Alstom has announced a new services agreement with Saudi Railway Company (SAR), which is said to further strengthen Alstom’s commitment to the future of transportation in the Kingdom.

The US $80mn deal covers five-years of technical support and includes a Spare Part Supply Agreement (TSSSA), and aims to enhance SAR’s east-west freight corridor, which is said to be essential for the Kingdom’s economic growth.

As per the terms of the agreement, Alstom will provide SAR with comprehensive support, encompassing technical assistance, a steady supply of spare parts, and tailored staff training programs.

To digitalise maintenance process and bring more efficiency, the locomotives will be continuously monitored in real-time by Alstom’s digital solution HealthHub. This proven technology will enable a predictive maintenance approach for SAR, reducing downtime and optimising fleet availability. These measures will ensure the long-term efficiency and reliability of the diesel locomotives operating on the vital east-west freight corridor, said Alstom in its statement.

“This agreement is a testament to our shared vision with SAR of advancing Saudi Arabia’s transportation ecosystem in alignment with Vision 2030. By empowering SAR with cutting-edge technologies and knowledge transfer, we are fostering a competitive and sustainable sector while enriching local talent and expertise within the Kingdom’s railway industry. This collaboration will provide SAR’s engineers and technicians with invaluable hands-on experience, bolstering their capabilities and solidifying their vital role in the Kingdom’s ambitious growth plans,” said Mohamed Khalil, Alstom’s Managing Director of Middle East Regional Headquarters.

The east-west railway plays a vital role in connecting the key ports of Dammam and Jubail with the Riyadh dry port, facilitating the seamless flow of goods across the country. This enhanced efficiency directly supports Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a global logistics hub, the statement concluded.

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Kezad Communities, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones, has announced its re-branding and will be known as Sdeira Group. The move is said to be part of an on-going mission to transform the brand into a pioneering strategic investment entity. Sdeira Group aims to set new standards in shared housing and accelerate the development of sustainable communities.

“This comes in line with our mission to maintain the leadership position of AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones, which is the primary driver of trade, industry, and logistics services, and highlight our strong commitment to playing a vital and effective role in transforming employee housing facilities,” said Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sdeira Group.

He was speaking during an official ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of several officials from AD Ports Group and key stakeholders. The event marked the unveiling of Sdeira Group’s new corporate identity, showcasing a logo that reflects the vision and values of the Group’s rebranding.

The name is inspired by Saih Sdeira, the historic site where the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his late brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, met in 1968. This momentous meeting marked the announcement of the bilateral union between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which led to a number of further meetings, and eventually the establishment of the UAE on 2nd December 1971.

The group’s name carries deep national significance, symbolising its commitment to aligning with the UAE’s vision, driving societal development and fostering sustainability to achieve progress.

Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer, the CEO of Sdeira Group, said the branding supports its long-term vision, representing a significant and strategic shift aimed at enhancing our contribution to developing integrated solutions and options for employee housing facilities.

“This step reflects our commitment to meeting the aspirations of our partners and clients and delivering added value through a range of high-quality services grounded in the highest standards of responsibility and efficiency,” he commented.

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Diriyah Company unveiled details of two high profile developments – Qurain Cultural District and Northern District – to be developed within its US $63.2bn Diriyah project, on the outskirts of the capital, Riyadh.

Announcing this during the 2nd edition of its annual international event (‘Bashayer – Delivering our Future’), the developer explained how multi-billion dollar educational and arts districts demonstrate the accelerating growth and development of Diriyah, The City of Earth. This is one of the world’s biggest and most unique urban development projects, spanning an area of 14sqkm, the firm said.

The Bashayer – Delivering our Future’ event saw participation from global investors, hospitality companies, construction firms, infrastructure experts and representatives from the sports, arts, culture, tourism and retail sectors. In addition to the new districts, the audience was also updated on the rapid progress being made in construction and the current status of key assets.

Diriyah Company said it was committed to establishing a vibrant global hub, the Qurain Cultural District, where culture meets modern urban living, offering a diverse range of arts, retail, office, and residential spaces for people to live, work, shop for local brands, and enjoy a spectrum of local dining experiences.

The Qurain Cultural District will also have two world class hotels and branded residences, including the 195-room Ritz-Carlton Diriyah, with 165 residences, and the Address Diriyah, that will feature 204-rooms and 60 serviced apartments.

The district will also feature 19 mixed-use buildings, including office, retail, and residences, 10 of which have various boutique office options, and a wide range of retail space and dining venues. The development of the Qurain Cultural District includes a $1.55bn contract awarded to a joint venture between Nesma & Partners Contracting Company and MAN Enterprise Al Saudia.

