Reviewing the Top 10 Construction Projects in the UAE

United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes the futuristic cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has earned a reputation in recent years as a hub of infrastructure development, innovative building designs, and compelling museums and public spaces. Many recently completed projects, along with some still under construction, are known for their unique architecture and structural elements, as well as their functional and sustainable interior spaces.

The vast scope of construction projects in the UAE makes it difficult to limit our list to just ten. Keep reading to find the most ambitious and noteworthy construction projects from this innovation-driven region.

Top 10 Construction Projects in the UAE

The UAE construction industry continues to experience robust expansion, driven by heavy government investment in infrastructure, population growth, and a variety of new projects backed by private investment. These factors will contribute to an annual industry growth rate of 4% between 2026 and 2029. With that in mind, the spectacular buildings found throughout the country will soon be joined by many more incredible structures.

1. The Museum of the Future – Dubai

It might be appropriate to call the entire city of Dubai a Museum of the Future, but the 7-story structure just outside of downtown that bears this name is definitely deserving of it. The unique torus-shaped building has windows in the form of an Arabic poem. From the outside, it looks more like a statue or monument than a working museum. Since the museum first opened to the public in 2022, those who venture inside find interactive exhibits on space travel, biodiversity, “future heroes,” and much more.

The 17,000 square meter museum had a construction budget of AED $500 million (USD $136 million) and took a large team of engineers, artists, builders, and technicians more than six years to complete. Over 1,000 steel panels were installed around the museum, and the external facade alone took 18 months to finish. This innovative project leveraged modern software and technology, with building information modeling (BIM) used to perfect the complex design, and automated robotic arms used to fabricate the exterior shell.

The Museum of the Future lives up to its name by relying exclusively on green energy sources, including 4,000 MW of solar energy to power the 14,000 meters of light lines. Advanced waste management and water conservation systems also help to enhance the building’s reputation for sustainability.

2. Masdar City – Abu Dhabi

Another one of the noteworthy and futuristic new construction projects in the UAE is Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. The city, which is now home to 15,000 people, got its name from the company that led the development project. Construction of the first phase began in 2006 with an initial budget of USD $22 billion, with subsequent phases continuing through 2030. The six square kilometer city now includes the UAE Space Agency, Khalifa University, and the LEED Platinum certified Siemens Energy Building.

Economic sustainability has been a primary goal throughout the development and construction of Masdar City, which means creating spaces that are both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible. 90% of the buildings are constructed with low-carbon cement and utilize 90% recycled aluminum. The buildings use 40% less energy and water when compared to other similar buildings.

Advanced 6D modeling to track the cost, schedule, and embodied carbon simultaneously throughout the design and construction phases made it easier to accurately predict emissions and support the UAE-wide commitment to reach net-zero by 2050.

3. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park – Dubai

Another one of the new construction projects in Dubai with a decidedly sustainable focus is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Since the initial ground-breaking in 2012, it has become the largest single-site solar park in the world, based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The park covers 77 square kilometers of (desert) land on the uninhabited outskirts of the capital city. The investment of AED $50 billion (USD $13.6 billion) will eventually lead to power generation of over five gigawatts by 2030, saving 6.5 million tons of carbon emission per year.

The first phase of the project was completed in 2013, when 152,000 photovoltaic cells first became operational. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum personally inaugurated the 200 MW second phase of the solar park in 2017, and over 2,000 workers could be found on-site during the peak of construction. Despite the challenging work and conditions, the project achieved an impressive 1.5 million safe man-hours without lost time to injury.

Advanced solar cell designs, molten salt technology to store thermal energy, and a world-renowned solar tower contributed to a record-low cost for solar energy by the time Phase 2 was fully operational, and this cost continued to drop with advanced tracking systems to increase power generation by up to 30%. Software tools have also played a big part in the success of this project, with 3D modeling, layout optimization, and construction management software utilized to accelerate construction and minimize rework and errors.

