Barriers and Opportunities for the Adoption of Building Information Modelling in the Design of Buildings: Case Study of Oman

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is defined as a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics that serves as a shared knowledge resource for stakeholders. BIM is transforming the global Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry by enhancing project delivery, constructability, and stakeholders’ collaboration. However, the adoption of BIM in Oman remains limited due to various challenges. This study assesses the current state of BIM adoption, its barriers, and potential opportunities within Oman’s construction industry. A survey of 214 professionals from the public (27.41%) and private (69.04%) sectors was conducted, covering diverse engineering disciplines and experience levels. Data were collected through an online questionnaire on BIM awareness, implementation challenges, and industry readiness. Results indicate that 60% of respondents implied that their organisations operate at BIM levels 0 and 1 as defined by UK-NBS, reflecting an existing reliance on traditional methods. Key barriers include technological limitations (42%), resistance to change (39%), lack of awareness (36%), and inadequate training (41%), with 70% citing high implementation costs as a significant barrier. Despite these challenges, 80% of respondents acknowledged BIM’s potential to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance project delivery. Respondents further indicated that their organisations aim to integrate sustainability and energy efficiency into the design and operate phases over the next five years. This study, among the first of its kind in Oman, highlights the urgent need for targeted training, supportive policies, and government-led incentives to promote BIM adoption and align the local construction sector with international best practices. BIM should be promoted as it significantly enhances project efficiency and collaboration among stakeholders, and reduces costs. Its ability to improve sustainability and energy efficiency aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, making it a critical tool for the development of the construction sector.

1. Introduction

1.1. Building Information Modelling: Definition, Role, and Global Impact

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has increasingly garnered the attention of stakeholders within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sectors over the past few decades, owing to its significant advantages and contributions to project outcomes and team dynamics. According to ISO 19650-1 (2018), BIM is defined as a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics, which serves as a valuable tool for decision-makers throughout the entire project lifecycle [1]. BIM provides a framework of technologies, processes, policies, and guidelines, enabling stakeholders to visualise the project virtually. This digital approach enhances collaboration, constructability, efficiency, and resource optimisation across the project’s various stages [2,3]. The United States National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) states, “A BIM is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. As such, it serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its lifecycle from inception onward [4]”. Figure 1 shows the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process, highlighting the project’s main stages and substages.

1.1.1. Challenges in Traditional Projects

Traditional construction faces numerous challenges affecting a project’s efficiency and desired outcome. Miscommunication and communication risks among project team members and stakeholders are common due to the decentralisation of information and information systems and the difficulty of accessing them, which frequently causes mistakes and delays [5]. Similarly, budget overruns occur in construction projects due to resource allocation inefficiencies, unexpected scope changes, and variations [6]. Maintaining the planned schedules is also a significant challenge, as delays are recurring due to improper planning and coordination between the project members [7]. The complexity of modern construction projects and architectural wonders often clashes with traditional construction techniques, causing a difference between the plan and the execution and a lack of proper integration, leading to avoiding potential innovations and improvements in construction processes [8].

1.1.2. The Crucial Role of BIM Adoption in the Construction Industry

In contrast to traditional construction, BIM offers solutions to the regular challenges faced while practising traditional construction. Through its digital approach, BIM significantly enhances the efficient management of projects [6]. BIM improves communication and reduces risks linked to miscommunication by having a shared centralised source that can be accessed in real-time by all stakeholders [5]. Through precise quantity take-offs and cost estimation, efficient resource tracking and resource allocation, BIM also enhances cost and budget management throughout the project lifecycle [6]. Moreover, BIM tends to reduce delays and risks and optimise the workflow through its scheduling and precise planning capabilities [7]. Furthermore, BIM, by integrating new technologies such as AI and machine learning, allows for a vast space for innovation and new construction ideas [8].

1.1.3. Global BIM Adoption and Mandates

Many countries adopted BIM to enhance collaboration, constructability, resource utilisation, and risk reduction. The Nordic countries, represented by Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, were the early adopters in the early 2000s, paving the path for other countries [9,10]. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country to adopt BIM in the Middle East region for specific public projects in Dubai, effective in 2014. Although it has been more than ten years since Dubai Municipality issued Circular-196 in late 2013, Dubai is the only Emirate among the seven UAE emirates that has mandated BIM in its projects to date [11]. Through the Government Construction Strategy 2016–2020, the United Kingdom government revealed that BIM level 2 is mandated for all centrally procured public construction projects by April 2016 [12]. South Korea was the first Asian country to mandate BIM for public projects as a nationwide mandate [13]. Germany, Spain, and Italy were the next countries to follow the UK’s path to mandating BIM from 2017 to 2019 [14,15,16], while Russia and Singapore mandated BIM for specific projects in 2020 and 2021 [17,18]. Lastly, the United States of America (USA) and Australia have regional/state mandates rather than nationwide ones; states like Wisconsin in the United States and Queensland Government in Australia mandated BIM for specific projects [19,20,21]. Figure 2 shows the global distribution of BIM mandates across the world.