The Northern District will make Diriyah a global centre of learning for scholars, students, and visionaries and it is set to include the King Salman Foundation, museums, a university, a library, and a vibrant public square. The new district will also host the recently announced Capella Diriyah, a 100-room luxury hotel that marks Capella Hotels and Resorts’ groundbreaking entry into the Middle East.

Overall, the complete Diriyah project is one of Saudi Arabia’s five giga-projects, backed by the world’s 5th largest sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, and is building homes for 100,000 people, creating 178,000 jobs, and contributing $18.6bn to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.

A short 15-minute drive from Riyadh’s city centre, this 14sqkm development holds historical significance as the actual birthplace of Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1727. Currently being developed by Diriyah Company, it is undergoing a transformation into an authentic Najdi-style mixed-use urban community.

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ALEC unveiled its ‘Robotics Strategy’ at its annual Innovation Day event in Dubai. The strategy is focused on transforming core construction processes through the use of cutting-edge automation solutions, the firm said.

Aligning with the company’s broader Innovation Agenda, the program will see ALEC forge partnerships with global robotics leaders to implement innovative solutions in its construction projects, as well as to bring these technologies to the region, thereby elevating the sector as a whole, said a statement from ALEC.

“Since the construction industry employs a large percentage of the workforce, as a forward-thinking and innovative company, ALEC recognizes the importance of integrating robotics into our operations. At the same time, we are working closely with all industry stakeholders. A rising tide lifts all boats and an industry-wide increase in automation will address many of our sector’s most pressing issues, enhancing sustainability, addressing skilled labour shortages, and meeting tight project details,” said Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC.

According to ALEC, its Robotics Strategy extends on the ALEC Robotics Brief, which since its launch in 2017, has seen the company test and conduct real-world deployments of nine innovative robotics solutions. Doubling down on this momentum, the company will now collaborate closely with government agencies, local and international universities, and robotics companies and start-ups to evaluate up to 20 robotics ideas and partnerships each year. Over a five-year period, the company aims to have 5% of its construction activities automated by mature robotic solutions, the statement added.

As part of the first phase of the Robotics Strategy, ALEC said it will focus on pioneering the use of already mature robotics technologies from across the world, as well as helping accelerate the advancement of more nascent but promising robotics projects. Some providers of these technologies have already been identified by the company, and several of them were showcased at the company’s Innovation Day.

Among the 14 construction robotics pioneers from around the globe present at this event, were NYU Abu Dhabi who have been exploring AI and Robotics for Autonomous Data Acquisition in Construction projects. HILTI offered an impressive live demo of its Jaibot, a semi-automated construction robot designed for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and interior finishing installation work, while Construction Robotics impressed attendees with MULE, a lift-assist solution designed and built to handle and place heavy material on construction sites. In the rapidly advancing field of drone-based solutions, Angelswing stood out for its innovative drone-based digital twin platform that drives effectiveness throughout a project — from planning to completion, the press release outlined.

“At the nexus of market shifts, environmental awareness and rapid technological advancement, is the opportunity for the construction sector to surge forward into an era of enhanced efficiency, sustainability and excellence. ALEC is leading this transformation, and driven by our dedicated department, innovation has been embedded into the DNA of our organisation,” said Imad Itani, Head of Innovation at ALEC.

He concluded, “Through meticulously detailed frameworks, we have set out clear objectives with tangible milestones that ensure continued improvement. As the region’s leading construction firm, ALEC recognises that our successes will stand testament to the value and feasibility of new approaches to construction. Galvanised by this, we will continue to partner will the best talent from across the world to deliver the best solutions and exceed our stakeholder’s expectations.”

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Construction has begun on a new multi-billion-dollar refining and petrochemical complex in Fujian, China.

The second phase of the Fujian Gulei integrated refining and petrochemical project is a collaboration between China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec), Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi Aramco), and Fujian Petrochemical Co. It is expected to be fully operational by 2030, according to Sinopec.

The project is being developed with a total investment of US $9.9bn, which is the largest industrial investment in Fujian to date, according to a report.

The facility’s refining unit aims to produce 320,000 barrels per day, as well as 1.5m tons of ethylene per year, two million tons of paraxylene and will have a 300,000t crude oil terminal.

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Wynn Resorts has said that construction of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is proceeding as planned, with 55% of the structural concrete now complete. According to a statement, the concrete structure is complete up to the 26th floor of the main resort tower, with walls extending to the 29th floor.

