ALEC Holdings (ALEC) has released its 2025 Sustainability & Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The UAE-headquartered organisation says it made “noteworthy” progress across employee safety and welfare, while setting new benchmarks for value-driven operations conduct and reinforcing the company’s governance framework following its public listing.

In 2025, ALEC achieved the Dubai Chamber ESG Label (Advanced) and the EcoVadis ‘Committed’ badge, accreditations that recognise the Group’s structured approach to sustainability and its alignment with internationally recognised ESG standards. Further reinforcing this commitment, the group achieved LEED Platinum certification at the ALEC Holdings HQ and LEED Gold certification at the ALEMCO Corporate Office and ALEC Dubai Industrial City Yard, it said.

“ALEC’s approach to ESG is grounded in the understanding that responsible business practices and long-term commercial success are fundamentally linked,” said Barry Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at ALEC Holdings. “As we scale and deliver increasingly complex projects across the region, maintaining the highest standards across our expansive operations is essential to sustaining excellence and building lasting confidence among our clients, partners and shareholders.”

The company said that employee safety and wellbeing remain ALEC Holdings’ top material objective. In 2025, the firm said it recorded a 52% improvement in its Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) and a 27% reduction in Lost Time Injuries year-on-year. The company also said that it maintains ISO 45001:2018 certification across all business units.

Through 2025 the company engaged 22,094 workers in health awareness and preventive care programmes, expanded medical coverage to include psychiatric care, congenital conditions, developmental delays and IVF support, and appointed 30+ Engagement and Wellbeing Champions. ALEC also launched the Wellx wellbeing platform, offering health programmes, rewards-based initiatives and unlimited mental health consultations.

The firm added that worker welfare continues to be a core operational priority for ALEC Holdings, supported by a dedicated Worker Welfare Department and on-site welfare inspectors monitoring conditions across projects and worker accommodation. The group reported a 99% close-out rate on worker welfare concerns across its sites in the UAE & KSA in 2025. In parallel, workforce development initiatives saw over 8,000 workers trained and 250 promoted into staff roles, reflecting ALEC’s continued investment in skills development and internal career progression, it outlined.

In terms of business ethics and governance, the group said it continued to strengthen its governance framework in 2025 through expanded ethics controls, reporting mechanisms and supplier oversight. In early 2025, the company said it launched ALEC Alert, a confidential whistle-blowing platform that replaced the previous email-based reporting channel and saw 100% resolution of cases reported. The platform has already contributed to increased awareness and trust in the reporting process, while enabling employees, subcontractors and vendors to confidentially report misconduct or policy violations.

The company also completed the rollout of a Unified Supplier Code of Conduct and enhanced internal governance through mandatory ethics training, conflict-of-interest declarations and risk-based Code of Conduct procedures. These measures reinforce ALEC Holdings’ zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption, while strengthening oversight across its supply chain. The group said it also strengthened ESG governance with an expanded Sustainability Committee, chaired by the CFO, having representation from all entities and core functional departments, ensuring ESG is embedded in strategy, risk, and capital allocation.

With regards to the group’s focus on environmental issues, the firm said it continued to advance environmental performance and operational standards across its business. In 2025, it further expanded its off-site construction capabilities through ALEMCO Modular, TARGET Steel Industries, and LINQ Modular. The firm said these efforts contributed to reduced waste and emissions, lower labour intensity, shorter construction timelines, and enhanced safety and quality outcomes. At the same time, ALEC said it grew its renewable energy footprint, reaching a cumulative installed solar capacity of 6.421MWp across assets and projects.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and hybrid generators were also integrated across sites in the UAE and KSA, supporting more efficient and sustainable operations, it explained.

The group maintained its ISO 14001:2015 certification across 100% of its operations in the UAE & KSA, while diverting 69% of operational waste from landfills across its sites and assets. In parallel, the deployment of Pulse, ALEC Technologies’ real-time energy and water monitoring platform, reduced electricity consumption by 122,294kWh across three offices. The platform is now being piloted on select project sites and offered to clients as part of ALEC’s broader sustainability solutions.

“Operating in complex, high-risk sectors means sustainability and governance are fundamental to how we compete,” explained John Deeb, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at ALEC Holdings.

