THE first-ever GCC-wide survey on building information modelling (BIM), conducted by buildingSmart ME, was released at the buildSmart annual conference late last year.

The survey findings provide a unique insight into the current state of BIM usage, as well as providing valuable indicators of how the industry can prepare for and facilitate increased BIM activity.

The findings suggest that BIM penetration in the industry is moderate (around 25 per cent). However, the level of competency is underdeveloped compared to regions such as Western Europe and the US. Face-to-face interviews conducted as part of the survey process indicated that most firms engaged with BIM were in an ‘early adoption’ phase and were typically using BIM in its most basic capacity – as a tool for visualisation, coordination, drawing extraction and in a few cases, for construction planning.

The survey included respondents from key construction industry sectors operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. The findings are reflective of the opinions of industry professionals with prior exposure to and/or experience with BIM.

The recognition of the value of BIM is strong, with respondents identifying ‘reduction in design errors’ (66 per cent), ‘improved quality control’ (64 per cent) and ‘improved productivity’ (64 per cent) as the primary benefits.

The survey uncovered concerns that the (lack of) availability of skilled staff and training may hinder the adoption of BIM in the future. Such concerns are supported by the findings on current capabilities and skills level. Of the respondents who had received BIM training, 46 per cent indicated that they were self-taught.

Overall the findings represent a market that is optimistic and aware, but inexperienced in BIM. Real benefits are recognised, but not necessarily seen as achievable (return on investment – ROI – was identified as one of the least recognised benefits), according to BuildingSmart ME.