1.1.4. UK’s National Building Specification (NBS) Levels

The progressive BIM levels framework introduced by the UK National Building Specification (NBS) has significantly contributed to BIM’s worldwide evolution. The framework has a range of BIM from level 0 (minimal collaboration), where the project is usually in 2D form whether in paper or basic electronic layout, to level 3, representing a fully integrated digital ecosystem with open-data standards and a well-informed/involved client. Level 1 represents the use of a 3D environment for visualisation and concept work and a 2D environment for approving the design work from the concerned authorities; in this level, the data can be shared using a common data environment like online data storage platforms, while level 2 advances level 1 in the information exchange process and the use of software packages that allow data exchange like Autodesk Revit, and the use of IFC format, which allows different software packages to read 3D elements from other platforms. Figure 3 illustrates the structured pathway from BIM level 0 to 3, as the NBS describes [22].

1.2. Oman Construction Industry

Oman’s construction industry has been significantly growing in the last decade, contributing around 9.2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 with slightly over USD 9 billion, and is the largest employer in the private sector with approximately 17.9% out of the total number of Omanis insured in the private sector [23]. The sector contributes one-eighth of the non-oil GDP, according to the Ministry of Economy [23], with 14,891 engineers in the construction industry in the private and public sectors [24] and 558,586 Omani and expatriates employed in this sector as of February 2025, according to the Department of Statistics in the Ministry of Labor in Oman [25].

Local Policies and Regulations of Construction and BIM

Oman lacks a National Building Code and depends on local orders from the Muscat municipality and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). The local order 23/92 issued by the Muscat municipality is the standard used in the 11 governates, including the capital of Oman, Muscat, as shown in Figure 4. The order was issued in 1992 and amended in 2019, covering only the architectural guidelines [26,27]. SEZAD has issued specific guidelines for its area that cover Industrial and City Design Guidelines. They consist of sections on urban planning, urban design, landscape design, architectural design, and structural design guidelines issued between 2019 and 2022 [28]. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) lately agreed with the International Code Council to design the Oman Building Code (OBC), which is expected to be completed by 2025 [29]. The new expected code consists of 36 chapters concerning construction, but it does not discuss BIM.

1.3. Research Importance

BIM presents a massive opportunity for Oman’s construction industry to align with the country’s efforts to follow and cope with the latest technologies and practices. Implementing BIM can enhance efficiency by accelerating workflows, reducing project delays, and minimising cost overruns [30]. Moreover, BIM adoptions support the initiatives concerning sustainability and integrating green materials and standards, which align with Oman Vision 2040, which enforces innovation and sustainability as key milestones of the long-term development plan [31]. Despite its importance, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding BIM adoption in Oman. Existing research and articles mainly focus on global or regional trends with minimal empirical data investigating BIM adoption, barriers, and challenges in the context of the Omani construction industry. Figure 5 illustrates a PRISMA chart based on the publications on the Web of Science platform concerning BIM in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and specifically in Oman. The only two publications covering BIM and Oman are a review paper and a conference proceeding. Aliya Al-Hashim and Naima Bankari discussed the application of digital documentation in the Omani French Museum in Mutrah, a city in the capital of Oman, in which GIS with drones and the development of an H-BIM model have been created [32]. The review paper was not exclusive for Oman but examined over 29 countries [32]. Due to these reasons, this research targets this gap by providing in-depth data analysis of BIM adoption in Oman, offering trends and insights on challenges and opportunities that can help decision-makers and related personnel frame and draft policies and guidelines for BIM adoption in Oman.

1.3.1. Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate and explore the adoption of BIM in the Sultanate of Oman, focusing on challenges and opportunities to help integrate this technology within the local industry. Specifically, this study aims to do the following:

• Assess the current state of BIM adoption in Oman;
  • Evaluate the extent of BIM utilisation across private and public sectors;
  • Examine the readiness and capacity of human resources and technology within the industry.
• Identify key challenges slowing BIM implementation;
  • Investigate possible barriers such as organisational resistance, financial constraints, and technological limitations that slow BIM adoption.
• Explore potential opportunities for accelerating BIM adoption.
  • Analyse potential solutions, including training programs, awareness workshops, and government-led initiatives that promote and market effective BIM integration.

