United arab emirates Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in united arab emirates, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Design and Construction
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Overview

There are many opportunities for U.S. exporters in the design and construction sectors in the UAE. The UAE is investing billions of dollars in major projects in infrastructure, transportation, water, energy, power, utilities, petrochemicals, and other sectors. The UAE’s construction sector is expected to grow an average 4% annual growth rate between 2026 and 2029 according to industry analysts. Growth will be driven by the country’s development agenda focused on growing the country’s industrial, transportation, and energy infrastructure. In 2021 as part of the “Projects of the 50” — a national initiative launched to mark the UAE’s 50th anniversary and drive long-term economic growth — the government announced a series of strategic plans to transform the country into a global hub across key sectors. The initiative aims to attract approximately $149.8 billion (AED 550 billion) in foreign direct investment over the next nine years.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Water Projects

In 2022, the UAE launched the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 to reduce the demand for water resources by 21%, increase water productivity, reduce water scarcity, increase the reuse of treated water to 95%, and increase water storage capacity. The UAE is planning to invest billions of dollars in new water projects in coming years to include desalination plants, dams, canals, storage facilities, etc.

Electric Utilities and Energy

The utilities energy infrastructure sector is expected to expand over the next decade to boost electricity generation capacity to meet growing demand, increase the UAE’s water security, and to diversify the economy away from oil. Growth in energy and utilities infrastructure will be driven by the expansion of water and renewable energy capacity over the coming years, in line with pressing water scarcity of the UAE and the government’s low carbon energy agenda. In 2023, DEWA announced the launch of its 4 GW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park expansion, which includes innovative energy storage solutions and green hydrogen production facilities. This multi-billion-dollar project aims to significantly increase renewable energy capacity and integrate sustainable water desalination technologies powered by clean energy, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in sustainable utilities infrastructure.

Transportation and Road Infrastructure Projects

Transportation and road infrastructure development continues to be key to the UAE meeting the needs of the growing population and increasing number of cars. This is in line with the UAE’s plans to expand urbanism and tourism in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The UAE has a sizable transportation and road infrastructure projects pipeline, including the $11 billion Etihad rail project, the $2.7 billion Sheikh Zayed double-deck road project, and more. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai also announced air taxi services, still under testing as of 2025 prior to launching to the public. 

Real Estate Sector

The UAE’s real estate market witnessed a surge in prices after the COVID pandemic that has continued. Prices in Dubai’s property market increased, fueling interest in new construction. 
 

Opportunities

A wave of private sector projects, combined with high levels of government spending and investment plans, is bringing renewed optimism to the market. 

Local developers are increasingly seeking efficiency and digitally integrated processes in projects planning, staffing, monitoring, and delivery. American companies offering innovative digital technology solutions will find increased opportunities.
Recent trends indicate growing demand in areas including:

Recent trends indicate growing demand for technologies such as:

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM).
  • Augmented Reality (A/R).
  • Advanced Construction Wearables & Exoskeletons.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) data applications.
  • Drones in construction fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID).
  • 360° video capturing technologies.
  • 3D printing and scanning technology including 3D construction.
  • Property Technology (PropTech), including fractional real estate investment technology.

Resources

Trade Shows and Exhibitions 
Please contact us for additional information regarding trade shows, U.S. pavilions, and export promotion services that may be available for U.S. companies.
The Big 5 Show
Date: November 24-27, 2025
Venue: Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE