Research highlights growing adoption of AI amid concerns around trust, accuracy, and implementation
A new global study by PlanRadar reveals that 58% of construction professionals are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage increasing workload pressures, signalling a shift in how the industry views emerging technologies.
The findings, based on a January 2026 survey of 1,728 professionals across the Middle East and global markets, show that AI is increasingly seen as a practical tool rather than a threat to jobs. However, the report also highlights a widening gap between recognition of AI’s value and actual investment in AI-driven solutions.
In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the biggest barriers to AI adoption are linked to trust and usability rather than job security concerns. In the UAE, 59% of respondents cited accuracy and trust in AI outputs as their primary concern, followed by complexity of adoption (29%). Data privacy, security, and integration challenges were also noted but ranked lower.
“AI is no longer a question of ‘if’ in construction it’s about trust, usability, and real-world adoption on projects.”
– Andrey Belogortsev, Regional Manager (MENA & APAC), PlanRadar
Globally, nearly half of respondents said their organisations have no immediate plans to invest in AI-enabled tools, despite strong interest from employees. More than half indicated they would be more likely to stay with their employer if investment in AI and digital tools increased, highlighting a growing link between technology adoption and talent retention.
The study also underscores the operational benefits of AI. Nearly half of respondents reported spending over 11 hours per week on administrative tasks, while two-thirds of those using AI tools said they save at least two hours per project. Additionally, 65% believe AI can significantly reduce administrative burdens, while 58% see it helping address key project challenges such as delays and change management.
According to Ibrahim Imam, the findings point to a broader industry shift where AI adoption is becoming critical not only for productivity but also for workforce satisfaction and retention.
The report further highlights that organisations adopting digital platforms are seeing improved cost control, faster approvals, and better project visibility reinforcing the role of AI in driving efficiency and transparency across construction workflows.