1.3.2. Potential Gaps and Contribution

This study makes a unique and significant contribution to the field by being one of Oman’s first comprehensive surveys of Building Information Modelling (BIM). While previous papers and research mainly targeted global and regional BIM trends, this study uniquely addresses the specific context of the Omani construction industry, highlighting insights, trends, challenges, and possible opportunities. The study fills a critical gap in the literature by providing empirical data on BIM adoption. It can be a resource for drafting national policies or guidelines concerning BIM adoption.

Academically, the research lays a foundation for future studies to investigate critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing BIM in Oman and accelerate further advancements in the construction industry. This work supports aligning Oman’s construction industry with international standards and effectively competing within the regional and global markets.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Design

This study employed a mixed qualitative–quantitative survey methodology to evaluate the adoption of BIM in the Sultanate of Oman’s construction industry. The survey aimed to collect comprehensive data on BIM utilisation, awareness, implementation challenges, and potential opportunities. A mixed approach was chosen to facilitate statistical analysis and broad industry representation, and enable meaningful comparisons across different demographics.

The survey consisted of nominal, ordinal, and categorical structured questions divided into four main sections:

• Demographics: This section aimed to gather general and basic information about respondents, such as gender, years of experience, sector affiliation (public or private), etc. This section included closed-ended questions tackling general questions about the respondents and their expertise in the industry.
• BIM Awareness and Adoption: This section assessed respondents’ awareness and understanding of BIM concepts, their application, and their adoption levels within their organisations. It involved different questions, including closed-ended and Likert-scale questions in which the respondents rated their opinions against a specific argument.
• Barriers to BIM implementation: This section intended to identify technological limitations, financial constraints, and organisation readiness challenges. It featured multiple-choice questions to categorise technological, organisational, and economic barriers. Follow-up Likert-scale questions enabled the respondents to rate the severity of each factor.
• Opportunities for BIM adoption: The final section focused on exploring potential solutions, including initiatives from the government, top management of the organisation, training programs, and awareness workshops. Participants were asked to rank these factors in order of importance, followed by a mixture of closed-ended and open questions that gathered diverse perspectives on what could drive BIM adoption in Oman.

2.2. Survey Development and Validation

The survey was developed based on an extensive literature review tailored to the specific context of Oman’s construction industry. Five industry and academic professionals validated the survey to ensure its suitability, clarity, and relevance. The feedback was carried over to the final form of the survey. Additionally, a pilot study with 10 responses was conducted to gather further information and refine the survey before the full-scale deployment. The complete survey is included as Appendix A at the end of the manuscript.

2.3. Sample Validation

To determine the appropriate size for a population of 14,891 corresponding to the number of engineers involved in the construction industry in Oman [24], the sample size (n) can be calculated using Cochran’s formula [33]:

$$n={\displaystyle \frac{N.Z^2.p.\left(1-p\right)}{\left(e^2.\left(N-1\right)\right)+\left(Z^2.p.\left(1-p\right)\right)}}$$

(1)

where

• Population Size (n): 14,891;
• Error Margin (e): 5%;
• Confidence Level: 85%;
• Z-Score corresponding to 85% confidence level (Z): 1.44;
• Assumed Proportion (p): 0.5.

Plotting all the values, a target response of 205 respondents is required to achieve an 85% confidence level with a 5% error margin since the study is considered exploratory and because of the challenges of being non-responsive or non-available due to less awareness of the research scope.

2.4. Data Collection

The survey was managed and administrated through an online platform, SurveyMonkey, ensuring easy access and a user-friendly experience for the respondents. Data collection occurred over a month, with invitations distributed to professionals, professional networks, associations, and organisations. Participation was voluntary, and all respondents were informed about the purpose of the survey. The total number of respondents was 214.

2.5. Data Analysis

The collected survey data were analysed using different techniques to highlight the maximum number of trends, relationships, and insights. Correlation and data stacking were conducted to explore relationships between various variables. ArcGIS Pro 3.3.1, Python 3.13.3, and Canva were used to analyse and generate some output figures due to their speciality and flexibility when dealing with extensive data sets.

3. Results

The survey received 214 responses, representing a diverse range of Oman’s construction industry. The results provide suitable insights and trends concerning BIM adoption, as well as its challenges and possible opportunities. Key findings are presented in the sections below.

3.1. Demographics

The survey responses indicate that many respondents fall within the 26–35 age group, represented by 113 participants. That is followed by 58 individuals aged 36–45. Other groups represented the minority, with 22 respondents aged 20–25, 18 aged 46–55, and just 3 participants over 56. In terms of gender, 151 respondents identified as male, 62 identified as female, and only one individual chose not to disclose their gender. Regarding educational qualifications, most participants hold a Bachelor’s degree (133 individuals), 64 with a Master’s degree, 10 with diplomas, and six hold PhDs. Only one respondent reported completing high school education, as summarised in

Table 1. Gender distribution.

