Dubai Holding and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) have announced the completion of a transaction under which Dubai Holding has acquired a 22.27% equity stake in Emaar Properties PJSC (Emaar Properties) from ICD.

Following completion of the transaction, Dubai Holding’s total shareholding in Emaar Properties has increased to 29.73%, positioning it as the company’s largest shareholder.

Emaar Properties is listed on the Dubai Financial Market and is one of the largest real estate developers in the Middle East, with a diversified portfolio spanning residential, commercial, hospitality and retail assets. The group has a well‑established footprint across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe, underpinned by a robust development pipeline and a high‑quality portfolio of recurring income‑generating assets.

The acquisition represents a strategic investment in Emaar Properties, reflecting Dubai Holding’s confidence in the company’s market position, asset quality and long‑term growth prospects, as well as in the enduring fundamentals of Dubai’s economy and real estate sector.

The transaction also reinforces Dubai Holding’s strategic partnership with Emaar Properties, building on a long‑standing relationship supported by multiple partnerships and continued collaboration across key joint ventures.

Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company with investments in more than 30 countries and an extensive portfolio of over US $136.15bn worth of assets across key sectors, including real estate, hospitality, entertainment, retail, media and investments.

Source: ME Construction News

The Alef Group has awarded construction contracts worth US $204mn, signaling the beginning of the final phase of its flagship Hayyan Development. 97% of the project’s inventory has been sold, indicating the strong market demand and investor confidence in the community.

This final phase of the Hayyan development will deliver over 700 residential units, further solidifying market demand and investor confidence in the project. The awarded contracts encompass the development of the Samr 1, Samr 2, and Deem residential clusters, as well as the Hayyan mall, clubhouse, and extensive landscaping and public realm works.

Ayman Alhammadi, Senior Vice President, Projects Delivery at Alef Group said, “The steady progression of works across residential and community assets sends a strong signal of confidence in the project’s trajectory and in Sharjah’s dynamic real estate market.”

The milestone marks the complete execution of Hayyan’s concluding phase, solidifying Alef Group’s consistent development momentum, delivery strategy, and market confidence in Sharjah’s evolving real estate sector.

Source: ME Construction News

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has been awarded Gold at the iF Design Awards 2026 in the category Interior Architecture – Trade Fairs/Temporary Exhibitions, placing it among a select group of globally recognised design achievements.

Selected from more than 11,000 submissions worldwide, only a small number of entries receive the Gold distinction, reflecting a high level of international recognition for design quality, concept strength, and execution, said senior UAE officials.

Conceived under the theme Earth to Ether, the UAE Pavilion presented progress as a continuous human journey, connecting heritage, community and knowledge with scientific exploration and future ambition.

Architecture, landscape, and guest experience were brought together as a unified spatial experience, guiding visitors on a journey shaped by material, light, and storytelling.

Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai said, “This recognition reflects the strength of the pavilion’s design approach and the collaboration that shaped it. The pavilion brought together partners across disciplines and geographies to create a space where architecture, material and guest experience could come together with purpose.”

“It is encouraging to see this work recognised in a way that acknowledges both the design intent and the experience it created for visitors. We are proud to have taken 5 million visitors on a splendid journey to the UAE’s past and future through this pavilion,” he stated.

At the centre of the pavilion’s architectural expression were 90 palm branch columns, rising up to 16m and forming a shaded canopy that created a calm, gathering environment within the Expo site.

Materials rooted in traditional practices were reinterpreted through contemporary construction, developed in collaboration with Japanese craftsmanship, reflecting a dialogue between cultural knowledge and technical precision.

The pavilion’s design approach did not separate heritage from innovation, but positioned them as part of a continuous relationship, where cultural memory informs research, and responsibility to people and nature guides development, noted AlFaheem.

The iF Design Award, presented annually by iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hanover, Germany, is among the world’s longest-standing and most recognised design awards. Established in 1954, it has evolved into a global benchmark for design quality across multiple disciplines, recognising projects that demonstrate clarity of concept, innovation and relevance.

During Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Pavilion welcomed more than 5m combined visitors, making it the most visited national pavilion at the event. Visitors experienced a journey that moved from shaded gathering spaces into immersive storytelling environments, presenting the UAE’s people, ideas and future ambitions through a multi-sensory experience shaped by architecture and narrative.

According to Alfaheem, this recognition adds to a series of international awards received by the Pavilion.

It was previously named among the top 3 national pavilions for Architecture and Landscape by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), and received the World Expo Award for Best Staff, an Honourable Mention for Best Sustainable Design, and Bronze at the World Expolympics for Best Large Pavilion. It was also recognised at the DFA Design for Asia Awards and the German Design Award, he added.

