Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced its entry into the Philippines market, signing agreements with the government of the Philippines to develop one gigawatt (GW) of clean energy projects to strengthen its growing portfolio in Southeast Asia.

The Implementation Agreement with the Department of Energy and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Board of Investments of the Republic of the Philippines covers the development of solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a total capacity of up to 1GW by 2030.

The agreement, which will support the Philippines Energy Transition Program to achieve 35% renewable energy in power generation by 2030 and 50% by 2040, operationalises the MoU on Energy Transition Cooperation signed in November 2024 between the Philippines and the UAE, during the working visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the country, which identified renewable energy as an area of collaboration.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar said: “This partnership marks a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between the UAE and the Philippines. By leveraging the UAE’s world-class expertise in renewable energy and the Philippines’ abundant natural resources, this agreement will create jobs, drive low-carbon socio-economic progress and expand global renewable energy capacity in line with the UAE Consensus.”

Raphael P. M. Lotilla, Secretary of Energy at the Philippines Department of Energy commented: “Building on the longstanding ties between our nations and the recent Energy Transition Cooperation agreement, we welcome Masdar’s proven leadership and expertise in delivering utility-scale renewable energy solutions. This collaboration will significantly advance our goal of achieving 35% renewable energy in power generation by 2030.”

Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary at the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry, and Board of Investments Managing Head, commented, “It is inspiring to witness the strengthening of the bilateral relations between our countries, following the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos to UAE last year and a series of reciprocal ministerial missions thereafter.”

“The partnership with Masdar is a testament to our mutual commitment to fostering a dynamic and sustainable economic future, and our shared vision for economic sustainability and prosperity. This aligns seamlessly with the Philippine strategy to position ourselves as a smart and sustainable hub for manufacturing and services in Southeast Asia,” he added.

Masdar Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said, “We welcome this announcement as a significant expansion of Masdar’s activities in Southeast Asia, a key strategic market in our ongoing efforts to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 100GW by 2030. With our proven success in implementing large-scale renewable energy projects in the region and worldwide, we look forward to utilising our expertise and experience to support the Philippines in meeting its ambitious renewable energy goals.”

The agreement marks Masdar’s entry into the renewables sector in the Philippines. The company has developed the floating solar facility in Indonesia – the 145MW Cirata Floating Solar PV plant – generating enough electricity to power 50,000 homes. In February 2023, it entered geothermal energy sector through investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy. Masdar also signed a landmark agreement with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2023 for the development of 10GW of clean energy projects across the country.

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Source: ME Construction News

ABB announced the acquisition of Lumin, a US-based provider of responsive energy management systems, to expand its home energy management capabilities in the North American residential sector. The acquisition follows a minority investment by ABB into the company in 2023.

The acquisition brings Lumin’s solutions for electrification, as well as solar and storage systems, into ABB’s portfolio, creating residential energy management offering in North America. With the addition of Lumin’s technology, ABB is positioned to meet the growing demand for home electrification solutions in the US, where approximately 48m existing homes require electrification upgrades – a number that increases significantly when including new construction and other North American markets.

Lumin has made a name for itself by developing energy management solutions. Its highly flexible platform allows for the integration of any brand of load centres, battery systems and generators. It also provides deep insights into behind-the-metre consumption and dynamically manages energy loads – such as electric vehicle chargers, hot tubs and heat pumps – paving the way for more efficient and sustainable communities.

This acquisition supports ABB’s growth strategy in the North American residential market, where electrification and renewable energy are driving increased demand. With Lumin’s hardware and cloud-based software capabilities – including a mobile app for homeowners and installers – ABB can provide smarter, safer and more sustainable home energy solutions.

“We’re excited to welcome Lumin into the ABB family at a time when electrification across North America is a transformative mega trend, by acquiring Lumin, we gain not only an advanced product portfolio but also access to key partnerships within residential-renewable-focused organisations – an essential move in driving future innovations for smart homes and communities across the region,” said Mike Mustapha, President of ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings Division.

“Joining ABB is an exciting step for Lumin. We’re fully aligned with ABB’s mission to drive innovation, sustainability, and smarter energy solutions. This is an incredible opportunity to scale our platform and make energy management even more accessible to homeowners across North America. As part of ABB, we’ll help empower homeowners to reduce energy waste, integrate renewable energy sources, and create more sustainable, efficient communities,” said Alex Bazhinov, Lumin’s Founder and President.

Electricity plays a significant role in residential energy consumption in North America, accounting for 44% in the US and nearly 46% in Canada. In the coming years this share is expected to grow with residential electricity consumption in the US projected to increase by 14% to 22% between 2022 and 2050. These trends present a strong opportunity for ABB’s newly acquired solutions to make all-electric homes more affordable for builders and to help homeowners maximize their energy efficiency.

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QUBE Development has announced the groundbreaking of its project, Arisha Terraces, in Dubai Studio City. The developer says that Phase 1 of the project is sold out and construction works have begun.

Arisha Terraces is set for completion in 2027 and will feature 414 residential units across four low-rise buildings. The project offers a range of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. All apartments are fitted with Bosch appliances, integrated smart home systems featuring environmental sensors to promote energy efficiency, and balconies or terraces, with select apartments including pergolas for privacy and outdoor enjoyment.

Elio Badr, Sales Director at QUBE Development commented, “Breaking ground on Arisha Terraces is a proud moment for QUBE Development. It combines thoughtful design, modern amenities, and vibrant community spaces in the heart of Dubai Studio City. This unique offering helped make the selling out of Phase 1 of the development a reality. With high rental yields, increasing demand for affordable housing, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the area presents strong potential for both short-term rental income and long-term capital appreciation.”

The project’s design is anchored around a central courtyard, offering spaces for social interaction and recreation. Additionally, the two-level community centre will feature a cinema, co-working spaces, a library and a shared kitchen.

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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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Source: ME Construction News

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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Source: ME Construction News