Gender	Frequency	Percentage (%)
Male	151	70.56
Female	62	28.97
Prefer not to say	1	0.47

,

Table 2. Age group distribution.

Age Group	Frequency	Percentage (%)
20–25	22	10.28
26–35	113	52.80
36–45	58	27.10
46–55	18	8.41
56+	3	1.40

and

Table 3. Educational qualification distribution.

Age Group	Frequency	Percentage (%)
High School	1	0.47
Diploma	10	4.67
Bachelor’s	133	62.15
Master’s	64	29.91
PhD	6	2.80

.

The survey shows key trends in age distribution, education levels, and gender representation within the industry. The 26–35 age group is at its peak, with the majority holding Bachelor’s degrees, emphasising a young and technically educated workforce driving the adoption of BIM in Oman. The 36–45 age groups show a higher proportion of professionals with Master’s degrees. Female participation is concentrated in the younger age groups, with individuals holding diplomas and Bachelor’s degrees, yet males remain the majority across all age categories. Representation among older age groups such as 46–55 and above 56 is limited, which may indicate possible challenges in adapting senior professionals to new technologies like BIM. Furthermore, the minimal participation of PhD holders suggests a lack of interest in this specialisation within the industry. As shown in Figure 6, these trends highlight the importance of addressing gaps and encouraging higher education institutions to support the broader adoption of BIM in Oman’s construction industry.

3.2. BIM Awareness Among Different Professionals

The survey highlights awareness levels of BIM across various professional roles. Civil engineers reported the highest familiarity, with 45 reporting somewhat familiarity and 18 reporting very familiarity. Architects were the highest to state being very familiar, with 20 professionals. In contrast, client/owner representatives and construction managers showed limited awareness. On average, 6.6 respondents were somewhat familiar across roles, while 5.1 respondents demonstrated a very familiar understanding.

Table 4. Distribution of familiarity levels with BIM implementation across job titles.

Job Title	Somewhat Familiar	Unfamiliar	Very Familiar
Architect	8	2	20
BIM Coordinator/Manager	2	0	4
Civil Engineer	45	7	18
Client/Owner Representative	3	1	0
Construction Site Manager	5	0	0
Design Consultant	10	0	9
Facility Manager	0	1	1
Health and Safety Officer	1	0	0
IT/Technical Support	0	1	0
MEP Engineer	3	1	3
Procurement Officer	2	2	3
Project Manager	6	2	11
Quantity Surveyor	0	1	3
Surveyor	0	1	0
Other Jobs	14	2	5

shows the details of the level of awareness among the respondents.

At the same time, Figure 7 indicates that BIM adoption and awareness distribution are concentrated among technical roles with varying degrees of familiarity across the industry.

3.3. An Initial Assessment Aligned with UK NBS Standards

Many participants indicated that their organisations remain in the initial stages of BIM adoption and noted that their entities’ current use of BIM is on levels 0 and 1 according to the NBS levels [22], with equal shares of 29.88% of the responses, making these reflect about 60% of the responses. Many of Oman’s construction organisations still rely on traditional working mechanisms. Level 2, at 23.17%, shows that some organisations still have acknowledged the advantages of BIM and its entire collaboration environment. Level 3, with the lowest rate at 17.07%, highlights the challenges and resource demands of achieving digital integration within the corporation. The gradual decrease in BIM NBS equivalent levels from level 0 to level 3 indicates that the Omani construction industry struggles to move from the traditional level to the most advanced BIM technologies, as reflected in Figure 8.

3.4. BIM Adoption Across the Sultanate of Oman

According to the professionals’ responses, the survey highlights BIM adoption across the Sultanate. The respondents highlighted 13 locations, including Muscat, Sohar, Nizwa, Salalah, and other cities.

Table 5. Geographic distribution of respondents and frequency of BIM utilisation levels (level 0, 1, 2, or 3) across locations in Oman.

Location	Latitude	Longitude	Frequency
Al Buraimi	24°15′33″ N	55°47′2″ E	1
Al Suwaiq	23°50′57.84″ N	57°26′18.96″ E	4
Barka	23°42′25.92″ N	57°53′6.00″ E	8
Bidiyah	22°27′3.96″ N	58°48′16.56″ E	2
Ibra	22°41′26.16″ N	58°32′46.68″ E	3
Ibri	23°13′31.44″ N	56°30′54.36″ E	6
Manah	22°47′7.44″ N	57°31′5.52″ E	2
Muscat	23°35′16.80″ N	58°22′58.44″ E	169
Nizwa	22°55′59.88″ N	57°32′0.00″ E	7
Salalah	17°1′2.28″ N	54°4′57.00″ E	4
Shinas	24°44′35.88″ N	56°27′55.08″ E	1
Sohar	24°20′32.28″ N	56°43′45.84″ E	2
Sur	22°34′0.12″ N	59°31′44.04″ E	5

shows the respondents, emphasising the location where they practice BIM within their organisations.

