Construction, property and data centre leaders converge in Dubai as AI, automation and digital infrastructure move to the centre of project delivery
Dubai – More than 1,400 construction, real estate and data infrastructure leaders 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.
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. Live demonstrations and case studies showcased robotics, automation, digital twins, modular systems and AI-driven tools transforming workflows from planning and construction through to handover and operations.
Katie Briggs, Partner at B2B Connect, said, “The GCC is undergoing a built‑environment transformation powered by advanced construction technologies that are accelerating digital delivery. CTF sits at the centre of that momentum, as organisations deliver smarter, safer and more sustainable buildings and infrastructure. This year’s edition brought together the people and technologies redefining how the region designs, builds and operates its assets.”
Commenting on the industry’s digital transformation, Mahmoud Radwan, General Manager for MENA at Premier Construction Software, said, “Across the MENA region, construction companies are moving beyond isolated digital tools towards connected platforms that provide greater visibility across the entire project lifecycle. AI and automation can help teams identify risks earlier, strengthen cost control and make data-led decisions. CTF 2026 provides an important forum for the industry to exchange practical insights and explore how technology can deliver measurable improvements on increasingly complex projects.”
Jennifer Petrie, Enterprise Account Executive at Procore, commented, “CTF UAE is shaping the future of construction conversations in the region. With AI and technology evolving at an incredible pace, there’s a real opportunity to rethink how our industry works, from connecting teams and data to making faster, smarter decisions. 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.”
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:
Projects
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BIM Project of the Year: Teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi – Miral & Alec
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Digital Project of the Year: City Operations Intelligence & Asset Lifecycle Transformation – Emaar, The Economic City (KAEC)
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Digital Twin of the Year: Riyas NGL Projects Department – Saudi Aramco
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Sustainable Project of the Year: King Salman Park – King Salman Park Foundation
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Tech for Safety & Wellbeing Award: Real Time Operations Centre and Remote CCR – Kent
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Offsite Project of the Year – Highly Commended: King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries & Services – Saudi Aramco
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Offsite Project of the Year: Sobha One – Sobha Modular
Organisation:
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BIM Organisation of the Year: PNC Architects | Sobha Realty
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Consultant of the Year: PNC Architects
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Contractor of the Year: Trojan Construction Holding
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Developer of the Year: Dubai Holding Real Estate
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Digital Design Organisation of the Year: Group Amana
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Digital Transformation of the Year – Client: Dubai Municipality
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Digital Transformation of the Year – Contractor: DuPod – An Amana Company
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Digital Transformation of the Year – Consultant: Parsons
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Sustainable Organisation of the Year: Rua Al Madinah Holding
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Start Up of the Year: Trubuild
Individual:
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Sustainability Rising Star of the Year: Remya Mohan – Parsons
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ConTech Rising Star of the Year: Hafis Jamal – Pace
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ConTech Star of the Year: Udhayakumar Ramasamy – Surbana Jurong
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BIM Champion of the Year – Consultant: Sandeep Singh – Jacobs
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BIM Champion of the Year – Contractor: Musleh Saeed Bazamol – Al Ayuni Investment & Contracting Co.
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BIM Champion of the Year – Client: Mohamed Ezzat – Red Sea Global
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Sustainability Leader of the Year (Co-Winner): Alfonso Senatore – Sports Boulevard Foundation
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Sustainability Leader of the Year (Co-Winner): Ana W. Hudson – King Salman Park Foundation
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ConTech Leader of the Year: Rowan Alawi – Trase
Special Awards
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Judges’ Choice – Digital Leadership: Red Sea Global
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Judges’ Choice – Technical Excellence: Khatib & Alami
Sponsors & Partners
The success of CTF, PTF, and DCTC 2026 was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners, including: Premier Construction Software, O3 Solutions, Procore, Trojan Construction Holding, Bentley, Khatib & Alami, Dassault Systemes, Danaos Projects, Egnyte, CMiC, OpenSpace, ENGIE Solutions, RIB Software, Western Digital, ImageGrafix, Urban Surveys, PropVR, KEO Group, Digital Workplace, DOLPHIN SOLUTIONS FZ LLC, MeltPlan, Truein, SmartSite, innDex, Tektome, LivSYT, Accuracy, Engineering Contracting Company, Farvision Information Technology, Revizto, WebFM, Slayfit, MycoSphere, Forensica, Opteam, BuildHub, Darwish Interserve Facility Management, Trackunit, Green Figure Technique, Xpedeon, Netsmartz, WhiteHelmet, ONSITE, Property News International, UAE Contractors Association, Block News International and QSi.