Source: ME Construction News

Plans are afoot to increase Abu Dhabi’s solar capacity by almost 2,000% between 2020 and 2030 according to Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). EWEC said it is forecasting 17.5GW of installed capacity and noted that, by 2035, this capacity is projected to exceed 30GW, at which point solar is expected to provide approximately 40% of Abu Dhabi’s total power generation.

EWEC, a leading company in the integrated planning, purchasing, supply, and system despatch services of water and electricity across the UAE, highlighted its plans as part of the International Day of Light 2026. Led by UNESCO, the International Day of Light celebrates the importance of light in science, innovation, and sustainable development.

This year’s theme ‘Light for a sustainable future’ aligns with EWEC’s strategic mandate. By harnessing the UAE’s most abundant natural resource – sunlight – EWEC says it is fundamentally reshaping Abu Dhabi’s energy mix, accelerating progress towards a more resilient and decarbonised power system.

Adel Alsaeedi, Senior Vice President of Project Development at EWEC said: “The theme of International Day of Light, ‘Light for a sustainable future’, speaks directly to EWEC’s strategic vision. In the UAE, sunlight is our most powerful natural asset. By transforming this resource into reliable, utility-scale renewable electricity, we are strategically decarbonising the power sector, strengthening energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth. The unprecedented expansion of our solar infrastructure is fundamentally redesigning the energy landscape, proving that sustainability and scale can be achieved simultaneously. As we continue to deploy some of the world’s largest solar plants, we are firmly cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in the energy transition and securing a resilient, low-carbon future for the nation.”

In implementing its strategic plan, EWEC confirmed it has commissioned the development of 5 of the world’s largest single-site solar power plants, including Noor Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, Al Ajban, Khazna, and Zarraf Solar Photovoltaic (PV). Furthermore, the pioneering ’round-the-clock’ mega-project, developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, integrates a 5.2GW solar photovoltaic facility with a 19GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), ensuring the continuous delivery of reliable renewable power and enabling EWEC to rapidly scale its renewable energy capacity.

According to EWEC, the accelerated integration of solar PV with BESS is an enabler of the decarbonisation of Abu Dhabi’s energy sector. As EWEC implements its strategic plan, the impact is highly measurable. EWEC expects the average carbon dioxide intensity from electricity generation will significantly fall by 51% from 335 kg per megawatt hour (kg/MWh) in 2019 to 162kg/MWh by 2030. Simultaneously, by deploying solar power with BESS alongside low-carbon-intensive reverse osmosis (RO) technology to decouple water and power production, the average carbon dioxide intensity from water production is forecast to decrease by 94 per cent, from 13.5kg/m3 in 2019 to just 0.7kg/m3 by 2030, it explained.

This transition ensures that by 2030, RO will account for 92% of total water production. Looking ahead, this comprehensive strategy ensures that by 2035, EWEC’s total CO2 emissions will decrease by nearly 46% relative to 2019 levels.

To support this rapid expansion of renewable generation, EWEC said it is also advancing critical grid infrastructure, including the integration of more than 8GW of long-duration BESS by 2035 to guarantee grid stability and secure supply, it concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Following a fire that was caused by a drone strike in an electrical generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi on 17 May, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) stated that it is closely monitoring the incident. FANR confirmed that the incident did not affect the safety of the nuclear plant or the readiness of its essential systems.

According to a report by WAM, there has been no release of radioactive material, while radiological safety levels remain within normal ranges. FANR said that there is no risk to the public or the environment, and no injuries were reported after the incident.

FANR stated it is maintaining close coordination with the plant operator and the relevant national authorities to verify all aspects of the incident and to confirm the continued integrity and readiness of plant systems. As part of its independent regulatory oversight, FANR confirmed it is assessing the event in accordance with established national procedures and maintaining continuous monitoring of radiological conditions and plant status.

In a statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said these attacks constitute a dangerous escalation, an unacceptable act of aggression, and a direct threat to the country’s security. The ministry stressed that the targeting of peaceful nuclear energy facilities is a flagrant violation of international law, the UN charter, and the principles of humanitarian law, given the grave risks such acts pose to civilians, the environment, as well as regional and international security.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed the country’s condemnation in the strongest terms of the drone attack. In a statement carried by Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom reaffirmed its categorical rejection of the blatant attacks, which threaten the region’s security and stability. It stressed its solidarity with the UAE and its support for all measures taken by the UAE to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

Several other countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Mauritania also strongly condemn the drone attack on the nuclear plant.

In a statement carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, the principles of good neighbourliness, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

In a statement carried by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry described the attack as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE and a serious threat to regional security and stability. The ministry stated that targeting peaceful nuclear energy facilities constitutes a clear breach of international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter, given the grave risks it may pose to civilians, the environment, and regional and international security.

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is said to have been designed, licensed, and is operated in accordance with the highest international standards of nuclear safety and security. Multiple independent layers of protection are built into every aspect of the plant’s design and operation to ensure the safe and secure production of clean electricity under a wide range of conditions.

The WAM report noted that the protection of the public, workers, and the environment remains FANR’s highest priority. The authority said it will continue to provide rigorous and independent regulatory oversight to ensure the continued safe and secure operation of the nuclear power plant.

FANR encouraged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information and to avoid sharing rumours or unverified reports. Further updates will be provided as additional verified information becomes available, it confirmed.

Source: ME Construction News

Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island has embarked on the final phase of its transformation journey, signifying a significant milestone in its repositioning as a premier contemporary resort destination in the UAE. This transformation marks Phase 2 of a planned enhancement program, following the refurbishment of public areas completed last year.

The resort will temporarily close its doors in May and is anticipated to reopen in early 2027. This transformation is a crucial aspect of a broader repositioning strategy that aligns with the ever-evolving hospitality landscape of Ras Al Khaimah and the demand for contemporary resort experiences.

“This marks a defining moment in our transformation journey,” said Evan Harrington, Cluster General Manager. “Building on the successful upgrade of our public spaces, we are now advancing into the final phase of repositioning the resort to align with the future of Ras Al Khaimah as a leading resort destination. This is a deliberate investment to elevate the overall experience, ensuring we return to market with a stronger and more contemporary offering that meets evolving guest expectations.”

The current phase aims to upgrade guest rooms and corridors across all guest floors from level 1 upwards. This will ensure a fully integrated and elevated end-to-end guest experience that aligns with Pullman’s contemporary global brand direction, said the statement.

To expedite delivery and uphold the standards of quality and consistency, the resort has chosen a full closure over a phased renovation. This approach facilitates a transformation, minimising operational disruptions, and enabling the property to relaunch as a cohesive and re-imagined destination and aims to deliver a rejuvenated and elevated experience, it added.

Modernised rooms, enhanced comfort, and a unified design language that aligns with Pullman’s dynamic and contemporary positioning will be introduced. As the destination expands, the resort is actively working to meet the evolving expectations of today’s experience-driven travelers, the statement added.

During this transition period, guests and partners will receive continued support through alternative arrangements within the Accor network. Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island will serve as the active cluster resort, ensuring uninterrupted service and guest experiences.

Source: ME Construction News

Ellington Properties has commenced the handover of Ellington House II in Dubai Hills Estate, alongside Arbor View in Arjan, marking continued delivery across key residential communities. The handover comes at a time when delivery performance plays an increasingly important role in shaping market confidence, the developer said.

Recent market data has highlighted sustained YoY growth in both transaction volumes and values, driven largely by strong off-plan activity and continued investor confidence. At the same time, more than 8,000 new residential units were delivered during Q1 2026, supporting steady expansion in supply and helping to meet ongoing demand.

The handover of Ellington House II follows the earlier completion of Ellington House I, strengthening Ellington’s presence within Dubai Hills Estate and building on its growing portfolio within the master-planned community. Ellington House I has already demonstrated strong post-handover performance, with no major snagging observed at handover, reinforcing both build quality and long-term value. Over the past 3 months, the project has recorded rental prices approximately 28% higher than the market average price, it said.

At the same time, Ellington House III and IV continue to progress steadily, reflecting ongoing construction momentum and a disciplined approach to development across multiple phases, it added.

The completion of Arbor View represents Ellington’s first delivered project in Arjan, marking an important step in the company’s expansion into emerging residential locations across Dubai. The development introduces a design-led residential offering within a community that continues to attract end-users seeking well-connected and evolving neighbourhoods, the company said.

Joseph Thomas, Co-Founder of Ellington Properties commented, “The handover of Ellington House II and Arbor View reflects our continued focus on delivery and consistency across our developments. Markets will always evolve, but what remains constant is the importance of execution, particularly as buyers become more deliberate in their assessment of value. As we expand into new communities, our priority is to ensure that each project is completed with the same level of attention to design, quality, and detail, because maintaining that consistency is ultimately what builds long-term trust with our homeowners and investors.”

Source: ME Construction News

ALAIN has commenced construction of the Four Seasons Private Residences Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Beach, marking a key milestone in the delivery of the capital’s most prestigious beachfront residential offering.

The development is an exclusive, gated beachfront community combining exceptional architecture, highly curated private living and Four Seasons’ service, set against the natural beauty of Saadiyat Beach.

