Keith Dart, founder and CEO of MAK Consulting (center), alongside Tala Michel Issa (Senior Reporter of Arabian Business) and Oscar Wendel (Chairman of Global Stratalogues).
A recent event with Keith Dart, a 28-year construction veteran, offered an in-depth look at his career, insights into the construction industry and his growing social ventures. Moderated by journalist Tala Issa, the on-stage interview and audience question-and-answer session showcased Dart's dynamic approach to construction, commitment to integrating innovative technologies and passion for addressing societal challenges.
Watch the Global Stratalogs Dinner highlights video: https://youtu.be/EynIPUGMf74
A career based on innovation and impact
Dart's construction career was marked by significant achievements, including his involvement in Elon Musk's Boring Company projects in Las Vegas. Dart explained how the Convention Center Loop project gained momentum. He credited Musk's determination to self-fund the proof-of-concept, which ultimately won over city officials. The success of this $47 million initiative has now led to ongoing tunnel construction projects connecting the convention center to the airport and other key locations.
Reflecting on the potential for similar projects in Dubai, Dart emphasized the importance of local ground conditions for tunnel construction. He shared examples of projects in Seattle and Italy where challenges ranged from sandy soils to tunneling through solid rock. While such projects are feasible in Dubai, he stressed that technological and environmental factors are crucial.
Overcoming resistance to change in the construction industry
A recurring theme is the construction industry's reluctance to adopt new technologies such as self-consolidating concrete (SCC). Developed in Japan in the 1980s, SCC offers significant benefits by reducing the water content of concrete and improving its strength and workability. However, it took over two decades for this innovation to become mainstream in the U.S. construction industry.
Dart attributed the resistance to entrenched practices and fear of the unknown. “In construction, people often say, 'We've always done it this way.'” Despite the initial cost increase, SCC ultimately revolutionized concrete construction by improving efficiency, reducing labor and producing stronger structures. The lesson is that the long-term benefits of adopting new technologies far outweigh the short-term challenges.
Guests at the Global Stratalogs Dinner at the Neera Private Member's Club in Dubai Habtoor City.
Addressing global challenges through social impact
Beyond construction, Dart's passion lies in projects that promote community and rehabilitation. He shared the story of his adoption of a traumatized child and his experiences as a foster parent, which inspired him to start initiatives to support vulnerable populations.
One of Dart's newest projects is WashedByWater.org, an initiative designed to help families reconnect through meaningful experiences. The program, which began with partnerships in the U.S. and Mexico, focuses on giving families in foster care or families affected by incarceration the opportunity to socialize in a stress-free environment. “Water heals, water cleanses, water gives life,” Dart explained the meaning of the name.
Systemic problems in the US prison system mean that a lack of rehabilitation often leads to high recidivism rates. Dart advocates for programs such as God Behind Bars, which provide education, job training and family support to help individuals reintegrate into society. His ventures, which combine business acumen with a commitment to social well-being, reflect his broader vision of building infrastructure and communities.
Global perspectives and lessons learned
During the audience question and answer session, Dart answered questions about inefficiencies in construction, opportunities for collaboration and the role of technology in shaping the future of the industry. He addressed the serious productivity gaps in the construction industry and pointed to studies that ranked the industry as one of the least efficient in the world after agriculture. Despite advances in technology, Dart said many regions – including the US and the Middle East – continue to rely heavily on outdated methods.
Dart emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies while learning from past mistakes to close this gap. He cited Toronto's early adoption of sealing technology in the 1990s and its concrete pipe systems as examples of small, low-cost changes that produced significant long-term benefits. “The key is to start these conversations,” Dart said, referring to the event as a platform to share knowledge and promote collaboration.
A vision for Dubai and beyond
Dart admires Dubai's rapid development and status as a global innovation hub. “What you have done in the last decade is unprecedented,” he noted, contrasting Dubai’s progress with the slower pace of development in the United States. Dart sees huge potential for applying his expertise to projects in the region, particularly in areas such as sustainable construction and infrastructure planning.
When asked about his goals in Dubai, Dart expressed his interest in building relationships and sharing best practices to avoid mistakes made in other parts of the world. He also offered to connect local developers with his extensive network of industry experts, emphasizing his collaborative approach. “If I don’t have the answers, I guarantee someone in my network does,” he said.
Dart's compelling presentation and candid answers offered a rare mix of technical expertise, practical insights and heartfelt storytelling. Whether he was discussing the intricacies of tunneling, the challenges of implementing new technologies, or the importance of social impact, he demonstrated a deep commitment to making a difference.
As the session came to a close, Dart left the audience with a powerful message: “Look at the three fingers pointing back at you,” he said, referencing his philosophy of self-responsibility. When you see something that needs fixing, ask yourself, “What can I do about it?”
Dart's entrepreneurial spirit, industry expertise and compassion inspire construction professionals to drive meaningful change – not only in their projects, but in the lives of those they touch.
About the global stratalogs
The Global Stratalogs is a series of high-level, small, non-commercial, closed-door roundtables and dinners that bring together policymakers, private sector leaders and academics from diverse regions and disciplines in a think tank environment. The Global Stratalogs brings together the world's most innovative and influential people from diverse industries and regions to explore groundbreaking research, apply cutting-edge technology and shape policy.
