Dubai, Feb 12 (IANS/WAM) New projects worth more than $1 trillion are expected to be completed in the Gulf region by 2020.

Edmund O'Sullivan, chairman of the judging panel of the Meed Quality Awards for Projects 2012, said the projects will be evaluated not just in terms of size and aesthetics.

"This is not about being the biggest or tallest. We review the projects on the basis of economic, social and environmental impact as well as innovations and achievements in design, engineering and construction. These are benchmarks that will have an impact of the long-term success of not just the projects industry, but the GCC as a whole," he said.

The Meed Quality Awards for Projects is an independent award recognition programme established in the Gulf region in 2011 to recognise project excellence across several categories.

A statement from the awards group said there will be significant investment in oil and gas, heavy industry, electricity generation and water desalination, social infrastructure and transportation links.