Over the past year, AtkinsRéalis has played a pivotal role in delivering projects that set new benchmarks for scale, complexity, and sustainability in the Middle East. Our teams have advanced mobility through the Riyadh Metro Lines 4, 5, and 6, and Dubai Metro expansions, while also shaping premium living environments with key clients like Aldar on flagship developments.
These milestones reflect our commitment to building future-ready infrastructure and creating spaces for vibrant communities to live and thrive in.
Our achievements have unfolded in what is, arguably, one of the most intense investment cycles in the company’s history, and the built environment is at its heart. Governments across the GCC region are committing unprecedented capital to mobility, digital infrastructure, and new city districts.
In the UAE, Dubai has approved a record three-year budget (2026 – 2028), with almost half of all expenditure directed to infrastructure. Abu Dhabi has announced an investment outlay of more than Dhs240bn over the next decade to expand transport networks, housing, healthcare, and education as part of its 2040 strategy. Saudi Arabia’s 2026 budget sits at about $350bn, supported by non-oil growth that is projected to exceed 4 per cent. For our industry, these investments represent an opportunity to guide transformation with clarity and discipline to add long-term value.
The industry context is shifting as quickly as the physical skyline of the region. Across the AEC sector, four out of five firms intend to increase technology investment in 2026, yet only a small fraction have integrated digital workflows end to end.
With 72 per cent of organisations already using AI in at least one function, and the global construction AI market set to grow from $2.29bn in 2025 to $7.11bn in 2029, it is imperative what we adapt to address the growing needs of our industry.
At AtkinsRéalis, we use AI-powered tools to generate multiple design options, enhance data management, and automate processes across project lifecycles. Generative design and digital twins allow our teams to create and evaluate dozens of viable solutions in hours, supporting faster, data-driven decision making.
From digital innovation to optimising practices, the past year has been marked by learnings that we will carry forward into 2026 as we deepen our understanding of the industry shifts.
This is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia, which is adjusting its ambitions and timelines. Some major projects have been delayed or re-shaped because of this recalibration. We see these changes as a strategic response to evolving economic and geopolitical realities. As capital and attention move towards cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, demand is growing for critical infrastructure, driven by mega projects and preparations for global events that support the Kingdom’s long-term vision.
Transport infrastructure will remain a priority across the region as a result. Etihad Rail will introduce passenger services in 2026 through a 900-kilometre network that connects 11 cities and halves journey times.
Metro and rail expansions across Riyadh, Dubai, and other major cities are shaping a new generation of transit-oriented development, which requires thinking that encompasses engineering, operations, digital systems, and sustainability. This is where we will continue to play a decisive role.
Amidst all this, our focus is clear: to continue supporting governments, developers, and operators in delivering the next generation of transport, digital infrastructure, and city-shaping investments, even while preparing for a more connected, data-driven, and climate-conscious future.
We are expanding our presence across the Emirates, deepening partnerships in Abu Dhabi, and laying the groundwork for shared, long-term success. By building out our teams to optimise delivery for high-growth sectors like transportation, leisure, entertainment, and industrial development, we will continue to prioritise innovation and integrated solutions for clients and stakeholders.
These advances are only made possible by our people. Across the Middle East and Africa, around 5,000 colleagues are delivering complex programmes with a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
We are also deepening our contribution to national talent agendas through active Emiratisation and Saudisation programmes, supported by structured mentoring, technical training, and early career pathways to share knowledge and expertise whilst nurturing the next generation of leaders who will steer the region’s future.
We are confident that, together with our partners, we can help create smart urban environments, resilient mobility and infrastructure solutions across the Middle East for generations to come.