The construction team is completing one floor per week, working toward a topping off in December 2025. In the last 100 days, the resort tower grew by 44m. An on time opening in Q1 2027 is anticipated said a statement from Wynn Resorts.

The resort will offer 1,542 rooms and suites. To-date, the tower structure has been completed for 1,121 guest rooms, or 73% of the total. Fit out is underway in approximately 820 rooms – including walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services.  The elevator and escalator installation also began this month, Wynn Resorts said.

Wynn Design and Development (WDD), employing more than 90 architects, designers, and creative visionaries, is overseeing all facets of the project’s design and development. Wynn Resorts is unique in that it maintains its own full-service design and architectural team. There are currently 9,100 construction team members onsite, and more than 100 concrete trucks in place on the site per day, the statement added. In early 2023 ALEC and Bauer International were announced as key contractors for the project.

Wynn Al Marjan Island will create a new category of luxury in the region through its unique collection of experiences. The twenty-two restaurants, lounges, and bars will range from high-energy social destinations to fine dining. Contributing to the atmosphere, a nightclub featuring the legendary “Only At Wynn” line-up of world-renowned DJs and a beach club will be situated on its own white sand beach on the Arabian Gulf.  There will be an extensive poolscape adjacent to the beach with multiple swimming and wading pools, water features, private cabanas, and tropical landscaping covering 3.6Ha, Wynn Resorts stated.

The resort will also include a 15,000sqm shopping promenade filled with luxury boutiques, a five-star spa, and a salon. The 7,500sqm meetings and events centre along with a theatre, will offer parties, events, and bespoke entertainment experiences.

Wynn Resorts is developing the project in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding. It is anticipated to be the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, the statement concluded.

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Cemex Ventures has announced a hydrogen project with HiiROC, a UK-based hydrogen producer and provider. Cemex Ventures is the corporate venture capital and innovation unit of Mexico-based construction materials company Cemex.

The project, which is billed as a ‘first of its kind’ will see HiiROC deploy hydrogen at an industrial scale at Cemex’s Rugby, England, plant for use in cement production. Cemex said that it believes HiiROC’s use of a proprietary thermal plasma electrolysis (TPE) process in producing and delivering hydrogen can aid CO2 emission reductions because the method requires less electrical energy compared to conventional hydrogen production.

The announcement is said to be part of a strategic partnership that first began in 2021 between the two companies.

“HiiROC produces carbon-neutral hydrogen using its proprietary TPE process, which requires just one-fifth of the electrical energy used in water electrolysis and captures carbon as a solid byproduct, avoiding CO2 emissions,” said Cemex in a statement.

It added, “HiiROC’s modular solution can be deployed as single units to full-scale industrial plants. The hydrogen produced can be used as an alternative energy source to fuel clinker production processes, helping Cemex to achieve its decarbonisation goals.”

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Nakheel has marked significant progress in the development of Palm Jebel Ali in 2024, with the project progressing at pace to meet key 2025 milestones.

The development masterplan was approved by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May 2023, who said at the time: “Palm Jebel Ali will further strengthen our urban infrastructure and consolidate the city’s emergence as one of the world’s leading metropolises. This new groundbreaking project reflects our strategic development plan centred on raising the quality of life and happiness of residents.”

The Palm Jebel Ali area received further recognition this year when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the master plan for the 6.6km development of Jebel Ali Beach. The project includes a five kilometre sandy beach, to be developed by Nakheel, as well as a 1.6km-long Mangrove Beach, to be developed by Dubai Municipality.

“At Nakheel we believe in developing dreams, inspired by the vision of our leaders and the hopes of our people. The rapid progress we are currently witnessing on ground at Palm Jebel Ali is testimony to the grand success of our key partnerships and our joint endeavours to ensure we deliver on our commitments,” said Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate.

After the masterplan was revealed, the first phase of villas and plots on Palm Jebel Ali launched in late 2023 sold out in record time, underscoring the immense appetite in the marketplace for waterfront properties. Several leading international and regional architectural firms have worked to create villas which celebrate the connectivity between the indoor and outdoor lifestyles that residents will enjoy on Palm Jebel Ali, said a statement.

In May of this year, the contact was awarded for the construction of a new road serving the central portion of Palm Jebel Ali and work has already progressed significantly. The contract was awarded to DBB Contracting. When completed, the new public access road will offer a landscaped and convenient path, spanning nearly 6km, leading directly onto Palm Jebel Ali.

