Infrastructure, healthcare and hospitality to drive GCC construction in 2023 says Drees & Sommer’s Stephan Degenhart
Degenhart is also confident the region will remain a leader in innovation and technology-driven solutions
In an exclusive interview with Middle East Construction News (MECN), Stephan Degenhart, Associate Partner of Drees & Sommer and Managing Director of Middle East & Asia Pacific says that the infrastructure, healthcare and hospitality sectors will be the main drivers of the GCC construction sector in 2023, especially in Saudi Arabia.
He explains, “These sectors are expected to see a major boost in investment in the next few years, and this will lead to increased demand for construction services. The opportunities in these sectors come from the potential for large-scale projects, as well as from the potential for specialised services.”
He is also to quick to point that there will be challenges to contend with, stating, “The challenge, however, lies in the need to provide high-quality construction services that can meet the demands of the sector. In addition, companies will need to be aware of the ever-changing regulatory and economic environment in the region, and continually innovate in order to remain competitive.”
Degenhart also tells MECN that he is, on the whole, “incredibly optimistic” about the built environment in 2023.
In late January 2023, Degenhart said that “COP28 has the potential to have a significant impact on the built environment in the region”.
“The region has long been known for its advancements in innovation through technology, and I expect this trend to continue as the region makes further investments in smart cities and green building initiatives. I anticipate that we will see an increase in technology-driven solutions for smart cities, such as digital infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and smart transportation systems.”
He elaborates, “We will also likely see an increase in the use of green building materials and construction techniques, such as energy-efficient facades. Additionally, I believe that sustainability and improved energy efficiency will be major focuses in the built environment in the coming years, as well as reducing the use of non-renewable resources and minimising waste. Overall, I am excited to see what the GCC will bring to the built environment in the next few years, and I am confident that the region will remain a leader in innovation and technology-driven solutions.”
Discussing how Drees & Sommer fared in the GCC in 2022, he notes that the year was positive stating, “We saw some major projects come to fruition and some impressive achievements from many of our teams. Some of the key successes include developing innovative technologies and systems to streamline processes, increasing safety and efficiency on the job site, and utilising sustainable materials for our projects.
Highlighting some of the firm’s recent project deliveries, he states, “Completion of M-Square, a multidisciplinary location containing retail space, hospitality and residential buildings, as well as renovation a major hotel in Dubai. The most recent notable project delivered included the design and delivery of the office of the future for Nokia in Riyadh. We are proud of all that we have accomplished in the region, and we look forward to continuing to build upon our successes in the coming years.”
In late January 2023, Abu Dhabi’s DMT inked a MoU to promote the use of low-carbon hydrogen in public transportation.
Asked about the firm’s key goals and objectives in 2023, he responds, “We are eager to continue to support our international clients across the GCC, while focusing on customer satisfaction and stability. We aim to remain flexible and competitive in the region and continue to develop innovative solutions to meet our client’s needs.”
He concludes, “We will have a main focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the GCC. By focusing on these markets, we can better serve our clients and gain access to more resources, talent and opportunities for growth. We are also looking to strengthen our relationships with regional partners to ensure that our clients have access to the best services and products available.”
In early February 2023, the Al Khobar 2 desalination plant was ramped to full production according to ACCIONA.
