If there is one theme running through our 2026 Global Annual Report, it is this: the built environment is being asked to deliver more, with less margin for error, than ever before.
Ambition alone is not enough. Judgement matters just as much.
In this report, we demonstrate how our judgement – guided by our company values: Truth, Trust, Together and Tomorrow – translates into better value and better outcomes through trusted market intelligence, inspiring thought leadership and flawless project execution.
This is how we make progress for our clients and communities.
What is the outlook for the construction sector in the Middle East?
In the Our data section, we review the last 12 months of activity in construction markets worldwide and provide our forecasts for the year ahead and beyond. Our local analysts in the Middle East report that:
- Mega and giga development projects are driving strong growth across the region’s construction sector.
- The UAE showed diversified growth across urban and logistics sectors and led the region in private real estate and tech-driven assets.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) dominated in scale and complexity, with its pipeline spanning tourism, leisure and residential mega-communities, alongside digital infrastructure.
- Qatar remained energy-centric with new investment in LNG expansion (North Field) that reinforced its industrial base.
- Investor confidence remained at a high level across the UAE, KSA and Qatar.
Read our full analysis here, access more market intelligence for the region here and use our Construction Cost Calculator to estimate the costs of your next project with our industry-leading tools.
How can construction deliver greater value and sustainability?
In the Our ideas section, our subject matter experts explore how the construction industry can respond to rising expectations for sustainable, ethical, productive and value-adding projects.
Nick Constantine, Director – Built Asset Consultancy, RLB in the Middle East, explains why you should always do your technical due diligence before you invest in industrial real estate.
Read the full article here.
What made Expo 2020 Dubai a benchmark for sustainable mega-events?
Expo 2020 Dubai set a new benchmark for future mega-events in terms of legacy and sustainability, demonstrating how sustainable building and sustainable construction can be integrated into large-scale developments.
In the Our projects section, learn how RLB’s cost management experts had a key role in the project’s success, balancing the challenges of hosting the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region while creating inclusive and enduring places for the vibrant new centre of Dubai.
Read the full case study here.
A better built environment for everyone
At RLB, we are passionate about what we do, and happy to share our knowledge for the benefit of everyone, which is why we are proud to showcase our data, our ideas and our projects.
You can access them all here in RLB’s 2026 Global Annual Report.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
