The 2024 edition of the popular Big Project Middle East Awards (BPME Awards) will take place on 29 January 2025, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team has confirmed.

The gala dinner event is returning to the Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai and will recognise excellence from across the construction supply chain, including government organisations, developers, contractors, and suppliers.  Read about all the categories here.

The 15th edition of the event has its 31 Awards split across several categories: Individual Awards; Sustainability Awards; Developer Awards; Contractor Awards, and Project Awards. The BPME team has confirmed that nominations are now open and noted that the nomination process has been streamlined.

“This being the 15th year of the prestigious BPME Awards, the BPME team wanted to make a change with regards to the nomination process. As before you have to make your case to the panel of judges but we now ask that this be done on our website by highlighting key achievements via bullet points, following which you can address the judges via a 300-word essay (please see the screenshot). As far as supporting documentation, we now only accept testimonials,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

Read the nominations guidelines for the 2024 edition of the BPME Awards by clicking here.

“With the 2024 edition of the BPME Awards we will continue to focus on the full breadth of the construction supply chain, and will recognise excellence across small, medium and large developers, contractors, government agencies etc. I encourage everyone to pay close attention to the nomination guidelines and the individual category instructions, as that is the best way to find out exactly what you need to put in a winning nomination,” explained Saundalkar.

Following the close of nominations on 6 December, the BPME editorial team will go through the first round of eliminations, and will then send the remaining nominations to a panel of expert judges from the industry.

The shortlist for the BPME Awards will be revealed in early January 2025, following which shortlisted companies and winners will be recognised at a gala dinner function on 29 January.

Read more about the BPME Awards by clicking here.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has launched a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and conservation efforts among Abu Dhabi’s next generation. Through awareness programs in schools and households the DoE is promoting a sustainable future as Abu Dhabi advances its efforts toward achieving the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero goals. Education is crucial for shaping a sustainable future and is a key focus for the DoE.

The Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030 aims to reduce electricity consumption by 22% and water consumption by 32% by 2030, with several programs managed by various entities and overseen by the DoE. As part of this strategy, the Behavioural Change program is a key enabler to enhance policy effectiveness, promote energy and water-efficient practices and help the community become more sustainable, the DoE said in a statement.

Ahmed Juma Al Falasi, Energy Efficiency Sector Executive Director- Acting at DoE said, “Our new initiatives aim to educate and empower individuals, creating a society that is highly aware of the importance of rationalising electricity and water consumption and how to conserve them. By educating students, these initiatives expand to the community by engaging the next generation in action-based learning. We aim to inspire generations to achieve sustainability and environmental awareness by reducing carbon emissions. These individuals will carry the behavioural patterns with them throughout their lives and will, in turn, teach the next generation the habits needed to make a difference.”

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the Children’s Kit initiative provided 2,000 students in Abu Dhabi schools with efficiency kits. For two age groups six to nine years old and 10 to 13 years old, the kits include guides on sustainable living and practical tools such as water-efficient showerheads and solar-powered chargers. The initiative encourages a culture of responsibility and cultivates efficient habits from a young age.

The DoE’s has also launched a gamified learning tool called “EnergiX,” which is available for download on Apple and Android devices worldwide. This interactive tool educates children and their parents about the importance of energy and water conservation through an engaging gameplay. By providing actionable ways for children to begin conserving resources, the game instils valuable lessons in a fun and enjoyable manner, the statement noted.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), is inviting businesses owned by Emirati citizens and registered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to submit proposals for the design, build, maintenance, and operation of animal feed markets across 10 locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & AL Dhafra regions: Al Haffar, Al Rahba, Nahil, Rimah, Bu Kirayyah, Bu Samrah, Al Qou, Liwa, Ghayathi and Al Marfa.

Fodder facilities are an important link in the food chain and ADAFSA, in collaboration with DMT, is further encouraging livestock breeders through the provision of fodder retail and trading sites across key areas. The animal feed markets will offer surrounding communities and farmers with high quality animal feed supply and related services, said a statement.

Bidders are encouraged to participate in the tender which opened on 3 October 2024 and closes on 18 November 2024, at 5pm (UAE time). Interested businesses must submit their proposals in accordance with instructions to bidders included in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

To confirm their interest and receive the submission link, bidders must fill out the online form provided in the RFP documents, the statement said.

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Source: ME Construction News

Designfit has announced an extensive re-brand, which includes the launch of a new brand identity, including a new website, as well as brand principles that reflect the company’s values. With projects such as Bonbon Café Angelo Musa at The Lana, Nikki Beach, DIFC Courts, Dragonfly & Frou Frou in its portfolio, Designfit continues to innovate across the commercial, F&B, hospitality, retail and residential sectors, forward-thinking design, fit-out solutions, and a spirit of collaboration, the firm said in a statement.

As a member of Cencorp Group, founded in 1986, designfit has built a strong reputation since early 2022 in the UAE as an industry partner, with vision to become a market leader, setting the bar for holistic and sustainable end-to-end design and build solutions across the GCC, the statement explained.

Sustainability has always been an integral part of approach, and now forms a core pillar of the new brand identity and principles. As the portfolio expands, the firm’s goal is to identify new tactics to reduce environmental impact and align with local communities, incorporating locally sourced, renewable materials in every project. The brand identity has evolved from a monochromatic black-and-white look to a bolder, more youthful aesthetic that distinguishes from the market. This includes a fresh logo, a simple color palette and graphic shapes that bring a sense of character and playfulness, the firm said.

As part of its growth, the firm has also announced key hires, including Glen Dyer as Design Director and Alice Inigo-Jones as Development & Strategy Director. Dyer joined the company from Zebra Projects, where he designed spaces in over 50 countries around the world, while Inigo-Jones brings 12 years of industry experience from across Australia, London, the UAE and KSA.

“A shift to the design and build methodology was not a decision I took lightly, however after meeting with Stephen and hearing his vision for the business – establishing designfit as a respected name in the design sector – I felt certain this was the right opportunity. The current portfolio of projects we have on our books all lean towards the luxury market, so I am excited for what the future holds,” says Dyer.

Inigo-Jones adds, “I am delighted to join designfit to spearhead growth initiatives and drive strategic development, when I met with Stephen, I saw a company with not only solid financial backing from its parent company Cencorp Group, but a team with immense talent and drive, delivering exceptional projects for their clients. designfit’s core values and commitment towards delivering excellence aligns perfectly with my approach to projects and clients alike. It’s an exceptionally exciting time to join at such at a pivotal moment and contribute to its journey of growth and success.”

Speaking on the rebrand and designfit’s vision for the future, CEO Stephen McGuill explains, “The rebrand underscores our continued commitment to the evolution and maturing of the business, from the very first day our vision has been to provide a best-in-class service through a human-centric mantra reflecting values of excellence, integrity, sustainability and genuine relationships essential to our future success and growth.”

Recent company portfolio additions include office spaces for global architecture studio Arquitectonica, and engineering firms Robert Bird Group and Meinhardt. In KSA where the objective is to expand the presence in the coming years designfit have collaborated with pharmaceutical group Merck to open a new hub in Riyadh for its regional affairs and have a number of projects going live later in 2024.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dar Global has appointed David R. Weinreb as Non-Executive Chairman. Weinreb is said to be a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in real estate, and brings an extensive background spanning four decades of experience and innovation to Dar Global. He will build on the company’s strong foundations, focusing on its strategy to expand its portfolio and reach, the firm said in a statement.

Weinreb is known for his leadership as Co-Founder and CEO of The Howard Hughes Corporation, where he led a multi-billion-dollar real estate firm. Under his guidance, The Howard Hughes Corporation’s market cap grew from $500mn to $6bn by the time of his departure in 2019. Weinreb’s success in creating iconic developments such as Downtown Summerlin in Nevada and Ward Village in Honolulu has solidified his reputation as a leader in the sector with the ability to create enduring value in real estate, the statement explained.

