EXCLUSIVE: Tarek Chehab Ali on Oman Design & Build Week

Muscat, Oman: As Oman accelerates its urban development ambitions under Vision 2040, platforms that bring together global expertise, innovation, and investment are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of the built environment.

Oman Design & Build Week has emerged as one of the region’s key industry gatherings, connecting developers, architects, policymakers, and technology providers across the real estate and construction ecosystem. With growing emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and smart infrastructure, the event continues to reflect the evolving priorities of the sector.

In this exclusive interview with Property News International, Tarek Chehab Ali, Event Director, shares insights into the vision behind the event, the trends reshaping the industry, and how Oman is positioning itself as a competitive and future-ready real estate market.

Oman Design & Build Week has quickly become a leading platform in the region. What is the core vision behind the event, and how does it align with Oman’s broader real estate and built-environment ambitions?

The event started 20 years ago, however in recent years its role has accelerated driven by the growing real estate activities lead by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman. Oman Design & Build Week has become a strategic platform designed to shape the future of the built environment in Oman and the region. Our vision is to inspire innovation, foster partnerships, and showcase cutting-edge solutions that drive progress in construction, design, and real estate.

This aligns seamlessly with Oman’s national development agenda and Vision 2040, which prioritizes sustainable urban growth, smart infrastructure, and investment opportunities. By bringing together global brands, industry leaders, and local stakeholders under one roof, we create an environment where ideas turn into action, accelerating Oman’s transformation into a modern, resilient, and future-ready economy.

With rapidly evolving design and construction technologies, what major trends are you seeing shape the way real estate developers and architects approach projects across the Gulf today?

Today, the way projects are developed across the Gulf is being transformed by three key pillars: precise project management, sustainability, and digital transformation. These are no longer optional, they’ve become the backbone of modern development strategies.

Precise project management ensures efficiency and cost control in an increasingly competitive market, while sustainability reflects the region’s commitment to green building standards and environmental responsibility. Digital transformation, through tools like BIM and advanced analytics, is enabling smarter design, faster execution, and better collaboration across stakeholders.

On top of this, proptech is playing a game-changing role. Developers are leveraging data-driven technologies to predict customer preferences, optimize designs, and deliver accurate pricing models. This not only enhances customer experience but also drives profitability and long-term value for investors.

Sustainability and smart cities are high on many national agendas, including Oman’s Vision 2040. How does Oman Design & Build Week encourage sustainable practices and technologies within the built environment?

By fostering collaboration between government bodies, industry leaders, and technology providers, Oman Design & Build Week drives the adoption of sustainable practices and smart solutions that will define Oman’s urban future. We work closely with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning on the real estate segment of the event and with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on the construction side.

The vision of the event is fully aligned with Oman Vision 2040, as outlined by both ministries. As organizers, we actively engage with companies offering sustainable products and solutions, identifying them locally and internationally—and provide them with tailored exhibiting opportunities. This ensures that the event serves as a strategic platform for introducing innovations that support Oman’s sustainability and smart city objectives. This is also reflected in our marketing communications and conference program.

How are design and construction professionals, especially from GCC, responding to innovations like modular construction, digital twins, and proptech integration? Are these themes represented in this year’s event programming?

Across the GCC, design and construction professionals are embracing innovations like modular construction, digital twins, and proptech at an accelerating pace. These technologies are no longer optional, they’re becoming essential for delivering projects that are faster, smarter, and more sustainable.

For example, the GCC modular construction market is valued at around USD 2 billion and is projected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 5.7%, driven by demand for speed and efficiency. Digital twins, while still in early adoption stages, are gaining traction with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the charge; globally, 62% of organizations using digital twins report significant value in predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. Proptech is another game-changer, with the GCC market expected to reach USD 5.87 billion by 2032, growing at over 12% annually, as developers leverage data-driven tools to predict customer preferences and optimize pricing.

At Oman Design & Build Week, we’ve made these themes central to our planning. In partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), we’re hosting a three-day onsite workshop series that explores these innovations in depth, covering practical applications of modular construction, digital twin technology, and proptech integration. By combining global expertise with Oman’s strategic vision under Vision 2040, the event ensures professionals not only learn about these trends but also understand how to implement them effectively in their projects.

Can you share insights on how the event facilitates collaboration between international firms and local developers in Oman? What opportunities does it create for knowledge transfer and investment attraction?

In partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, we create high-impact opportunities for collaboration, knowledge transfer, and investment.

Through direct B2B matchmaking, targeted networking, and the flagship Real Estate Conference, featuring global speakers and leading developers, we enable meaningful dialogue between international firms and local stakeholders. Our three-day workshop series with the Project Management Institute (PMI) further accelerates innovation, covering BIM, modular construction, and proptech integration. With Oman’s multi-billion-dollar development pipeline and Vision 2040 driving sustainable urban growth, Oman Design & Build Week is not just an exhibition, it’s a catalyst for partnerships that shape the future of the built environment.

What role do you see design and build events like this playing in influencing investor confidence and shaping future real estate markets in the Middle East?

Design and build events like Oman Design & Build Week play a pivotal role in boosting investor confidence and shaping the future of real estate markets in the Middle East. By aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and partnering with key ministries, the event showcases a stable, policy-driven environment backed by mega-projects and strong government patronage, key signals for investors. Through initiatives like direct B2B matchmaking, the Real Estate Conference featuring global speakers and developers, and specialized workshops with the Project Management Institute (PMI), we create platforms for knowledge transfer and highlight investment-ready opportunities in sustainability, smart infrastructure, and modular construction.

What are your aspirations for the next edition of Oman Design & Build Week? Are there any new initiatives, partnerships, or focus areas that you are particularly excited about?

For the next edition of Oman Design & Build Week happening from 11 to 13 of May 2026 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, our goal is to position the event as Oman’s premier platform for urban development, real estate, and smart infrastructure. We’re introducing new initiatives that focus on sustainability and smart technologies, including dedicated tracks on green materials, modular construction, and energy-efficient systems.

The Real Estate Conference, organized with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, will continue to feature global speakers and leading developers, offering insights into investment strategies and future market trends. We’re also launching a direct B2B matchmaking program to connect top-tier buyers with international firms specializing in smart city solutions, prefabricated construction, and renewable energy.