
ALEC achieves BIM Kitemark recertification for third consecutive year
By
The contractor said that, over the past year, it has continued to advance its innovation agenda
Contractor ALEC has announced that it has achieved BIM Kitemark recertification from BSI for the third year in a row. The move is said to underscore its commitment to digital excellence and best-in-class information management practices aligned with the ISO 19650 series of standards.
Analysis by McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) shows that investing in technology and innovation is one of the key factors in boosting the construction sector's productivity by up to 60%. Against this backdrop, ALEC continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of industry transformation, the firm said in its statement.
Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC commented, 'Innovation is part of our DNA, and securing this BIM recertification for a third consecutive year highlights how deeply embedded our digital-first mindset has become. We see enormous growth potential in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and our ongoing investments in innovation and digital excellence enable us to remain agile, deliver the highest quality projects, and capitalise on these opportunities.'
The BIM Kitemark, issued by BSI, is recognised globally as one of the most rigorous certifications for information management using Building Information Modelling (BIM). To recertify, ALEC had to undergo a detailed audit, demonstrating its ability to meet client information requirements with accuracy and consistency, foster strong supply chain collaboration, and deliver against the ISO 19650 framework. ALEC's success in this undertaking signals to the market its ability to lead digital transformation in construction while helping raise the bar for the wider industry, the company revealed.
'We see this recertification as another step on a much broader journey. The regional industry has made great strides in BIM adoption, but there's still a gap to bridge to reach the next level of utilisation and maturity in line with international standards. At ALEC, we're committed to helping close that gap, not just within our own projects but also by leading by example and encouraging our partners and clients to embrace a digital-first mindset,' remarked Andy Boutle, Head of Digital Construction at ALEC.
ALEC said that, over the past year, it has continued to advance its innovation agenda through a clear and structured innovation strategy, underpinned by a dedicated digital strategy and IT strategy. A key pillar of this strategy is technology and automation, which sees the company continuously exploring the integration of technology and data-driven approaches to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage, the firm said.
Recent initiatives include the deployment of a new ERP platform to digitalise internal processes, further use of HoloBuilder and implementing 'Resolve', a new VR technology that integrates with Revizto's issue tracker. Alongside this, the continued uptake of Morta is helping ALEC to use and reuse structured data to not only standardise and digitalise ISO 19650 documentation, but also wider project-related tracking across risks & opportunities, design change, procurement and other key functions, ALEC explained.
'In the months ahead, we'll continue to focus on building seamless interconnectivity between our digital solutions, creating a more data-driven, efficient, and sustainable way of delivering projects,' Boutle concluded.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
British business slows climate action, sees government net zero agenda as unrealistic
LONDON: British business leaders are putting a brake on their plans to combat climate change and do not believe the government's approach to net zero is compatible with growth, a survey of 1,000 executives showed on Tuesday. Both large companies and small enterprises in health, construction, finance and manufacturing are turning away from climate-related action like target-setting, as falling confidence in Britain's climate agenda and high costs turn the tide on enthusiasm for net zero, the survey by the British Standards Institution (BSI) showed. The shift is happening despite the Labour government's commitment to boosting green growth, and substantial pledges for investment in clean energy, green technology, and jobs. Almost three-quarters (71%) of business leaders surveyed said the government cannot expand the economy while at the same time trying to reach net-zero. Half (50%) said that objective was unrealistic, according to the findings by the BSI, which sets best-practice quality requirements for anything from ball point pens to net-zero plans. The turnaround in sentiment coincides with a notable drop-off in corporate target-setting, action and climate commitments among British businesses, with firms citing high costs, lack of finance for green tech and a move to prioritize business growth as barriers, the BSI said. Scott Steedman, director general of standards at BSI, said the survey showed a "hiatus in corporate activity probably linked to changes in government policy in the UK after the election and international backpedalling." Only a third (36%) of British businesses claim this year they have set targets to achieve net zero, a significant drop from the 58% who stated they had done so last year, the survey shows. The portion of businesses this year taking climate action has also fallen markedly from 83% in 2024 to just under a half (49%) this year. Overall, the proportion of businesses saying they felt they would likely achieve net zero by 2050 fell from 76% last year to 55% this year, with over half expecting to revise their strategies or targets. However, the BSI said the vast majority of businesses (83%) still wanted to take action and would like support to do so. (Reporting by Virginia Furness, Editing by William Maclean)


