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New data released by TownX Real Estate Development has revealed a significant shift in homebuyer preferences. This shift in buyer preferences aligns with Dubai’s continued growth as a destination for a diverse and discerning buyer base seeking elevated living standards, the developer said.

According to the data, 63% of homebuyers in Dubai are now prioritising location, community amenities, and lifestyle value over price when making purchasing decisions. This shift is evident in TownX’s proprietary data, customer insights, sales performance, market trends, and observational analysis conducted over the past six months.

The data shows that buyers are increasingly focused on long-term value. They favor walkable communities, access to retail and F&B, proximity to schools, wellness facilities, and integrated lifestyle experiences. These factors outweigh short-term cost considerations for many buyers, the developer said.

Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director at TownX said, “This is what we’ve been seeing on the ground. Today’s buyers are seeking a complete lifestyle when purchasing a property, and do not settle for the basic real estate purchase. Communities that offer strong connectivity, modern amenities, and thoughtful design are now commanding significantly more interest than properties judged solely on price. Given the realities on the ground, we’ve aligned our development strategy with these evolving expectations. Our goal is to create human-centric, accessible communities that resonate with modern homeowners offering the right mix of convenience, comfort, and value for years to come.”

The data shows that demand is highest in mixed-use, master-planned communities that combine residential, retail, and leisure spaces. Buyers are clearly willing to invest in developments that improve their quality of life. TownX attributes this shift to Dubai’s evolving real estate market, where end-users and investors prioritise long-term livability and community-focused environments.

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ATARA Development has commenced construction on The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort, which is billed as a significant milestone for the GCC’s first Sheraton Residences.

Under the leadership of ATARA’s in-house construction arm, Rakhat Construction, the beachfront project on Al Marjan Island is progressing steadily. With enabling works underway and 5% of overall progress completed, the project is advancing steadily, the developer said.

Significant on-site progress has been achieved, including the completion of soil improvement works and shoring, as well as excavation. This underscores ATARA Development’s commitment to delivering a development built on precision, quality, and timely execution, it added.

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan said, “The addition of the Sheraton Residences further strengthens Al Marjan Island’s position as a premier lifestyle destination. This project contributes to our vision of bringing exceptional, world-class developments to the island, enriching its residential offering and international appeal.”

In a distinct approach that sets ATARA apart within the UAE real estate landscape, the company has commenced groundbreaking prior to launching sales, a strategy that underscores its financial strength, construction readiness, and commitment to buyer confidence. This approach ensures project delivery remains on track regardless of sales cycles, offering future buyers visible, tangible assurance of progress, the developer explained.

Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer, ATARA Development added, “Breaking ground before launching sales reflects ATARA’s philosophy of leading with action, not promises. By showcasing tangible construction progress from day 1, we reinforce a sales strategy built on trust and visibility giving future buyers the assurance that their ownership is supported by a developer fully committed to transparency, quality, and timely delivery. With the project scheduled for completion by Q3 2028, buyers can purchase with confidence knowing the timeline is clearly defined and closely adhered to. The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort sets a new benchmark for luxury developments entering the market.”

Jaidev Menezes, RVP, Mixed-use Development, EMEA at Marriott International added, “As construction begins, we are delighted to see the Sheraton brand emerge in a new and iconic environment. This development will reflect Sheraton’s design excellence and community-driven ethos, offering residents a uniquely elevated living experience on Al Marjan Island.”

Featuring 159 beachfront units, the project is co-located with the Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort and will offer modern architecture, refined interiors, and access to over 50 amenities. As one of only a limited number of Sheraton-branded residences globally, it presents a rare opportunity for waterfront living backed by ATARA’s development standards.

The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort anchors ATARA Development’s expanding portfolio, which includes over 1m sqft of new developments planned across the next two years. The project further solidifies ATARA’s position as a developer of premium properties in the UAE, the statement concluded.

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The RTA has opened Phase I of Hessa Street Development Project, extending from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Zayed Road over a length of 4.5km. The works included the widening of Hessa Street, along with bridges at intersections with Al Asayel Street, First Al Khail Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road, expanding capacity to 4 lanes in each direction.

