UAE deepens investment in social infrastructure amid population growth and strategic reforms
Almost half (46%) of EMEA stakeholders cite population growth and improving quality of life as the key drivers of social infrastructure projects
UAE – The Middle East will see a 25% increase in social infrastructure project activity in the next two years, according to a new report by Ansarada, a leading procurement platform. As population growth accelerates and quality-of-life standards become increasingly central to national agendas, governments across the Middle East are intensifying investment in social infrastructure projects.
In 2024, the Middle East had a total value of US$1.6 billion in social infrastructure transactions, which is expected to grow to US$2.0 billion by 2027. According to the report, almost half (46%) of EMEA stakeholders cite population growth and improved quality of life as key investment drivers.
Ansarada's Social Infrastructure Outlook 2025 explores key themes such as procurement efficiency, risk allocation and the shift towards workflow digitalisation, providing up-to-the-minute insights into prevailing procurement trends.
Justin Smith, Managing Director, Ansarada, said, "We're seeing a notable shift in how infrastructure capital is being deployed across the Middle East, with the UAE playing a leading role in this evolution. Through strategic reforms, ongoing population growth, and government initiatives promoting technology-enabled procurement, the UAE appears to be enhancing project delivery while working toward higher standards for sustainable urban development. This progressive approach is contributing to changes in how healthcare, education, and housing infrastructure are funded, built, and managed throughout the region."
The UAE federal government has allocated over AED 27 billion ($7.4 billion) to upgrade infrastructure, its most ambitious investment to date, driven by 4% annual population growth and rising global investor interest. To meet demand, the government is increasingly using public-private partnerships (PPP) models to fast-track delivery and leverage private sector expertise.
At the same time, EMEA has emerged as the most competitive region, with 30% of professionals reporting very high levels of competition during the bidding stage of their most recent projects, significantly higher than any other market surveyed. By comparison, only 10% of respondents in Asia-Pacific reported similar levels of competition, pointing to deeper structural differences and market maturity across regions.
More broadly, healthcare has emerged as the top investment priority for EMEA, with 68% of procurement professionals indicating the sector will see the greatest increase in value over the next two years. This is followed by leisure (56%) and education (52%), reflecting a broader focus on community well-being and long-term social resilience.
The findings come amid growing complexity and urgency in delivering high-impact social infrastructure projects, particularly in rapidly developing markets such as the UAE, where demand for quality healthcare and education is accelerating
The report confirms the UAE's emergence as the Middle East's infrastructure innovation hub, where digital-first procurement models are enabling faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable project delivery.
Note to the editor: Ansarada in partnership with Infralogic, surveyed 150 senior executives across APAC EMEA, and the Americas. Respondents included government agencies, privately-owned transport infrastructure developers and transaction advisories.
About Ansarada
Ansarada is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that delivers secure, purpose-built software solutions for managing critical strategic projects such as M&A, capital raising, restructures, and infrastructure procurement. Our platform goes beyond a typical virtual data room (VDR), offering advanced security, seamless collaboration, and intuitive workflows for teams both within and across organisations. Trusted by advisors and corporates worldwide, Ansarada supports the entire deal and procurement lifecycle-streamlining processes, all while ensuring compliance with global regulations. Ansarada empowers businesses to achieve their critical outcomes with confidence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Jobs, Internships, and AI Insights: Ras Al Khaimah's Premier Careers Festival returns this October
AI & Future of Work Forum unveiled – experts explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment and skills in the UAE. Thousands of ambitious Emiratis are expected to attend the UAE's fastest-growing careers Festival. Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: The Ras Al Khaimah Jobs & Internships Festival (RAKJIF) returns for its third edition on Thursday, 9 October 2025, at the RAK Exhibition Centre, offering employers across the UAE a powerful platform to recruit, connect, and showcase their brands. Organized by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in partnership with the Investment and Development Office Ras Al Khaimah (IDO) and the Department of Human Resources, Ras Al Khaimah, RAKJIF has rapidly established itself as a trusted platform connecting over 1,000 ambitious Emirati jobseekers with leading employers across the UAE. This year's festival will feature participation from high-profile organizations spanning sectors such as banking, oil and gas, consulting, engineering, hospitality, and real estate. Attendees can look forward to direct access to employers, with opportunities for on-the-spot interviews, CV clinics, and personalized career guidance. With over 1,000 jobseekers expected, RAKJIF promises to be a bustling hub for professional discovery. Confirmed sponsors include PwC (Gold Sponsor) and RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (Silver Sponsor). New