“Stakeholders increasingly see strong ESG performance as a prerequisite for major projects. Over the past year, we have strengthened that foundation by further embedding climate, supply chain, and human capital risks into our enterprise risk management framework. As a result, ESG is becoming a clear differentiator in tenders and a key driver of long-term resilience, he concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

ADNOC Drilling has made an acquisition that significantly expands its regional rig count. Through joint ventures, ADNOC Drilling has increased its total rig count to 30 across Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

This acquisition involves an 80% stake in MB Petroleum Services (MBPS). MBPS is a drilling and oilfield services joint venture with Muscat-based MB Holding Company, with operations in Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

In a statement to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the ADNOC subsidiary stated its total fleet now comprises 170 rigs, including those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and globally.

The portfolio comprises 22 drilling and workover rigs, production service units, pre-qualifications, subsidiaries, and a well-established presence in 4 crucial Gulf geographies. Parent company ADNOC had confirmed that it is accelerating growth and delivery of its strategy with $55bn in new project awards for 2026-2028.

The joint venture has an enterprise value of US $204mn. In January, MBPS secured contract awards for 4 additional rigs with deployment expected from the second half of 2026 into the first half of 2027, including 3 in Kuwait and 1 in Oman, the statement said.

Source: ME Construction News

Developer Majid Al Futtaim has awarded the primary construction contract for Distrikt Ghaf Woods to Al Sahel Contracting, a subsidiary of the Al Nabooda Group. Valued at over US $191mn, this contract marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress.

Distrikt Ghaf Woods, Majid Al Futtaim’s latest residential community in Dubai, is designed with the principles of nature-integrated living, well-being, and long-term value creation in mind. Inspired by the resilience of the Ghaf tree, the development offers a unique lifestyle characterised by its design, expansive green spaces, and connectivity to essential urban amenities.

Construction of the project began last month, with ongoing work currently taking place at the Distrikt Ghaf Woods site. This award expedites project delivery and demonstrates Majid Al Futtaim Development’s confidence in Dubai’s resilient long-term real estate fundamentals, said a statement.

Majid Al Futtaim Development, CEO Ahmed El Shamy said, “The award of the main construction contract for Distrikt Ghaf Woods represents an important step in advancing this community and reaffirms our commitment to delivering on our development plans. It underscores the trust our customers place in us and reflects the resilience and determination that define the UAE. We remain focused on delivering a project that meets the highest standards of quality and design, in line with the nation’s aspirations.”

Al Sahel Contracting General Manager Moustafa Ali Moustafa Hasan remarked, “Distrikt Ghaf Woods is a project that speaks to the scale and ambition we look for as a contractor. We bring the full depth of Al Nabooda Group’s expertise and resources to this partnership, and we are determined to deliver a community that sets a new standard for residential construction in the UAE.”

The decision to appoint Al Sahel Contracting was made after a rigorous competitive tender process, where the selection criteria included robust technical expertise, exceptional delivery excellence, and alignment with Majid Al Futtaim’s stringent quality standards.

Source: ME Construction News

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has announced a new global achievement, marking a milestone in the transformation led by the Kingdom in the water sector from operational excellence in production to redefining efficiency itself.

The achievement was recorded in the Guinness World Record through a mobile unit within the Yanbu production plant, which achieved the lowest energy consumption level globally at 1.55kWh per cubic metre.

The SWA said this figure reflects the outcome of a research, engineering and operational pathway aimed at addressing one of the most complex challenges in the desalination industry, reducing energy consumption without compromising reliability or production quality.

Through an integrated design combining advanced reverse osmosis technologies with precise operational engineering enhancements, energy consumption was reduced from 1.7kWh to 1.5kWh, reaching an unprecedented level of efficiency recognised internationally by Guinness.

SWA noted that this unit represents a strategic solution rather than a temporary alternative, as an operational model was developed that integrates environmentally friendly technologies and advanced filtration systems, making it a scalable and replicable model across different operating environments.

The SWA added that this achievement strengthens the Kingdom’s position not only as the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, but also as a driving force behind a qualitative transformation in the future of desalination, led by national capabilities advancing progress in this sector.

Source: ME Construction News

Dubai’s RTA has opened a new 500m bridge under the World Trade Centre roundabout development project, as part of its ongoing efforts to advance road infrastructure.

The bridge is aimed to facilitate outbound traffic from Al Bada’ towards 2nd December Street, with onward access to Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mustaqbal Street. It will help accommodate growing traffic volumes in the area, in line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership to make Dubai the best city to live in and move around.