This opening enhances traffic flow for vehicles travelling from Al Khail Road towards Hessa Street and onwards to Sheikh Zayed Road. Overall project completion has reached 90%, with the remaining works including road works, bridges, intersection improvements, and cycling tracks scheduled for completion in the second quarter of this year.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s RTA, stated that Hessa Street Development Project, with a total cost of approximately $177mn, is being implemented in line with the directives of the wise leadership to continue developing the road infrastructure network, keep pace with Dubai’s sustained growth, and meet the requirements of urban expansion and population growth.

“It constitutes a major road infrastructure development project serving several residential and development areas, including Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha residential area, and Jumeirah Village Circle. The population of the areas served by the project is expected to exceed 640,000 residents by 2030. The project will double traffic capacity on Hessa Street, increasing capacity from 8,000 vehicles per hour in both directions to 16,000 vehicles per hour,” Al Tayer explained.

“Hessa Street Development Project extends from the intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to the intersection with Al Khail Road over a length of 4.5km. The project includes the development of four major intersections along Hessa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road, in addition to widening Hessa Street from 2 to 4 lanes in each direction. These works will double traffic capacity on Hessa Street, raising it to 8,000 vehicles per hour, and include the construction of a 13.5km cycling track,” added Al Tayer.

“The project includes developing dedicated cycling and e-scooter tracks extending 13.5km, 4.5m wide. The track links Al Sufouh and Dubai Hills via Hessa Street and serves several residential neighbourhoods, including Al Barsha and Barsha Heights. The development supports first- and last-mile journeys through direct connectivity with Dubai Internet City Metro Station and key commercial and service destinations across the area. The cycling track features a dedicated bridge crossing Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, 5m wide (3m for cycling and e-scooters and 2m for pedestrians), and incorporates a unique architectural design inspired by the surrounding environment,” Al Tayer explained.

The project includes the development of 4 intersections. The first is Hessa Street intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road, where a directional ramp bridge will be constructed with a capacity of 2 lanes, passing over Dubai Metro’s Red Line and serving right-turning traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road onto Hessa Street eastbound towards Emirates Road. The second includes developing Hessa Street intersection with First Al Khail Street, by increasing the number of lanes on Hessa Street bridge from 3 to 4 lanes in each direction, in addition to traffic-flow improvements at the signal-controlled surface intersection.

The project also includes developing Hessa Street intersection with Al Asayel Street, involving an increase in the number of lanes on the existing bridge from 2 lanes in each direction to 4 lanes in each direction along Hessa Street, in addition to traffic-flow improvements at the signal-controlled at-grade intersection. The fourth intersection, which was inaugurated at the end of 2024, involved the development of the intersection of Hessa Street with Al Khail Road, where a direct directional ramp comprising two lanes was constructed to serve traffic moving from Hessa Street onto Al Khail Road northbound towards Sharjah.

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Nextpower and Abunayyan Holding have partnered and created a new joint venture (JV) company, Nextpower Arabia, which is headquartered in Riyadh. The JV company aims to expedite the deployment of utility-scale solar power plants across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By doing so, it will contribute to national and regional renewable energy transformation objectives and help achieve Net Zero targets, the statement said.

Beyond its primary focus on solar power, the new JV will also see the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This facility will equip Nextpower Arabia with tracker systems, yield management, and control solutions for the installation of large-scale solar projects across the MENA region.

The manufacturing facility is anticipated to have a total capacity of up to 12GW per year, enabling the production of Nextpower’s comprehensive portfolio of solar tracking systems. This capacity will create 2,000 jobs and foster the development of local engineering and technical talent within the Kingdom.

Currently under construction on a 42,000sqm site, the production facility is expected to open in Q2 of calendar year 2026. Once operational, it will employ 600 employees and contribute to the overall growth and development of the solar energy industry in the region.

Khalid Abunayyan, Chairman, Abunayyan Holding said, “Making energy and water supply readily accessible, sustainable, and affordable is essential to the continued economic and social development of Saudi Arabia and our partners across the region. It is also central to the core values and DNA of Abunayyan Holding. Partnering with Nextpower, a true pioneer in the international solar energy community, strengthens our role in advancing Saudi’s clean energy vision by localising advanced manufacturing and technologies, building local capacity development, and creating lasting value for generations to come.”

Dan Shugar, Founder and CEO, Nextpower added, “Saudi Arabia is a strategic market for Nextpower as we expand our ability to serve customers across the Middle East. The Kingdom is making significant progress in advancing the energy transition, and we’re proud and honored to support these monumental initiatives with proven solar technology and trusted local partnerships. Abunayyan Group’s regional expertise and alignment with our business focus make them the right partner to help deliver greater value, faster, for customers in the region.”

