insights What does it take to be a construction manager in the Middle East?
A construction manager is responsible for almost everything that happens on a construction site. They are one of the most senior people on a project, overseeing and directing specific operations to ensure successful delivery on time and on budget.
We’re always looking to the future, and we’re growing our teams to provide a sustainable future for the next generation. If you’re looking to take the next step in your engineering career, why not consider a role as a construction manager?
What does a construction manager do?
No two days are the same for a construction manager. The key responsibilities of a construction manager include providing planning, leadership, direction, and technical expertise on a fast-paced and complex construction site. They effectively manage the timely procurement of materials, equipment, plant and labour resources, delivery to site and construction of the subcontract work packages.
Construction managers may be tasked with anything from monitoring progress on finances or planning schedules to dealing with clients, subcontractors, or the general public, and even hiring new staff to enrich their teams, including architects, surveyors and engineers. Whilst the role of a construction manager can be challenging and multifaceted, ultimately it is rewarding.
How to become a construction manager?
To be a construction manager, typically you will need to be qualified and have extensive experience in a construction-related discipline, primarily engineering.
You will need a demonstrable track record in the delivery of mixed-use, multi-functional projects and be effective in building good working relationships.
Once you have this under your belt, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills to be able to interact with numerous stakeholders.
We all know that construction projects can sometimes face challenges, so as one of the most senior people on a project, being able to motivate your team is essential.
Additionally, by embracing innovation and utilising digital technologies as a construction manager, projects, and your career will have greater success.
Working in the Middle East
Typically, due to the traditional heritage and culture of the Middle East, countries have generally been slower to adapt to key changes that are significant for the prosperity of both people and the environment.
However, there is a shift towards establishing a more sustainable future with an objective to diversify the economy from just crude oil and towards more sustainable initiatives.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in particular, has become a more attractive place to work for both local people and expatriates over the last few years as governments make commitments towards becoming more inclusive, sustainable, and modern, investing in these areas to provide for a better.
A series of national priorities have been established as part of Vision 21 in the UAE, including ‘Sustainable environment and infrastructure’. This strategy focuses on improving air quality, increasing clean energy within the built environment, and implementing green growth plans.
Why the UAE?
Under Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, pioneering construction managers will be in increasing demand in the UAE to help shift the core of its economy from unsustainable resources to knowledge, innovation, cutting-edge technologies, and new economic alternatives such as smart cities.
Smart cities are emerging in the UAE and all over the world, as they will address economic and social challenges, whilst also unlocking potential long-term benefits.
Smart cities, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are paving the way for an improved quality of life and ensuring our environment is protected for future generations to come by using data and digital technology to work to make better decisions.
>Build your career as a construction manager in the Middle East
At AtkinsRéalis, we are one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world, and we have a strong presence in the Middle East region built up over fifty years.
We’re looking for more experienced construction managers to join our teams in the Middle East. Working as a construction manager in this city is both motivating and fulfilling and no two projects are the same, so you’ll always be developing and learning new skills.
If you’re looking for your next challenge, browse our available construction manager jobs in the Middle East today.
If you can’t quite find something that suits you, sign up for job alerts so you’ll never miss an opportunity.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/31/2024
Summary
Meet Laurence, Director, Systems Engineering, a woman passionate about innovation and public transit. Through her own experiences, she will offer her perspective on managing complex projects and
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/25/2024
Summary
I'm Mei, a chartered engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater engineering projects in the UK and internationally. I’m the Water Sector Lead and Project Director in AtkinsRéal
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/11/2024
Summary
Hello. I'm Karen, a Senior Programme Manager in Project & Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. Born to Ghanaian parents and raised in North London, my journey has been one of resilience
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/10/2024
Summary
From engineering internships to leadership roles: My journey at AtkinsRéalis Discovering leadership through my civil engineering internships Allô, my name is Karolane. I work at AtkinsRéalis
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/08/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that sustainability is more than just a goal - it shapes everything we do. For over a decade, our team members, like the one you'll meet today, have b
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportuniti
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
We interviewed Turki Ghesheyan on his experience with the AtkinsRéalis Saudi Graduate Program. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Turki, I am an Architectural Engineer who graduated from
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we have a team of local, regional, and international experts in the UAE who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the market to meet the needs of our clients. The UAE i
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Sherif, and I work at AtkinsRéalis in London. As a principal fire engineer, I'm proud to "engineer a better future" every day here, specifically as our work relates to shaping
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi! I'm Alina, an associate director specialized in transport infrastructure engineering. I lead the North-West Estimating team in Project & Programme Services here in Manchester. Over the past
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Across the evolving landscape of the Middle East, Architects play a large part in designing and planning complex building structures that are in line with groundbreaking innovation. The constructio
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Site Office
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Saudi Arabia
Description
About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engin
Reference
R-122442
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis business is one of the largest multidisciplinary, multi sector engineering design consultancies.As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultanc
Reference
R-122215
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Courtice
Description
Project Director – Rail Sector Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organization. We connect
Reference
R-122086
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
**AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Civil/Structural Engineer (Design Review)** **About AtkinsRéalis** Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a wo
Reference
R-121998
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better fut
Reference
R-121996
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Tabouk
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
Tabouk
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people. AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organization. We connect people, data, and technology
Reference
R-121886
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Site Office
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Saudi Arabia
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bett
Reference
R-120393
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Tabouk
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Tabouk
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bett
Reference
R-120390
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Tabouk
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Tabouk
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for 3 Design Management Director to be based on NEOM The LINE Site. We welcome applicants with MEP, Structural and Architectural backgrounds.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the i
Reference
R-120294
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Mohammed WaseemAuthor
Mohammed WaseemSalary
Location
Tabouk
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Tabouk
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Senior Engineering Manager to be based on NEOM The LINE Site.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéali
Reference
R-120280
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more