Versatile International releases white paper to chart strategic priorities for Gulf construction sector
DUBAI, UAE, 19 May 2025: Versatile International announced through a Press Release that it published a white paper, titled Construction in 2025: Paving the Way to 2030 and Beyond, providing strategic guidance for construction firms across the Gulf amid a $1.5 trillion pipeline of projects. The company said the publication aims to help sector stakeholders deliver on rising expectations of speed, scale and sustainability.
According to Versatile, the white paper draws from insights obtained through the inaugural Construction Pulse Survey, conducted by Ipsos among senior professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. While the data outline operational pressures and expectations, the organisation said the publication is designed to translate findings into four actionable priorities for the industry.
“There’s huge ambition in the Gulf right now and the construction sector is right at the center of it,” said Marco Fahd, Chairman and CEO, Versatile International. “However, the way we build needs to catch up. The good news is, we’re already seeing some of the most ambitious and forward-thinking projects in the world taking shape right here in the Gulf – and that momentum is only growing,” he added.
The four key focus areas outlined in the white paper are:
- Adoption of AI and Automation: Versatile stated that 57% of professionals across the UAE and KSA view AI and automation as the leading influences on the sector, rising to 61% in the UAE. The company noted that while 60% of firms are already integrating AI-driven tools, challenges remain around inconsistent adoption and upfront costs.
- Sustainability Integration: According to Versatile, 72% of professionals in the UAE rate sustainability as a top priority, compared to 31% in Saudi Arabia. More than half of respondents are focusing on local sourcing, while 64% of UAE-based professionals cited regulatory changes as key drivers of decarbonisation strategies, Versatile added.
- Resilient Supply Chains: Versatile said it reported in the white paper that 55% of industry players are prioritising regional sourcing strategies. The company added that a hybrid supply model combining regional reliability with international specialist sourcing is gaining traction.
- Workforce Development: According to Versatile, rework has emerged as the leading cause of project cost escalation, cited by 57% of respondents. Labour shortages are another major concern, with 56% expecting continued skilled labour gaps over the next decade, said Versatile. According to the company, firms are addressing this with investments in automation and workforce training.
Versatile stated that these focus areas not only reflect current challenges but offer a roadmap for innovation and leadership across the region’s construction ecosystem. Versatile added that the white paper also includes contributions from architects, engineers, contractors and developers to reflect a cross-disciplinary perspective.
The company said the full report is available for download from its website.