An on-site ceremony on Saadiyat Island was attended by senior leadership and key project partners, including representatives from ALAIN, Four Seasons, Killa Design and Mirage Leisure and Development.

Expected to be completed by 2029, the development will comprise 116 residences, including ultra-luxury villas, beachfront mansions, suites and penthouses, with direct beach access and a comprehensive suite of bespoke amenities and services.

The project has demonstrated strong market traction, with the majority of residences sold to date and US $68.07mn in new villa sales recorded within one week. This sustained demand reflects continued confidence in Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a destination for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, reinforcing the project’s positioning within the region’s ultra-luxury residential market, said a statement.

The development has also achieved record pricing benchmarks, surpassing US $3,812per sqft, with total sales exceeding US $1.1bn since its launch less than a year ago, establishing it as a new benchmark for prestigious beachfront residential real estate in Abu Dhabi.

Strategically located on Saadiyat Island, the development offers a rare balance of seclusion and connectivity, with close proximity to the island’s cultural district, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and key destinations including Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Zayed International Airport.

Khaled Al Khoori, Managing Director of ALAIN said, “Breaking ground on Four Seasons Private Residences Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Beach marks a defining moment in delivering one of the region’s most exclusive beachfront communities. Designed for a highly discerning clientele, the project combines exceptional architecture, privacy and the renowned service of Four Seasons to create a truly distinctive residential offering. It reflects ALAIN’s continued focus on delivering world-class homes that set new benchmarks for quality, design and long-term value in Abu Dhabi.”

Source: ME Construction News

Hamish James has been appointed Managing Director of ISG Middle East. The move is said to mark a significant step in the company’s continued growth and strategic expansion.

In his new role, James will lead ISG Middle East’s operations, driving business performance, and advancing the delivery of complex, high-value projects across multiple sectors, the firm said in a statement.

“Hamish brings a wealth of international experience and a proven track record in delivering major projects and leading high-performing teams. His deep understanding of the region, combined with his operational expertise and collaborative leadership style, makes him exceptionally well placed to drive ISG Middle East’s next phase of growth. We are delighted to welcome him to the business,” said Andrew Craig, Chairman of ISG Middle East.

James commented, “I’m pleased to join ISG Middle East and lead such a talented and ambitious team. The market presents incredible opportunities for growth and innovation, and ISG is uniquely positioned to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to deliver exceptional projects for our clients.”

James is said to be a highly accomplished construction and operations leader with extensive international experience in delivering complex, high-value projects across the built environment. He holds both a BSc Hons and MSc from Heriot-Watt University, reflecting his commitment to excellence and industry best practice.

He has built a strong track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing large-scale developments, and driving performance across all phases of project delivery. His expertise spans contract management, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the successful execution of technically complex projects in fast-paced environments, the statement outlined.

Source: ME Construction News

ESNAAD Real Estate Development has announced the handover of ‘The Spark by ESNAAD’, its residential project in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, marking a key milestone in the company’s journey in Dubai’s real estate market.

The project comprises a ground floor, 5 residential floors, and a rooftop, and offers a total of 50 1-and-2-bedroom apartments. Designed for residents seeking a balance between comfort, functionality, and urban connectivity, the project reflects the company’s approach to developing thoughtfully designed homes that combine contemporary architecture, practical layouts, quality finishes, and long-term value for homeowners and investors, said a statement from the developer.

The building features a selection of lifestyle and wellness amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room, co-working space, entrance lobby, cafe, bicycle parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. These facilities have been integrated to support a connected, practical, and community-oriented lifestyle for residents.

Situated in District 11, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, one of Dubai’s key residential destinations, The Spark by ESNAAD benefits from strong connectivity to key destinations including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, DIFC, Meydan, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, Kite Beach, and Dubai International Airport, with direct access via Dubai Al Ain Road, it added.

Ashraf Elbendari, CEO of ESNAAD noted, “The handover of The Spark by ESNAAD is an important milestone for our company and a reflection of our commitment to delivering high-quality residential developments in Dubai. From the beginning, our objective was to develop a project that combines design, functionality, and value in a strategic location. Today, we are pleased to see this vision translated into a completed development that is ready to welcome its owners and residents.”

He added, “Dubai’s real estate market remains robust, driven by ongoing demand and urban growth. The completion of The Spark by ESNAAD signals our strong confidence in the market and reaffirms our dedication to delivering quality residential developments that cater to evolving customer needs and provide lasting value.”

The project delivery comes at a time when Dubai’s property sector continues to maintain strong momentum, supported by the emirate’s long-term economic and urban development vision, established regulatory environment, and continued appeal as a global hub for living, business and investment.

Source: ME Construction News