DHAKA: Dubai’s construction and real estate sectors are facing a combined manpower shortfall of up to 500,000 heading into 2015, according to the findings of the Workforce Planning Study, which was commissioned by Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and conducted by Deloitte.

The study showed that building and construction project management skills are most lacking among senior levels, according to 43 percent of companies surveyed.

Likewise, 54 percent of companies believe that design engineering skills are lacking among mid-level professionals, followed by civil engineering skills.

Among entry level employees, health and safety skills were identified as most lacking.

‘The growth in the property and construction sectors is driven by strong economic and demographic fundamentals, and robust government spending. Yet, high attrition rates among expatriate labour force and lack of skilled labour are causing an increased labour cost, which amounts to up to 25 percent of construction costs,’ said Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village.

‘Furthermore, new green building standards have been developed in the GCC, focused on increasing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The continued growth of the construction industry will depend on its ability to address skill gaps and invest in new talent required to support technological developments;’ he added.

Real estate project financing, property pricing and appraisal, real estate evaluation, property market analysis and brokerage are also cited as key skills in demand.

The resurgent construction market has also provided a need for skilled trades such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical engineering.

BDST: 2121 HRS, APR 19, 2014