Delayed approvals and slow responses are the top project delivery risks in the UAE’s construction sector, according to a recent survey. The PlanRadar Construction Survey Report 2026 highlights these issues as major hurdles for construction teams, alongside information fragmentation and administrative workload. These challenges are particularly pressing as the sector continues to expand, with activity levels driving the need for more efficient processes.
The survey, which included 1,728 construction professionals across 14 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, found that nearly three-quarters of respondents experienced approvals received after agreed timeframes. One in four estimated that these delays typically add more than a month to project timelines. Among teams where approvals are almost always late, month-long project delays were more than twice as likely compared to those where late approvals are rare.
UAE Construction Boom and Challenges
As UAE construction output is projected to reach $130.8 billion by 2029, up from $107.2 billion in 2024, efficient management of changes, approvals, and project records becomes key. Ibrahim Imam, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of PlanRadar, emphasized the need for clearer ownership and predefined approval routes to mitigate delays. Going into 2027, companies must also ensure faster access to the information decision-makers need, as small delays in decision-making can quickly escalate into larger delivery problems. The aim is to make every change visible, traceable, and actionable before it impacts timelines or costs.
The survey also revealed the financial impact of unmanaged changes, with two in three respondents reporting budget overruns in many or most projects. However, four in five respondents using a central digital tool to track changes reported improved cost control. This shows the importance of process control in managing mid-project changes effectively.
Information Fragmentation and Administrative Burden
Information fragmentation is a significant challenge, with nearly eight in ten respondents stating that at least half of their project documentation is spread across unconsolidated channels, including emails, messages, and verbal instructions. Among those who could easily locate documentation, 70% felt confident that their records clearly showed responsibility for delays and cost impacts—double the proportion among those who found documentation difficult to locate.
The administrative workload is another pressing issue, with nearly half of respondents spending 11 or more hours each week on administrative tasks. Andrey Belogortsev, Regional Manager for Mena and APAC at PlanRadar, suggested that building reliable, connected workflows can help teams identify issues earlier and maintain accountability. Among those using a central digital tool with integrated AI functionality, two in three reported saving at least two hours per week, per project, on administration and coordination.
AI’s Potential to Reduce Workload
The survey found that 58% of respondents believe AI can reduce workload across their biggest day-to-day challenges, while 65% believe it can streamline major administrative tasks. PlanRadar has introduced AI Agents to address this need, enabling customers to automate routine work while retaining oversight and control. These agents can be created in plain language or selected from ready-made options, with each action logged, attributed, and limited to the permissions of the user who created the agent.