Global Scans · Construction · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: 65 per cent of global construction growth for the next decade will happen in emerging markets. Smart cities, sustainable construction, greater urbanization and pre-fabricated buildings will all play their part in future construction growth.

• [New] Key Opportunity: CO2 mineralization for construction materials offers significant growth potential by permanently storing carbon while improving concrete performance across global cement production. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Fastest Growing Region: Middle East & Africa grows fastest through 2033, fueled by large-scale infrastructure and mega construction projects across Gulf economies. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The AI in construction project management segment alone is projected to grow from $2.5 billion to $5.7 billion by 2028, at a 17.3% compound annual growth rate. Dan Cumberland Labs
• [New] In the year 2040, Dubai's cityscape will stand as a testament to the incredible transformation brought about by the widespread adoption of 3D printing in construction. Khaleej Times
• [New] Heat networks could represent the lowest-cost, low-carbon heating option for more than 50% of buildings in cities such as Manchester and London. Energy UK
• [New] From 2035, legislating for the decarbonization of non-domestic buildings would be the most effective and low-cost option for Government, as heat network operators would be competing on price with other clean heat technologies. Energy UK
• [New] Record glass output from Dubai Investments, new solar glass capacity in Ras Al Khaimah, and a steady construction pipeline worth USD 130.8 billion by 2029 provide a durable demand base, while circular-economy mandates and tighter dredging rules reshape raw-material sourcing. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] The Global Construction Perspectives organization projects global construction output will reach US$ 15.2 trillion annually by 2030, with commercial and residential high-rise development in Asia Pacific and the Middle East representing the most intensive silicone sealant consumption categories. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, requiring that all new buildings achieve near-zero energy performance by 2028, is simultaneously driving demand for high-performance thermal insulation glazing systems where structural silicone sealants are an indispensable component. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The Middle East and Africa are projected to grow tremendously as several governments engage in enormous construction operations, and cities expand on a broader scale. Straits Research
• [New] Nearly 41% of today's construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031, while only about 10% of workers are under the age of 25. FlexBlue Staffing
• Initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy continue to influence construction practices through mandatory requirements and targeted incentives. Day of Dubai
• Building Information Modelling has already improved planning accuracy and pre-construction simulations, and its integration with artificial intelligence in 2026 is expected to unlock further efficiencies. Day of Dubai
• The UAE is expected to maintain its global leadership in construction-scale 3D printing, with additive manufacturing playing a growing role in sustainable project delivery. Day of Dubai
• By 2026, low-carbon construction materials are expected to move beyond early adoption toward broader standardization. Day of Dubai
• Green building standards, innovative climate-resilient solutions, and AI-driven automation will define the next phase of construction across the GCC, fundamentally changing how projects are designed, delivered, and operated. Day of Dubai
• As buildings evolve and incorporate more smart technologies like IoT platforms, automated building management systems, and real-time sensors, the workforce will need to go through a similar evolution. Commerce Bank
• The twice-annual Floating Offshore Wind Report published today by TGS | 4 C Offshore predicts 12.4 GW of potential floating wind capacity will be operational or under construction globally by 2030, increasing to 39 GW by 2035. TGS 4C | 4c Offshore
• That between 30% and 50% of the large-scale data center capacity expected to come online in 2026 will likely be delayed, due to mounting power constraints, construction bottlenecks and increasingly unreliable project timelines. Network World
• The commercial construction sector is expected to recover in 2026 after a period of decline, though unevenly across regions. ABC Ohio Valley
• European Central Bank Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives have accelerated vertical construction across cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, driving demand for both new elevator installations and lifecycle maintenance services. Shaping Tomorrow
• ABC Ohio Valley The Global Construction Perspectives project forecasts global construction output to grow by 42% to reach US$ 15.2 trillion by 2030, with emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America driving the majority of incremental demand. Shaping Tomorrow
• USA ABC Ohio Valley The U.S. construction industry is projected to experience modest growth in 2026, with GDP growth expected at 2.2% nationally. Shaping Tomorrow

Last updated: 26 August 2026