Construction activity in Dubai is likely to continue with the same momentum in 2009 as before, due to lower construction costs and the need to continue with ongoing projects, industry experts said in a report.

The slowdown has to be viewed in the right perspective, said Greg Christofides, executive director at Arabtec, was quoted as saying in the Gulf News report.

'We went through the biggest construction boom and ... the fastest delivery of projects the world has ever seen,” Christofides said, addressing a conference on market challenges held as part of Dubai Mega Projects forum.

“We are slowing down from extreme speed so in comparison to most other nations, we'll still be way ahead,' the report quoted him as saying.

Christofides also explained that there are still economic reasons why the construction boom should continue as before, since people still want to live, work and visit Dubai.

'Projects will continue in all sectors,” Christofides said. “Although there has been a big panic about funds and new projects may be delayed, there are a lot of ongoing projects which will complete and so we see a bright future.”

The executive director also said it was possible that Arabtec could be busier this year than last year.