The UAE awarded some USD 83 bn in new project contracts in 2024, marking a 10.8% y-o-y decline, according to Emirates NBD’s Infrastructure Investment report (pdf). Currently, USD 222 bn worth of projects are under execution, with a further USD 659 bn to follow — with USD 336 bn in budgeted projects and USD 323 bn in planning.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai dominate: Abu Dhabi and Dubai account for 87% of active projects across the country. Abu Dhabi leads with a 49% share of active projects (USD 109 bn), distributed across gas, construction, and oil. Dubai holds 38% (USD 83 bn), with a strong focus on construction.

Future projects are similarly concentrated, with 90% of the pipeline in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dubai’s projects are predominantly private sector-driven (65%), while Abu Dhabi’s spending is largely public sector-driven (73%).

Among the biggest projects: Adnoc’s USD 16 bn Hail and Ghasha Sour Gas developmen t, a USD 6 bn solar power project by Emirates Water and Electricity Company and Masdar, and the USD 5.8 bn Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion.

The UAE's infrastructure sector is set to grow at a 5% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030, driven by government and private sector projects in transportation, renewable energy, and real estate, Wam reports, citing Mordor Intelligence.

THE REGIONAL PICTURE-

The GCC saw a 9% rise in project contracts awarded in 2024, totaling USD 271 bn, building on the 99% growth in 2023. Currently, USD 790 bn worth of projects are under execution, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 53% and the UAE for 28%.

Governments drive 77% of the current spending, with the private sector contributing 23%. The region also has a USD 2.7 tn pipeline, including USD 1.2 tn in budgeted projects and USD 1.5 tn in planning phases, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE holding the largest shares. The construction sector dominates, followed by transport and power.

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