ABU DHABI— Abu Dhabi’s construction sector is moving into a new phase of growth built on higher-value systems, advanced delivery models and stronger private sector participation, according to a new report from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).
The report, titled “Abu Dhabi’s Construction Sector,” is the second sectoral study released under ADCCI’s 2025-2028 Strategy. It points to a clear move away from volume-driven construction toward integrated, technology-enabled and performance-focused project delivery, a shift the Chamber says aligns Abu Dhabi with global construction trends.
Downstream value drives growth
Most value creation in the sector is now happening downstream, in engineered and ready-to-install construction systems. These include high-specification mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) solutions, control systems and industrialised building methods.
The report credits this shift to growing adoption of modular and prefabricated construction, low-carbon materials, AI-enabled project controls and fully digital delivery models.
Sharp rise in licences and membership
The sector’s expansion shows up clearly in the numbers. Abu Dhabi had recorded more than 38,600 active construction licences by February 2026. New business registrations climbed 66 percent year on year in 2025, while active construction members grew 24.8 percent over the same period. Between 2019 and 2025, new construction memberships expanded at a compound annual rate of nearly 28 percent.
Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director-General of ADCCI, said the sector’s evolution reflects where the market is placing value.
“Value today comes from integration, quality and certainty of delivery, not just scale,” Al Marzooqi said. “The strong growth in private sector participation shows that the market is responding well to these new demands.”
He added that the report reflects the Chamber’s commitment to providing practical, decision-focused insights that help businesses grow, strengthen competitiveness and support Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for high-value construction.
Global shift, local alignment
Construction activity worldwide is consolidating around fewer, more advanced projects, particularly in energy, infrastructure, utilities and industrial facilities that demand higher precision and tighter integration. Abu Dhabi’s near-term project pipeline mirrors this trend, led by energy developments alongside a growing number of specialised industrial projects such as data centres and advanced manufacturing facilities.
Export potential across the value chain
The report also flags Abu Dhabi’s growing export potential across the construction value chain, from upstream materials such as clay and limestone, to midstream components including ductwork and valves, to downstream systems such as UPS solutions, distribution boards and low-voltage panels.
ADCCI’s Export Potential Index supports these opportunities by identifying priority products and target markets, linking global demand trends with Abu Dhabi’s competitive strengths to enable faster, more focused export expansion. The emirate’s geographic location, logistics efficiency and industrial capacity further strengthen its ability to scale construction exports across fast-growing regional markets.
A more predictable market
The Chamber said the sector is also achieving greater stability, supported by regulatory improvements and targeted public investment that mark a shift from a project-based market to a programme-driven operating environment. Faster digital permitting, standardised government contracting, industrial land incentives, localisation measures and stronger sustainability and compliance requirements are all contributing to demand for high-performance materials and integrated construction systems.
The report is part of ADCCI’s broader push to deliver data-driven intelligence supporting private sector growth and Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic diversification goals.- Additional inputs from WAM
