The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has announced the companies, individuals and projects shortlisted for the 15th edition of the annual Big Project Middle East Awards (BPME Awards). The gala dinner event is scheduled to take place on 29 January at the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai.

Nominations closed in mid-December 2024, following which each nomination went through two rounds of scrutiny; the first was conducted by the BPME editorial team, with the remaining nominations then being presided over by a panel of six judges in early January 2025. The judging panel will be announced on the night of the Awards, the BPME team revealed.

In excess of 160 nominations were submitted across 31 categories by a diverse mix of organisations, including developers, operators, contractors, specialists and suppliers.

Individuals, companies and projects that made the shortlist, as well as those that scored the most first choice votes, will be celebrated at the gala dinner event on 29 January. The impartial elimination rounds saw the consolidation of some categories due to a lack of stand-out nominations; conversely, in categories with several strong nominations, a decision was made to expand the category. The full shortlist and list of winners will be revealed at the gala dinner.

“Following months of promotion and preparation, the BPME team and I are pleased to be able to reveal the shortlist for the forthcoming edition of the annual BPME Awards. The Awards are a Middle East institution and I for one can’t wait to reveal the full list of categories and shortlisted nominees, as well as the winners on the night of the awards on 29 January in Dubai,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The shortlist for the 15^th edition of the Big Project Middle East Awards are:

Big Project’s Young Professional of the Year

• Maha Babiker – Graphite
• Meera Al Blooshi – Parsons
• Suchith Govindappa – Sobha Constructions

Big Project’s Mentor of the Year

• Chris George – Sobha Constructions
• Karim Elnabawy Balbaa – Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN)
• Maxwell Connop – AtkinsRéalis

Big Project’s Women of the Year

• Anita Nouri – Green Growth Planning Consultancy
• Fatma Elfeki – Graphite
• Johanna Staples – AtkinsRéalis
• Muneeswari Velusamy – Sobha Constructions

Big Project’s Team of the Year

• Beirut Office Design Team – LASCO JV SSG
• Equinix 3.1 Data Centre Team – McLaren Construction
• Team Sobha Reserve – Sobha Constructions

Big Project’s Executive of the Year

• Ahmed El-Adalany – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• Joseph Charles – Pinnacle Interiors
• Mariam Azmy – Innovo Group
• Senthil Kumar Parasuraman – Sobha Constructions

Sustainable Contractor of the Year

• ACCIONA
• Innovo Group
• The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)

Small Contractor of the Year

• ECC Fit Out & Construction
• Pinnacle Interiors

Sustainable Project of the Year

• KAFD Fire Station – Parsons
• Sharjah Sustainable City
• ZāZEN Gardens & ZāZEN Ivy – ZāZEN Properties

Skills Development Programme of the Year

• School of the Future Initiative – AtkinsRéalis
• Sobha Institute of Construction Excellence – Sobha Constructions

Fit-Out Contractor of the Year

• ALEC FITOUT
• DEPA
• HTS Interior Design
• Pinnacle Interiors

MEP Contractor of the Year

• ALEMCO
• The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• LASCO JV SSG

Infrastructure Contractor of the Year

• China State Construction Engineering Corporation ME
• Orascom Construction
• Sobha Constructions

Mid-sized Contractor of the Year

• Engineering Contracting Company (ECC)
• LASCO JV SSG
• McLaren Construction

Large Contractor of the Year

• ALEC Engineering & Contracting
• Innovo Group
• The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)

Fit-Out Project of the Year

• HuQQa – Shisha Lounge & Turkish Restaurant – Pinnacle Interiors
• One Za’abeel Tower – DEPA

MEP Project of the Year

• Basrah Water Supply Improvement Project P3 & P4 – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• Creek Vista Grande – Sobha Constructions
• WTB Skylight 1 & 2 – LASCO JV SSG

Refurbishment & Retrofit Project of the Year

• Al Barari – Plot E10 – ECC Group
• HuQQa Shisha Lounge and Turkish Restaurant – Pinnacle Interiors
• Sheraton Hotel, Mall of the Emirates – DEPA

Project of the Year – Water

• Al Khobar 2 SWRO – ACCIONA
• Basrah Water Supply Improvement Project P3 & P4 – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• SFAX Desalination Plant – Orascom Construction

Project of the Year – Infrastructure & Transport

• Diriyah Gate Infrastructure Construction General Contractor – Area B – China State Construction Engineering Corporation ME
• Greater Cairo Monorail – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• Lusail Plaza Infrastructure, LRT Station, Public Car Park & Landscape – Parsons

Project of the Year – Leisure, Retail & Hospitality

• Qetaifan Island Project – AtkinsRéalis
• Restoration of Revolutionary Command Council Museum – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• VISA Marassi Marina Hotel and Yacht Club – Orascom Construction

Project of the Year – Commercial

• 6 Falak Media City – McLaren Construction
• Pinnacle Interiors D3 Office – Pinnacle Interiors

Project of the Year – Residential

• Athlon Premium Villas – AtkinsRéalis
• Crest Grande – Sobha Constructions
• H Three by Aurora – ECC Group
• Tilal Al Ghaf Phase A – Majid Al Futtaim

To learn more about the Big Project Middle East Awards, click here.

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The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have signed a MoU for joint collaboration on promoting sustainable, climate-resilient, inclusive, and green urban development in the UAE. The strategy will combine support mechanisms, training, knowledge platforms, and knowledge-sharing events.

Leveraging insights from both the public and private sectors, this partnership will address challenges in enhancing the built environment, with a deep focus on green project implementation and thought leadership.

The agreement aims to enhance green growth efforts and urban sustainability initiatives in the UAE and accelerate the country’s progress towards its commitment to delivering Net Zero by 2050.

The MoU was signed by EmiratesGBC Chairman Khaled Bushnaq, in the presence of CEO Abdullatif Albitawi, and representatives from the Global Green Growth Institute, led by Mahamadou Tounkara, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Region.

By combining their expertise, networks, and experience, EmiratesGBC and GGGI will work together to drive the UAE’s Net Zero readiness and develop and implement innovative solutions for green buildings, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-resilient cities.

Khaled Bushnaq commented: “The collaboration with Global Green Growth Institute marks a significant step forward in translating our shared vision for sustainable urban development into tangible action. We are particularly excited about the opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building that this MoU will facilitate. The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target requires a concerted effort from all sectors, and partnering with GGGI allows us to leverage their global expertise and network to accelerate the adoption of green building practices and drive the transition towards a net-zero built environment.”

Mahamadou Tounkara added: “This collaboration reinforces our shared commitment to developing and implementing innovative solutions for green buildings and sustainable infrastructure, and we look forward to empowering stakeholders across the UAE with the tools and resources they need to create a greener, more sustainable built environment”.

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Within its 2025 budget, Oman has announced the allocation of funds for a number of prime tourism and infrastructure projects, including the Oman Cultural Complex, Oman Botanic Garden and Phase I of Sultan Haitham City.

These projects will be completed later this year, along with major road projects such as the Khasab-Daba-Lima Road and the Al Sharqiyah Expressway.

The first phase of Sultan Haitham City will be completed later this year, and 1,200 new housing units will be provided for eligible residents. Also, work on further residences will be completed in areas adversely affected by recent climate conditions said a statement.

Senior Omani officials said that the Botanic Garden project will be completed this year, alongside the development of the Hwayat Najm (Bimmah Sinkhole) and the waterfront in the Wilayat of Al Ashkharah.

The Oman Cultural Complex building will also be fully delivered and ready for opening. Meanwhile, work on another key infrastructure link, the expansion of the Muscat Expressway, will begin by Q2 2025.

In addition, funds have been set aside in the budget for major road projects, such as the Adam-Thumrait Road, and the Ansab-Jafnain ‘dualisation’ project – both due to be completed this year.

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P&G UAE has partnered with Yellow Door Energy to install a solar carport system at their JAFZA offices. The project will produce clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Located at P&G UAE’s office within the Jebel Ali Freezone Authority (JAFZA) industrial park, the 500 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar carport system will feature over 870 bifacial solar panels. The project will be constructed in four phases to align with P&G’s operational schedule.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place with senior representatives from P&G and Yellow Door Energy in attendance. Once completed, the solar carport is expected to produce 813,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity in its first year, reducing carbon emissions by 323 thousand kilograms.

Sonali Dhawan, General Manager for P&G Gulf, stated: “At P&G, environmental sustainability is embedded in how we do business. The solar lease with Yellow Door Energy demonstrates our commitment to sustainability by integrating solar power into our Dubai office”.

Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy commented, “We are honored to partner with P&G on this solar lease, bringing clean electricity to the heart of JAFZA and contributing to the UAE Energy Strategy. As a UAE-founded and headquartered company, Yellow Door Energy is committed to helping businesses decarbonise their operations, lower electricity costs and become sustainability champions. With over 355 megawatts-peak (MWp) of awarded solar projects in our portfolio, we aspire to be the preferred sustainable energy partner for top corporations in the Middle East and Africa.”

As the solar developer, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining the solar plant throughout the lease term. Solar leasing enables businesses to reduce their energy costs without any upfront investment or operational risks, whilst maintaining focus on their core operations and enjoying the benefits of clean energy.

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Cundall has strengthened its sustainability services in the region with three leadership appointments in the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The firm says the MENA sustainability team has tripled in size over the past year, reflecting demands from governments and businesses in the region as they focus on sustainable practices to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

As the region accelerates its efforts to meet its national sustainability agendas, the construction industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic transformation and advancing the path toward Net Zero. The addition of key leaders to its regional offices marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to support clients seeking cutting-edge, sustainable solutions.

Bysshe Wallace has been appointed to lead Cundall’s sustainability offering in Qatar. With over 18 years in the industry, Wallace’s experience spans life cycle analysis, ESG strategy development and strategic sustainability advisory services delivered to global and regional public and private entities.

Shahana Sayed has been appointed to drive the growth of Cundall’s sustainability services in the UAE. As a certified sustainability practitioner, with over 18 years of experience leading innovative energy efficiency and sustainability projects, Sayed specialises in guiding design and construction projects towards achieving sustainability goals.

Haytham Ayoub meanwhile is joining Cundall’s sustainability offering in Saudi Arabia. Ayoub brings over 15 years of experience managing complex, multidisciplinary consulting projects and supporting private and government clients with their Net Zero ambitions. Known for his technical expertise in energy modeling and carbon management, Ayoub will lead on driving impactful change and sustainability goals across the region and Saudi Vision 2030.

Mario Saab, Head of Sustainability MENA, explained: “As national visions across the region drive the transformation towards sustainable development, we are witnessing ambitious commitments from governments and developers alike to adopt Net Zero carbon strategies, decarbonise existing assets, and create smart, sustainable cities. This is a pivotal moment for our region, and Cundall is proud to play a leading role in shaping this future, supported by a highly skilled team across our Riyadh, Doha, Dubai and Bengaluru offices. Bysshe, Haytham, and Shahana are already making significant contributions to our clients’ ambitions, providing innovative solutions and strategic guidance to help them achieve their sustainability goals.”

Cundall is delivering strategic sustainability services for clients across the region including Msheireb Properties in Qatar, Majid Al Futtaim in the UAE, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman, and the National Housing Company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Diriyah Company has awarded a contract worth US $114mn to Omrania, a subsidiary of Egis Group, for its Boulevard District project. Omrania will be responsible for the provision of architectural, construction and design services.

As a multi-disciplinary consultant, Omrania will apply its strong expertise across three community areas in the flagship Boulevard District. The neighbourhood aims to become a major focal point for the $63.2bn Diriyah project and provide connectivity across multiple areas within the development’s comprehensive master plans.

