The construction sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most powerful industries in the country, being the 3rd most important in terms of GDP, behind petrochemicals and trade.

In recent years, the country has experienced strong economic growth which has led to a strong demand for construction workers and the arrival of large contingents of immigrants to satisfy these needs. In terms of employment, the construction sector represents 22.2% in the UAE.

The UAE is also very known for their smart cities and for being pioneers in the digitalization processes. A recent survey estimated that 9% of businesses in the Middle East depend on IoT and a 72% of IoT adopters agree that their core business strategy has already changed for the better as a result of adopting IoT. As a result, the country has a great potential in terms of digitalization but also has a challenge on reducing the accidents in the construction sector and therefore increasing the safety for their workers.

An interesting fact is that, according to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, 69% of construction companies in the Dubai Municipality lack understanding of the importance of health and safety. And a 38% of construction deaths in Dubai occurred because of poor supervision, with a further 25% due to lack of training.

These numbers confirm the need for the country to continue improving training in occupational hazards as well as the incorporation of technologies to reduce dangerousness at work.