4. Etihad Rail Network – UAE-wide

Infrastructure projects in the UAE continue to improve transportation, commerce, and utilities throughout the country while matching the futuristic vision of the better-known building and smart city designs. The Etihad Rail Network is among these endeavors, linking all seven emirates together with fast and reliable freight service since its completion in 2023. With a cargo capacity of 60 million tons, the 900 km span is essential for transporting sulfur, retail goods, and construction materials. Passenger service is also being considered as part of the future expansion plans.

The three-year project provided jobs for over 27,000 people across 3,000 individual construction sites, and required the use of over 1,000 pieces of heavy equipment. These resources made the massive AED $40 billion (USD $11 billion) budget understandable, and the success of this project has drawn support for additional expansion from the government. The Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) rail program will eventually create similar high-capacity rail connections with neighboring countries.

The conventional appearance of the trains and box cars running along the Etihad line conceal a strong commitment to sustainable practices. For example, one all-electric train can carry as much as 300 diesel-powered trucks to minimize traffic congestion and carbon emissions throughout the region. Etihad Rail also offers CO₂ emission avoidance and reduction certificates to its customers.

5. Zayed National Museum – Abu Dhabi

With a design featuring five sculpted steel towers inspired by the wings of a falcon, the Zayed National Museum is another architectural marvel that represents the very best in construction, design, and sustainability innovation. The new museum will present 300,000 years of UAE history within the 19,000 square meter facility. The museum also pays tribute to the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the values he promoted throughout his life.

The distinct steel towers were inspired by Zayed’s love of falconry, but they also serve a functional and sustainable purpose by acting as natural ventilation chimneys to reduce energy consumption. The museum was built with a double-skin façade to improve air flow and cooling efficiency. Local and recycled material sources were favored to reduce embodied carbon. This impressive sustainable construction achievement was also supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) adoption to improve error detection and quality control.

The complexity of the structure, along with contractor changes and other unavoidable delays, extended the lifespan of the project beyond original expectations, but the interactive displays, stunning interior views, and priceless historical artifacts made this museum worth the wait for locals and visitors from around the world.

6. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Another breathtaking museum that has found its way onto our list of top construction projects in the UAE is the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Much like the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, this UAE facility showcases a wide range of artwork, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Construction of the unique 24,000 square meter domed museum began in 2009, and concluded in 2017, with approximately AED $5.5 billion (USD $1.5 billion) spent on the project from beginning to end.

The “floating dome” concept of the museum required a large team of water engineers and geotechnical specialists to create a watertight basement and indoor tidal pools that give visitors the feeling of a “museum in the sea.” Along with the engineering team, over 5,000 workers from 29 countries were involved in the completion of this one-of-a-kind museum. Architects, engineers, and designers leveraged software solutions like BIM, luminance mapping, and parametric design tools to turn this vision into a reality.

7. Dubai Wholesale City

The world’s largest wholesale hub, known as Dubai Wholesale City, can also be found in the UAE. The 51 million square meter complex, comprising specialized trading parks and an international exhibition facility, will be completed in 2026, with a budget of AED $30 billion (USD $8 billion) supporting the 10-year undertaking. To accommodate the large number of commercial centers and exhibition halls, the project also included major infrastructure upgrades, with new roads and sidewalks connecting the various facilities.

With such an ambitious scope and budget, it should be no surprise to learn that Dubai Wholesale City has created jobs for thousands of workers during the construction phase, and over 15,000 wholesale traders are expected to make this site their primary location once the park is fully operational. Energy-efficient building designs, renewable energy sources, and water conservation policies ensure the massive hub will continue to align with UAE sustainability objectives.

8. Dubai Creek Tower

A new centerpiece and symbol of architectural elegance and technology in Dubai is the Dubai Creek Tower, an 828-meter observation tower in the heart of the city, designed by world renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Once completed, the tower will include multiple observation decks and an elevated garden with a panoramic view of Dubai Creek Harbor. The AED $3.67 billion (USD $1 billion) budget was used to cover land, material, and labor costs, as well as the extensive engineering resources required to create one of the tallest structures in the world.