As Chairman of Dar Global, Weinreb will guide the company’s vision to expand. His appointment is said to mark a milestone for Dar Global, as it aims to deliver landmark real estate projects that are innovative, sustainable, and designed to meet the evolving needs of modern cities.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, commented: “We are excited to welcome David as our new Chairman. His experience and track record of driving growth in the sector will undoubtedly accelerate Dar Global’ s next phase of development.”

“I am pleased to join Dar Global at such an exciting time in its growth trajectory. My vision is to leverage Dar Global’ s foundation and take it to new heights, expanding its presence while seeking to ensure that developments not only meet but exceed the expectations of both local and international investors,” stated Weinreb.

“Together, we will focus on delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders by introducing globally influenced design standards and offerings that cater to both first and second home markets, while setting new benchmarks for innovation and excellence in real estate development,” Weinreb added.

Weinreb’s appointment reflects Dar Global’ s dedication to top-tier leadership and driving its vision of becoming a global leader in real estate development. With his expertise and leadership, the company is poised to achieve new milestones in the years ahead.

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Source: ME Construction News

The UAE has made significant strides in global real estate market transparency, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi securing a place among the top five improvers in the transparency score globally, according to JLL’s 2024 Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI).

Dubai earned the third spot and Abu Dhabi secured the fifth position for improvements made from 2022-24 for scaling digital capabilities, implementing strong anti-money laundering (AML) and beneficial ownership (BO) regulations, and increasing the availability of market data for established and start-up market providers.

Dubai climbed one spot to reach the 28th position on the index in the 2024 edition, where it has retained its position as the only property market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to feature in the ‘Transparent’ tier. The emirate’s gains in its ranking highlight government initiatives to enhance market transparency and more robust real estate.

The launch of technology-focused initiatives such as the Real Estate Innovation Incubator and Dubai PropTech Group have boosted Dubai’s rise on the index. These initiatives have empowered the real estate community in Dubai, creating confidence in the sector and building investment environment. Enhancements made to digital services through the Dubai REST interface, platform for real estate services, and providing access to land information or urban planning systems.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Land Department said, “Dubai’s progress in the 2024 Global Real Estate Transparency Index demonstrates our commitment to building an innovative and reliable real estate ecosystem. Clear, open practices attract global investments, enhance market trust, and support sustainable development, aligning with Dubai’s vision as a leading global destination for real estate. Following Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, we are advancing digital transformation and setting high standards to keep Dubai at the forefront of global real estate markets.”

James Allan, CEO of JLL Middle East and Africa (MEA) added, “Dubai’s continued advancement in the 2024 edition of the Global Real Estate Transparency Index and the significant improvements made by Abu Dhabi reflect a broader trend towards greater transparency and efficiency in real estate markets across the UAE. Our 13th Global Real Estate Transparency Index has also spotlighted the importance of embracing technology to drive the sector’s transformation and enhance transparency. The UAE has positioned itself as a tech and innovation leader in the MENA region, and by ramping up commitments to sustainability, it is creating a conducive investment environment that supports transformative urban development projects.”

JLL’s 2024 GRETI report reveals the competitive advantages AI brings to real estate markets and its potential for advancing productivity and transparency. Despite its impact on the economy, concerns have been raised on the potential risks of AI tools leading to anti-competitive behaviour, for example, through pricing optimisation algorithms.

Sustainability transparency too is becoming increasingly critical as a growing number of countries and cities set out mandatory long-term decarbonisation pathways in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. With governments also mandating building-level energy and emissions disclosure, progressively more stringent standards and improved building management will drive faster progress.

