The UAE’s Construction Sentiment Index (CSI) reached a net balance of +55 in 3Q 2024, indicating expansion at the highest level recorded since the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) began assessing the country in 2018, according to the latest Rics construction monitor (pdf). In comparison, Saudi Arabia's CSI stood at +61, slightly down from the previous quarter.

About the Construction Sentiment Index: The CSI is a metric that assesses the overall sentiment and outlook within the construction sector. It is derived from responses of industry professionals regarding their expectations for future activity, workload, and market conditions. Ranging from -100 to +100, positive CSI indicates a favorable market outlook, while a negative index suggests challenges.

The UAE outperformed the overall Middle East and Africa (MEA) region's CSI of +28. The MEA region also surpassed other global regions, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with positive trends noted across residential, non-residential, and infrastructure sectors. Survey respondents cited increased government investments in the sector and increased localization as boons to the sector.

Despite positive indicators, challenges remain in the UAE construction market: Fluctuating oil prices due to geopolitical tensions have led to decreased investor confidence, resulting in project delays and cancellations, especially for projects reliant on government or oil-related funding. There is also a high demand for professionals in the sector, particularly quantity surveyors, contributing to a shortage of skilled labor.

Competition with KSA + Emiratization were also mentioned as challenges: Some survey respondents highlighted challenges caused by competition from a highly active Saudi construction market, saying that “concurrency of major projects in [the Kingdom is] outstripping the availability of competent contractors and subcontractors,” while others pointed toward Emiratization and oversupply as a hurdle for talent acquisition and business activity.

Earnings margins in the MEA construction market are under pressure, with a net balance of -24 percent reported this quarter, but margin improvements are expected over the next year. Material costs are a significant concern for contractors, with 73% of respondents identifying them as their primary challenge.

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