Massive delays plague region

The total budget for construction projects under way in the Middle East reached almost $1 trillion (Dh3.67trn) last year, according to UAE-based industry intelligence provider Proleads.

But the region-wide expansion drive is being hit by massive delays. In addition, soaring engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract costs have prompted most project sponsors to postpone or even cancel some of their capital projects on the grounds of expected lower returns. The number of projects has declined by 10 per cent across the region, except in the UAE.


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