The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was selected as a case study because it is one of the countries in the region that has had rapid success in scaling up infrastructure in a relatively short period of time. Also, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) is seeking to attract participation of investors from the UAE into domestic infrastructure projects. The study also briefly considers the potential impact of the infrastructure development boom in the UAE on the Pakistan infrastructure implementation capacity in terms of competition for skilled resources in relation to consulting firms and construction services. The study points out that while government agencies and private sector in the UAE have been very successful in implementing various large projects in the past, however, capacity constraints are becoming evident in construction and infrastructure implementation due to the mega size and scale of projects envisaged for completion over the coming years. Therefore, as in the case of other regions with expanding demand but constrained capacity, the way forward is likely to be an increasing focus on private sector participation as well as on newer models and formats in which the projects will be implemented. The experiences of Malaysia, China, and the UAE helped in understanding the processes involved in developing the capacity to undertake large scale infrastructure projects. Common lessons are: that a strategic long-term vision and integrated master plan
ensured funding
sustained efforts to build up required human capital
and providing an enabling environment for local as well as international consultants, contractors, and investors to work in the country proved successful. Strong government support in terms of Human Resource (HR) development
streamlining procedures, policies and regulations
supporting trade associations
facilitating timely payments
and enacting reforms through appropriate legislation in financial sectors to encourage lending for infrastructure are essential. Policies have to be kept under constant review to face the new challenges for infrastructure development due to the ongoing massive development in the region.