Opportunities and challenges of digital twin applications in the Middle East construction industry

Purpose Over the years, the Middle East (ME) has experienced significant advancements in technology, particularly in the digital realm, initiated by Dubai’s 2013 Building Information Modeling (BIM) mandate. However, there are ongoing questions regarding how digital twins (DTs) have been adopted and awareness within the region’s construction industry. This paper aims to explore the current state of DT technology within the construction industry in the ME. It seeks to understand the trends, benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of DTs, as well as the level of awareness among industry professionals regarding this innovative technology. Design/methodology/approach Conducting a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with 10 construction professionals from various firms in the ME, each possessing significant experience (ranging from 7 to 26 years) in digital construction. The interviews were designed to gather in-depth insights into the advantages, challenges and awareness of DTs in the region. The data collected from these interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo 14 software, allowing the identification of key themes and patterns related to the implementation of digital twin technology in the region. Findings There is a growth in Middle Eastern digital twin trends, with developers exploring efficient implementation. Despite theoretical advancements, practical implementation lags. Identified benefits include sustainability enhancement, roles in risk assessment, predictive maintenance, documentation, stakeholder communication, customer satisfaction, safety, production increase, efficiency and real-time monitoring. Challenges involve 26 obstacles categorized into six groups, notably a lack of awareness and understanding of digital twin technology and concerns about data uncertainties. Research limitations/implications The research focused only on the applications of DT within the ME region. Practical implications This paper underscores the importance of standardized policy frameworks for DT adoption in the ME construction industry. Standardization enhances project execution, regulatory compliance and innovation while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Awareness and education programs are crucial for understanding DT benefits, promoting sustainability and improving operational efficiency, offering a clear roadmap for the effective integration of DT solutions. Originality/value The value of this research lies in its in-depth examination of DT technology’s definition, components, benefits and challenges within the Middle Eastern construction industry. It sheds light on the early stages of DT adoption, emphasizing the need for infrastructure, skilled management and standardization to optimize its integration. The study bridges theoretical knowledge with practical insights, addressing barriers like cultural change, data uncertainties and regulatory gaps while highlighting lessons from related technologies like BIM.