Engineering Projects and Crisis Management: : A Descriptive Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Engineering Projects in Bahrain

Abstract

Worldwide, COVID-19 has brought many countries/economies to a sudden halt, with impacts affecting various sectors, such as education, construction, businesses, tourism, health, and many more. The rapid spread of the virus called for immediate actions and protocols. Even though in some countries, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, construction restrictions were not applicable, project delays and finances are expected to be some of the long-term impacts of COVID-19. The disruption of supply chains, the economic status of enterprises, and the health conditions of the workers are just a few of the impacts of COVID-19 on the engineering and construction market. This research aims to shed light on the impacts of COVID-19 on the construction and engineering sector in Bahrain, investigating both the public and private sectors. To measure the impact of the pandemic and assess the progression of engineering projects in the country, exploratory research was conducted. The target population was licensed engineering offices in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and governmental bodies involved in the construction and engineering industry. The results indicated that the subsidies and support received from the government have indirectly ensured the stability of this sector. However, risks associated with the pandemic persist, as projects are bound to face challenges such as slowdown and delays and financial difficulties, along with the uncertainty of the market, which remains a concern for the future.