In the past 40 years, the MEP sector has witnessed major changes across technologies, processes, and applications.
The foremost leader in this quantum leap has been the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where a construction boom in the 1990s revolutionised the industry like never before.
Since then, the UAE has set the tone for complexity, innovation and functionality throughout construction and MEP design.
The UAE as industry leaders
During that period of rapid growth, engineers in the UAE were able to attract the leaders of other global construction markets such as the US, Australia, Hong Kong and the UK. In doing so, they retained the best minds the MEP sector could offer from across the globe.
Speculation in market shifts has allowed the UAE to continue improving technologies and setting new standards for HVAC and engineering stakeholders everywhere.
In the past 20 years, the UAE construction market has been one of the first to focus on sustainable and green projects, building automation, integrated systems, smart applications and prefabrication.
Yet, one of the most innovative changes that UAE engineers have pushed for often goes unnoticed is a shift from a brick-and-mortar to a brain-based industry.
What is a brain-based industry?
Brain-based industry in construction relies less on traditional labour, and more on technological advancements to increase efficiency.
By focusing on the smart cities of tomorrow, this brain-based approach capitalises on opportunities to improve building technology and intelligence, increase building longevity and modernise how we interact with the built environment.
These innovations have created a perception shift in which people don’t just judge a building aesthetically, but instead, look at its internal systems as a way to better gauge longevity and functionality. This includes everything from security systems, connectivity, sustainability and energy efficiency. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.
Future advancements in UAE construction technologies
Just last year, the UAE announced its national initiative to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This driving force for sustainability has only skyrocketed the shift towards smarter and greener buildings. If this initiative is achieved, the UAE will become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to reach net zero.
Some of the most advanced tools being implemented in UAE construction include:
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- HoloLens
- BIM
- 3D-modelling
- Robotic applications
Industry leaders say they’ve benefitted from these revolutionary changes in MEP engineering. Some of these benefits include increased productivity, smarter delivery, fewer clashes between teams, reduced waste from materials, better building visualisation and lower carbon emissions.
Technological applications are also changing the most elementary aspects of the construction trade.
We’re likely to see shifts within the construction hierarchy as roles become more automated and tech-based. As construction becomes more reliant on technology, positions such as site supervisor and foreman could one day become obsolete and make way for newer, more integrated roles.
What’s to come for the global industry?
In every industry, major change always happens when one leader inspires others. When it comes to MEP engineering, the UAE’s rapid mobilisation in tech applications within construction has made others want to play catch up. This is especially true as governments across the world create new incentives for smart buildings and environmentally-friendly building solutions.
MEP is at a major turning point. We can only be thrilled for what’s to yet come in this industry as stakeholders continue applying innovative techniques to the ways we look at construction and engineering.