Mega-facility management has long been inefficient due to manual, reactive approaches. Current facility management systems face challenges such as fragmented data integration, limited predictive systems, use of traditional methods, and lack of knowledge of new technologies, such as Building Information Modeling and Artificial Intelligence. This study examines the transformative integration of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin technologies into Building Information Modeling (BIM) frameworks using IoT sensors for real-time data collection and predictive analytics. Unlike previous research, this study uses case studies and simulation models for dynamic data integration and scenario-based analyses. Key findings show a significant reduction in maintenance costs (25%) and energy consumption (20%), as well as increased asset utilization and operational efficiency. With an F1-score of more than 90%, the system shows excellent predictive accuracy for equipment failures and energy forecasting. Practical applications in hospitals and airports demonstrate the developed ability of the platform to integrate the Internet of Things and Building Information Modeling technologies, shifting facilities management from being reactive to proactive. This paper presents a demo platform that integrates BIM with Digital Twins to improve the predictive maintenance of HVAC systems, equipment, security systems, etc., by recording data from different assets, which helps streamline asset management, enhance energy efficiency, and support decision-making for the buildings’ critical systems.

This study delves into the multifaceted landscape of Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption and implementation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's construction industry. Employing an online survey methodology, the research scrutinizes the varied profiles of contractors. Through regression analysis, the study investigates the impact of institutional pressures on the contractors’ BIM adoption, implementation, encountered barriers and challenges, expected benefits and outcomes, and related expertise and training. The analysis then extends to evaluate the interrelationships among such BIM variables. The key findings reveal significant influences of institutional pressures on BIM adoption and benefits as well as their expected benefits and outcomes but less impact on overcoming BIM barriers and challenges and enhancing expertise and training. The research highlights the limited role of BIM expertise and training in the adoption, implementation, and realization of its benefits and outcomes within the MENA construction sector. Furthermore, the study concludes that barriers, challenges, benefits, and outcomes don’t have a significant effect on BIM's adoption and implementation. The study also evaluates the primary benefits and outcomes of BIM alongside the main barriers and challenges encountered. Crucially, the research identifies and dissects the salient barriers to BIM deployment, such as awareness and expertise deficiency, financial and human resource constraints, training shortages, and resistance to change. This study not only provides a detailed snapshot of the BIM landscape but also lays the groundwork for addressing the persistent challenges and harnessing the full potential of BIM in revolutionizing construction methodologies in the MENA region. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-08-015 Full Text: PDF

Purpose: As globalization accelerates, Kuwaiti public clients increasingly mandate local-international Architecture/Engineering (AE) collaborations for complex projects. However, these partnerships face high failure rates and complexities traditional models overlook, resulting in a scarcity of local research. This study aims to examine motivations, risks and success factors for AE consultancy international joint ventures (IJVs) in Kuwait. It resolves the “performance paradox” by identifying why regional findings are untransferable to Kuwait's landscape, instructing the operation of future practices. Design/methodology/approach: The research was initiated with a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats study, followed by the triangulation of 49 questionnaires, 27 in-depth interviews and insights from the first author's 8-year tenure as design director for a mega-scale campus project, providing a practitioner-based “ground truth” assessment. Findings: IJVs motives include a “trust-specialization divide” and technology transfer. The challenges include the “80/20 Power Paradox,” statutory friction and “synchronization gaps” (mismatched work weeks). Success depends on robust management, equity in participation and firm-size alignment. Research limitations/implications: Limitations include a shortage of local consultants in IJV practices and the evaluation of partnerships at a specific point in time. Future research could explore how these findings evolve throughout the project's lifecycle. Originality/value: This research paper fills a significant knowledge gap by establishing an evidentiary framework identifying “statutory friction” and “synchronization gaps” unique to the Middle East. It creates a template for the reconciliation of global innovations and local mandates in emerging markets.

Purpose: This study investigates strategic drivers and barriers to building information modeling (BIM) adoption within the Kuwaiti architecture, engineering and construction industry. It aims to develop a policy-led roadmap to bridge the digital divide in emerging Gulf Cooperation Council economies. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a qualitative multi-method design, interpreted through combined technology-organization-environment and institutional theory lenses. First, a systematic literature review of 35 records (34 peer-reviewed articles and 1 policy report) mapped global trends. Second, these findings were triangulated with ten semistructured interviews with BIM experts and stakeholders. Data were analyzed using hybrid codebook thematic analysis. Findings: Results indicate that government funding and regulatory mandates are primary adoption catalysts. Conversely, fragmented policies, high implementation costs and organizational resistance act as significant barriers. The study highlights that BIM integration, facilitated by AI analytics and digital twins, critically enhances prefabrication efficiency and sustainability. Practical implications: This study proposes a phased national strategy involving unified standards, robust institutional oversight and sustained financial incentives. The findings provide a transferable framework for policymakers to align construction practices with Kuwait Vision 2035 and regional digital transformation goals. Originality/value: By synthesizing global literature with regional expert insights, this research provides a Kuwait-specific, evidence-grounded policy synthesis for BIM institutionalization. Its value lies in filling a critical knowledge gap in an under-studied Middle Eastern context and offering a methodologically transparent mapping of policy pillars to empirical data.