Announcing the contract award, Group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo said, “Diriyah Company is delighted to have selected Omrania, one of Saudi Arabia’s most innovative and forward-thinking architecture and engineering firms, for this project. Their contemporary designs have significantly shaped Riyadh’s skyline, exemplified by iconic structures like the Kingdom Center. We look forward to leveraging their exceptional expertise to create vibrant communities in The City of Earth, establishing a new destination for people to live, work, and play.”

Alaa AbuSiam, Regional CEO, Egis Middle East & South Asia added: “We are proud to have been given this opportunity to contribute towards the architecture and design of a high-profile, sustainable community within one of Saudi Arabia, and the world’s, most exciting and dynamic urban development projects. As a Saudi company, Omrania is looking forward to applying their expertise in designing places that will inspire future generations while preserving the essence of Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage.”

Omrania’s scope of work includes concept design, schematic design, detailed design and construction supervision within these key community zones.

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According to a Springfield Properties’ Q4 2024 Dubai Real Estate Market Report, total sales transaction values reached US $31.72bn. This reflects a 31.1% year-on-year increase, with transaction volumes surging 51.8% to 46,844.

At the heart of this growth lies the off-plan market, which contributed over half of the total transaction value, as well as Dubai’s thriving luxury property segment, which continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors worldwide. Established communities like Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina remain dominant, offering a blend of exclusivity, lifestyle appeal, and long-term value.

Farooq Syed, CEO, Springfield Properties commented: “Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate remarkable strength and global appeal, underpinned by strategic planning, visionary developments, and investor confidence. This growth is the result of a deliberate focus on meeting evolving buyer preferences while setting new benchmarks in quality, innovation, and sustainability. Dubai’s appeal to high-net-worth individuals is about delivering a seamless integration of lifestyle, security, and strategic value. Buyers and investors see Dubai as a city that not only offers world-class amenities but also understands their aspirations for long-term growth and stability”.

The report highlights the off-plan segment’s pivotal role in driving Dubai’s real estate success, with 30,388 transactions recorded in Q4, supported by innovative payment plans and a strong investor appetite for future-ready assets. Areas such as Dubai South and Jumeirah Village Circle emerged as growth hubs for mid-income buyers, while luxury off-plan developments in Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills Estate attracted a global audience seeking exclusivity and modernity.

Simultaneously, the luxury segment reinforced its position as a key driver of market value, with premium properties in Palm Jumeirah achieving the highest average sales price.

As Dubai’s population approaches four million in 2025, demand across all property segments continues to rise. Key areas such as Dubai South, with its focus on inclusivity and strategic infrastructure, are expected to complement the ongoing strength of luxury hubs like Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai. The city’s alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan further highlights its commitment to building a sustainable, forward-thinking real estate ecosystem that appeals to both global investors and end-users.

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MERED has commenced the main construction works phase of its flagship project, ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina. The milestone was commemorated with a special ceremony marking the first concrete pour.

ICONIC Residences is set to redefine living with its design, elegance, amenities and advanced engineering solutions. The project is located in Dubai Internet City and offers 310 luxury apartments with direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and proximity to hotspots like Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah,  Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour and Emirates Hills, said a statement.

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, commented: ”The ICONIC Residences are more than just a development, they are a statement of innovation where cutting-edge design meets unparalleled luxury. As we kick off the main construction phase, we’re not just building a project, we’re bringing the most exciting Italian aesthetic and international vision to life.”

“Dubai’s luxury real estate market is growing, with 2025 to surpass last year’s milestones in property sales, making now the perfect moment to introduce a project like ICONIC Residences Design By Pininfarina. A true masterpiece that will not only elevate the skyline but will also offer residents a lifestyle that redefines luxury and timeless elegance. We’re excited to see this vision become a reality and we can’t wait to watch it transform into something extraordinary,” he added.