Additionally, Figure 9 reflects the responses as (a) Overall experience, (b) Professionals with 10 years of experience and less, and (c) Professionals with experience of more than 10 years. In the three scenarios, BIM adoption is concentrated in Muscat, with about 80% of responses, while widely varying in the other cities with minimal adoption.

Similarly, the respondent’s focus was the same regarding the level of job positions, whereas, despite the job level, Muscat was the focus of the BIM adoption. Figure 10 highlights the Sultanate map in two profiles: (a) low-profile jobs (entry-level/junior and mid-level) and (b) high-profile jobs (senior and executive).

3.5. BIM Utilisation in Oman’s Construction Industry

BIM utilisation in Oman’s construction, referring to any NBS-BIM level, shows key trends and insights across sectors, organisations, and the primary sectors (type of construction), as shown in

Table 6. Employment sector distribution of respondents in Oman.

Sector	Percentage (%)
Private: employed in privately owned businesses or corporations.	69.04
Public: directly working in government ministries or departments.	27.41
Other: involvement in non-governmental organisations, freelance, or informal sectors.	3.55

,

Table 7. Organisational size distribution of respondents in Oman’s construction industry.

Sector	Percentage (%)
Very small (1–10 employees)	8.12
Small (11–50 employees)	17.77
Medium (51–250 employees)	21.32
Large (251–500 employees)	12.18
Very large (500+ employees)	40.61

and

Table 8. Primary work sector distribution of respondents in Oman’s construction industry.

Sector	Percentage (%)
Residential construction	8.12
Commercial construction	17.77
Infrastructure	21.32
Industrial	12.18
Other types of construction *	40.61

* Construction projects identified as others were oil and gas, tourism and aviation, waste management, and multi-type construction.

.

The private sector shows a superior lead in adoption with massive usage rates compared to public and other sectors, reflecting a growing exposure to digital transformations in private construction projects. Among the different natures of construction projects, residential and commercial construction shows the highest levels of BIM adoption, while industrial and infrastructure lag, indicating potential challenges in using such technologies within these sorts of projects. Moreover, organisations’ size played a significant role in BIM utilisation, as the respondents showed that very large organisations reported the highest adoption rates while the very small ones lagged. Small and very small-sized firms showed limited BIM involvement, indicating key challenges such as a lack of skilled resources and adequate software and hardware availability. These statistics reveal that BIM is concentrated mainly in Oman’s construction industry in the private sector and large-sized organisations, indicating the need for strategies and policies for small-sized entities and ministries responsible for public projects to adopt BIM and its technologies. These findings are illustrated in Figure 11, and correlate with the respondents’ responses in Table 6, Table 7 and Table 8 and their overview of the percentage of BIM utilisation in their projects.

3.6. Challenges and Barriers Faced by Organisations Implementing BIM

3.6.1. Training Levels Across the Industry

The respondents revealed that slightly more than half believe less than 25% of their organisation’s staff is adequately trained in BIM technologies. Moreover, 22.73% of respondents stated that 26–50% of their organisation’s staff are appropriately trained to use BIM effectively. In contrast, 51–75% and above 76% of respondents believe that 9.74% and 7.79% of their organisation’s staff, respectively, are appropriately trained. Similarly, 7.79% were unsure how many adequately trained employees could utilise BIM effectively in their organisations. Figure 12 illustrates the percentage of respondents who can adequately use BIM effectively and the training level they received.

The chart reveals a critical insight that as the training level increases, more staff members fall within the advanced and intermediate levels, showing a clear relationship between the amount of training received and the performance outcomes.

3.6.2. Organisations’ Top Management Awareness and Government Financial Support

Another challenge construction organisations face in Oman is governmental financial support and the awareness and support of the employer/organisation’s top management. The findings revealed that the maximum number of respondents highlighted that governmental financial support is moderately critical (S3) and the organisation’s top management is supportive but not actively involved (M2) in implementing BIM fully in their organisation. Similarly, many respondents believe that their organisation’s status of BIM implementation is that the financial support from the government is moderately critical. Still, their top management is neutral, with limited awareness of BIM (M2). The survey revealed that most organisations were supportive but not actively involved (M2) or neutral with limited awareness (M3) of BIM technologies. The lowest number of respondents stated that their organisation’s top management is unsupportive or unaware (S4). In contrast, about 90% of respondents demonstrated that the government financial support is critical, ranging from slightly critical (M2) to essential (M5), with moderately critical (M3) peaking at 35% of the entire respondents. Not critical (M1) was the lowest among all options. Figure 13 comprehensively correlates organisations’ top management and government financial support in a matrix form.

