Unlock some of the secrets behind the thriving Real Estate and Construction industry as we sit down in discussion with Colin Foreman, the keen journalistic mind behind MEED’s editorial intelligence, for an eye-opening finale to our first series. Get ready to understand the record-smashing GCC projects market where a staggering $178 billion in contract awards has set a new benchmark. We dissect the monumental contributions of Saudi Arabia's giga-projects and Dubai's thriving real estate landscape, offering a panoramic view into the regional powerhouses and the evolving trends that will shape the Middle East’s skyline through 2024 and beyond.

The breathtaking pace of construction in Saudi Arabia comes with its own set of hurdles as well as ‘golden tickets’. We scrutinize the shifts in the contractor terrain, the impact of supply chain challenges, and the banking sector's caution with project financing. With the likes of Arabtec and other major contractors fading into the annals of history, we probe the strategic manoeuvres of the remaining contractors and consultants, who seek to master the balancing act of growth risk with reward. 

As Colin helps us to cast our eyes to the future, the ambition of Saudi Arabia's projects, such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Diryah Gate, heralds an era of virtual endless potential, somewhat reminiscent of Dubai's boom periods. 

Colin offers his expertise on the intricate challenges in nurturing talent in remote yet burgeoning hubs, the dynamic nature of GCC post-Al Ula accord, and the profound influence of regional development on sectors like transport and utilities. 

Join us for a profound exploration into the forces driving the Middle East’s construction and real estate narrative as we look ahead to the unfolding story of 2024 and beyond.

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