Two Different Approaches
Arkan and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) serve construction management from different starting points: Arkan as a project management platform built around UAE workflows, ACC as part of Autodesk's design-to-construction ecosystem.
Comparison based on publicly available information as of September 2026. Autodesk, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revit and Navisworks are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.; Arkan is not affiliated with Autodesk. Check current details with each vendor.
Platform Overviews
Autodesk Construction Cloud
Background:
- Part of Autodesk's AEC portfolio
- Evolved from the BIM 360 platform
- Integration with Autodesk design tools
- Global enterprise presence
Components:
- Autodesk Build (project management)
- Autodesk Docs (document management)
- Autodesk Takeoff (quantity takeoff)
- Model Coordination (including clash detection)
- Additional modules
Approach: Design-to-construction platform built on the Autodesk ecosystem.
Arkan
Background:
- Built around UAE/GCC construction workflows
- Project management focused, with BIM model coordination
- English and Arabic interface
- UAE-based team
Approach: Project execution platform built for regional construction practices.
Feature Comparison
Document Management
| Feature | Arkan | ACC |
|---|---|---|
| Version control | Yes | Yes |
| Arabic interface (RTL) | Yes | Check with vendor |
Project Management
| Feature | Arkan | ACC |
|---|---|---|
| Submittals | Yes, with submittal plans and follow-ups | Yes |
| RFIs | Yes, including RFIs raised from 3D viewpoints | Yes |
| Inspections and checklists | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-tier approval chains | Configurable, with delegation and escalation | Configurable |
BIM and Model Coordination
| Feature | Arkan | ACC |
|---|---|---|
| 3D model viewing | IFC models, organized by discipline | Native 3D, many formats |
| Clash detection | Yes, between disciplines, with clash status tracking | Yes, native in Model Coordination |
| RFIs linked to model location | Yes, with saved viewpoint and screenshot | Yes |
| Revit integration | Via IFC export | Native |
Use Case Alignment
ACC Strength: Autodesk-Centric Design and Coordination
Best for:
- Teams standardized on Revit and other Autodesk tools
- Design-build delivery with heavy design coordination
- Organizations that want one vendor from design to construction
Arkan Strength: UAE Project Execution
Best for:
- UAE workflow requirements
- Multi-stakeholder approval chains
- Teams that need a full Arabic interface
- IFC-based model review alongside day-to-day submittals, RFIs, inspections and payments
Pricing Considerations
Autodesk Construction Cloud
Subscription pricing that varies by product and plan. See autodesk.com for current options.
Arkan
Contact us for pricing tailored to your projects.
Compare quotes for your actual projects and user numbers over the same period.
Integration Landscape
ACC Integration
- Native Autodesk tools (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)
- Partner integrations
- API availability
Arkan Integration
- Primavera P6 import (.xml/.xer)
- IFC models from any authoring tool (Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla and others)
- Public API
Decision Factors
Choose ACC If:
- Your design teams are standardized on Autodesk tools
- Deep, native Revit integration matters
- You want one vendor from design through construction
Choose Arkan If:
- UAE project management is your primary need
- You need configurable multi-tier approvals and a full Arabic interface
- IFC-based model review and clash detection meet your coordination needs
- You want submittals, RFIs, inspections, BOQ and payments in the same platform as your models
Complementary Use
Some organizations use both:
- ACC for design authoring coordination
- Arkan for project execution
This approach leverages the strengths of each but adds complexity.
UAE Market Considerations
BIM Adoption Reality
While BIM is growing in UAE:
- Many projects are still largely 2D
- BIM requirements vary by client
- Practical needs often outweigh BIM aspirations
Workflow Priority
For most UAE contractors:
- Submittals, RFIs and payments are daily work
- BIM coordination is a periodic activity
- Access for all parties matters most
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ACC better because it has BIM?
Not necessarily—both platforms offer model viewing and clash detection. ACC's advantage is native integration with Autodesk design tools; Arkan's is regional workflow fit and Arabic support. Choose based on your primary needs.
Can I use Arkan with Autodesk design tools?
Yes. Export IFC models from Revit (or other authoring tools) and upload them to Arkan for 3D viewing, clash detection and model-linked RFIs.
Which is easier to implement?
It depends on how closely each platform's default workflows match yours and how much configuration you need. Ask both vendors for a pilot on a real project.
What about future BIM requirements?
Consider your realistic BIM needs versus aspirations. Start with current workflow requirements.
Conclusion
ACC suits organizations heavily invested in Autodesk design tools. Arkan suits UAE project execution with multi-stakeholder approvals, Arabic-language teams and IFC-based model coordination. Choose based on your primary requirements rather than feature count.
Ready to evaluate Arkan for your projects?