Ageism in Construction: “Everyone’s a Director” 🚧

Let’s talk about something we all see but don’t always address: ageism.

And no, not just against older professionals—sometimes younger talent gets the short end of the stick simply because they haven’t racked up decades in the field.

When I joined EC Harris as a graduate back in 2013, most directors had at least 30+ years of experience under their belts. Today, you’ll find many directors in their 30s.

I’ve worked with senior professionals who can’t read a P6 program but can dominate a meeting, and junior professionals who can solve technical problems with just a click.

Here’s what I’ve noticed working in the Middle East construction scene:

Experience isn’t everything:

Yes, it’s valuable, but younger professionals are agile, tech-savvy, and can often get the job done just as well—if not better—in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven environment.

New tech, new rules:

From BIM (Building Information Modeling) to AI-driven project management tools, tech is reshaping the industry. Younger teams are often quicker to adapt and use these tools effectively.

Cost-effective:‍

Younger professionals tend to command lower salaries but deliver high-quality work. In a market as competitive as the Middle East, this is a huge advantage.

‍Stats don’t lie:

According to industry reports, the Middle East construction market is expected to grow at a rate of 5.5% annually. This growth needs fresh, innovative approaches that younger talent is eager to provide.

Hopping culture:‍

Younger professionals are moving between jobs more frequently, allowing them to pick up relevant skills faster and advance their careers at an accelerated pace.

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It’s not about choosing one over the other. Older professionals bring invaluable wisdom, while younger ones bring agility and new ways of thinking.

We need both. It’s time to focus on capability over years. We should hire on merit and create an inclusive culture like other industries.