Publically available data for the Advancing AI in the UAE AEC Industry: Applications, Challenges and Implementation Framework

The UAE’s AEC sector is entering a major AI-driven transformation. Using a mixed-method approach and a literature review of Scopus studies, this work identifies key global themes—construction planning, design automation, sustainability, and digital transformation—and relates them to the UAE context. AI adoption is rising in areas like predictive scheduling, safety monitoring, and defect detection, yet gaps remain in legal compliance, asset management, and demolition. Main barriers include fragmented data, limited skills, ethical and trust concerns, cybersecurity, and evolving regulations. A five-pillar framework is proposed: policy alignment, data infrastructure, workforce development, phased adoption, and sustainability integration, supported by governance and collaboration. The framework guides stakeholders in advancing AI in the UAE built environment and contributing to national goals such as UAE Centennial 2071 and Net Zero 2050.