Elsewedy Electric for Power Transmission & Distribution has completed and handed over the El Saad Solar Plant, a project that has now entered its operations and maintenance phase.

Located 85km east of Riyadh, the plant has generation capacity of 348.6MW, which is said to make it one of the Kingdom’s notable utility-scale renewable energy assets.

This achievement marks Elsewedy Electric’s inaugural utility-scale photovoltaic plant in the Gulf region, starting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It highlights the company’s strategic commitment to expanding its presence in high-growth renewable energy markets and actively supporting the Kingdom’s clean energy transition.

Elsewedy Electric for Power Transmission & Distribution received the Provisional Acceptance Certificate (PAC) for the El Saad project, developed in collaboration with Jinko Power and Al Ghazala Energy Company. The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) serves as the project’s ultimate off-taker.

The execution and delivery of the El Saad project signifies a pivotal milestone for Elsewedy Electric’s regional growth strategy. Beyond the solar generation facility, Elsewedy Electric engineered and delivered a 33/132kV high-voltage substation and constructed a 600m overhead transmission line, the firm said.

Demonstrating engineering execution and project leadership, the company says it managed to compress the original 24-month timeline to just 16.5 months. This accelerated delivery underscores the strength, credibility, and resilience of Elsewedy Electric’s integrated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capabilities, it added.

The integration of the solar plant with the high-voltage grid, supported by comprehensive operations and maintenance services, exceeded the expectations of both partners and supervisory authorities. This project solidifies Elsewedy Electric as a reliable contributor to the region’s clean energy goals, while ensuring long-term operational and grid reliability.

The project benefited from the expertise of OCA Global as a consultant, along with key partners such as Elsewedy Transformers, Alfanar, Siemens Energy, and Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia. This collaboration ensured a and high-quality delivery throughout all project phases.

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Dubai Municipality has launched the ‘Ehsan Stations’ initiative, the first of its kind in the region dedicated to feeding stray animals through AI-powered smart devices installed across the emirate.

The initiative reflects the municipality’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of compassion and generosity in Dubai, while advancing animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of the emirate’s urban landscape.

Dubai Municipality said it will install 12 smart devices across key locations in the emirate, including 10 units in public parks and 2 within facilities operated by Dubai Holding.

The Ehsan Stations rely on an AI-based system capable of identifying stray animals, collecting relevant data, and dispensing food accordingly. The concept also promotes a culture of recycling and supports a more organised and sustainable approach to feeding stray animals.

By reducing random feeding, the initiative contributes to proactive public health protection, upholds animal welfare principles, and supports environmental sustainability and biodiversity balance.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality said, “The launch of ‘Ehsan Stations’ for feeding stray animals, including cats and others, reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to promoting humane and civilised values across the emirate, foremost among them compassion and animal welfare. The initiative also supports efforts to preserve ecological balance and advance sustainable practices that reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most attractive, progressive, and liveable cities. Through these stations, Dubai Municipality is introducing an innovative approach that combines provision of food with more effective management of stray animal populations, while also addressing random feeding practices that can lead to environmental, health, and community-related challenges.”

Rafee added that the current phase represents a pilot stage during which the stations will be tested and evaluated, enabling Dubai Municipality to draw insights that will support further enhancement and development of the initiative. She also noted that all stations have been designed and manufactured in the UAE using advanced technologies.

The municipality operates a temporary shelter that receives stray animals and provides them with basic care after collection. It also implements the Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) program and, in some cases, the Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return (TNVR) program.

These programs involve trapping cats or other stray animals, neutering and vaccinating them, and returning them to their original locations, given that they do not pose a risk to themselves or to members of the community. Some animals are also made available for adoption through the Dubai Municipality website in support of animal welfare initiatives.

Dubai Municipality also urges residents who own pets to follow best health practices in caring for them and to treat them humanely, particularly when leaving home or travelling, in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The municipality also calls on residents and community members to report any risks, negative practices, or concerns related to stray animals by contacting 800900.

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Emaar communities, hospitality, malls and development projects continue to operate normally in the current situation in the region, the developer said.

“The city continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by effective leadership, sound regulation, and a dynamic business environment,” said the company’s founder Mohamed Alabbar.

He added, “Our focus remains on disciplined execution, operational excellence, and delivering sustainable value for our shareholders and customers.”

This reassurance comes amidst the ongoing situation in the country, after military conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran began last week.