3.6.3. Interoperability Between BIM Tools

Interoperability challenges between different BIM software in Oman are tackled and addressed through various mechanisms. The most common approach, adopted by slightly more than one-third of the responses, is using mechanisms like Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) to bridge platforms like Tekla Structural Designer and Revit. This confirms the need for specialised tools to enhance a seamless experience transforming from one software to another. Manual conversion of files or adjusting export settings to ensure computability across software like Autodesk Revit and ArchiCAD was the second solution that 27% of the organisations adopted. In contrast, slightly less than 25% reported not facing interoperability issues, possibly due to the sole use of one software in their working environment. Finally, 16% of respondents relied on outsourcing BIM coordination or using platforms like BIM 360 for model sharing and collaboration. Figure 14 illustrates a comprehensive visualisation of the solutions adopted for interoperability issues using software tools in Oman’s construction industry.

3.7. Challenges and Barriers Facing Organisations Implementing BIM

3.7.1. Significant Barriers

Barriers to BIM adoption for organisations that have not been practising BIM in the Omani construction industry highlight critical challenges organisations must face. Almost 40% or more of respondents agree that all the significant barriers are a big concern when transitioning to a BIM environment from a non-BIM one. The biggest problem is the lack of skilled professionals, while resistance to change and lack of client demand are the lowest, with slightly less than 40%. In contrast, less than 10% of the respondents disagree and strongly disagree that these factors are considered real barriers to adopting BIM, and less than 10% disagree. The detailed responses are visible in Figure 15.

3.7.2. Rate of Investment (RoI)

The survey highlights a contradiction in respondents’ views regarding BIM’s return on investment (ROI). While 70% of participants (32% strongly agree and 38% agree) indicated that BIM provides a clear ROI for construction projects, 55% (15% strongly agree and 40% agree) also stated that BIM costs outweigh its benefits. This inconsistency suggests a lack of understanding of the financial implications of BIM, with respondents recognising its value yet being worried about its costs. Furthermore, more than 80% of respondents acknowledged that BIM improves efficiency and productivity, while 70% agreed that BIM adoption is a long-term investment with delayed returns. These findings are visually presented in Figure 16 and emphasise the need for proper awareness and education to clarify the benefits of BIM, especially the long-term ones, which will improve organisations’ perception about adopting BIM.

3.7.3. Cost-Related Challenges

The construction industry in Oman faces substantial cost-related challenges in adopting BIM. Among these, hardware investments are the most critical challenge. Training costs follow closely, assuring the vital need for skilled personnel to effectively adopt BIM within an organisation. Software costs were highlighted as slightly less than training and hardware costs in terms of significance. The rest of the respondents highlighted other costs, such as outsourcing BIM consultants, showing the complexity of financial barriers in BIM implementation. These findings show many financial obstructions and require strategic and governmental initiatives to enhance and encourage organisations to adopt BIM, as visually presented in Figure 17.

3.7.4. Technical Challenges

One of the key challenges stopping the effective implementation and adoption of BIM in Oman is the lack of technical skills within the entity. The respondents identified project management skills as the most significant gap, with slightly more than 40% of responses. This reflects the critical need for enhanced planning and coordination capabilities to align with the BIM environment. Furthermore, 38% of respondents selected BIM software proficiency, demonstrating the importance of equipping the teams with the expertise needed to use BIM effectively. Data integration skills were the third choice, with 17% emphasising the necessity of managing and integrating complex data sets across BIM tools. Less than 5% selected other lagging skills to make the BIM adoption process as perfect as possible. These findings highlight the need for targeted training and initiatives to address the technical shortages, as illustrated in Figure 18a.

3.7.5. Resistance to Change Challenge

Resistance to change remains a critical barrier to successfully adopting BIM in the Omani construction industry. Among the main obstacles considered by the respondents in the category of resistance to change is employee adaptability, with slightly more than 40%. This highlights the difficulties the organisations face in transitioning to newer technologies like BIM. A closely related issue is the lack of awareness reported by 36% of respondents, emphasising the need for educational initiatives to address these knowledge gaps. Lastly, management’s unwillingness to change was the lowest among the options, with slightly more than 30%, reflecting the hesitation of the top management to change from traditional practices to new technologies like BIM. These findings show that the resistance to change in adopting BIM is multidimensional and requires initiative, proper education, and decision-making, as visually illustrated in Figure 18b.

