Middle East construction is booming, and the Gulf markets are expanding faster than anywhere else in the world. But increasing materials and labour costs are pushing the price of projects sky high.
Index of stories in this special report: Construction sector - Growing Pains
Introduction: Cost factors
Research carried out for MEED by international cost consultant Davis Langdon shows that, while building materials costs continue to present contractors with problems, rising labour costs are giving more cause for concern.Global cost review: Materials world
With most construction economies in buoyant form, costs are rising across the world. But nowhere as quickly as the GCC.Procurement: Private-private partnerships
Developers and contractors are beginning to realise their fortunes are linked.Dubai: Opportunities for all
With numerous schemes under construction and more on the drawing board, there is no sign of a let-up in Dubai.Standards: Changing specs
The broad mix of international contractors working in the Gulf has led to an equally wide variety of construction standards.Kuwait: Building height restrictions on the up
After years of height restrictions on building in Kuwait, construction firms are beginning to reach for the sky.Kuwaitis head Jordan's investment drive
Despite the dire predictions that followed last month's bombings in Amman, Jordan remains attractive to Gulf investors.Arcapita: Developing the backyard
Eight years after its creation, Arcapita has returned home to invest in two major real estate projects in the kingdom.Samwhan to watch over ME
Korean civil contractor Samwhan Corporation, which left the Middle East in 1997, is making attempts to stage a comeback.Yasser Arafat Airport: Grounded in Gaza
Closed since 2001, Yasser Arafat International Airport could soon become Gaza's link with the rest of the world.Piling: Digging deep
Piling contractors are highly sought-after in the Gulf, with a handful of companies emerging as leading players.
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