With the pressure for sustainability across the globe, the United Arab Emirates is coming out as one of the prime examples of green construction and economic growth. The country has been making a smart move to shift from oil by investing in sustainable construction technologies and practices. The demand for skilled workers in the sector has grown by 25% since May last year. This uptick also suggest that while environment conservation is a priority, it is also advancing the economy. A complete win-win situation!
Blueprint for a green economy
The foundation of “Green Economy” was laid under the “Vision 2021” backed by Sheikh Mohammed’s directive on sustainable development around 2012. With a vision to transform the economy, many initiatives around hydrocarbons, income diversification, decreased negative impact on environment etc has laid the growundwork for the country to be a pioneers of the green economy. It has been ten years since this vision was conceived and implemented and the UAE has come a long way in advancing sustainability in various sectors. With the 2024 ‘Year of Sustainability,’ the UAE’s construction industry is at the helm of this transformation to embrace green building concepts that focus on energy saving, optimal resource management, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Construction sector with higher wages and greater opportunities
Roles in sustainable construction are now attracting significantly higher wages and better working conditions. Workers in these roles, many from India, earn an average salary of AED 108,522 around 48% more than traditional construction jobs. These positions offer not only financial rewards but also increased job security, with contracts often lasting two to four years. The transition to green construction is creating high-value opportunities and a pathway for workers to learn valuable new skills, like energy efficiency and digital technologies, that promise long-term career growth and enhanced stability. The economic incentives don’t end there. The green building practices are also changing the general economic environment as well. Through the integration of energy efficient measures, companies based in the UAE are realizing cost savings in terms of operation, for instance reducing electricity and water use by 20% less than conventional construction. In the context of developers and investors, the high costs of sustainable construction are recovered by these long-term savings, hence making green projects economically feasible as well as environmentally friendly.
This is why the UAE’s attention to sustainability is not only transforming the built environment but also the labor market. Emerging roles in green construction require specialized skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twin technology, and sustainable materials. The workers trained in BIM and digital twin technology have changed the face of planning, construction, and maintenance of buildings by creating virtual models that help improve the accuracy of the work, effective resource management, and reduction of waste. These technologies are very vital in supporting the UAE’s vision to achieve its green goals and are a clear demonstration of the relationship between the environment and the economy.
Meanwhile, the demand for energy-efficient systems reflects a shift towards resource optimization across the sector. With technologies that reduce electricity and water usage, the UAE’s green buildings showcase the future of construction: sustainable, efficient, and economically viable.
A vision for the future
The UAE’s efforts towards sustainable construction are a great example of how an economy can grow while ensuring environmental conservation. This is not only limited to the development of infrastructure but also the development of a workforce capable of implementing sustainable technologies and practices that conserve resources. As the demand for green construction workers grows, opportunities for competitive pay, stable contracts, and long-term careers expand, allowing workers to become active participants in shaping a sustainable future.
For businesses and investors, the UAE’s green economy initiatives present a roadmap for resilience, cost efficiency, and growth. And for the nation, these initiatives are a testament to forward-thinking leadership, creating a legacy that prioritizes both the planet and its people. UAE is building a future where economic growth and environmental responsibility become one.
Samuel Joy, Founder & CEO of Huntr