The United Arab Emirates has a flourishing building and construction industry. It is the third largest sector of the country?s economy after oil and trade. The UAE has the highest per capita spending in the construction sector- second only to Japan. Future prospects in the sector hold a lot of promise. In the midst of the economic downturn, the construction industry in the UAE stands out as a beacon of hope.

From 2009 to 2012, the construction industry in the UAE is expected to register an average growth rate of 5-7% per annum. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are at the forefront of the surge in construction activity with Abu Dhabi currently being the epicentre.

Several reasons contribute to the phenomenal growth in the construction industry-
1. Government commitment to developing the country as a business and tourism hub has led to increased spending on improving infrastructure such as rails, roadways, airports and ports. Moreover, the government is investing in capital development projects such as power, manufacturing, industrial zones and desalination plants.
2. A huge influx of foreign professional and blue collar workers has led to an increasing demand for residential and commercial constructions.
3. The Government has eased foreign investment laws so that non-UAE nationals can now purchase and develop property.
4. Private sector developers are positive on the tourism and leisure sector and are building a host of hotels, resorts, entertainment complexes and shopping malls. Number of tourists is expected to double to 15 million per annum by 2012 and to cope with the influx, major hotel projects are planned in the newly developing areas of Dubailand, Bawadi and the Burj Dubai precinct. In addition, the natural islands of Abu Dhabi are under-going large scale development.
5. Surplus cash flow due to the high price of oil has led to large scale investment in the construction sector.
6. The UAE has a sound economy, a well-established banking system, a sophisticated business community well-versed with western practices and excellent infrastructure. The conditions are generally conducive to attracting foreign construction companies to invest their resources in the booming industry.

The burgeoning industry requires skilled professionals in the following fields:
? Urban design and master-planning
? Architecture and design (including green design)
? Landscape design and services
? Interior design
? Spatial information services
? Consulting engineering
? Construction contracting
? Facility management
? Engineering construction
? Project management

These and many more opportunities abound for the right candidates. The construction industry in the UAE is worth giving a shot for anyone looking for a foothold in the competitive construction jobs sector.