Turki Al-Amri, Abunayyan Holding CEO and Nextpower Arabia Chairman and CEO continued, “Our manufacturing facility represents the first step in our strategic vision to strengthen and localise the solar supply chain for our partners across the MENA region and enhance collaboration to deliver highly efficient and cost-effective clean energy. By sourcing core materials such as Saudi-produced steel through our strategic partners and manufacturing locally, we are supporting economic diversification and industrial growth that is at the foundation of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Headquartered in the US, Nextpower  has over 150GW of trackers in operation or under fulfillment across more than 45 countries worldwide. This portfolio includes over 6GW of solar projects in the MEA, such as Phase V of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the UAE and 3GW of Saudi landmark projects.

Nextpower Arabia is well-positioned to support the National Renewable Energy Program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which aims to increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix by 2030. By localising manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, the company aligns with the country’s industrialisation and export development plans. This collaboration also helps reduce the cost of clean energy for major projects across the region, the statement explained.

According to the Middle East Solar Industry Association’s (MESIA) recent 2025 Solar Outlook Report, cost competitiveness and improved production efficiencies are accelerating solar adoption and government-backed clean energy strategies. The report projects that regional solar capacity will exceed 180GW by 2030, indicating a growing demand for solar energy.

Abunayyan Holding and Nextpower are committed to supporting this growth opportunity, they anticipate funding the joint venture with US $88mn in equity and public and private debt financings over the next two years. This substantial capital will enable the construction of a manufacturing facility and the development of technical and engineering capabilities, the statement concluded.

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Nakheel has collaborated with Bildits, the creators of realistic construction learning kits, to launch ‘Blueprint for the Future’. This hands-on sustainability and construction initiative aims to equip high school students with practical skills in sustainable development and responsible design.

Blueprint for the Future is said to align with the UAE’s national priorities in climate action, innovation, and youth capability building. It supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Through the program, students engaged in key principles of sustainable material selection, carbon-conscious design, and effective waste management.

Working in teams, they assumed real-world roles such as financiers, procurement specialists, and builders. They collaboratively planned, funded, and constructed their own sustainable model houses using Bildits kits.

Nearly 1,000 students from 65 nationalities participated across 8 leading Dubai schools. Together, they dedicated nearly 3,000 hours to developing practical skills in sustainable construction and design. Each school hosted its own competition, producing finalists who advanced to the National Finals held on 15 November 2025, at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm.

Mariam Juma, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Holding Real Estate said, “Sustainability becomes truly meaningful when young people can turn ideas into real action. Through this competition, students gained firsthand experience in decision-making, navigating trade-offs, and designing responsibly and with purpose. It’s inspiring to witness them develop skills and mindsets that will stay with them long after the competition ends.”

Participating schools included Al Mawakeb Al Khawaneej, American School of Creative Science, Regent International School, Cambridge International School, The Millennium School, Dubai English Speaking School, GEMS World Academy, and Credence High School.

The program was supported by a dedicated learning platform that provided students with resources, curated content, and quizzes to help them prepare for the competition. Blueprint for the Future has empowered young innovators to approach construction with greater creativity and responsibility, contributing to a more sustainable future in line with the UAE’s long-term vision, the firm said.

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Cundall is celebrating 50-years of design consultancy. What began in 1976 as a small British consultancy with a bold vision has grown into a global enterprise of more than 1,300 people across 29 offices, the firm said.

In the Middle East, the practice has been established for nearly 20-years, growing from a single office to 4 regional hubs in Doha, Dubai, Riyadh and Bengaluru. The team has grown by more than 100% in the last 3-years, delivering landmark work such as Qatar’s first large‑scale portfolio de-carbonisation strategy for Msheireb Properties, attractions for Saudi Entertainment Ventures, the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, and Dubai’s Guinness World Record‑breaking indoor rollercoaster, The Storm, it added.

“As we look back on 50 years, I’m proud not just of the projects we’ve delivered, but the sustainable businesses we have created across the globe and I am very grateful to the brilliant people, past and present who have contributed to this and shaped Cundall,” says Richard Stratton, Managing Director EMENA.

The next generation of leaders is driving new ideas, championing sustainability, and pushing the boundaries of engineering design. The practice remains focused on delivering its Zero Carbon Design 2030 commitment and its 2050 Science Based Targets, while exploring how AI and emerging technologies can continue to elevate its global capabilities, the firm explained.

