01 February 2024

A number of technology trends will shape the future of construction in the Gulf region in 2024 and beyond, according to WakeCap, a leader in the construction technology space.

According to the company, among the top five technology trends are Generative AI, Internet of Things (IoT), integrated construction tech, sustainable technology, and technical wellness and cyber resilience.

Generative AI is a groundbreaking technology that is expected to create a transformative shift in the construction industry, revolutionising everyday applications. This super-smart assistant, available 24/7, will not only automate routine tasks but also act as a catalyst for growth by giving project management an early heads-up on problems detected by the massive amount of data from the construction site.

“However, it’s critical to remember that this technology is not a substitute for human creativity; rather, it works in conjunction with it. As such, an integrated strategy that embraces both technological innovation and human creativity will be pivotal to businesses, even those outside the construction industry,” says Hassan Albalawi, CEO and Founder of WakeCap.

The emergence of connected construction sites powered by IoT technology will continue to revolutionise operations by improving communication, efficiency, and safety through real-time monitoring of equipment, materials, and workers.

IoT will enable optimisation of resource utilisation, better management, enhanced worker safety and productivity, and insightful predictive analytics taken from its data for proactive decision-making – all making impactful improvements that save time and costs! The integration of IoT signifies not just a trend but an industry-wide shift towards smarter, safer, and more efficient and sustainable construction sites, the company says.

Turning to integrated construction technology, WakeCap expects to see massive benefits from connecting multiple construction technologies to get a better understanding than what any one product can indicate.

“Cost control and supervisory teams are going to get more accurate, faster, and less expensive progress tracking by integrating wearables with their planning tools.  Safety teams will see all aspects of an accident response by combining SOS buttons on wearables, vehicle trackers, video AI, digital medical clinics, and safety control centres to ensure safety response goals are met,” Albalawi explains.

In line with the global trend towards sustainability, the construction industry sees a continuation of proactive adoption of environment-friendly practices and innovative solutions to mitigate environmental challenges. The commitment to sustainability is evident in its embrace of renewable energy technologies and these efforts also extend beyond infrastructure to incorporate electric vehicles and public transport into logistics planning.

In addition, the rising demand for green buildings also reflects an industry-wide move towards sustainable practices, such as the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

Meanwhile, there is a holistic approach to achieve technical wellness and cyber resilience.  This strategy is crucial for the industry’s sustainable growth and innovation to address technical issues and maintain a robust technology foundation for future advancements, and resilience in potential risks. This trend extends beyond cybersecurity; it encompasses measures for recovery and continuity when defences are breached or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, Wakecap says.

Albalawi comments: “To keep up with these changing trends, we need to integrate our current systems and investments with new innovations.  At WakeCap, we are committed to being at the forefront of technological innovations in the industry. Our planning and creativity are focused on making construction smarter, safer, and more efficient – without disrupting the workflow. The ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining business continuity is what will enable us to successfully traverse the evolving construction landscape.”

Founded in 2017 and with offices in Riyadh, Dubai, and San Francisco (US), WakeCap offers technology that enables real-time monitoring and data collection on complex projects such as construction sites, where it isn’t possible for team leaders to ‘be everywhere and see everything’. 

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Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.