for 2025, the Festival introduces the AI & Future of Work Forum, where international experts, business leaders, and policymakers will share insights on how AI is transforming recruitment, workplace culture, and the skills needed for the careers of tomorrow. The forum will help employers stay ahead of emerging trends while engaging with peers from across industries. Past editions have welcomed top-tier employers such as DAMAC Properties, HSBC Bank, Hilti, Julphar, Stevin Rock, and McDonald's, reinforcing RAKJIF's reputation as a high-impact platform for recruitment and workforce development. Save the Date – Join Us This October The Ras Al Khaimah Jobs & Internships Festival 2025 – alongside the AI & Future of Work Forum will take place on Thursday, 9 October 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the RAK Exhibition Centre, bringing together employers, jobseekers, and industry experts for a full day of career-building, learning, and networking. Employers across the UAE are invited to register as exhibitors, recruiters, or sponsors. About Ras Al Khaimah Jobs & Internship Festival (RAKJIF) Launched in 2023, the Ras Al Khaimah Jobs & Internships Festival (RAKJIF) is a flagship initiative of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, organized in collaboration with leading partners each year. The Festival provides a vital platform for Emirati students, graduates, and jobseekers to connect with employers across the UAE through on-the-spot interviews, career workshops, and internship opportunities. With its focus on Emiratization and workforce development, RAKJIF supports both talent and employers, contributing to the UAE's broader economic and social growth.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy appoints chief executive officer to lead global growth
Specialist fire and life safety consultancy, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC), has appointed Sam Alcock as chief executive officer. In his new role, Alcock will lead the consultancy's strategic expansion, with a strong focus on scaling operations in existing markets and developing new regional and international opportunities. Alcock joined the consultancy in 2011 as a fire consultant and was appointed Dubai director in 2016. He has been instrumental in positioning Tenable FEC as a trusted fire engineering partner across the GCC and internationally, expanding the consultancy's footprint in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Africa and India while maintaining strong profitability and client relationships. In 2024, Alcock helped the company achieve a 25 per cent increase in revenue and led a company-wide restructuring to strengthen long-term agility in 2025. With Tenable FEC now Salamah-approved in Saudi Arabia and the local office fully operational, the consultancy is targeting 30 per cent growth in 2025, driven by large-scale infrastructure and masterplanning projects. Sultan Al Maskri, founder and chairman of Tenable FEC, commented on the appointment: 'Sam embodies the ethos of our organisation and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear commitment to our company values. His technical knowledge, business acumen and drive for innovation have made a huge impact throughout our organisation over the years and he is an integral part of our growth. I am confident under Sam's leadership, Tenable FEC will continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients and strengthen our position in key markets.' Commenting on his new role, Alcock said: 'It's a privilege to be awarded the role of CEO at such a pivotal time for the business. Our team has built a strong foundation for growth and I look forward to continuing this momentum. My focus will be on expanding our capabilities, enhancing service delivery and strengthening our reputation as a leader in fire and life safety consultancy.' In 2024, Tenable FEC delivered over 540 projects valued at US$6 million, spanning mixed-use and hospitality developments and pre- and post-contract fire engineering services for high-end projects such as those along the Dubai Water Canal. So far in 2025, the consultancy has been awarded projects worth US$4.2 million, keeping it on track to exceed last year's performance and achieve its targeted 30 per cent growth this year. Alcock holds a bachelor's degree in Fire Safety Management and is recognised for his collaborative leadership style. He has championed workplace wellness initiatives and inclusive practices throughout the organisation, contributing to a positive internal culture and high-performing teams. About Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC): Founded in Oman in 2010, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy provides a comprehensive range of high-quality, fire and life safety services, including code consulting, fire system design, performance-based fire design and third-party verification within the built environment. Tenable FEC adapts the latest fire engineering techniques to ensure the architectural integrity of a project is never compromised. Using the latest code requirements, engineering expertise and fire modelling tools, they improve building safety performance, protect architectural design aspirations, optimise floor plans and reduce unnecessary construction costs. With offices in Muscat, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and London, Tenable FEC executes regional and international projects of any size in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. The team approach projects with leading talent and innovative technologies while adhering to international best practices, design codes and standards.