“When we established our Middle East business nearly 2 decades ago, sustainability wasn’t a trend, it was a conviction. It has been central to all that we do, guiding every decision we’ve made and remains the foundation of who we are today,” Stratton adds. “What excites me most is that, through all our growth, we’ve stayed true to the values our founders set in 1976. Those values still define us – and they will guide us into the future.”

“Our people are absolutely at the heart of everything we do. We’ve built a culture where teams feel empowered to innovate and challenge convention, and we remain deeply committed to investing in our teams,” notes Lee French, MD MENA.

As part of its strategic growth plan, Cundall has continued to strengthen its presence in the Middle East to meet increasing demand for sustainable, future‑ready design solutions, the statement explained.

“Our expansion reflects the trust our clients place in us and the exceptional talent within our teams. Investing in the right locations, the right people and the right capabilities, we’re ensuring we can continue delivering projects that make a meaningful, lasting impact. With Gary Dodds, Faiyad Peterson and Scott McKeever steering our regional offices, the future looks incredibly exciting,” adds French.

With a strong pipeline of projects, the firm is well‑positioned to support the Middle East’s transformation and contribute to shaping resilient, people-centred places.

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Emrill has said it completed the post-New Year’s Eve clean-up in Downtown Dubai in a record time of under 55-minutes. It mobilised over 308 team members to restore public spaces following one of the city’s most attended annual events.

The operation, delivered for 13 consecutive years as part of Emrill’s long-standing collaboration with Emaar, highlights its continued capability in managing and supporting complex, large-scale event environments, the firm said.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations incorporated a range of attractions, including a parade along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Bollywood performances at Burj Park, acrobats and cultural entertainment at Dubai Fountain. In response to the increased scope and visitor numbers, Emrill adjusted its deployment strategy and assigned additional cleaning resources across extended event zones and high-footfall areas, the firm said.

The operation was carried out by a dedicated workforce of an Associate Director, an AGM, 10 managers, 2 HSSEQ officers, 2 engineers, 19 supervisors, 36 technicians and 237 cleaners, positioned across the boulevard, adjacent plazas, public parks and pedestrian routes to support a coordinated clean-up.

Extensive preparation and phased execution were central to the operation’s success. Emrill deployed a range of specialist equipment to support both pre-event readiness and post-event restoration, including 9 ride-on scrubber driers, 4 heavy-duty mechanical sweepers, 5 mobile high-pressure club cars and a CMAR street cleaner. In addition, 1 robot scrubber was utilised to carry out detailed cleaning works within the Burj Khalifa area once the event had concluded.

The post-event clean-up commenced at 12:10am on 1 January 2026, with all designated areas fully cleaned and made operational and accessible by 1:05am. Throughout the operation, a strong focus was placed on safety and coordination, with structured site zoning, controlled equipment movement and real-time supervision implemented to minimise disruption to visitors, residents and surrounding properties, the firm said.

Gopalakrishnan, COO, Emrill said, “Delivering the clean-up operations for Emaar’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Downtown Dubai for so many years reflects the experience, planning and coordination required to manage one of the city’s most demanding operational environments. Our teams worked efficiently to restore public spaces quickly, safely and to the highest standards.”

Emrill’s ongoing role in delivering Downtown Dubai’s New Year’s Eve post-event clean-up operations for Emaar demonstrates its capability in delivering large-scale facilities management operations under tight time-frames, reinforcing its position as a trusted service provider for major public events and landmark locations across the UAE, the company concluded.

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Amirah Developments has reached a significant milestone in its Bonds Avenue Residences construction project. The project, located on Dubai Islands, is now in the final stages of piling and shoring works, which is being overseen by Global Dewatering and Piling, an enabling contractor specialising in geo-technical services such as piling, shoring, dewatering, and excavation.

Following its ground-breaking ceremony in June 2025, Bonds Avenue Residences has progressed into the active construction phase. This pace reflects Amirah Developments’ commitment to delivering projects on time, ensuring construction quality, and promoting sustainable urban development. The transition from design to execution has enabled swift site mobilisation, ensuring that all piling and shoring activities are on track with the project schedule. This solid foundation has established a strong structural base for the subsequent phases of development. The project is expected to be completed and handover in Q1 2027, the developer said.