3.8. Key Enablers to Accelerate Organisations’ Adoption of BIM

3.8.1. General Enablers

According to the respondents, the adoption of BIM in the Omani construction industry is influenced by several enablers with different significance levels. The absence of government incentives is widely impactful, as about two-thirds of the responses highlighted this factor as significant or very significant in enabling organisations to adopt BIM. Similarly, about 68% of the respondents highlighted the lack of regulations/standards for BIM implementation as the most crucial among all enablers by considering this enabler to be either significant or very significant. These two enablers highlight that government support and government-led initiatives are vital for BIM implementation. Limited industry-wide support was also a critical enabler, with about 63% reflecting the necessity for collective and cumulative efforts from organisations in the industry and organisations like Oman’s Society of Engineers.

3.8.2. Government Initiatives

The respondents widely acknowledged the lack of government regulations as a barrier to BIM adoption in the Omani construction industry, minimising the tendency for organisations to transition from old-fashioned practices to widely adopted global standards mechanisms. Respondents highlighted that the availability of guidelines and standards is as important as providing financial incentives for adopters and technical support and resources to the organisations combined. This shows that the organisations represented by the respondents are willing to adopt BIM, most likely when there is a clear and concise path to the BIM guidelines that fit the local construction industry of the Sultanate. Furthermore, adoption rates will be enhanced by providing financial incentives, technical guidance, and resources, as implied by the respondents. Lastly, respondents showed that organisations do not have significant interest in tax benefits to help them adopt BIM.

Figure 19a,b illustrates the possible critical enablers and vital government incentives.

4. Discussion

4.1. Demographic Insights and Implications

As revealed in Figure 6, most respondents are younger (26–35 years) and hold Bachelor’s degrees, highlighting the technically educated but relatively less experienced individuals driving BIM adoption. The limited participation of older age groups, 46+ years old, and the low involvement of PhD holders as seen in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively, suggest a potential lack of research interest concerning BIM in the local industry. These trends underscore the need for targeted training, awareness programs, and workshops to bridge the technical and expertise gap. Mentoring programs or seminars focused on younger, interested professionals with experienced senior staff can assure proper knowledge transfer and enhance the potential acceptance of BIM technologies.

4.2. BIM Awareness Across Roles

The analysis of awareness levels as seen in Table 4 showed that civil engineers and architects are more familiar with BIM technologies than others who participated in the survey. In contrast, construction managers and owner/client representatives have the lowest resistance to change from existing practices to new technologies. This shows the need to involve non-technical stakeholders to provide better decision-making concerning BIM workflows. Awareness workshop sessions tailored to these non-technical top positions are needed to foster the adoption process and highlight the long-term benefits of BIM for these key stakeholders.

4.3. Geographical Disparities in BIM Adoption

The results in Table 5 and Figure 9 showed that BIM adoption is heavily concentrated in Muscat, with limited presence in other cities. The centralisation reflects a concentration on resource allocation and exposure to modern technologies. To address these facts, regional training centres and workshops in cities like Sohar, Sur, Nizwa, and Salalah could help spread awareness and decrease the centralisation of BIM adoption. The government plays a vital role in solving this challenge by promoting and investing in significant projects and infrastructure in these cities.

4.4. Organisation Trends Within Sectors

In Table 6, it was seen that the private sector leads the scene regarding BIM adoption in the construction industry, while the public sector lags. This reflects the dynamic base at which the private sector operates compared to the rigid procurement processes and constraints on budget for projects in the public sector. Introducing pilot projects and mandating BIM in public mega-size projects regarding floors or built-up areas can demonstrate BIM’s cost efficiency and project management benefits. Similarly, it was revealed in Table 7 that large organisations’ higher adoption rates highlight their resource advantages and emphasise the need for financial support or subsidies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to overcome financial and technical barriers.

4.5. Challenges in Achieving BIM NBS Equivalent Level

The findings indicated that most organisations are at BIM maturity levels 0 and 1 as indicated in Figure 8, according to the NBS levels. The dependence on traditional working mechanisms holds back the collaboration and efficiency gains promised by the advanced levels of BIM. National policy formation and a clear roadmap for organisations are necessary to upgrade the adoption level to higher levels 2 and 3, in line with the National Building Code (NBC) developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman.

4.6. Training Gaps

It was revealed in Figure 12 that a significant portion of organisations’ staff lacks adequate BIM training, with less than 25% of the industry professionals being proficient in BIM technologies. This gap emphasises the importance of targeted training programs and courses with certifications to encourage more people from the industry. This training should mainly focus on BIM software tools, data integration, and project management skills. The partnership between academia and the professional sector is essential to enhance university courses to fit the industry’s requirements.