Globally, financial sanctions have maintained momentum for improving anti-money laundering (AML) and beneficial ownership (BO) regulations. As tighter standards are introduced in more jurisdictions owing to geopolitical tensions and risk rise, investors and corporations will need to devote more resources to ensuring compliance and will increasingly gravitate towards markets with robust regulatory systems and lower reputational and financial risk.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dubai’s real estate market recorded total sales of US $38bn in Q3 2024, which is said to be an all-time high for a single quarter. This eclipsed the previous quarterly sales record of US $33.47bn in Q2 this year and represented a 30.1% year-on-year rise in value.

In a market update issued by fäm Properties, the firm said there were 50,423 overall sales transactions in Q3, a 37.9% year-on-year increase in volume and a 16.6% rise on Q2. There were 39,058-apartment sales worth $19.03bn which represented 77% of the total Q3 transactions, showing a 43.9% increase in volume on the same period last year. Meanwhile, 8,156 villas sold for $10.59bn, a rise in volume of 16.6% over Q3 2023, and an increase of 18.4% on the previous quarter.

Rising property values in recent years were highlighted by a median price of $408.02 per sqft compared with the Q3 rates of $274.57 in 2021, $318.23 in 2022, and $378.35 last year. Sales of 2,102 plots for  $8.05bn represented a 45.9% leap in volume on Q3 last year and a 42.3% increase on Q2. In commercial real estate, 1,112 sales worth $6.21mn were up 12.1% in volume on Q3 last year.

“The figures once more emphasise the resilience of the Dubai real estate market and the consistent growth we’ve seen in recent years, which continues to enhance investor confidence,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “This ongoing upward trend reinforces Dubai’s status as a leading destination for real estate investment, attracting growing interest from global investors, as well as buyers from the local and regional markets.”

Dubai’s Q3 property sales over the last five years have now risen to the current peak level from $4.90bn (8,600 transactions) in 2020 to $11.48bn (15,900) in 2021, $18.72bn (25,500) in 2022, and $29.51bn (36,700) last year.

The top five performing areas of Dubai in Q3 were Jumeirah Village Circle (4,467 transactions – $1.44bn), Dubai South (2,910 – $2.23bn), Business Bay (2,651 – $1.95bn), Wadi Al Safa 5 (2,382 – $1.43bn), and Dubai Hills Estate (2,358 – $1.99bn). The most expensive individual property sold in Q3 was a luxury One at Palm Jumeirah apartment which fetched $74.1mn.

Properties worth $272,000 – $544,000 accounted for 31% of sales, 29% were below $272,000, 18% between $544,000 – $816,000, 14% between $816,000 – $1.36mn, and 8% more than $1.36mn, the report noted.

Overall, first sales from developers significantly outnumbered re-sales in the secondary market – 68% over 32% in terms of volume and 63% against 37% in value.

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Source: ME Construction News

HKA has announced that Maxime Girard has joined the firm as a Partner and Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages Expert based in its Dubai office.

According to a statement, Girard is a damages expert with close to 25 years of professional experience in damage quantification, business valuation, fraud investigation, accounting, and auditing. His expertise ranges from the quantification of damages claims in international commercial and investment treaty disputes, contentious valuations and expert determinations to shareholder, joint-venture and post-transaction disputes, financial and fraud investigations, and other types of forensic accounting assignments. His extensive background spans a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, telecommunications, real estate, hospitality, retail, and services sector.

“I am thrilled to welcome Maxime as a Partner to our Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages (FACD) practice. Maxime’s arrival significantly bolsters our rapidly expanding EMEA team, enhancing our presence in key cities, including London, Paris, Dubai, Madrid, and our newest office in Amsterdam,” Stuart Ells, Partner and Chief Growth & Operations Officer EMEA.

Girard added, “I’m delighted to be part of HKA and to collaborate with such a talented group of experts who are widely respected for their commitment to delivering exceptional client results. With my background in damage quantification, business valuation, fraud investigation, accounting, and auditing, I’m eager to contribute to HKA’s continued success and ambitious growth across the Middle East and the wider EMEA.”

