Here in Doha I'm not involved in the construction process but I have seen first hand some of the issues that you are stating as I am in a new building and there are new buildings going up around us. We actually moved into a new building that was not quite finished. We moved in even before the punch list was created so I have seen some of the issues with construction up close but I have never seen anything that made me suspect the structural integrity. In the States I was certified building code enforcement officer. Ensuring that the building was built to the design specification was a small part of my job. I mostly reviewed building plans to make sure that codes were met within the specifications. I always said my job was to keep the engineers and architects honest. lol

Oh and I don't doubt that people will do anything to save money in constructon thats why I implied a solid code enforcement program in Doha that includes inspection is truly needed. Inspection at each applicable phase of construction would ensure corners are not cut to save money.

What a strange illusion it is to suppose that beauty is goodness.
~Tolstoy~