UAE construction sector open to state-monitored playbook

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UAE-based construction professionals are open to a government-monitored playbook that guides sourcing and contracting public works projects to safeguard the industry, a survey by British Business Group (BBG) has revealed.

BBG said 64 per cent of respondents in its survey believe that the adoption of the same principles of the UK construction playbook would benefit the UAE’s construction sector and protect the underlying performance of the industry.

The majority of respondents in the study said there has not, to date, been enough focus at the outset of a project on the whole life cost of the project. “It is great to see the industry’s confidence in the adoption of a construction playbook, which, if appropriately monitored, could result in the use of standard form contracts and risks being shared fairly,” Suzannah Newboult, partner at the global law firm DLA Piper.

The adoption of the UK playbook approach to a UAE version is expected to drive earlier stakeholder engagement, team collaboration and a whole-life perspective of the planning, delivery and operation of major projects.

A government-monitored playbook could enable all stakeholders to bring enhanced efficiency, innovation, transparency and standardisation to the sector, BBG found a move that can positively impact the returns achieved for all.

BBG said a playbook implemented and monitored by an appropriately designated government body would likely drive the change required to deal with the challenges experienced by many project stakeholders.

Furthermore, an overwhelming 80 per cent of respondents feel the playbook, implemented and monitored through scorecards will provide the confidence required in the region’s construction industry. This will also drive foreign direct investment (FDI) into construction and stimulate growth.

“Backed up by a Construction Act in due course, we could see much more confidence in delivering projects here and reattract some of the major international contractors we have lost from the market,” said Newboult.

Participants in the survey called for a construction act that codifies payment timeframes, adjudication and certification terms should be formulated and enforced. “The survey shows a great willingness by companies keen to work together across the sector to improve the FDI environment, which will, in turn, support the UAE’s progressive growth plans,” said Katy Holmes, general manager of BBG in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.