Integrating Sustainable Materials in UAE Construction: Addressing Socio-Economic, Regulatory, and Technical Barriers through Qualitative Insights

Abstract Sustainable construction materials are crucial to meet the construction sector’s environmental, economic, and social consequences, especially in fast-developing regions such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Implementing such materials is not extensive yet because of a range of issues that include the high upfront cost, insufficient materials, regulations, and stakeholder awareness and technical knowledge. However, pursuing such substances has environmental advantages and forms part of global sustainability strategies. This paper discusses these issues under a qualitative research study that relies on expert interviews to present detailed information about the barriers and opportunities that have become synonymous with sustainable material use in the construction sector within the UAE. The current research emphasized on the need of comparative framework among the construction industry professionals, government institutions, and the clients aimed to minimize the identified challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable construction industry in the region. The study will help develop a more resilient, sustainable, and knowledgeable construction industry by filling the research gaps that lack context-dependent empirical evidence on stakeholder cooperation, socio-economic limitations, and practical realities (addressed in the study). The findings aim to help facilitate a shift toward sustainable construction practices in the UAE. Moreover, the research offers a framework that can be replicated in similar contexts of developing countries, inspiring and motivating the audience with the broader impact of the study. The future researcher should explore the significance of identified challenges and in the adoption of sustainable practices, and propose a framework to help industry in order to mitigate them.