Giovanni de Niederhäusern, Vice President of Pininfarina added: “At Pininfarina, we aim to create timeless designs that seamlessly blend beauty and functionality. By combining innovative materials and traditional craftsmanship, we strive to deliver architectural experiences that inspire and endure. Iconic Residences reflects our commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to witness this project materialise through our successful partnership with Mered and their highly dedicated team.”

The event brought together key project contributors, including Pininfarina, SERA Group as the general contractor, as well as consultants Mirage and Currie & Brown.

With main works now underway, the ICONIC Residences design by Pininfarina is on track for completion in Q3 2027, aligning with Dubai’s continued growth as a global hub for real estate and innovation.

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that 54% of the Hessa Street development project has been completed and all intersections are expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.

The Hessa Street development project, which spans 4.5km from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its intersection with Al Khail Road, represents a continuation of RTA’s efforts to develop road infrastructure to meet the demands of urban development and population expansion, said a statement.

The scope of work includes the upgrade of four major intersections and also includes the construction of 13.5km of cycling and e-scooter tracks, connecting Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills via Hessa Street. A key highlight of the new cycling track is the inclusion of two architecturally distinctive bridges for cyclists and pedestrians.

The first bridge crosses Sheikh Zayed Road, while the second crosses Al Khail Road. Each bridge is five metres wide, with three metres designated for the cycling and e-scooter track and two metres for pedestrian pathways.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, commented: “Hessa Street development project is one of the key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Dubai’s road network. It serves several key residential and developmental areas, including Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha Residential Area, and Jumeirah Village Circle. By 2030, the population in the areas served by this project is projected to exceed 640,000 residents. The project will double Hessa Street’s capacity, increasing it from 8,000 vehicles per hour in both directions to 16,000 vehicles per hour.”

Mattar Al Tayer was speaking at the opening of a key two-lane bridge spanning 1,000m, and set to enhance traffic flow from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road. This bridge will ensure a seamless traffic connection to Dubai’s city centre and Dubai International Airport, reducing travel time from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road from 15 minutes to just three minutes.

The overall project involves the development of four key intersections. The first is the intersection of Hessa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road, where a two-lane directional ramp will be constructed, passing over the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. This ramp will facilitate right-turn traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road onto Hessa Street heading east toward Emirates Road.

The second intersection is at Hessa Street and First Al Khail Road, where the number of lanes on the existing Hessa Street bridge will be increased from three to four in each direction. Traffic improvements will also be implemented at the surface-level, signalised junction to enhance flow.

The third intersection is at Hessa and Asayel Streets, where works include widening the current bridge from two to four lanes in each direction along Hessa Street. Meanwhile, the fourth intersection is at Hessa Street and Al Khail Road. The works include constructing a two-lane direct ramp to ensure seamless traffic flow from Hessa Street onto Al Khail Road, in a northbound direction towards Sharjah.

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Samana Developers has inaugurated its new office in Abu Dhabi. Located at Al Falah Tower, the office will house 40+ property consultants and experts, serving the company’s Abu Dhabi clients, who currently account for 20% of sales.

The new office will offer on-site support and access to the latest project information, allowing potential buyers to explore projects through detailed visualisations. Building on the significant price growth of its Dubai developments, Samana Developers hopes to broaden its customer base in Abu Dhabi, the firm said.

Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers said, “With Dubai’s primary real estate market hitting record highs, surpassing 180,900 transactions and achieving a remarkable sales value, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Abu Dhabi office. This strategic move underscores our commitment to capitalise on the dynamic growth of the UAE’s real estate sector and deliver exceptional living experiences to our valued clientele.”

In addition to becoming the seventh largest real estate developer in the UAE, Samana Developers has also gone global recently, teaming up with Elie Saab on a luxury venture, Samana Ocean Views Interior by Elie Saab in the Maldives. This project covers over 507,651sqft.

With a focus on creating sustainable living spaces, SAMANA Developers has delivered a range of residential and commercial projects climbing to the seven highest off-plan sellers in 2024, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News