The UAE holds the largest confirmed construction pipeline in the GCC with 700 execution-ready projects valued at AED 506 billion, according to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry's latest sector report.
Saudi Arabia follows closely with 628 confirmed projects at AED 616 billion – a higher aggregate value reflecting the scale of Vision 2030-linked developments – while Oman occupies a second tier with 85 projects worth AED 69 billion.
Within primary construction demand, Saudi Arabia leads by project value at AED 328.6 billion across 78 schemes, with the UAE close behind at AED 183.9 billion across 129 projects. In Abu Dhabi specifically, the sector is evolving beyond volume-driven growth toward higher-value delivery, with downstream demand accelerating for MEP systems, modular construction, AI-enabled project controls, and digital delivery models. The emirate recorded more than 38,600 active construction licenses by February 2026, with new business registrations rising 66% year-on-year in 2025 and total active construction membership up nearly 25%.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer