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Gensler has appointed Danny Ha as Design Director of its Lifestyle APME studio. The move is said to strengthen the company’s leadership in retail-led mixed-use design across the Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region.
With 28 years of international experience, Ha has joined Gensler APME from JERDE in Los Angeles. Ha is recognised for creating dynamic, people-focused retail environments that drive commercial success and foster community engagement. From flagship retail destinations to integrated mixed-use precincts, Ha’s portfolio spans projects across China, Russia, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and beyond.
“Danny’s appointment underlines our commitment to advancing retail design as a catalyst for vibrant urban destinations. Having known Danny for many years, this is a strategic move for Gensler Middle East to raise the profile of our retail capabilities across the region,” commented Todd Pilgreen, Principal and Co-Managing Director Middle East, APME Regional Practice Area Leader – Mixed Use & Retail Centers, Retail & Consumer Experience, Gensler.
Ha will be based out of Gensler’s Dubai office, and is said to have led the creation of high-profile retail environments, including the Qiantan Cultural Center in Shanghai, and the Kashirskaya Plaza in Moscow. His expertise includes retail master planning, renovation, and experiential design for projects such as Gaysorn Quarter G-III in Bangkok, Beijing Tongzhou in China, Namba Parks Phase II in Osaka, Japan, Mecenatpolis in Seoul, Korea, and Megabox in Hong Kong, the firm said in a statement.
Tariq Shaikh, Co-Managing Director & Principal at Gensler Middle East added, “Retail in the Middle East is evolving rapidly, from luxury lifestyle centres to multi-use urban hubs that blend shopping, dining, and entertainment. Danny’s global perspective and proven track record coupled with his ability to merge commercial strategy with immersive customer experiences will be key to shaping the future of retail-led mixed-use developments in the region. Danny is part of a regional strategy to position Gensler to deliver design solutions that resonate with both developers and communities.”
According to Gensler, the GCC’s retail sector continues to show strong growth potential. According to Alpen Capital, the industry is forecast to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% from 2023 to 2028, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading at 5.4% and 5.1% respectively. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes bold plans to transform retail into an engine of economic diversification, while the UAE aims to grow its retail market to US $74.7bn by 2027 through innovative, destination-driven developments, the firm outlined.
Ha remarked, “The Middle East is redefining retail as an immersive, lifestyle-driven experience. I’m excited to introduce Gensler’s digital design experience capabilities and partner with clients to create destinations where commerce and culture intersect, places that inspire loyalty, attract tourism, and shape the future of urban life.”
Ha holds a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Architecture from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles. A frequent speaker at global design forums, he is known for his thought leadership in retail placemaking and his ability to integrate commercial objectives with design excellence, Gensler concluded.
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Al Huzaifa Properties has announced its inaugural development, Soléva Beach Residences, on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The property will be fully furnished and completed by Q4 2027 said the company.
Saif Nensey, CEO of Al Huzaifa Furniture and CEO & Founder of Al Huzaifa Properties said, “We are proud to bring Al Huzaifa’s legacy of craftsmanship, precision, and refined design into real estate with the launch of Soléva Beach Residences. The process from concept to detailing to the finish has been brought to life under one roof, allowing us full control of our vision and prioritising quality in every stage of execution. This project embodies our commitment to creating residences that combine luxury, comfort, and a deep connection to nature, while fostering a sense of community. Soléva represents a new benchmark for holistic living, where architecture, interiors, and amenities come together to set the standard for premium lifestyle experiences in the UAE.”
An architectural form inspired by the natural curves of the island, Soléva will blend material sophistication with functionality to create spaces that flow with their surroundings. Soléva Beach Residences will feature two basements, a ground floor, and eight upper floors. The 232 residences and one retail unit comprise 111 studios, 101 one-bedroom apartments, and 20 two-bedroom apartments, all with private pools.
