By: Neil Baker, Managing Director for the Middle East at WW+P
From concept to reality: WW+P’s strategic advisory powers GCC’s infrastructure transformation

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is leading a global revolution in infrastructure and urban development. The construction market is expected to grow from USD 177.77 billion in 2025 to USD 226.88 billion by 2030 and reach USD 275 billion by 2035, making strategic planning more important than ever. This shift is driven by national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Centennial 2071, which focus on economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation.   

As GCC nations advance with large-scale investments in housing, mobility, cultural districts, and smart cities, governments and developers are increasingly recognizing the need for strategic foresight. In this context, WW+P is emerging as a trusted advisor, supporting both public and private stakeholders to mitigate risks, validate investment projections, and speed up delivery. 


Strategic Role of Technical Advisory

Mega projects in the Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia’s NEOM (USD 500 billion), the UAE’s Etihad Rail (USD 11 billion), and Qatar’s Lusail Light Rail (USD 4.4 billion), involve substantial stakes and technical complexity. While the architectural and engineering achievements make headlines, it is often the thorough early-stage advisory work that determines long-term success. This is where WW+P provides unmatched value. 

With extensive expertise in feasibility studies, public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks, risk assessments, and sustainability strategies, WW+P helps shape projects from the ground up. Their approach combines data-driven insights and stakeholder alignment to ensure that the desired outcomes are also economically, socially, and technically achievable.


Backed by Global Expertise

WW+P’s presence in Riyadh places the firm at the core of the GCC’s most vibrant development ecosystem. The construction market in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach a value of USD 74.11 billion by 2025 and over USD 100 billion by 2035, mainly driven by rising urbanization, tourism, and giga-projects. The firm works closely with ministries, municipalities, and private developers, ensuring local relevance and responsiveness. 

Through its partnership with Egis, WW+P provides an integrated advisory and design solution that merges engineering, mobility, architecture, and planning. This multidisciplinary approach has established the firm as a trusted advisor for projects that demand a careful balance of innovative thinking and practical execution. Notable global projects, such as the Paddington Elizabeth Line Station and Circular Quay Renewal, showcase WW+P’s ability to handle technically complex and publicly sensitive developments—a crucial skill in the GCC’s changing urban landscape. 


Regional Shift Towards Strategic Planning

The GCC’s construction sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5 percent, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar leading in infrastructure investments. Commercial construction is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.6 percent, driven by demand for business hubs, retail spaces, and hospitality projects. Investment in renewable energy and transportation infrastructure, such as the Sudair Solar Park (USD 900 million), UAE’s Al Dhafra Solar Project (USD 1 billion), and Riyadh Metro (USD 23 billion), is also increasing, highlighting a shift toward integrated, future-ready sustainable urban ecosystems.

This rapid growth highlights the need for early-stage advisory that addresses economic, environmental, and operational sustainability. WW+P plays an essential role in guiding these decisions, providing services that go beyond planning and design, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.


Designing for the Future

WW+P’s values – people-focused, innovative, and responsible – guide every project they undertake. In the GCC, these values are especially vital as nations strive to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable environments for future generations. Above all, the firm’s commitment to empowering local talent and developing long-term regional expertise ensures that its impact goes far beyond project completion.

As the GCC continues its transformation, the role of strategic advisors like WW+P will only become more pivotal. By bridging the gap between vision and reality, the firm is helping shape a future where cities are smart and resilient.



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