The Middle East’s construction industry is believed to be set for a positive future outlook.

This was the conclusion of a conference held in Hong Kong titled “New Visions for the Middle East Construction Industry: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead”.

To better equip construction professionals to capitalise on the opportunities and cope with the challenges in the Middle East’s construction industry, the British University in Dubai and the University of Hong Kong, together with the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, organised the one-day symposium that provided Hong Kong-based professionals with first-hand information and knowledge about the market condition, legislation, practice, technologies, and business culture in the Middle East.

The conference’s other coorganisers included the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry with endorsement by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.

The event was attended by more than 160 Asia-based industry practitioners who represent various government departments, client bodies, architectural, engineering and surveying consulting practices, educational institutions, and other construction related organisations.

“Asia-based construction professionals are focusing heavily on the Middle East’s recognised construction sector,” said the British University in Dubai senior lecturer Dr Mohammed Dulaimi.

“Despite the recent downturn of construction activities in Dubai, construction remains a very strong sector in the Middle East as the industry is estimated to be worth $1.6 trillion.

“In 2010, construction projects in the entire Middle East region amount to $726 billion, which is almost 60 times the construction volume in Hong Kong,” said Dr Dulaimi.-TradeArabia News Service