- Delegation participates in International Built Environment Week 2026 to explore emerging trends, technologies and solutions shaping the future of construction and the built environment.
- Cooperation agreement with BCA International will support capability development and knowledge exchange in green buildings and modern construction methods.
- Visit advances Dubai Municipality’s efforts to develop a smarter, more efficient and globally competitive construction sector.
- Delegation examines Singapore’s experience in modular construction, automation, artificial intelligence, digital twins and other advanced construction technologies.
- Visit to Kajima’s Asia-Pacific headquarters provides insight into a living laboratory where advanced construction technologies are tested before wider implementation.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 09 September 2026: A Dubai Municipality delegation led by His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, has concluded an official visit to Singapore to explore advanced construction practices, technologies and regulatory approaches and strengthen international cooperation in the built environment sector.
The delegation, which included a number of Dubai Municipality’s executive and administrative leaders, examined Singapore’s experience in construction and urban development and engaged with government entities and international companies specialising in the sector.
The visit focused on modern construction methods, modular construction, artificial intelligence, automation, digital twins, sustainable infrastructure and smart-city technologies. It also provided an opportunity to examine how these solutions are being applied in practice and assess their potential relevance to Dubai’s continued development.
The visit forms part of Dubai Municipality’s efforts to advance the building and construction sector through international knowledge exchange and the adoption of practices that enhance efficiency, sustainability and future readiness.
His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “International cooperation and knowledge exchange play an important role in ensuring that Dubai’s construction sector continues to evolve alongside advances in technology, engineering and urban development. Through this visit, we have explored practical applications across modern construction methods, sustainable infrastructure, digital twins and artificial intelligence that can inform the continued development of our regulatory and operational approaches.
“Our objective is to strengthen a construction ecosystem that is more efficient, sustainable and future-ready while supporting Dubai’s global competitiveness. By engaging with leading international institutions and companies, we can assess emerging practices, exchange expertise and identify solutions that can contribute to the continued development of Dubai’s built environment and enhance quality of life.”
International Built Environment Week 2026
As part of the visit, the delegation participated in International Built Environment Week 2026, which explored major developments shaping the construction and built environment sector, including workforce capabilities, digital intelligence and sustainability.
The event brings together government entities, developers, technology companies and industry professionals to examine the future of the sector and attracts more than 14,000 participants and visitors and over 1,300 experts and industry leaders.
The delegation also visited BEX Asia, held alongside International Built Environment Week, to explore technologies and solutions being developed for the construction sector and engage with international companies showcasing innovations across the built environment.
Strengthening cooperation and capabilities
The delegation met with officials from the Building and Construction Authority and BCA International to exchange expertise on Singapore’s approach to the future development of its construction sector.
Discussions covered productivity, advanced building and inspection technologies, regulatory frameworks, construction cost management, sustainability and digital transformation. The delegation also explored Singapore’s experience in Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) and the use of artificial intelligence, robotics and safety-monitoring technologies.
During the visit, Dubai Municipality signed a cooperation agreement with BCA International, a subsidiary of the Building and Construction Authority, to strengthen capabilities and facilitate knowledge exchange in green buildings and modern construction methods.
The agreement will support training programmes and specialised site visits, promote the exchange of construction policies and best practices and explore opportunities to strengthen engagement between Singaporean companies and development projects in Dubai. It will also support the assessment of projects and buildings across the emirate.
Exploring construction innovation in practice
The delegation visited the Asia-Pacific headquarters and research and innovation centre of Kajima at Changi Business Park. The facility operates as a living laboratory where advanced construction technologies are tested before wider implementation, including robotics, construction automation, digital technologies, digital twins and smart building management.
The delegation also explored projects by United Tec Construction using modular construction and PPVC technologies. The visit provided insight into the full construction process, from manufacturing and transportation to on-site installation, as well as the implications of these methods for construction speed, quality control, safety, workforce requirements and waste reduction.
The delegation further visited Avenue South Residence and other modular construction projects to examine the practical application of advanced and sustainable construction methods and assess their potential relevance to projects in Dubai.
The visit reinforces Dubai Municipality’s continued efforts to strengthen international cooperation, build institutional and technical capabilities and identify advanced solutions that support the development of a more efficient, sustainable and future-ready construction sector.