Page 24 - BENTLEY SYSTEMS PR REPORT - MAY 2023

Can GenAI enhance the Middle East’s

construction industry?

Arun Shankar | 8 May, 2024
The simplest way for regional construction organisations to get started with AI is
by focusing on how data is organised, managed, used, unused and those
organisations that master data management and use digital twins can unlock the
potential of AI, says Julien Moutte at Bentley Systems.

The Middle East is buzzing with billion-dollar megaprojects. Out of all nine ongoing
megaprojects named by 1build, International Construction Magazine, and Construction
Review to cost $100 billion or more, four were being built in the Arab Gulf Region.

From rethinking urban development with NEOM in Saudia Arabia to reshaping how
goods and people are transported via the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC rail
programme, the sheer number and scope of megaprojects highlight the many
opportunities to advance infrastructure across the region.

However, much like Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific, which are also experiencing
a surge in infrastructure development, projects in the Middle East face similar
engineering and skilled labour constraints, delivery delays and overruns, supply chain
challenges, and the growing need to meet resiliency and sustainability requirements.

How can infrastructure engineers, construction contractors, and owner-operators across
the region address these challenges and improve project delivery and asset
performance?

Over the last year, there has been a lot of discussion about using AI-powered
applications and solutions to improve project efficiency, organisational effectiveness,
and infrastructure outcomes. Leveraging AI, machine learning, and other intelligent
applications presents immense potential for addressing issues across the infrastructure
life cycle.

Unfortunately, data is the foundation for AI-powered anything and the infrastructure
sector has a large data management hurdle it must clear before the promise of AI can
be realised.

https://www.intelligentcio.com/me/2024/05/08/can-genai-enhance-the-middle-easts-
construction-industry/