Web Release
16-07-2025
- Web Release
6 Ways the UAE Government Is Using AI to Deliver Smarter Public Services
AI is revolutionising how governments serve their people, and in the Middle East, nowhere is this more evident than in the UAE. With AI expected to contribute nearly 14% of the UAE's GDP by 2030, the government has adopted a proactive, strategic blueprint for integration, building dedicated platforms and mechanisms designed to capture AI's full potential. As one of the first nations in the region to embrace AI, the UAE has strategically embedded its use across public services, from legal systems to urban planning, to build a data-driven, immersive, and future-ready government that transforms citizen experiences. Alfred Manasseh, COO & Co-Founder of Shaffra, dives into the key ways the UAE government is putting AI to work across its public service ecosystem. 24/7 Virtual Assistants for Public Queries These intelligent bots use natural language processing and machine learning to answer questions, guide users through applications, and provide real-time updates. From digital avatars that greet visitors on official portals to chatbots integrated across service websites, this approach reduces wait times and relieves pressure on human agents. Citizens benefit from faster, more consistent support, while government teams can focus on complex, high-value issues. These tools are already operational across various ministries, streamlining workflows and elevating the standard of public interaction. Metaverse Government Offices The Ministry of Economy has launched a full-scale virtual replica of its Abu Dhabi headquarters, accessible to anyone, anywhere. Visitors can enter using a virtual ticket, attend meetings, network through avatars, and even sign legally binding agreements. Audio-enabled customer service agents offer a more immersive experience than traditional web portals. This initiative goes beyond novelty; it ensures accessibility, convenience, and round-the-clock support. As global business becomes more borderless, the UAE's metaverse office signals a bold step toward future-ready governance. AI in Urban Planning and Infrastructure Dubai Municipality is using AI-enhanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geographic data analytics to optimise land usage and improve urban infrastructure. These tools help planners design eco-efficient buildings, align with green goals, and reduce resource consumption. With AI, design time is projected to drop by 40% , and resource efficiency may improve by 35%. This smart integration allows cities to grow sustainably, keeping pace with rapid urbanisation without compromising on quality or aesthetics. The UAE's approach is becoming a blueprint for AI-driven development worldwide. Smart Service Delivery via Predictive Analytics Initiatives by the Digital Dubai Authority have set the foundation for high-quality data governance and AI deployment. AI systems sift through massive data sets to forecast service demand, detect patterns, and make proactive decisions. This results in smarter resource allocation and more personalised citizen services. Whether predicting traffic congestion, public health needs, or social support requirements, AI enables public institutions to move from reactive to anticipatory service delivery, building citizen trust and satisfaction through reliable, timely interventions. Automating Licensing and Legal Services The Legislative Intelligence Office maps national legislation, integrates it with real-time economic data and court rulings, and suggests amendments accordingly. This could cut legislative drafting time by up to 70%. Additionally, the UAE is rolling out AI legal advisors and bots that guide citizens through family law and other legal processes. The country is also benchmarking against global standards by linking to international policy research centres. These tools are helping the government stay agile, ensure legal consistency, and improve public access to justice. AI-Powered Virtual Employees Supporting Citizens 'Aisha' is a generative AI assistant deployed by the Ministry of Justice to offer legal advice, draft applications, and answer court-related queries using an extensive legal database. Stationed in courts, Aisha interacts with both the public and legal professionals. Aisha can also write requests, generate audio and visual content, and provide case-based advice informed by millions of historical cases, far beyond the experience of any individual legal practitioner. Companies like Shaffra deploy AI employees to handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, reporting, and customer queries, freeing up human teams for strategic, high-impact work. Some clients report up to a 40% increase in output and improved employee satisfaction. By embedding AI into its very core, the UAE government isn't just adopting technology; it is reimagining governance. The country stands as a regional leader in digital public services, setting benchmarks in efficiency, innovation, and citizen satisfaction.


