Use of precast concrete is building in Middle East

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Whilst precast has been the preferred construction material in many parts of the world for some years now, the Middle East has been slow to catch on. This can be attributed to a number of factors, not least the low cost of labour, allowing concrete to be cast on site relatively cheaply. With the increased cost of living, and impending shortages of workers, then the economies on offer are becoming ever slimmer.

The shift to the use of precast has also been fuelled by the new regional impetus towards sustainable development. Because of the consistency of quality that can be achieved in factory conditions, as opposed to on site, precast offers significantly improved durability, as well as a reduced environmental impact, and a reduction in the completion time for projects.

Regional companies have been keen to invest in this burgeoning trend: on 26 October 2008 Fahad Ali Mousa, Chariman of Khuyool Investments, told The Business Weekly that the group expects to have a new precast plant in Sharjah operational within 6 months. This follows closely on the heels of a report from AME Info on 31 August 2008, where Dr. Faysal Alaquil, Director, Business Development for Construction Products Holding Company (CPC) announced that they would be investing Dhs100m to modernise and increase capacity for their Abu Dhabi-based plant.

IQPC will be hosting Precast Concrete Middle East 2008, the region's first event with a specific focus on precast concrete. The conference will bring together international and regional experts to discuss the present and future implementation, trends and issues for the use of precast in the construction industry. It will be held on 14-17 December in the Courtyard by Marriott, in Dubai.