This step further reflects RTA’s commitment to developing infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of Dubai’s road network to meet the demands of population growth and urban expansion across the emirate, particularly in the Trade Centre area. The area holds strategic importance due to its vital location near Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s main traffic corridors. The project improves connectivity with this key arterial route, distributes traffic more efficiently, and reduces congestion in surrounding areas, the RTA explained.

Extending approximately 500m, the new bridge adds to 3 bridges already opened under the World Trade Centre roundabout development project. This single-lane bridge has a capacity of up to 1,200 vehicles per hour. It reduces journey time from 8-minutes to 2-minutes, improving traffic flow for motorists travelling from Al Bada’ towards Sheikh Rashid and Al Mustaqbal Streets.

The project also involves converting the signalised intersection on 2nd December Street, serving traffic towards Sheikh Rashid and Al Mustaqbal Streets, into a free-flow intersection. This will further improve traffic movement and enhance mobility efficiency across the surrounding area.

The World Trade Centre roundabout development project includes the construction of 6 bridges with a total length of 5,000m, enabling free-flow traffic movement in multiple directions. The RTA previously opened a bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street in February 2026. It also opened 2 bridges in December 2025, serving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street, leading to Al Mustaqbal Street. The two bridges have a combined length of 2,000m and an estimated capacity of around 6,000 vehicles per hour.

The project also includes the construction of 2 bridges with 2 lanes in each direction, extending from Al Majlis Street and Sheikh Rashid Road towards 2nd December Street, to link Al Mustaqbal Street with 2nd December Street. The 2 bridges have a combined length of 2,000m and an estimated capacity of around 6,000 vehicles per hour. The project also covers converting the existing World Trade Centre roundabout into a signalised at-grade intersection.

Source: ME Construction News

Grovy Developers has partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to launch Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands. USsquare is the development partner for the project.

The agreement was formally signed at an event attended by senior leadership from all 3 organisations, including Abhishek Jalan, CEO of Grovy Developers; Dimitris Manikis, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, along with Ubaid Ur Rehman Shaikh and Muhammad Umeed, founders of USquare Luxe Properties.

The event saw interest from investors and brokers, with attendance exceeding capacity and Expressions of Interest registered on-site — reflecting strong demand for the project even amid evolving global market conditions, said Grovy Developers.

Jalan said, “Branded residences are reshaping real estate investment in Dubai. This partnership is strategically significant for Grovy, as we will leverage the world-class recognition of Wyndham to enhance the overall value of our projects. By implementing Wyndham’s global asset management and operational standards, we can ensure that buyers will receive professionally managed residences with an ongoing consistent level of service. The result is an island address backed by globally recognised hospitality standards, setting a new benchmark for how people live and invest in Dubai.”

Manikis added, “This project reflects our continued confidence in Dubai’s long-term fundamentals and the ongoing demand for high-quality branded residential offerings, even against a challenging environment. By combining Grovy’s local development expertise with Ramada’s globally recognised standards, we are focused on delivering a property that supports sustainable, long-term value for residents and investors. Through Ramada Residences Dubai Islands, Wyndham is actively opening up the branded residences category to a broader audience through a more accessible offering . We remain committed to working closely with our partners to support thoughtful growth across the region.”

Scheduled for handover in Q3 2027, the property will feature a boutique collection of fully furnished residences and penthouses.

Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands comprises 1-to-3 bedroom apartments, and 4-bedroom penthouses.  The residence applies hotel-grade services and operations underpinned by the quality assurance of a world-leading international hospitality brand. Residents will enjoy more than 20 leisure amenities, including an aqua gym, golf simulator, open theatre, and temperature-controlled infinity pool, the statement outlined.

Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands is among a select number of residences approved for short-term leasing on Dubai Islands, the firm said.

Located in the cultural district of Dubai Islands, a master-planned coastal destination designed for leisure, connectivity and long-term growth, the development benefits from open beaches, expansive green spaces and direct access to the city in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan, the statement concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Egypt has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Trafigura, a commodities trading company, to expand the Nag Hammadi Aluminum Complex. The investment range for this project is between US $750mn and $900mn.

The agreement was signed between Metallurgical Industries Holding Company (MIHC), through its subsidiary Egyptalum, and Trafigura in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

The project entails the construction of a new production line with an annual capacity of 300,000t. This expansion will double the complex’s total output capacity to 600,000t per year. Additionally, a 150,000t per-annum anode plant will be established.

A new joint venture company will be established to develop and operate the project. Financing will combine partner equity and debt from international financial institutions with EFG Hermes acting as financial adviser. Trafigura will secure long-term alumina supply and market the aluminium output under long-term off take agreements.

The expansion will be executed under a lump-sum turnkey EPC model to reduce risks related to cost overruns and delays. Officials said the expansion comes amid growing global demand for aluminium – projected to expand from 1.3% per annum to 2.1% per annum – driven by Electric Vehicles (EVs) and packaging industries.

The project will deploy energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies to reduce emissions and enhance competitiveness in markets with stringent carbon regulations. Additionally, the expansion is anticipated to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in Upper Egypt.

EFG Hermes, which acted as the sole financial advisor to the MIHC and Egyptalum on the partnership, said in a separate statement that the newly incorporated project company will be majority-owned by MIHC and Egyptalum serve as the vehicle for developing, owning, and operating the new production facility.

Trafigura will play a significant role in the expansion project by participating as a substantial minority equity investor, providing debt, and serving as a long-term partner for offtake and feedstock supply. EFG Hermes is providing advisory services for both the equity and debt raising processes.

Egyptalum stands as the largest primary aluminum producer in North Africa, boasting a total annual capacity of 320,000t. Notably, 60% of its exports are destined for the European Union (EU).

Source: ME Construction News

Saudi-based Umm Al Qura For Development and Construction has announced that it has signed an agreement with global hospitality chain Kempinski Group to operate its first branded residences in Makkah.

Its debut residential project, Kempinski Residences, located in the Masar Haram area within Umm Al Qura’s prime destination (Masar) features 302 residential units of varying sizes and integrated amenities.

An urban project in the heart of Makkah, Masar Development is owned, developed and operated by Umm Al Qura.  On completion, it will boast a mix of hospitality, commercial, retail and residential offerings alongside cultural centres. Extending over 1.2m sqm, it will create an integrated gateway leading directly to the Grand Mosque.

Masar was recently awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, one of the highest international certifications in sustainability and built environment.

One of the most prominent global certifications for evaluating green buildings and communities, LEED is awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to facilities that apply strict standards in areas such as energy and water efficiency, improved indoor air quality, resource management, and reduced carbon emissions, thereby enhancing environmental performance and achieving added value to the community.

The certification aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting national objectives to create more sustainable, prosperous, and livable urban environments, it added.

Source: ME Construction News

Aldar Group recorded strong financial and operational results during the first quarter of 2026, with net profit after tax increasing 20% YoY to US $626mn, according to report from WAM.

This was driven by the realisation of development revenue backlog and resilient earnings from a diversified, defensive investment properties portfolio. Earnings per share for the Q1 2026 period increased 25% YoY to US $0.068.

The group achieved sales of US $1.8bn in Q1, with UAE sales contributing US $1.6bn. 2-projects were launched in the UAE in early Q1 2026: The Wilds Residences in Dubai and Baccarat Residences Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. Sustained demand among international buyers, with UAE sales to overseas and expat resident customers reached US $1.6bn in Q1, representing 88% of total UAE sales, it said.

In April, Aldar launched Yas Park Place. Sales reached over US $218mn, with 80% of units released sold in the first week, highlighting sustained confidence in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market. Development revenue backlog rose to US $19.6bn, including US $16.9bn in the UAE, providing clear visibility on revenue recognition over the next 3 years, the firm said.

There was a Q1 landbank replenishment across the UAE with a Gross Development Value of US $16.6bn, including strategic land plots in key Abu Dhabi destinations, and the expansion of the Dubai Holding joint venture.

Aldar Investment’s adjusted EBITDA rose 18% YoY to US $246mn, supported by high occupancy and contributions from strategic acquisitions. Assets under management rose to US $14.2bn. The income-generating property portfolio remained resilient, supported by long-term leases and growth in the commercial, retail, industrial and logistics segments. Acquisitions of The Link at Masdar City and logistics assets at KEZAD further enhanced the platform.

Develop-to-hold pipeline expanded by US $762mn to US $5.5bn through a partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport to deliver 9,000 value housing units for rent in Abu Dhabi.

