Al Nuaimi: 90% of the world's infrastructure is waste

Sharjah 24

20-06-2025

The BUILD360 MEP 2025 conference took place in Dubai, focused on the theme "Build 360 MEP Conference." Organized by the ITP Media Group's MEP Middle East platform, the conference was hosted at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and drew a high-profile audience of leaders, experts, and specialists in engineering, infrastructure, and sustainable technologies.
This conference served as a valuable platform for discussing the newest trends and future developments in these fields. It aimed to encourage thinking about sustainability, innovation in construction, and planning smarter cities, all while keeping environmental goals in sight.
The Build 360 Conference offered a fantastic chance for collaboration between government and private organizations. It stressed the need to move toward smarter, more sustainable urban models that can adapt to changes in climate and technology.
Dr. Al Nuaimi pointed out that while his past talks often centered on climate change and its impacts worldwide, this time he focused on the importance of effective governance in urban planning. He explained that urban planning goes beyond just land distribution and building; it involves a complete system of engineering, infrastructure, housing, sustainability, and government management. He believes that when governments have a long-term vision, engineers and planners can feel confident that their work today can meet future challenges.
One alarming point he raised is that the world currently faces a staggering 90% waste in infrastructure, highlighting an urgent need to rethink how we plan and build our cities. He stated, "If almost everything is wasted, we need to fundamentally change how we approach our urban projects to ensure efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability."
He discussed five major challenges affecting developing countries, especially as climate change accelerates and urban issues grow. These nations are grappling with problems stemming from rapid population growth and a lack of proper planning over many years.
Dr. Al Nuaimi noted that urban overcrowding is a significant issue, not just due to population size but also because of historical shortcomings in urban planning. He referenced United Nations reports indicating that over 75% of the world's urban population lives in crowded areas without adequate infrastructure.
He also highlighted the crisis of informal settlements, explaining that more than a billion people worldwide live in unsafe and unhealthy housing, revealing deeply rooted issues in housing systems and urban development.
In closing, Dr. Al Nuaimi stressed that sustainability is now a crucial responsibility rather than just an option. He urged for a comprehensive approach in government policies, promoting regional and international cooperation, and embracing innovation in design and construction to build cities that can withstand climate challenges, ensuring a safe and just urban future for everyone.
The conference was lively, with participants engaging in deep discussions about sustainability, smart building challenges, innovations in air conditioning and energy efficiency, and how technology and artificial intelligence can enhance construction project management. Special studies on green building certifications like LEED were also presented.