## 1 Introduction  
Digital transformation has become essential for the construction industry, especially with the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This shift, in turn, has brought numerous benefits to the construction field, including increased productivity, enhanced collaboration, and more streamlined processes. In this context, the key technologies driving this transformation encompass building information modeling (BIM), 3D printing, laser scanning, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), digital twins (DTs), and the Internet of Things (IoT), all of which play critical roles in advancing and modernizing the construction industry [1]. The successful implementation of digital transformative technologies offers substantial competitive advantages for both organizations and nations; however, some, if not all, continue to encounter significant challenges in adopting these advanced technologies. Therefore, it is possible that one of the core barriers to digital transformation is related to the limited awareness of the full scope of benefits that these digital innovations can bring to the construction industry [2]. Thus, effective digital transformation requires companies to first develop a comprehensive understanding of both the potential advantages and the associated challenges of these technologies. Therefore, using this knowledge, organizations can implement tailored processes and strategies that maximize the value of digital tools while addressing the unique demands and obstacles within the construction sector [3]. Interestingly, the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia's construction industry has positioned the Kingdom as a key influencer in global construction markets. The integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins (DTs) has become increasingly vital to the construction sector. These technologies collectively contribute to enhancing project delivery and construction management across various phases of the project lifecycle. Specifically, the adoption of digital twin technologies has demonstrated considerable benefits, such as improved documentation and communication [4] and optimized facilities management and operations [5], as well as the real-time monitoring and control of construction activities [6], improved project efficiency [7], and the risk assessment of different scenarios [8]. Furthermore, the integration of AI significantly augments the capabilities of digital twins by enhancing analytical performance [9], enabling the modeling of complex real-world systems [10] and facilitating more informed and strategic decision making [10]. In alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030, the construction market is projected to witness significant growth in the coming years. According to Mordor Intelligence (2024) [11], the market is expected to reach USD 70.33 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.37%, ultimately reaching USD 91.36 billion by 2029. Additionally, reports indicate that, since the announcement of Vision 2030 in 2016, the total value of real estate and infrastructure projects launched in the Kingdom has exceeded USD 1.25 trillion [12]. These substantial investments reflect the Kingdom's strategic commitment to developing its construction sector as part of a broader effort to diversify the economy and achieve the Vision 2030 objectives [11; 12]. Despite these advances, the construction sector, similar to its global counterparts, continues to face persistent challenges such as project delays and cost overruns. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia's vision for smart city development is evident in projects such as NEOM, which aim to integrate advanced technologies into both construction processes and urban infrastructure. Designed as a technologically driven and sustainable megacity, NEOM incorporates renewable energy sources, AI-enabled governance, autonomous transportation, and a fully digital infrastructure [7].