Aldar’s total available liquidity stood at US $9bn at March-end, comprising US $3.8bn in free and unrestricted cash and US $5.3bn in committed undrawn bank facilities. The developer said it closed a US $1bn public hybrid issuance in January, followed by a US $1bn hybrid issuance to Apollo in February. A US $1.4bn sustainability-linked committed revolving credit facility was completed in April, attracting strong demand from a broad group of regional and international banks.

In April, Aldar distributed a dividend of US $0.056 per share for 2025, representing a 10.8% YoY increase and a total payout of US $438mn.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar commented, “Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate strong economic fundamentals, underpinned by policy clarity, long-term vision, and sustained investment across key sectors. The emirate’s resilience, coupled with its enduring global appeal as a destination to live, work, and invest, provides a solid foundation for continued growth.”

He added that Aldar’s Q1 performance demonstrates the strength of its business model, which has evolved over time to ensure it is well-positioned to navigate counter-cyclical pressures as well as unforeseen external events.

“The group delivered robust earnings growth while benefiting from the defensive characteristics of a diversified platform. The record development backlog of US $19.6bn, and a high-quality and growing base of recurring income assets now valued at US $14.2bn, provide strong clarity for future income generation,” he stated.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar added, “The UAE economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, supported by decisive leadership and a coordinated policy response, including measures to reinforce market stability and confidence.”

He added that during Q1, revenue grew 12% to US $2.4bn and net profit rose 20% YoY to US $626mn, reflecting disciplined execution and the resilience of our diversified platform.

Al Dhiyebi commented, “Within Aldar Development, we continued to convert our record backlog into revenue. Underlying demand fundamentals remain robust, reaffirmed by the very successful recent launch at Yas Park Place. This supports our view that demand remains resilient for the right product, underpinned by a structurally under-supplied market in Abu Dhabi and strong long-term economic fundamentals.”

Aldar Investment continues to demonstrate its value as a defensive earnings platform, supported by high occupancy and long-term lease structures. Contributions from recent acquisitions, coupled with firm rental rates, have driven growth, and further expansion will be delivered through a develop-to-hold pipeline, which has grown to reach US $5.5bn.

Source: ME Construction News

AD Ports Group has announced a collaboration agreement with Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (Azcon Holding) to explore opportunities across ports, shipping, logistics, and digital trade solutions in Azerbaijan.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for cooperation between the parties. It aims to identify investment opportunities and advance collaboration in integrated transport and logistics infrastructure, including maritime and digital solutions, in Azerbaijan.

This collaboration coincides with the official entry into force of the UAE-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement aims to expedite bilateral trade, foster new investment and joint venture opportunities, and expand market access and global reach for exporters in both nations.

This is achieved by eliminating or reducing tariffs on the majority of goods and services, as well as by promoting private sector collaboration and empowering entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, as per the statement from AD Ports Group.

The MoU was signed by Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group; and Vugar Mirzazada, the Deputy Executive Director of Azcon Holding in the presence of Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State; and Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as Mohammed Al Blooshi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan; Elchin Baghirov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UAE; and Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of Azcon Holding.

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group said, “Our deal with Azcon Holding marks a further step in advancing AD Ports Group’s corridor-focused strategy, strengthening trade links between Central Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan’s pivotal position bridging East and West offers strong opportunities, we look forward to leveraging our integrated capabilities across ports, maritime, logistics, and digital solutions to enable more efficient, connected, and commercially attractive trade routes.”

Vugar Mirzazada, Deputy Executive Director, Azcon Holding added, “This MoU with AD Ports Group marks an important step in exploring opportunities that can further strengthen Azerbaijan’s transport, trade and maritime ecosystem. We see strong potential in this collaboration to support trade facilitation, improve supply chain efficiency and reinforce Azerbaijan’s position as a key logistics hub.”

“As Azerbaijan continues to enhance its role as a strategic link between East and West, co-operation across port development, shipbuilding, logistics, digital integration and multimodal connectivity can contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the national economy,” he added.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Azerbaijan has shown significant growth, highlighting the strength and resilience of this bilateral relationship. Over the past two years, non-oil trade has grown by 31.4%, surpassing US $2.2bn in 2025, as noted by the UAE’s official.

Source: ME Construction News