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The 2026 edition of the Energy & Sustainability Summit is scheduled to take place at the Habtoor Grand JBR in Dubai on 20 May, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team has confirmed.

The full day event will bring together key personalities from government departments, developers, advisory firms, construction-consultants and contractors, and suppliers to discuss several key issues, including: regenerative developments, the environmental cost of construction technology, decommissioning assets and green finance.

The summit is expected to tackle these topics and more through a varied mix of panel discussions, presentations, fire-side chats and workshops, and will offer premium networking opportunities throughout the day with stakeholders from across the built environment. Registration is complementary but mandatory for built environment professionals, click here to register.

“The Energy & Sustainability Summit is going back to its roots in 2026 and will primarily be focused on sustainable development and construction, and clean energy. The Big Project Middle East team is currently speaking to several entities and regional personalities about participating at the event, all of whom will share valuable insights on current and emerging issues in the region,” said Jason Saundalkar, Editorial Director, Built Environment and Heavy Industry Divisions at CPI Trade Media.

The event is being supported by:

Supporting Partners: DesertBoard, Engineering Contracting Company

To discuss joining the EWS Summit as a speaker, get in touch with Jason Saundalkar on jason.s@cpitrademedia. For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Raz Islam or Arif Bari on raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com and arif.bari@cpitrademedia.com respectively.

To learn more about the EWS Summit, click here.

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Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said on X that a drone attack on Sunday morning (8 March) damaged a water desalination plant in the country. The drone attack is one of many such attacks that GCC countries endured on the day, amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran.

The desalination plant processes seawater into potable water for residents; Bahrain is estimated to generate the majority of its drinking water from desalination plants.

“The Iranian aggression randomly bombs civilian targets and causes material damage to a water desalination plant following an attack by a drone,” the ministry statement said.

In a separate announcement, the Bahraini ministry also said that three people were injured and a university building in northern Bahrain was damaged when fragments of an Iranian missile fell there.

On Saturday (7 March) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States had attacked an Iranian desalination plant on Qeshm Island, saying, “The U.S. committed a blatant and desperate crime by attacking a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island. Water supply in 30 villages has been impacted. Attacking Iran’s infrastructure is a dangerous move with grave consequences. The U.S. set this precedent, not Iran.”

A spokesman for the U.S. Central Command, which is responsible for the Middle East, denied that the country had attacked a desalination plant in Iran.

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Mace Consult has announced the successful completion of the majority private equity investment by Goldman Sachs Alternatives and its carve-out from Mace Group.

With more than 5,500 specialist professionals operating across 6 continents, Mace Consult delivers certainty, working with clients from strategy through execution to deliver projects and programs on time, on budget, and on scope, said a statement.

The transaction, first announced in July 2025, has now closed and establishes Mace Consult as one of the largest independent project and program consulting businesses in the world, and creates a strong platform for its future. Led by CEO Davendra Dabasia, Mace Consult will retain the Mace brand and is well-positioned to scale its operations and growth around the globe, it added.

Davendra Dabasia, Mace Consult CEO said, “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Mace Consult. Our partnership with Goldman Sachs Alternatives gives us the capital and strategic backing to scale our operations, particularly in North America, and to invest in digital tools that provide greater predictability, automation and control to set new standards for program and project delivery, unlocking value across the lifecycle. Our success is built on the talent and dedication of our people, who retain specialist knowledge, for whom this investment offers meaningful career growth as we expand globally.”

Mace Consult prioritises outcomes and has partnered with clients on some of the world’s most iconic infrastructure program including the London 2012 Olympic Games, and is currently playing leading roles on the New Hospital Program in the UK, Hudson Tunnel Project in New York, United States, Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program in Toronto, Canada, and major program in Saudi Arabia including Diriyah and Qiddiya, the statement explained.

Mace Consult was also appointed program management partner for MTR Corporation’s new rail network, and the Civil Engineering and Development Department’s (CEDD’s) Northern Metropolis program in Hong Kong, marking the most significant wins for the business in Asia to date. Mace Consult provides its holistic suite of services to Fortune 500 clients’ commercial, industrial, life science and technology portfolios, the firm said.

Following years of double-digit growth, Mace Consult generated close to US $1bn in revenue in 2025. The majority investment by GS Alternatives injects capital to accelerate growth in buoyant target markets, such as infrastructure, clean energy and climate resilience, sports and entertainment, advanced manufacturing and technology, and digital connectivity.

Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives added, “We are excited to partner with Mace Consult into the next phase of its growth journey. The company’s entrepreneurial culture, focus on client outcomes, and commitment to excellence set it apart in the industry. We’re looking forward to supporting Mace Consult as it continues to deliver enduring value for clients and communities worldwide.”

Major infrastructure programs often involve dozens of organisations, thousands of decisions, and billions of dollars moving in parallel. Mace Consult manages this integration challenge through four service offerings – Strategic Advisory, Cost and Commercial Management, Program Management Office (PMO) and Planning, and Program and Project Management. This holistic service offering establishes governance and delivery frameworks that enable timely and well-informed decisions, early and pre-emptive resolution of problems, prioritisation of safety and sustainability, and active coordination between interfaces to maintain program momentum.

Now independent from Mace Group and with ownership of the Mace brand, Mace Consult is focused purely on managing delivery for clients. Mace Consult represents the best interests of clients’ programs, challenging timelines, mitigating risks, holding stakeholders accountable, as a fully integrated delivery partner across the lifecycle, the statement concluded.

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Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and AIP VII Europe Sarl, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIP Fund VII, managed by American Industrial Partners, have announced that they have entered into an exclusive agreement. Alba will acquire 100% of Aluminium Dunkerque, the European Union’s largest primary aluminium smelter.

The proposed transaction is said to mark a significant milestone for Aluminium Dunkerque and secures a long-term industrial owner committed to its continued development in France and Europe.

Located in Loon-Plage in the Dunkerque region of France, Aluminium Dunkerque produces 300,000t of aluminium annually. Equipped with advanced automation, integrated production capabilities, and a strong foundation of skilled talent, Aluminium Dunkerque is well-positioned to capitalise on Europe’s growing demand for sustainably produced aluminium, said a statement.

Under AIP’s ownership, Aluminium Dunkerque has undergone transformations; the experienced management team and the skilled employees have improved operational reliability and energy efficiency, strengthened financial performance, secured long-term electricity supply agreements with EDF and others, invested in productivity and modernisation, and solidified its position as one of the lowest-carbon primary aluminium producers in Europe, the statement explained.

Alba CEO Ali Al Baqali said, “Our commitment is long-term. We will ensure operational continuity, support employees and expand low-carbon production capabilities to advance Aluminium Dunkerque’s next phase of development in full alignment with France’s industrial and energy priorities.”

Zac Carson, Partner at AIP added, “Following a rigorous and competitive process, we are confident that Alba one of the world’s leading and most technologically advanced primary aluminium producers – is the right long-term owner to build on the transformation achieved over the past five years and to further strengthen Aluminium Dunkerque’s strategic role within Europe’s industrial value chains. Alba maintains a singular focus on aluminium smelting, has excellent access to critical alumina, and has the strong balance sheet and cash flows required to sustain growth in the decades ahead.”

Guillaume de Goÿs, CEO & President of Aluminium Dunkerque continued, “Over the past 5 years, American Industrial Partners has been a supportive partner to Aluminium Dunkerque’s management as we re-established our company as a top industrial performer. Today, we look forward to welcoming Alba as our new long-term industrial owner. As one of the world’s leading primary aluminium producers, Alba brings deep technical expertise, operational excellence, and a clear commitment to low-carbon aluminium production that aligns perfectly with our ambitions. This new chapter will provide us with many new opportunities, along with the financial and technical resources to continue investing, innovating and reinforcing Aluminium Dunkerque’s role in France and Europe.”

“By combining Alba’s and Aluminium Dunkerque’s established strengths, we intend to create a new industrial powerhouse for cross-regional collaboration rooted in shared values and a commitment to innovation and responsibility. As global aluminium demand accelerates, this partnership will enable Alba and Aluminium Dunkerque to build an integrated platform that will capture compelling market opportunities while contributing to Europe’s industrial resilience and the global decarbonisation agenda,” he added.

On the deal, Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Alba stated, “Building on Alba’s position as a global supplier serving 5 continents, this transaction represents a bold and forward-looking step in our strategic roadmap to build a globally connected, low-carbon aluminium platform with operational strongholds in the GCC and Europe.”

The proposed merger between Alba and Aluminium Dunkerque aims to create a geographically diversified industrial group with a substantial operational presence across various regions. This will expand the customer base of both companies. Alba plans to pursue a long-term industrial strategy rooted in France, with a focus on local operations, operational stability, continued investment, and sustainable innovation.

