Construction Planning Practices in Dubai, U.A.E.: A Study of Contractor Strategies and Regulatory Compliance

Dubai, renowned for its skyscrapers and engineering achievements, serves as a global benchmark for modern construction. This study highlights the critical role of effective construction planning in ensuring timely and successful project delivery within the United Arab Emirates. A structured questionnaire was administered to key stakeholders and industry experts with extensive construction experience to assess prevailing project planning practices in the region. The research categorizes con- tractors based on their planning effort during both pre-contract and post-contract stages and examines how planning inputs vary with contract value. Additionally, it identifies project team members and their respective roles in planning activities, and investigates the techniques employed by contractors for risk management. To support practitioners, an authority flowchart has been developed, providing a practical guide to streamline the planning process and enhance coordination among stakeholders.