In conversation with Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam and chief division officer of the Construct and Build Division for Nemetschek Group

Why is the Middle East such an exciting region for construction innovation right now?

The Middle East is at an exciting moment. The scale of what’s being built here is unlike anywhere else in the world. And what makes it different is that a lot of these projects aren’t burdened by old systems or legacy ways of working. They can start fresh, which means digital tools and sustainability goals can be built in from the very beginning.

If you’re designing something from scratch, you can think about collaboration, data and efficiency up front rather than adding them later. That creates a chance for the region not only to adopt best practices but to define them — and it’s exactly why companies like Bluebeam see such strong engagement here. The mindset is open to new ways of working, and that’s where innovation thrives.

How is AI changing the way construction projects are planned and delivered?

AI is changing the game, but it’s doing so in very practical ways. The industry has always been complex — many stakeholders, tight budgets, unexpected risks. AI helps by making sense of huge amounts of data and giving teams insights they can act on quickly.

First, AI can flag risks earlier, whether that’s in schedules, budgets or compliance. Second, it can automate repetitive tasks that take up too much time. And third, it gives teams more confidence in the decisions they’re making because the data behind those decisions is clearer.

At Bluebeam, we’re focused on AI that supports real teams and projects, helping project managers, engineers and field teams make faster, more confident decisions. The goal isn’t to replace people; it’s to make their work easier and more impactful.

What role do integrations play in creating value for project teams?

Integrations are one of those things that sound technical, but they solve very real jobsite problems. Construction is fragmented by nature. Architects, engineers, contractors, owners — everybody has their own preferred software tools. When those tools don’t connect, you end up with silos.

When project teams have integration, you create one version of the truth. Everyone sees the same drawings, the same schedule, the same updates. That means fewer errors, faster decisions and less frustration across the team.

Bluebeam’s integration with Procore, for instance, keeps markups and submittals synced so teams never lose track of changes. Our integration with InEight connects project controls with field markups for complex infrastructure projects. 

With Vectorworks, design feedback flows seamlessly back to architects — even for Mac users. And integrations with Newforma and Egnyte keep documents version-controlled and accessible anywhere, helping teams find the right file the first time.

These aren’t flashy features; they’re practical tools that remove friction and help people stay focused on building.

Connectivity is a big challenge on complex projects. How does linking fieldworkers to the back office make a difference?

This is a critical one. The jobsite is where success or failure really happens. But too often, field crews are working with outdated drawings or waiting hours for approvals from the office. That slows everything down.

Connecting the field to the office in real time changes that. With mobile tools like GoCanvas, a fieldworker can see the latest plan, mark an issue and have it show up instantly for someone in the office. The office can respond quickly, and the whole team stays on the same page.

Bluebeam plays a big part in bridging that gap. Our collaboration tools — including Bluebeam Studio and browser-based markup capabilities — let teams view, update and share drawings from anywhere, whether they’re in the field trailer or at headquarters. That kind of connectivity helps eliminate delays and makes teams more agile.

Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for digital transformation in construction?

I see three. First, AI moving from pilots to everyday use. Right now, a lot of companies are experimenting. The real opportunity is when AI becomes part of the normal workflow, helping with estimating, scheduling and risk management.

Second, global collaboration. Projects are getting larger and more international. Having teams across multiple countries and time zones means you need platforms that let people work as if they’re in the same room. Cloud-based collaboration is going to be a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

Third, sustainability. Construction has a big role to play in reducing waste and cutting carbon. Digital tools make it possible to measure, monitor and optimize in ways that simply weren’t available before.

What excites me most is that the Middle East isn’t treating digital transformation as an add-on. It’s being designed into projects from the start. That creates an opportunity to change how the industry works — to deliver faster, safer and more sustainable outcomes.

At Bluebeam, we see our role as enabling that shift, connecting tools, teams and data so projects can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

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