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Presight AI-Startup Accelerator brings together global founders, big tech and UAE powerhouses in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Presight, a leading global AI and big data analytics company, is hosting its first-ever AI-Startup Accelerator Bootcamp in Abu Dhabi, bringing together 10 promising startups from across the globe for a transformative three-day program designed to scale real-world AI solutions. The Bootcamp marks the official launch of the intensive Presight AI-Startup Accelerator program for the first cohort, which will run until December. Over the coming months, the startups will embark on a rigorous acceleration journey, gaining access to technical enablement, introduction to Presight's clients to accelerate commercial opportunities, and expert mentorship with the aim of showcasing their growth and success at GITEX Expand North Star 2025. The Bootcamp, which kicked off Monday, unites entrepreneurs, global tech leaders, and UAE institutional partners for an immersive experience of co-creation, collaboration, and strategic engagement. Importantly, the Bootcamp is the first opportunity where Presight's Government and private sector partners can evaluate the startups and assess the viability of their solutions to solve challenges for their respective organizations. The first day featured a keynote by Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, who emphasized the need for a 'startup mindset' across all institutions and introduced the program's vision to build, test, and scale impactful AI solutions that tackle pressing global challenges. This session was followed by a keynote address by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council. Following this, Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, addressed the audience with his insights and personally guided a group of esteemed UAE dignitaries as they engaged with each startup team to gain a deeper understanding of their businesses, products, and solutions. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight said: 'The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator is a catalyst for transformative growth—empowering visionary founders and strengthening Presight's innovation pipeline. We launched this initiative to identify and scale the world's most promising AI innovations, integrate them into our ecosystem, and deliver lasting impact across industries. By equipping the 10 exceptional startups in our inaugural Cohort with world-class infrastructure and the critical levers to accelerate their commercial trajectory, we are amplifying their growth velocity. 'The UAE is a global epicenter of AI innovation—a nation where innovation is not just welcomed, but expected. Through this program, our first batch of startups—coming from the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and, of course, the UAE—will unlock bold ideas, open new frontiers of economic potential, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE's vision for global AI excellence, alongside Presight as a committed partner in shaping that future. These startups embody the ambition and possibility that define the future.' On the first day of the event, all 10 startups presented their ideas on stage in grouped pitch sessions, each aligned with one of three thematic categories. The "Urban Visionaries" track featured companies addressing large-scale urban challenges related to climate, mobility, and infrastructure. Startups under the "AI Tool & Tech Makers" theme showcased innovations that form the foundational infrastructure for secure and scalable AI development. Meanwhile, the "Market Shapers" track included ventures applying AI to reshape key industries such as fintech, energy, education, and investment decision-making. Joining the esteemed audience were the UAE ambassadors of Singapore, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, alongside leadership from G42, Core42, Space42, and Astra Tech, with representation from Inception and Analog. The event also received strong support from Presight partners and clients, including Microsoft, Hub71, MOIAT, ENEC, FAB, ADNOC Onshore, Borouge, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, and many others. After the pitches, the day's agenda moved into interactive demo jams and a partner panel featuring NVIDIA, MBZUAI, Shorooq, Astra Tech, and Presight. Continuing the momentum, the second day saw the cohort participating in site visits across Abu Dhabi's AI ecosystem, including ADNOC, AIQ, Astra Tech and Space42. These immersive experiences offered founders a firsthand look into how AI is operationalized at scale across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, research, and national innovation platforms. The bootcamp culminates today at Presight's headquarters with strategic planning sessions, commercial readiness workshops, and a recap panel. Global ecosystem partners including Microsoft, Core42 and ADQ will lead dedicated training modules to help the startups refine go-to-market strategies and prepare for long-term engagement across regional markets. The 10 companies part of the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator are: Derq (UAE, USA) Resync (Singapore) AlphaGeo (Singapore) (UAE/Tajikistan) (Indonesia / Singapore) Waverity (Azerbaijan) Vulcan (UAE) NodeShift (UAE, USA) Maiden Century (USA) Cobi (UAE, USA) About Presight Presight is an ADX-listed public company with Abu Dhabi-based G42 as its majority shareholder and is a leading global AI and big data analytics company. It combines big data, analytics, and AI expertise to serve every sector, of every scale, to create business and positive societal impact. Presight excels at all-source data interpretation to support insight-driven decision-making that shapes policy and creates safer, healthier, happier, and more sustainable societies. Today, through its range of AI-driven products and solutions, Presight is bringing Applied Intelligence to the private and public sector, enabling them to realize their AI strategy and ambitions faster.