Gulf Business
16-07-2025
- Gulf Business
Must know: 6 ways that the UAE is using AI to serve its people
Image credit: Supplied Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the UAE's government modernisation agenda. AI is projected to contribute nearly 14 per cent of the UAE's GDP by 2030, according to global estimates, and the nation is acting swiftly to unlock its full potential. The following six areas exemplify how the UAE government is already putting AI to work to reshape public services. Read- 1. Virtual assistants for round-the-clock public support AI-powered virtual assistants are increasingly present on government platforms, handling a wide range of citizen queries. These bots use natural language processing and machine learning to deliver instant, 24/7 support. From helping residents navigate forms to answering real-time questions, these tools reduce wait times and improve user satisfaction. Chatbots and avatars are active across various government ministries, streamlining service delivery and enabling human staff to focus on more complex, value-added issues. 2. Metaverse-based government offices In a regional first, the Ministry of Economy has launched a fully interactive metaverse office—a virtual replica of its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Through this platform, users can attend meetings, network, and even sign legally binding documents, all from remote locations. This initiative combines convenience with innovation. Virtual ticketing, avatar-based interactions, and audio-enabled services create a next-generation user experience that showcases the UAE's commitment to accessible, always-on governance. 3. AI in urban planning and infrastructure development Dubai Municipality is deploying AI tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geospatial analytics to revolutionize urban planning. These technologies enable smarter resource allocation, greener building design, and enhanced sustainability outcomes. By using AI to cut design times by up to 40 per cent and improve efficiency by 35 per cent, the municipality is leading the way in AI-driven city building. These efforts align with national sustainability goals and position Dubai as a model for smart infrastructure globally. 4. Predictive analytics for smarter service delivery The Digital Dubai Authority has pioneered data governance frameworks that underpin predictive AI models. These models analyze vast datasets to anticipate public service demands—from traffic flow to healthcare requirements—and guide real-time decisions. By moving from reactive to proactive governance, AI enables more effective resource distribution and personalized citizen engagement, thereby increasing trust in public services. 5. Automation of licensing and legal services The UAE's Legislative Intelligence Office is using AI to map national laws, monitor court rulings, and recommend legislative updates in real time. This could reduce policy drafting timelines by as much as 70 per cent. AI legal bots are also becoming increasingly accessible to the public. From helping residents navigate family law to linking with global legal standards, these tools ensure improved access to justice and more agile regulatory responses. 6. AI-Powered virtual employees supporting the judiciary 'Aisha', a generative AI assistant developed by the Ministry of Justice, is setting a new standard for legal support. It provides real-time legal advice, drafts court applications, and even generates multimedia explanations based on a deep legal knowledge base. Stationed in courts, Aisha supports both legal professionals and the public. Meanwhile, private companies such as Shaffra are deploying virtual employees to handle tasks like data entry and customer service, improving output and job satisfaction across sectors. 'Some clients report a 40 per cent increase in output after implementing AI solutions,' says Alfred Manasseh, COO & co-founder of Shaffra. UAE on its way to become a global leader in AI The United Arab Emirates has made its ambition clear: to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2031. This vision, outlined in the national AI Strategy, is not merely aspirational—it is backed by structured initiatives, concrete objectives, and a robust multi-stakeholder approach to implementation. Aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, which aims to position the nation as the best country in the world by its 100th anniversary, the AI Strategy is a cornerstone of long-term national transformation. The UAE's multinational, tech-forward population forms a strong foundation for this transformation. As early adopters of emerging technologies, the country's communities are well-positioned to support, pilot, and scale AI innovations, attracting global talent to conduct research and drive implementation on UAE soil. 8 strategic pillars driving the UAE AI strategy The AI Strategy outlines eight core objectives that guide implementation across sectors: Build a reputation as an AI destination: Establish the UAE as a hub for AI development, research, and innovation. Increase competitive edge in key sectors: Apply AI to boost productivity and global competitiveness in priority industries. Create a fertile AI ecosystem: Encourage entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and innovation through enabling environments. Enhance customer services with AI: Leverage AI to improve citizen experiences and government efficiency. Attract and train AI talent: Develop a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in an AI-driven job market. Advance research collaborations: Link world-class AI research to the needs of critical national industries. B uild supporting infrastructure and data systems: Provide accessible data and smart infrastructure to test, scale, and refine AI solutions. Ensure strong governance and regulation: Uphold ethical AI practices with clear laws, data privacy standards, and regulatory oversight. Economic Impact: AI as a regional powerhouse According to a The Middle East is expected to claim approximately 2 per cent of this global AI dividend, equivalent to $320 billion by 2030. Notably, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the regional AI charge: Saudi Arabia is projected to accrue $135.2bn in AI-related gains, accounting for 4 per cent of its GDP. The UAE is expected to see the largest relative impact, with AI contributing nearly 14 per cent of its 2030 GDP. This impressive growth—estimated at 20–34 per cent annually—is fueled by substantial investment in AI R&D, innovation infrastructure, and public-private collaboration. Both countries rank in the top 50 globally on the Global Innovation Index, a reflection of their focused efforts to become future-ready economies through advanced technologies. Looking ahead: A region poised for disruption AI is not just transforming how governments function—it's disrupting entire markets and reshaping business models. The current wave of digitization is only the beginning. With AI in play, tomorrow's regional leaders may be startups or companies that don't yet exist today. By setting a strong strategic foundation, the UAE is seizing its moment in the AI revolution. With the right nurturing, public policy, and innovation support, the nation could unlock even greater economic returns and establish itself as a global model for AI-driven transformation. In a world where technological evolution is constant, the UAE's proactive, inclusive, and far-sighted approach to AI stands as a bold blueprint for others to follow.