] That between 30% and 50% of the large-scale data center capacity expected to come online in 2026 will likely be delayed, due to mounting power constraints, construction bottlenecks and increasingly unreliable project timelines. Network World
• [New] The commercial construction sector is expected to recover in 2026 after a period of decline, though unevenly across regions. ABC Ohio Valley
• [New] European Central Bank Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives have accelerated vertical construction across cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, driving demand for both new elevator installations and lifecycle maintenance services. Shaping Tomorrow
• [New] ABC Ohio Valley The Global Construction Perspectives project forecasts global construction output to grow by 42% to reach US$ 15.2 trillion by 2030, with emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America driving the majority of incremental demand. Shaping Tomorrow
• [New] USA ABC Ohio Valley The U.S. construction industry is projected to experience modest growth in 2026, with GDP growth expected at 2.2% nationally. Shaping Tomorrow
• [New] Governments across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America are expanding support for deep retrofits of existing buildings, creating opportunities for equipment suppliers, engineering firms, construction contractors, and energy service providers. Research Nester
• [New] Dubai will be more than a city; it will be a global epicenter of construction innovation, shaping the future of urban living. Khaleej Times
• [New] Innovation Hubs: Dubai's embrace of 3D construction will propel it into the global spotlight as a hub for innovation in the construction industry. Khaleej Times
• [New] Sustainability: Dubai's commitment to sustainability will be mirrored in its 3D-printed buildings. Khaleej Times
• [New] A major 11 km section of the A16 motorway in Rotterdam achieved virtual commissioning prior to construction through a digital twin built on BIM and 3D design data, highlighting the potential for improved planning, validation and risk reduction. Default
• [New] The first international agreement to come out of Stargate pairs the construction of a large data center campus in Abu Dhabi, powered by local nuclear and solar energy sources, with Emirati investment in new data centers in the United States that will be equally as large and powerful. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] U.S. data center construction spending nearly quadrupled in early 2026 versus a year earlier, driven by AI and cloud demand, and it accounts for almost all of the projected commercial growth. Thunderbird Products
• [New] The primary driver is data center construction which is expected to add 93 GW by 2029 and by 2035, data centers could account for ~20% of US electricity consumption. Last Week in ConTech
• [New] The construction industry needs 499,000 new workers by 2026 to meet equilibrium, and nearly half of the current workforce could retire within the decade. ABC Ohio Valley

Last updated: 12 August 2026