This research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the current ecosystem of BIM technology and its utilization in the UAE. Since the UAE has been an early adopter of BIM, its utilization of BIM is now likely to reach that of developed nations. By adopting the BIM case study analysis framework, two sets of projects of similar categories in terms of functionality and typology were selected and mapped. One set represents projects within the UAE, and the second represents projects from developed nations utilizing BIM during the projects’ lifecycle (LC). Incorporating expert interviews to triangulate the results collected from the case study analysis will further contribute to developing a more in-depth comprehension of BIM use in the UAE. The three significant inferences can be drawn from the findings. Firstly, in the UAE, stakeholders utilize BIM fragmentarily in different stages. Secondly, the full extent of BIM utilization over the project’s LC is not pursued. Thirdly, no effective BIM standards or protocols exist. Even though international firms are the main drivers of UAE BIM adoption and utilization, UAE BIM is still in its infancy, necessitating a more collaborative effort to realize the holistic benefits of the BIM process. The findings could be utilized to identify industry standards and guiding principles for BIM implementation in the UAE and help identify areas for improvement. It also provides valuable insights into how BIM can be used more effectively in the country and how its use can be promoted. Additionally, it could be used as a guide for owners/asset managers and AEC professionals in the UAE looking to implement BIM in their projects.

This study aims to create an iconic dust-control skyscraper that resembles an environmentally friendly structure, by adapting a new dust simulation design approach. This method seeks to reduce dust dispersion in the air, control dust movement, and siphon it from the ambient air to purify the surrounding environment by implementing design techniques in the skyscrapers of the UAE. To tackle this critical but often overlooked issue, this study focuses on building typologies along the Sheikh Zayed road region in Dubai city due to the area’s importance and the existence of numerous renowned skyscrapers. An analytical study was conducted to categorize the typologies, followed by a performance analysis to assess the impact of accumulated dust on solar radiation and the overall thermal performance of the structures. Fourteen cases were evaluated using ANSYS simulation software selected for their basic typologies and their possible existence in reality. The study’s design guidelines were set according to the results conducted from running the simulation, as the findings suggested that wind streamlines may easily travel around a circular-shaped structure, while a building’s sharp edges act as wind barriers, driving the wind away from the structure and allowing dust to collect on the surfaces. The ideal example, according to the study’s conclusions, was the trapezoid form (case 14), which was established by simulation results that demonstrated a 3.4% reduction in roof conduction and a 1.3% reduction in yearly cooling. On the other hand, a biomimetic design approach was also integrated into the study to devise a design concept that effectively responds to nature. Preliminary ideas and potential future avenues for this project are also discussed.

This research aims to detect the reasons for, challenges to, and methods of settling disputes from private housing construction contracts in the Palestinian Territories (the West Bank) and their consequences in the construction market. Literature on the subject was reviewed, then free discussions were conducted with a focus group of 39 local community representatives (LCRs) in the West Bank (judges, lawyers, and representatives from Palestinian Contractors Union, Engineers Syndicate, municipalities, and governors) to explore the challenges, dispute reasons, and regulatory frames for residential construction agreements in the West Bank. The discussions were followed by a questionnaire sent to 79 landlords and 32 residential contractors. An in-depth statistical analysis was then conducted using the collected data. It was found that a legislative gap in regulating private housing construction agreements has led to the jurisdiction of customary law that preserves the interests of residential contractors to the detriment of landlords. The inequality of bargaining power between the contracting parties, the poor management of agreements, and the lack of engineering supervision in most of these relationships represent significant challenges in the practical conditions of these contractual relationships. This research pursues the reasons for disputes in private housing construction agreements, the lack of a regulatory framework for construction contracts, poor management of agreements, and the absence of engineering supervision.

Purpose: This paper aims to identify the pre-design critical success factors CSFs pertaining to different types of construction projects in the rapidly growing city of Dubai, by adopting one of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools, analytic hierarchy process (AHP).Design/methodology/approach: A mapping process was utilized to filter and categorize CSFs gathered from a literature review. A total of 5 main and 27 sub-main criteria were derived following RIBA's Plan of Work 2020 (Royal Institute of British Architects). A questionnaire was distributed among experts in the construction industry to assess the development in vicinity of the Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR). An analysis was conducted to prioritize the CSFs as per experts' judgment.Findings: According to the experts' combined judgment, CSFs linked to client requirements (CR) are the most significant at 22.9% priority weight. Overall project review (OPR), project team (PT), project preparation (PP), previous projects feedback and experience (PPF) success factors achieved 21.4, 19.5, 18.9 and 17.2%, respectively. Within CR, sub-CSFs of client consultation and acceptance (CCA), responsibly matrix for stakeholders (RM), client track record (CTR) and client level of service (CLS) were prioritized by the experts.Research limitations/implications: This work was carried out by respondents based in UAE only, and focused on one urban stretch of Dubai, this could be replicated by employing experts from other countries and other case study areas within Dubai.Practical implications: This study would significantly have an impact on the education of current and future project managers, planners, engineers, architects and, most importantly, decision-makers on helpful pre-design strategies for enhancing their project success. This research could assist, direct and educate management, as the management provides/manages the necessary resources for projects. Furthermore, management also has the authority to choose project leaders/consultants that will make the project successful.Social implications: Consolidating Dubai's phenomenal growth requires prioritizing socio-economic strategies in future development projects at the pre-design and pre-construction stage, which will improve the city's business environment and the quality of life for Dubai's residents. This opens up fresh possibilities over the next few years for integrating robust procedures for successful execution, monitoring and evaluation of future construction developments from the outset.Originality/value: Although many studies have identified various factors as important for successful building projects, few appear to have done a complete analysis using pre-design criteria to systematically categorize professional views on the relative relevance of CSFs. There is a lack in research examining the factors that led to Dubai's successful construction projects. This study attempts to bridge this gap and provide a prioritized framework reference model to assist project/asset managers and decision-makers.