GCC Construction Review 2022

Contents

Past Regional Reports

This section includes:

UAE - Working hours and national holidays

UAE - Long-lead equipment (LLE) – time risks

UAE - Construction health and safety practices and culture

UAE - Macroeconomic overview

UAE - Economic indicators

UAE - Weather conditions

UAE - Political stability

UAE - Working hours and national holidays

UAE - Labour productivity

UAE - Labour costs

UAE - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

UAE - Long-lead equipment (LLE) – time risks

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has increased exponentially with the IT boom. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this new demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line has become a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q1 2023. Opportunities exist for the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to Tier 1 status. However, it will take time to develop an extended supply chain.
Material shortage: The end of Q1 2022 saw a significant drop in the availability of raw materials used for LLE production. Global factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the resurgence of COVID-19 has halted production, which is at its lowest levels in recent years. The ethical approach in the supply chain to manoeuvre away from the use of Russian gas and oil has reduced production levels and added longer lead times within the supply chain. The raw material shortages are expected to continue into Q2 2022, whilst there is uncertainty for the security of the supply chain.
Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs and compounded by the shortage of labour and low supply of shipping containers, freight durations have soared as suppliers look for ways to mitigate these challenges. The demand for freight services has grown across all markets in recent years and the competition amongst industries has had a negative effect on availability and durations. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to increasing fuel costs.