Dubai has built its fame developing some of the tallest, largest and most magnificent construction projects in the world. Long recognised as one of the world’s leading luxury destination, the Emirate is now focusing on building more compact and efficient developments in response to market demands, an expert reveals to The Big 5.

 

“In response to a growing request, most master developers are building residential units that are both smaller and more efficient,” said Ahmad Bukhash, Director of Urban Planning at the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), in observation of a trend that is currently in full swing. Driven by demand, the average size of today’s villas is smaller in comparison to the previous market offer. Residential apartments are following a similar trend, with studios and 1-bedroom units being the most sought-after formats at present.

 

This shift in the market goes well beyond the size of the units, however. “More than building smaller, the new trend is about building affordably. This is why the crucial question for architects in Dubai is to understand what affordable housing really means,” said Mr Bukhash, noting that the answer is clear. Developing affordable buildings means first and foremost building efficiently.

 

“Minimising the cost for the developer is the best way to provide affordable buildings,” he stressed. “Going forward, we need to understand how to save on construction costs and how to use new technologies to speed up the construction process.”

 

As Director of Urban Planning, Mr Bukhash has been responsible for reviewing and regulating iconic master plans that fall within the jurisdiction of major master developers like Dubai Holding and MERAAS – encompassing iconic developments that include Dubai Design District; Dubai Harbour; Dubai International Financial Center; Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Creek Harbour Developments. The DCCA executive went on to note that building efficiently requires a combination of new regulations, building materials and guidelines that allow developers to use innovative technologies and implement prototypes. 

 

“There’s an unprecedented call for innovative technologies and efficient building solutions to come into play in the Emirate’s fast paced construction industry,” commented Josine Heijmans, Portfolio Director of The Big 5, the region’s leading construction event, which returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 26-29 November. “This is why the 2018 edition of The Big 5 will fully focus on innovation.”

 

Under the theme ‘Shaping the future of construction’, the event will introduce the brand new Live Innovation Zone, where demonstrations will feature some of the newest and most innovative products available. The event will also feature Start-up City, gathering the next construction tech disruptors.

 

Furthermore, the show will present the first FutureTech Construction Summit, exploring future trends and technologies through case studies, panel discussions and thought-provoking presentations.

 

Over 2,500 construction companies from around the globe are expected to take part in the 39th edition of The Big 5 in Dubai. There, they will meet over 60,000 industry professionals looking to source products for almost 12,000 construction projects currently active in the UAE.

 

To learn more about the upcoming event, visit: www.thebig5.ae