The Middle East has become one of the world's most ambitious construction markets, attracting global contractors, consultants, and investors with its mega projects, rapid growth, and long-term infrastructure plans. But behind the headlines is a market where success depends on far more than simply winning work.

Marcus Siddons, Group Director at Baker Wilkins & Smith, joins Jimmy Webb to discuss the realities of delivering projects across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. Drawing on nearly 60 years of the company's experience in the region, Marcus explains why British construction professionals continue to be highly regarded, how long-term relationships shape opportunities, and why patience, trust, and disciplined risk management matter just as much as technical expertise.

The conversation explores Saudi Arabia's giga projects, construction across the GCC, cost and risk management, procurement, cash flow, material price volatility, and the impact of regional conflict on project delivery. Marcus also shares what the UK construction industry can learn from the speed, ambition, and scale of development across the Middle East, while highlighting the challenges that often go unnoticed.

Whether you're planning to expand into Saudi Arabia, already working in the GCC, or simply interested in the future of global construction, this episode of the UK Construction Podcast offers practical insights into one of the industry's most active and influential regions.

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Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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