In August 2024, Nakheel also awarded an US $220mn contract for marine works on Palm Jebel Ali to Jan De Nul Dredging, and work has already commenced on the dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling and sand placement, directly supporting the construction of villas across all fronds. The first eight fronds of the project are expected to be site-ready by the first quarter of 2025, allowing for the commencement of villa infrastructure and civil works, the statement outlined.

The pace of the development of Palm Jebel Ali has accelerated further during Q3 and Q4 of 2024, with significant contracts awarded to renowned regional and international construction specialists, Nakheel stated.

Three major contracts were awarded in October, for the construction of ultra-luxury villas on the first six fronds of Palm Jebel Ali, scheduled for completion by late 2026. The contracts, awarded to Ginco General Contracting, Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast and United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC), marked a milestone in the ongoing development of this landmark waterfront destination in Dubai. It includes the construction of 723 Beach Collection and Coral Collection villas with exclusive beach frontage across six fronds in addition to the comprehensive development of world-class infrastructure and vibrant public spaces within the respective fronds on Palm Jebel Ali, it added.

To ensure a steady supply of power to the development, Nakheel announced in October their partnership with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) for the development of two substations on Palm Jebel Ali, valued at $73.5mn. The construction of the two substations, set to feed the power requirements of a major portion of Palm Jebel Ali, is scheduled to be completed in line with the delivery of the villas.

Palm Jebel Ali’s seven islands span 13.4km, feature 16 fronds and over 90km of beachfront, beginning a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area, underlining the expansion of the emirate, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the statement concluded.

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DAMAC Properties has launched DAMAC Islands, which is the developer’s third and largest master community unveiled this year, as well as the sixth in its overall portfolio of master development projects.

DAMAC Islands will offer a range of luxury villas and townhouses, each designed with spacious layouts and breathtaking views. The project will take shape in Dubailand, and aims to offer residents a “unique opportunity to live in a tropical-inspired haven that combines luxury living with the natural paradise of island life”.

This meticulously designed community is slated to be the perfect escape from the bustling city, providing residents with tranquility, rejuvenation, and connection within a peaceful and intimate setting, said a statement from DAMAC.

The project was unveiled at the Coca-Cola Arena on 19 November, and was attended by Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, Amira Sajwani, MD, DAMAC Properties and senior executives from DAMAC. The developer is said to have unveiled the project after a meticulously planned month-long campaign that included a special teasing campaign, ‘DAMAC Air’, where global audiences had an opportunity to win air tickets to their favourite travel destinations.

“DAMAC Islands represents much more than a development; it is an invitation to experience an entirely new way of living that brings together luxury and wellness. This project embodies our vision of creating spaces where residents can find both escape and connection—an oasis that feels exclusive and warm. DAMAC Islands is a landmark of our commitment to innovation and our belief in Dubai as the ultimate destination for transformative, world-class living,” said Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties.

DAMAC Islands is said to take inspiration from some of the world’s most sought-after island destinations, and will feature six clusters including the Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, Hawaii, Bali, and Fiji. It aims to blend the relaxed island aesthetic with modern splendour, while the community aims to create an oasis where indoor luxury will be harmonised with outdoor paradise, allowing residents to experience both worlds without leaving Dubai, the developer explained in its statement.

‘An Island State of Mind’ sets the tone for the DAMAC Islands experience, with amenities that elevate day-to-day life to a blissful retreat. From serene lagoons and cascading waterfalls to lush jungle rivers and an exclusive Aqua Dome with indoor aquatic activities, every element has been crafted to evoke the serenity of island living. Signature features include a hot springs spa, jungle swings, a bird park, and a mini-golf island, ensuring every resident finds an escape within this exclusive community, it added.

Residents will also be able to enjoy gondola-style paddle boat rides, relax in hammock-laden tours across crystal-clear lagoons, rejuvenate in a hot spring natural spa, or unwind at unique dining venues overlooking turquoise waters. A wedding venue, a tortoise garden, a fresh fruit market and an exclusive Residents Clubhouse will also add to the charm of this sanctuary, making DAMAC Islands a perfect blend of leisure, luxury, and natural beauty, the developer said.

DAMAC Properties has significantly expanded its community development portfolio with the launch of Suncity and Riverside earlier this year, adding to its established communities of DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Hills 2, as well as the upcoming DAMAC Lagoons. Since its founding in 2002, DAMAC has launched over 75 towers and continues its dedicated growth, offering diverse living spaces and investment opportunities for discerning clients, the statement concluded.

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