The tower is also among many new construction projects in Dubai utilizing advanced software solutions during both the design and building phases. Commonly used tools for modern projects of this magnitude include BIM, structural analysis software, and construction management software platforms for procurement, estimation, planning, and project management.

9. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa

Tourism in UAE has expanded along with the new buildings and infrastructure, with millions of visitors from hundreds of cities enjoying museums, monuments, and structures that can be found nowhere else in the world. The 53,000 square meter Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa in Abu Dhabi reflects and supports this trend. The project took two years to complete at a cost of AED $1.4 billion (USD $380 million). With over 200 rooms and 53 pool villas, the resort has quickly become a top tourist destination spot.

RIB BuildSmart and RIB Candy were among the advanced software tools enabling the success of this project. BuildSmart supported cost control activities, including procurement, inventory management, and subcontractor management, with interactive dashboards and real-time analytics. RIB Candy provided a tool for on-screen quantity takeoff, estimation, and project planning to support the aggressive timeline and sustainability goals. As a result, the project was awarded the prestigious Green Globe Certification (GGC) and was named the UAE’s leading desert resort eight times over twelve years.

10. Burj Binghatti – Dubai

Last but certainly not least on our list of new construction projects in the UAE is Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, a 595-meter skyscraper in the heart of Dubai with residential units and five penthouses that will span all 104 floors by the time it is fully completed in 2027. While the precise cost of this undertaking is not known, apartments will be priced at over AED $7 million (USD $2 million), which is not surprising given the building’s elegant, jewelry-inspired design, and the breathtaking views that accompany the tallest fully residential structure in the world.

Like many other new building and infrastructure projects in UAE, Burj Binghatti is utilizing a combination of advanced software and technology to meet the aggressive timeline while establishing new records and precedents. A self-climbing formwork system allows for the rapid rise of the concrete core, and 3D printing technology is being used to create the distinctive crown facade. BIM and construction digital twin technology allowed for the creation of a virtual replica of the building, which has accelerated design, testing, and construction while optimizing material usage.

What Can Professional Software Do for Construction Projects in the UAE?

The accelerated timelines, unprecedented size and complexity, and firm commitment to green construction practices accompanying the top construction projects in the UAE call for a combination of advanced software tools to meet the aggressive budget, timeline, and quality requirements.

As part of the integrated suite of RIB Software tools, RIB Candy supports accurate estimation, quantity takeoff, and integrated project planning to help construction teams address these challenges while improving collaboration and minimizing errors. Additional features and capabilities that make Candy a preferred construction software option for the UAE include:

• On-screen quantity takeoff from either 2D drawings or 3D models
• Intuitive planning dashboards and displays with automatic error correction, simplified progress reporting, and support for either critical path or precedence networking methods.
• Alternate estimating and tendering features to compare up to eight different options simultaneously
• Interactive links between the bill of quantities (BOQ), takeoff, estimate, and schedule of work
• Bill item summaries by cost code based on resources (with), locations (where), or tasks (what)

Final Thoughts

The UAE continues to position itself as one of the world’s most dynamic construction hubs, with projects that set new benchmarks in design, sustainability, and technological innovation. From iconic museums and record-breaking towers to renewable energy parks and smart cities, the developments showcase not only architectural ambition but also a clear commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.

For contractors and firms working in this competitive environment, leveraging the right software can make all the difference. Accurate estimation, efficient planning, and seamless integration between takeoff, scheduling, and reporting are essential to keeping projects profitable and sustainable.

That’s where RIB Candy comes in—helping teams take control of cost planning, estimation, and project execution with precision and confidence. Whether you are bidding for ambitious new projects or managing multiple ongoing developments, Candy equips you with the tools to minimize risk and maximize efficiency.

If you are ready to experience the benefits of our robust planning and estimating software for yourself, get your free demo for RIB Candy today!

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