4.7. Top Management and Government Financial Support

The primary critical barriers were the lack of involvement from top management and insufficient government financial support as indicated in Figure 13. Raising awareness among organisations’ top management about the return on investment (ROI) and BIM benefits is essential to drive a smooth transition to BIM technologies. Similarly, initiatives for the government, such as grants, incentives, and subsidies for BIM implementation, could help sort out the financial constraints of adopting BIM. Establishing a national strategy like those in the UAE and the UK would help the industry become a wide-adoption industry.

4.8. Interoperability and Technological Barriers

A recurring challenge highlighted by the survey is the interoperability issues between the different BIM software tools as seen in Figure 14. Open standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) can address these challenges by providing an easy data exchange flow. Furthermore, investing in cloud-based solutions can enhance collaboration and avoid lags and issues.

4.9. Outlook and Sustainability

The outlook for BIM adoption in the Omani construction industry over the upcoming five years reflects different perspectives from the respondents regarding their organisations’ possible challenges. While some respondents emphasised their organisation’s goal is to integrate BIM across project phases, others indicated their organisation’s plan to use BIM to enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and ensure data-driven decision-making. Many respondents recognised the need for staff upskilling, adequate training, and policy and standards for BIM. However, organisations repeatedly showed fear of significant barriers like high initial costs for software and training, resistance to change from traditional working mechanisms, and limited awareness of the industry. Furthermore, some respondents highlighted the importance of aligning the current practices of the regional municipalities with the global standards and fostering client-driven demand for BIM adoption. Additionally, many respondents stated that integrating advanced dimensions like 6D (sustainability) and 7D (facility management) aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040’s sustainability goals. Incorporating energy simulation and carbon footprint analysis in BIM tools will help show the value and potential of obtaining green building certifications. Finally, addressing these obstacles through targeted support and proper governmental incentives could push for greater adoption and utilisation of BIM within the local industry.

5. Conclusions

This study provides an exploratory–descriptive focus analysis of the status of BIM adoption in Oman, with insights into specific barriers and opportunities. A comprehensive survey of 214 professionals identifies key challenges such as limited awareness, resistance to change, lack of specialised training, and financial constraints. The findings also highlight critical differences between public and private sectors, with private organisations leading the BIM scene due to the flexibility of procurement routes and resource availability.

The analysis reveals that Oman’s BIM maturity level is between level 0 and level 1 according to the NBS levels, reflecting that the local industry still relies on traditional practices. Nevertheless, the benefits of BIM, such as improved collaboration, cost optimisation, and enhanced design visualisation, can play a significant role in convincing local construction organisations to transition to digital technologies like BIM. The results deeply show the urgent need for national strategies and frameworks to promote BIM adoption, aligning the country with Oman Vision 2040 and the leading regional countries.

To overcome the identified barriers, it is crucial to implement targeted and specialised training and government-led initiatives. Awareness campaigns and workshops are also vital to clarify the view of non-technical professionals working in the industry, specifically those involved in decision-making. Financial incentives, such as subsidies or grants, can encourage Small and Medium Enterprises to adopt BIM. Furthermore, the education system in the colleges and universities in Oman should be enhanced to include BIM-specified courses in engineering programs to help the new generation be ready for the industry and reduce the extra training by bridging the gap between the industry and academia.

6. Future Work and Limitations

This research is the beginning of measuring BIM adoption in the context of the Omani construction industry. Despite this research providing significant insights into BIM adoption in Oman, several areas remain for future research to enhance the understanding and implementation of BIM in the context of the local Omani construction industry. To build upon the findings of this research, the following points are proposed:

• Longitudinal study to track BIM adoption: the current data provide a snapshot of BIM adoption at a single point in time. The adoption of BIM can be monitored over a certain period, which will give a clear picture of the adoption rates.
• In-depth case studies of pilot BIM projects in Oman: while this research provides general industry trends, detailed project-level analysis possibly reveals hidden practical challenges and success factors.
• Sustainability and green building certifications integration: this study does not measure how BIM supported BREEAM and LEED-awarded projects in Oman to achieve these awards and how that can contribute to the new upcoming projects.
• Addressing legal and contractual aspects of BIM adoption: this study does not consider legal uncertainties regarding data ownership, privacy, and intellectual property rights, which may delay BIM adoption.
• Apply hypothesis-driven analysis and non-parametric statistical techniques focusing on BIM implementation maturity across sectors and training levels. The use of non-parametric statistical tests (e.g., Kruskal–Wallis H test, Spearman’s rank correlation, sensitivity analysis) will help in validating the trends observed in this exploratory study.
• Validating and measuring Critical Success Factors: This study does not cover or measure the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for BIM adoption in Oman. Therefore, the upcoming suggested work would be measuring the Critical Success Factors within concerned authorities, consultants and contractors, universities, and the local supply market. Moreover, a Technology Acceptance Model will be measured to check the readiness of the stakeholders for this new technology in Oman’s construction industry.