Ground stability is paramount in deep excavations and challenging soil conditions. Piling transfers structural loads to stronger soil layers, while shoring retains surrounding soil and safeguards nearby structures. Together, these techniques enable safe, efficient, and sustainable construction, making them essential for modern high-rise and infrastructure projects, the firm explained.

Structural safety is a fundamental requirement under Dubai Municipality and Nakheel engineering regulations, particularly for developments involving deep excavations and complex soil conditions. The piling and shoring works at Bonds Avenue Residences are executed in full compliance with approved geotechnical designs and local authority guidelines.

This ensures secure load transfer to competent soil strata while safeguarding surrounding structures during excavation, these measures align with the standards governing high-rise and waterfront developments in Dubai, promoting safe, efficient, and sustainable construction, it added.

Muhammad Yousuf Jafrani, Founder and Chairman of Amirah Developments said, “At Amirah Developments, we believe that every great community starts with a strong foundation. Successfully entering the final stages of piling and shoring at Bonds Avenue Residences brings us one step closer to delivering a waterfront living experience that combines architectural excellence, sustainability, and community well-being.”

Bonds Avenue Residences is the inaugural development by Amirah Developments, setting a standard for upscale living on the iconic Dubai Islands. Designed as a sculptural expression of form and function, Bonds Avenue Residences offers a selection of 1-to-3 bedroom apartments, 3-bedroom townhouses and triplexes, and exclusive 4-bedroom penthouses. Residents will enjoy exclusive access to amenities, including infinity pools, tranquil wellness zones, dedicated yoga decks, landscaped gardens, padel courts, and children’s play areas. The design philosophy places community well-being at the forefront, fostering an environment where families and individuals can thrive, the developer noted.

Amirah Developments said it is continuing to strengthen its vision of redefining urban living through thoughtful design, innovation, and uncompromising integrity. The company said it is committed to creating homes that blend architectural distinction with a strong sense of community and environmental stewardship.

The firm said that its projects go beyond conventional residential development to create curated living spaces that are both functional and artistic. Each project embodies luxury, sustainable principles, and enduring value. Supported by team of architects, designers, and planners, the company integrates global best practices while responding to the local context, the statement concluded.

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Union Properties has unveiled Mirdad Tower 2, a signature residential tower within its US $545mn Mirdad master-planned development in Dubai’s Motor City. This G+31-story tower embodies Union Properties’ long-term vision of delivering design-led, lifestyle-centric communities that harmonise with Dubai’s evolving urban landscape, the firm said.

Mirdad Tower 2 offers a  curated selection of apartments, including studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units, complemented by a limited collection of loft residences. Designed as a vertical community, the tower embodies a balanced approach to modern living, blending architecture, layouts, and liveability to cater to the diverse needs of end-users and investors.

At the heart of Mirdad Tower 2 lies a core philosophy of sustainable luxury, where planning enhances both lifestyle quality and long-term value. The residences are designed to optimise space efficiency, maximise natural daylight, and ensure utmost comfort. For residents seeking a distinctive living experience within community, the loft units offer expansive layouts, the statement explained.

Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties said, “The launch of Mirdad Tower 2 represents a key milestone in the execution of our $545mn Mirdad master plan. It reflects our disciplined approach to development, one that prioritises quality, sustainability, and long-term community value. Mirdad underscores our confidence in Dubai’s Real Estate fundamentals and our role as a master developer delivering integrated communities that respond to the growing demand for well-designed, mid- to high-end residential offerings.”

Strategically situated in the heart of Motor City, Mirdad Tower 2 will provide residents with a prime location, offering direct access to major road networks and key destinations across Dubai. The development capitalises on Motor City’s growing appeal as a residential and investment hub, driven by robust infrastructure, diverse lifestyle offerings, and substantial long-term growth potential.

Residents of Mirdad Tower 2 can enjoy a plethora of over 26 integrated lifestyle amenities, including wellness and fitness facilities, co-working spaces, leisure and entertainment zones, children’s play areas, landscaped outdoor environments, and community social hubs. These amenities further enhance the development’s vision of a self-sustained, holistic living ecosystem, providing residents with a comprehensive range of services and experiences.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Union Properties’ development, manifesting in the integration of smart building technologies, high-efficiency energy systems, landscaped green spaces, and EV charging infrastructure across 50% of parking spaces. These features align with the company’s commitment to responsible development and future-ready urban solutions.

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