Mohamed Amer, managing director of ICC MENA
Towering skyscrapers and large-scale infrastructure projects continue to redefine the GCC's landscape, but alongside this rapid expansion comes an urgent need for more sustainable and resilient building practices.
Governments across the region are setting ambitious environmental targets, and the industry is responding with groundbreaking innovations in materials, technology, and regulatory frameworks.
From concrete to carbon-conscious
For the GCC, achieving net-zero buildings is a growing priority that is key to reducing energy demand and ensuring long-term sustainability. With air conditioning accounting for a significant portion of energy use, the region is uniquely motivated to lead in passive cooling and renewable energy integration. The adoption of high-performance insulation, on-site renewable energy generation and smart building technologies can significantly reduce operational emissions. A key challenge remains in demonstrating that sustainability and premium development can coexist an approach that is increasingly gaining traction.
As an example, concrete, responsible for a significant amount of global CO₂ emissions, has long been the backbone of GCC construction. However, innovative alternatives like Low Carbon Alternative Cement are gaining traction, particularly in the standardisation processes of various SDOs. This type of cement not only reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption associated with cement production, but also opens the door for enhancing the curing process through concrete admixtures. These admixtures improve the strength and durability of concrete, making it viable and sustainable choice for construction projects in the GCC.
The GCC is emerging as a leader in 3D printing technology, with the UAE already home to several additively manufactured buildings. The UAE’s 3D-printed office in Dubai, the first of its kind, showcases how this technology can reduce waste while enabling the region's signature intricate designs. The ability to combine sustainability with custom, high-performance structures make 3D printing a key enabler for the next-generation construction.
The extreme climate of the GCC presents operational challenges for traditional construction. Off-site, factory-based manufacturing including modular and prefabricated solutions offers a viable alternative. By shifting production to climate-controlled environments, these approaches enhance worker safety, minimise material waste and improve overall build quality.
With cooling systems consuming up to 70% of energy in some GCC buildings, the shift to smart HVAC technologies isn’t just an environmental imperative - it’s a financial one. The transition to energy-efficient HVAC systems, integrated with renewable energy solutions, presents an opportunity to optimise energy use while maintaining indoor comfort standards. Advances in demand-driven cooling technologies play a crucial role in achieving broader decarbonisation targets.
Aligning ambitions with action
A decisive shift is now underway, driven by Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. These national commitments are more than aspirational - they are actionable blueprints for a sustainable future. By aligning industry capabilities with government ambitions, the GCC is setting a global benchmark for green construction.
In 2021, the UAE launched its "Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative," making it the first nation in the Middle East to set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Similarly, Saudi Arabia announced its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 during the first Saudi Green Initiative Forum in 2021. These initiatives are not just about reducing emissions: they are about transforming economies and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Technological progress must be matched by a skilled workforce capable of implementing high-performance construction practices. Training and credentialing programs, such as those offered by the International Code Council (ICC), have the potential to help professionals gain the necessary credentials. These programmes also equip them with the tools needed to effectively conduct their work on-site and apply codes, standards, and building safety regulations when designing structures and benchmarking to global practices.
This piece was originally written by written by Mohamed Amer, managing director of ICC MENA, and has been edited for brevity.