Alba’s acquisition of Aluminium Dunkerque is a commitment to ensuring the continuity of its existing operations. This includes preserving employment and critical industrial capabilities, reinforcing low-carbon production, and supporting France’s and Europe’s energy transition and industrial sovereignty objectives. Alba further pledges to maintain Aluminium Dunkerque’s established standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence, the statement concluded.

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Wasl Group said that it is expanding its portfolio of affordable housing in the UAE. Currently the group manages more than 45,000 residential units in different communities in the country, home to nearly 180,000 residents, with more than 90% being families, the firm said.

In May 2025, Wasl signed an MoU with the RTA and Dubai Municipality to double its affordable leasehold residential portfolio across Dubai, the firm added.

Together, these projects will span a total planned area of 1.46m sqm, with phased delivery across multiple stages to ensure infrastructure readiness.

This initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which calls for a balanced housing ecosystem encompassing luxury, mid-income, and affordable segments, while upgrading urban areas into vibrant, inclusive communities.

The program also advances the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by supporting workforce stability, economic productivity, and long-term market resilience through diversified housing supply and a stronger focus on end-user demand amid the city’s rapidly growing population, the firm added.

Whilst building these communities, an important aspect has been wellness and landscaping. This approach is seen in master-planned communities such as Wasl Village in Al Qusais, which have around 6,200 residential units ranging from studios to 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. Wasl Green Park offers approximately 2,527 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes set within landscaped surroundings.

Wasl also aims to double its residential leasing portfolio over the next 5 years, showing that it is a key partner in shaping Dubai’s urban future, the statement concluded.

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The Diriyah Company has secured a significant contract worth US $666mn for the implementation of the Pendry Superblock Package Northwest within Diriyah Gate II as part of the Diriyah Project.

This contract involves Pendry Hotels and Resorts, a unit of US-based Montage International, establishing its inaugural property in Saudi Arabia’s historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination.

The Diriyah Project, a $63bn initiative by Diriyah Company, aims to transform the birthplace of Saudi Arabia into a heritage destination. This transformation will blend historic Najdi architecture with modern luxury, making Diriyah a unique and captivating destination. Notably, Diriyah is also home to the At Turaif Unesco World Heritage Site.

The Pendry Superblock Package encompasses a comprehensive scope of work, including the construction of the Pendry Hotel Diriyah. Additionally, it involves the development of premium residential and commercial assets spanning over a vast 75,000sqm area. This project is one of the 32 new global hotel brands that have joined Diriyah Company’s hospitality portfolio.

Founded in 2014, Pendry is a chain of luxury boutique hotels based in California. The company also offers residential components at various properties, such as Pendry Residences West Hollywood. As of 2022, Pendry operates seven properties in diverse locations, including San Diego, Baltimore, West Hollywood, Chicago, New York City, Park City, and Washington DC.

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A luxury apartment in Dubai has been sold off-plan for approximately US $115mn – the deal has been hailed as powerful sign of confidence in the city’s real estate market, and security in the UAE.

The sale of the 31,201sqft apartment at Aman Residences Dubai on the Jumeirah Peninsula, has been confirmed by fam Properties. Data from DXBinteract, the data platform developed by the company in partnership with Dubai Land Department, said the transaction put the value at $3,683 per sqft.

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fam Properties said, “The sale of an ultra-luxury villa at this level is particularly relevant in the current circumstances. It underlines the fact that the Dubai real estate market is structurally stronger than it has ever been.”

“Over 70% of transactions are now end-user driven, not speculative. The buyer base is globally diversified. Mortgage activity has doubled in 4 years. The regulatory environment has matured. The UBS Global Real Estate Bubble Index rates Dubai moderate risk, while cities like Miami and Tokyo sit in the high-risk zone. The fundamentals haven’t changed overnight because of regional events. And of course, the enormous lengths that the UAE authorities have gone to in order to keep everyone who lives and works here safe at all times, sends out the strongest possible message to investors,” said Msaddi.

“That has long been the case, and the effect of all this is highlighted by an apartment being sold for $115mn in the current climate, at a time when the eyes of the world are on Dubai, and the Gulf region. It’s a sale which says so much about the UAE as a whole, and in this case in particular, about Dubai as one of the world’s leading destinations for wealthy real estate investors. While headlines elsewhere paint one picture of the UAE, the reality for those of us living and working here is completely different,” concluded Msaddi.

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Source: ME Construction News