Girard’s comprehensive experience and proven track record have earned him multiple selections as an expert in arbitration and courts. Additionally, he has substantial experience in conducting complex, high-profile financial investigations, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Major Developers has broken ground on its US $270mn Manta Bay residential project. Manta Bay will offer a blend of contemporary design, premium amenities and is said to be a prime location on Al Marjan Island.

Featuring panoramic sea views, private beach access, and a wellness centre, Manta Bay aims to become a landmark destination for high-end residential living, the firm stated.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from Marjan, the master developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah, Federal Engineering Consultants, and Civil Power General Contracting, the enabling contractor. The event highlighted the project as a cornerstone of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy to enhance its standing as a luxury destination globally and in the region, said a statement from the firm.

The launch of Manta Bay comes at a time of robust growth for Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate sector, which saw a 15% increase in transactions and value in the first half of 2024, reflecting strong investor confidence and a thriving market.

Andrei Charapenak, CEO of Major Developers said, “Launching Manta Bay in Ras Al Khaimah is a strategic move that aligns with our ambition to lead in the luxury real estate sector. This project embodies our commitment to creating world-class living experiences in a market that holds tremendous potential.”

Abdulla Al Abdouli, the CEO of Marjan, the master developer of Al Marjan Island, explained Al Marjan Island is the ideal location for an exclusive project of this magnitude. “We are delighted to host innovative developments that showcase the unique appeal of our luxurious waterfront destination and attract premium investors to the picturesque emirate of Ras Al Khaimah,” he said.

Dr Walid Lutfy, Founder of Federal Engineering Consultants concluded, “Our role as the engineering consultancy for Manta Bay is to ensure that this development stands out in terms of quality and innovation, and of course, we look forward to seeing this project redefine the luxury real estate market in Ras Al Khaimah.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Egis has announced its integral role in the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. As part of this plan, Egis as lead engineering consultant, will leverage its expertise in delivering infrastructure projects to contribute to the creation of the purpose-built exhibition venue in the region.

Upon completion of the expansion, DEC will span 1.2km and will include a 180,000sqm of exhibition space designed to host global events and drive the future of business tourism in Dubai.

Amer Al Farsi, Assistant Vice President of Real Estate Development at (DWTC) said, “Aligned with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and building on DWTC’s existing regional leadership and world-class event hosing facilities, (DEC) expansion, will drive the next stage of MICE sector evolution. The DEC masterplan will see the venue expanded over three strategic phases which will bring the total amount of indoor exhibition space to 180,000sqm, featuring 26 halls on a single contiguous level that spans 1.2km, with the ability to hold one mega event or multiple events simultaneously.”

“Upon completion, DEC will be the largest, purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the wider region and will solidify Dubai’s standing as one of the top three global destinations for tourism and business, reinforcing the city’s role as a model of innovation and opportunity on the global stage. We are excited about our collaboration with Egis and look forward to leveraging their expertise as we move towards realising our vision for DEC,” Farsi added.

Gurminder Sagoo, Country Managing Director of UAE, Egis remarked, “The Dubai Exhibition Centre is set to redefine the event experience in the region, and under the wise vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum we are honored to play a pivotal role in its expansion. Working in collaboration with our client, Dubai World Trade Centre and their appointed contractor.”

“We remain focused on delivering a fast-tracked sustainable design solution that is future ready. The DEC expansion reflects Dubai’s commitment to being an innovative hub for economic growth, shaping the future of global business networking right here in the UAE, whilst setting new standards for event infrastructure across the Middle East,” he noted.

As a key contributor to the DEC expansion, Egis is committed to upholding the standards of excellence, delivering a ‘Sustainable Materials Strategy’, ensuring compliance with green building standards to meet LEED certification requirements. Moreover, the project will feature sustainable infrastructure, such as renewable energy systems, environmentally responsible materials, and waste management strategies, in line with global best practices, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News