With over $1 trillion worth of projects announced in the GCC and escalating project risks, the Middle East Economic Digest’s (MEED) Project Risk Management in Construction conference will address the key issues currently faced by the construction industry, providing an opportunity for the sector to gather together to devise new solutions to ensure effective delivery of major projects.

Taking place from November 21 to 22 at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai, the event will feature a panel of top-level cross-industry expert speakers renowned for their knowledge of the issues facing the industry. Some of the eminent speakers at the event will be Peter Riddoch, CEO of Damac Properties; Mark Amirault, group senior director for development of Emaar Properties; Rod Stewart, regional managing director of Hyder Consulting; and Brian Allan, claims group director of Hill International.
“With the astounding construction boom, the associated risks are mounting rapidly. Phenomenal price escalation in raw materials – steel having increased 30 per cent this year – labour shortages, supply chain problems and ineffective contracts are just some of the concerns felt by the market,” says a spokeman for Meed Conferences, the organiser. “These issues are set to continue for the foreseeable future and the construction industry has to focus its attentions on mitigating these risks. Partnering on projects is one method of mitigating overall project risks.”
Highlighting this issue, Graham Wilson, director of contracts at Emaar Properties will illustrate how the region’s large developers can adopt partnering to ensure successful project outcomes at the event.
The evolution of contracts, procurement and dispute resolution is another area that if developed, could help to allay industry worries. Senior representatives from Clyde and Company, Denton Wilde Sapte, Hill International and Masons Galadari will explore these issues and demonstrate best practice that can be adopted in the region.
A post-conference workshop facilitated by David Mosey, head of projects and construction, Trowers & Hamlins, will highlight how partnering and the creation of a project team will help to ensure optimal project outcomes.