How UK firms can revolutionise the GCC’s construction and sustainable infrastructure sector

GCC countries are rapidly diversifying their economies, with infrastructure and construction taking centre stage in national transformation strategies. Mega-projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and Kuwait’s Al Mutlaa City illustrate the region’s ambitions for sustainable growth.

The UK is uniquely positioned to support these goals, bringing its leadership in low-carbon construction and infrastructure planning.

As the first major economy to halve its emissions-cutting them by 50 per cent between 1990 and 2022 while growing its economy by 80 per cent—the UK showcases how sustainable practices drive economic success, according to the UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions Statistics and data from the Office for National Statistics. Furthermore, according to Oxford Economics, the UK is set to become Europe’s largest construction market by 2030, a testament to its expertise and innovation.

Delivering on GCC Mega-Projects

The UK brings together companies of all sizes as one ‘Team UK’ consortia to bid for global infrastructure contracts and deliver complex projects by combining their expertise across all levels of the supply chain. In 2024, UK Export Finance guaranteed an Islamic Murabaha financing facility for approximately $700m signed by Qiddiya Investment Company to finance the construction of the Six Flags Qiddiya City theme park.

At the end of June 2024, the UK’s exports of construction services from the previous 12 months stood at GBP3.9m, an increase of 24.1 per cent in current prices compared to the previous 12 months, reflecting growing global demand, including in the GCC.

UK companies are renowned for playing a key role in the construction and management of mega-projects, including pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai, offering advanced solutions such as 3D printing, modular and prefabricated construction, and building information modelling software.

Innovative UK Construction

One UK company supporting sustainable construction ambitions in the Gulf is Wales-based Concrete Canvas Ltd. The business manufactures several innovative construction materials, including Concrete Canvas (CC)—a flexible concrete-filled fabric that hardens when hydrated.

“With applications ranging from canal lining to weed suppression, our technology streamlines construction processes in diverse environments, including remote and challenging terrains. Concrete Canvas’ commitment to sustainability and efficiency makes us a leading manufacturer of advanced construction materials worldwide,” said William Crawford and Peter Brewin, the co-founders of Concrete Canvas.

The company’s material technology has been successfully utilized in several significant projects across the Gulf region. For example, bund linings and pyrophoric containment areas were completed for Aramco, while water channels were constructed for the Kuwait National Petroleum Company. In Lebanon, slope protection was provided along the Pan-Arab Highway, and lagoon lining was undertaken for Shell in Qatar. In Saudi Arabia, the material was applied for slope protection at Ma’aden Aluminium, and in the UAE, Gasco utilized it for pipe protection berm linings.

Concrete Canvas’ management sees the GCC region as a key area for growth, with many of the largest infrastructure projects in the world being delivered there in the coming years. “Many development projects such as NEOM are considering the benefits of applying our geosynthetic cementitious composite mat technology,” Crawford and Brewin said.

Leading the Way in Green Infrastructure Innovation

Another example of the UK’s capability in green infrastructure is Kiverco Ltd. They are a global leader in waste recycling plant solutions, with a focus on sustainable design and innovative waste management solutions. The company has delivered over 400 projects worldwide, spanning four continents and processing five main waste streams.

Kiverco’s presence in the Gulf region dates back to 2014, with installations in prominent locations such as Dulsco/Expo 2020 Dubai and Averda Red Sea Global. Through partnerships and collaborations, Kiverco has played a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and waste management practices in the region.

With the region investing billions in giga projects aimed at transforming infrastructure and lifestyle, managing waste generated during construction and population influx has become a critical aspect of sustainability. “We continue to work with partners in the region to develop the most innovative recycling solutions to meet the current and future needs in the region,” stated a representative from Kiverco.

With GCC real estate and construction projects valued at $1.68tn, according to CBRE, UK businesses are well-placed to deliver on the region’s ambitious plans. Their expertise in sustainable infrastructure and low-carbon solutions positions them as key partners in shaping the future of the GCC’s evolving landscape.

To find out more about working with UK businesses to make your vision a reality, visit great.gov.uk/gcc.

Read: Saudi Arabia’s real estate, infrastructure projects hit $1.25tn