Verbal signaling is a global problem that is most apparent in the United Arab Emirates, one of the busiest construction markets in the world.
The booming country, which is roughly the size of Maine, is home to a large percentage of the world's cranes. In Dubai alone, manufacturers estimate 1,800 to 2,000 tower cranes are taking part in hundreds of large-scale developments there. Local reports place Dubai's cranes at 15 to 25% of the global population. Suppliers think it is more like 1 to 2%.