Insights How is the digital transformation in the Middle East impacting construction?
The Middle East is one of the most fast-paced and competitive parts of the world.
In the last decade, countries in the region have been rapidly adopting cutting-edge digital technologies, with governments progressively diversifying their economies from traditionally crude oil. It is predicted that spending on technology in the Middle East and North Africa region will have grown by 4.5% annually in 2021, reaching $171.3 billion, and this growth is only set to continue.
At AtkinsRéalis , and within our brands Atkins, Faithful+Gould and Acuity, we harness the power of digital, as we know it will bring countless advantages to not only our clients but also deliver long term benefits for societies. We have a robust digital infrastructure in place, which helps us prepare for the digital revolution, and promotes innovation in the sectors we work in.
Applying digital in Architecture
The digital revolution in the Middle East is highlighting the need for construction professionals to continue upskilling and reskilling for the future. Architects, for example, are increasingly using Virtual Reality (VR) in the planning and design stages of projects. By having a 3D perspective of their work in the design phase, architects can push the boundaries and ultimately benefit from risk and cost reduction, and improved safety, quality, and accuracy.
New technology allows architects in the Middle East to take risks, push the limits and achieve greatness both on projects and their personal development.
Modernising engineering with digital
The future of engineering in the Middle East is bright, and digital is supporting the modernisation of the discipline. The rise of mega projects in the region is paving way for exciting career opportunities in the Middle East for both graduate and professional engineers from around the world, inspiring them to use technology to drive innovation. We are seeing some of the most extensive and forward-thinking schemes being built on a scale not previously seen before. NEOM, in north-western Saudi Arabia, for example, will be the first ‘cognitive city where world-class technology is fuelled with data and intelligence to interact seamlessly with its population’.
The wide-ranging pipeline of work that is generating opportunities to be creative and explore new technologies and innovation make the Middle East an ideal place to develop a career in engineering.
How does using digital make construction more sustainable?
Digital technologies can be used in construction to increase efficiencies from design phase to build out. BIM, for example, automates design tasks and is used to ensure data accuracy and establish intelligent modelling of infrastructure. By using BIM in conjunction with advanced technology like aerial drones and augmented reality, architects and engineers can explore a variety of solutions to infrastructure design problems that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago.
Sustainability is the main driver on NEOM in Saudi Arabia, as it is envisioned to be a Net Zero, smart city by 2030, which complements AtkinsRéalis ’s decarbonisation plans for the region. Smart technologies improve services for communities by enhancing their efficiency, safety, wellbeing, and access to information. This is not just about traditional engineering but about combining creative genius with innovation and technology to provide digital solutions for a better planet.
At AtkinsRéalis , we weave sustainability into everything we do. On the Emirates Aluminium Smelter Complex (EMAL) project in Abu Dhabi, for example, we established the UAE’s first carbon contaminated soil treatment facility. Our environmental team restored more than 180 tonnes of polluted soil, which they reused in laydown areas and roads.
Revolutionise your career at AtkinsRéalis
For us, the Middle East represents a significant growth opportunity for our diversified engineering and design service offering, and we’re excited about where the future is heading with the use of digital. From designing end-to-end project solutions to pioneering new technologies and ways of working, everything we do at AtkinsRéalis supports our goal of delivering outstanding outcomes, regardless of the scale, complexity, or location of the project. We’re proud to be making a difference today and for generations to come.
If you’re a visionary looking for a new challenge, and you have revolutionary ideas about how we can employ new technologies in construction, we may have an exciting opportunity for you. Browse our available jobs in the Middle East and find out what heights you can take your career to.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/02/2024
Summary
The structural engineering market is experiencing rapid changes, with Net Zero goals, advanced technology, and environmentally conscious building practices becoming the new bread and butter of t
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/01/2024
Summary
Hydraulic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that specializes in building hydraulic engineering designs—‘hydraulic’ stemming from the Ancient Greek word for water. Hydraulic power, the
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/30/2024
Summary
In an ambitious and far-reaching declaration, Saudi Arabia has proudly announced 2024 as the 'Year of the Camel', a tribute to these timeless creatures that embody the heart of Arabian heritage
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/29/2024
Summary
As a hub of diversity and multiculturalism, the UAE boasts a thriving economy with rapidly growing infrastructure. Steering away from a reliance on oil and toward cutting-edge innovation, the UAE is
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/29/2024
Summary
Meet Tom from our D&AT (Design & Advanced Technology) team. He's an associate at AtkinsRéalis who has built an exciting career on diverse and career-defining projects, including work on the Lo
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/26/2024
Summary
By implementing reforms in the public sector and wider society, the KSA’s Vision 2030 has greatly improved government efficiency, bringing about new growth and investment opportunities. What is Visio
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional endeavours, finding a workplace that feels like your safe space is a rare gem. AtkinsRealis stands as a beacon in this regard, where talents not only
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban drainage modelling, AtkinsRéalis stands as the leaders with large highly skilled urban drainage modellers. Our focus on serving our clients around urban dra
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the skill of managing constantly changing environments has become more and more important. New construction project management software offers innovativ
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
In a momentous shift, SNC-Lavalin has transitioned to AtkinsRéalis, marking a new era of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in engineering consultancy. With this rebrand comes a fresh persp
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/23/2024
Summary
As Mumbai continues to evolve and expand, the demand for sustainable infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has never been more pressing. At the forefront of this transformative journey is Atk
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/22/2024
Summary
Hi there! I'm Paul, a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience specializing in networks and drainage engineering. My role at AtkinsRéalis spans managing projects, directing major initia
by
Shailaja Mantha
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more