CIOB international head Amy Gough said: "The expectation is that China, India and Eastern Europe will be the new magnets for construction activity. But we are still seeing our own members, and other construction professionals, migrate towards the Middle East.
"Certainly, in the case of China we have vast experience and support for members seeking those opportunities and connections. However, we recognise that whilst we have been scaling up our presence in the Middle East through a range of centres and local support our members need something more substantial and permanent. The new Dubai branch is in direct response to that demand and it also gives us greater capacity for growth in line with future construction activity. People on the ground will see a more active CIOB that will be promoting the value of professionalism at industry, government and education levels."
The CIOB will use its new foothold in Dubai to launch a number of initiatives that connect together its existing presence in Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The Institute estimates regular growth in demand for professionally qualified construction managers throughout the region.
The CIOB’s strategy involves working together with universities offering degrees in construction management, graduates, middle/senior managers in construction and both contractors and consultants to promote the benefits of an internationally recognised professional qualification and network.
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