JEDDAH – Demand for precast concrete in the construction sector is increasing as developers realize how its use can speed up completion time in major projects, according to report by construction intelligence consultancy Ventures Onsite. It is also forecast to be a major part of Dubai’s 2020 build program for structures that can be disassembled afterwards and relocated, according to a new report.



Precast concrete is becoming increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, the report,



released in collaboration with the Middle East Concrete (MEC) and PMV Live exhibitions that is set to take place in November said.



Bashar Abou Mayaleh, Managing Director at Middle East Concrete exhibitor Hard Precast Building Systems, said: “Developers are attracted to precast concrete as it can greatly reduce the duration of a project as well as the cost. It provides cost and time savings to developers and governments, as well as offering significant environmental benefits.”



In Dubai, demand for precast concrete is forecast to increase from next year as high-end architectural projects start to be constructed for Expo 2020. Precast developers are also likely to see opportunities for temporary products, which can be disassembled after the event and transported to other locations.



Qatar’s increased investment in infrastructure projects in the run-up to the World Cup 2022 has boosted demand for precast products and helped build low-cost housing in “Labor Cities”.



While in the UAE and Qatar precast concrete is being used to support large infrastructure projects, in Saudi Arabia it will be used to help meet government targets of 500,000 new homes. The usage of precast concrete will be discussed at the Middle East Concrete exhibition, in two technical seminars addressing this construction method, as well as a panel session that analyses the latest innovations in precast concrete.  “The precast concrete market offers enormous opportunities to local producers and to developers here in the region,” said Nathan Waugh, Event Director for Middle East Concrete and PMV Live.  “We are keen to address this rising demand and offer our visitors access to high-level experts, international exhibitors and top-of-the-range products in line with their needs.”



Middle East Concrete and PMV Live will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Nov.17-20, and are open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. — SG