AI and digital infrastructure reshape the GCC built environment
More than 1,400 construction, real estate and data infrastructure leaders recently gathered in Dubai for the ninth edition of Construction Technology ConFex (CTF) 2026, as artificial intelligence, automation and the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure emerge as key forces reshaping the GCC’s built environment.
The event brought together developers, contractors, government authorities, AEC consultants and technology innovators from across the region.
Held alongside Property Technology ConFex (PTF) and Data Centre Technology ConFex (DCTC), the 2026 edition featured more than 200 speakers, 50 sponsors and exhibitors, 15 live demonstrations and 10 fast pitches, connecting construction, real estate and data infrastructure as these sectors become increasingly intertwined through technology.
Accelerating project timelines
Across all three events, discussions focused on how technology can accelerate project timelines, reduce cost overruns and improve outcomes across giga projects, smart-city programmes and next-generation digital infrastructure.
“This year’s edition brought together the people and technologies redefining how the region designs, builds and operates its assets,” stated Katie Briggs, Partner, B2B Connect.
Practical insights
“CTF 2026 provided an important forum for the industry to exchange practical insights and explore how technology can deliver measurable improvements on increasingly complex projects,” asserted Mahmoud Radwan, General Manager, MENA, Premier Construction Software.
“CTF gives us a great platform to have those conversations with our customers and industry peers, and to showcase how Procore is helping turn that potential into real impact,” commented Jennifer Petrie, Enterprise Account Executive, Procore.
Construction Technology Awards 2026
The annual Construction Technology Awards 2026 recognised achievements in digital delivery, innovation and transformation across the built environment, with 146 entries shortlisted for independent judging across project, organisation, individual and special award categories.
2026 Winners are as follows:
Projects
- BIM Project of the Year: Teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi – Miral & Alec
- Digital Project of the Year: City Operations Intelligence & Asset Lifecycle Transformation – Emaar, The Economic City (KAEC)
- Digital Twin of the Year: Riyas NGL Projects Department – Saudi Aramco
- Sustainable Project of the Year: King Salman Park – King Salman Park Foundation
- Tech for Safety & Wellbeing Award: Real Time Operations Centre and Remote CCR – Kent
- Offsite Project of the Year – Highly Commended: King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries & Services – Saudi Aramco
- Offsite Project of the Year: Sobha One – Sobha Modular
Organisations
BIM Organisation of the Year: PNC Architects | Sobha Realty
- Consultant of the Year: PNC Architects
- Contractor of the Year: Trojan Construction Holding
- Developer of the Year: Dubai Holding Real Estate
- Digital Design Organisation of the Year: Group Amana
- Digital Transformation of the Year – Client: Dubai Municipality
- Digital Transformation of the Year – Contractor: DuPod – An Amana Company
- Digital Transformation of the Year – Consultant: Parsons
- Sustainable Organisation of the Year: Rua Al Madinah Holding
- Start Up of the Year: Trubuild
Individuals
- Sustainability Rising Star of the Year: Remya Mohan – Parsons
- ConTech Rising Star of the Year: Hafis Jamal – Pace
- ConTech Star of the Year: Udhayakumar Ramasamy – Surbana Jurong
- BIM Champion of the Year – Consultant: Sandeep Singh – Jacobs
- BIM Champion of the Year – Contractor: Musleh Saeed Bazamol – Al Ayuni Investment & Contracting Co.
- BIM Champion of the Year – Client: Mohamed Ezzat – Red Sea Global
- Sustainability Leader of the Year (Co-Winner): Alfonso Senatore – Sports Boulevard Foundation
- Sustainability Leader of the Year (Co-Winner): Ana W. Hudson – King Salman Park Foundation
- ConTech Leader of the Year: Rowan Alawi – Trase
Special Awards
- Judges’ Choice – Digital Leadership: Red Sea Global
- Judges’ Choice – Technical Excellence: Khatib & Alami
