From Foundations To Futures

Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Copy Link According to Dr Rana El-Dabaa, the GCC construction sector’s rapid growth presents a timely opportunity to expand women’s participation and leadership As International Women’s Day approaches, it is an opportune time to reflect on the opportunities and challenges women face in industries such as construction. The construction and infrastructure sector lays the foundation for socioeconomic growth in every country, building the spaces where people live, work, and play. This holds true even more so in the case of a global hub such as the GCC, where the construction sector is a major driver of economic growth.  In fact, industry reports estimate that the GCC Construction Market was valued at USD 175.24 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 222.38 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 4.05 per cent over the forecast period.  While the region has witnessed significant growth in the sector over the last few decades, it still faces challenges in terms of labour shortages, regulatory changes, and technological demands. In such a scenario, empowering the next generation of women workers in the construction sector becomes crucial for achieving not just societal but economic progress as well. The construction industry’s reputation as male-dominated and physically demanding has deterred women from participating fully, to the detriment of both the employers and prospective employees. Women bring valuable skills in communication, ...