“Our venture into real estate at Marjan Island is the proud culmination of decades of design excellence. This project is entirely conceived, designed, and delivered in-house, giving us unparalleled control over quality, speed, and customisation. It is an offering that will be hard to match bringing together timeless design, faster delivery, and bespoke detailing. More than just a development, it represents a new dimension to the UAE’s landscape and lifestyle, while ensuring exceptional value and strong ROI for our buyers and investors,” said Zaheer Rattonsey, Managing Partner at Al Huzaifa Properties.
The project has been designed to maximise sea, beach, or park views through floor-to-ceiling glass, private balconies, and elegantly crafted interiors. All two-bedroom units include private pools, while each residence reflects Al Huzaifa’s design philosophy of light, calm, and material continuity, the developer explained.
The apartments are fully furnished to create living environments with fixtures that are crafted to reflect smart architecture quality and custom design. The interiors feature integrated joinery with concealed storage, natural stone and wood accents with warm finishes, custom furniture in neutral palettes by accent lighting, and bathrooms with rainfall showers and stone vanities, it added.
Soléva will offer 50 curated resort-style amenities blending wellness, fitness, leisure, and hospitality services. A dedicated wellness level with cryo cabins, thermal suites, massage rooms, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzi, and a tranquil lounge, fitness studio with cardio, strength, and multipurpose zones by outdoor yoga decks and a Zen Garden. In addition, it includes a rooftop with infinity pools, floating daybeds, cabanas, fire pit lounges, and dining courtyards with panoramic Gulf views. It also features valet parking, an AI-powered concierge, luggage management, co-working lounges, a water sports pavilion, and park and beach access. The ground floor will also feature a 9,000sqft F&B destination and lobby with water features and fireplace, integrating hospitality, workspace, and leisure.
Soléva is said to be the UAE’s first residential project to integrate an Owner’s SuperApp, providing residents with instant access to services, amenities, and vacation rental management, redefining convenience and elevating community living.
The project is being realised in collaboration with several design firms: architecture by VELA, specialists in climate-conscious, human-centric design; the landscaping will be undertaken by Square M Design, experts in adaptive, hospitality-focused outdoor experiences; lighting by Studio Lumen, global leaders in architectural lighting solutions; and interiors by MWM Studio, an award-winning Dubai boutique renowned for tailored, distinctive design, the statement concluded.
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The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South has unveiled ‘The VIP Terminal Boulevard’, a new development designed to attract prominent aviation companies and luxury retailers. The move is said to be a response to the growing demand for aviation-related services.
Situated adjacent to the VIP Terminal, which continues to experience unprecedented growth in business aviation movements, the boulevard spans 769m and comprises 16 premium buildings. These buildings offer facilities and retail outlets across a total development area of 204,000sqm. As part of MBRAH’s aviation ecosystem, this development presents an unparalleled opportunity for global companies seeking to establish and expand their presence in the region. The boulevard will be delivered in phases, with the first phase commencing in 2026, said a statement.
Construction has already begun on Aviation One, a six-story building within The VIP Terminal Boulevard. This building has modern architectural design with advanced functional layouts, aligning with MBRAH’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, according to MBRAH.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said, “Aviation has always been one of the fundamental pillars of Dubai’s economy. The growing demand for aviation services in the emirate is a direct reflection of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the advanced ecosystem in MBR Aerospace Hub which is beyond the aviation industry’s expectations. As we progress towards the completion of Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai will further cement its role as a global leader in aviation, attracting top-tier companies and setting new benchmarks for the industry.”
“The VIP Terminal Boulevard is a significant addition to the world-class facilities at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. It will open new opportunities for leading aviation companies and luxury brands to flourish, while further strengthening Dubai’s position as a premier destination for companies and a key player on the global aviation map,” he added.
MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s airlines, private jet companies, MROs, and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centres and training and education campuses. It seeks to strengthen engineering industries to foster the emirate’s vision of becoming an aviation hub.
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AESG has secured a license from the Saudi Ministry of Interior (MoI) represented by the Supreme Authority for Industrial Security (SAIS) to provide Fire and Life Safety (FLS) consultancy services across key industrial and infrastructure sectors.
According to AESG, it is amongst the first international consultancies to achieve the accreditation, and positions it to play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with SAIS Safety and Fire (SAF) directives across flagship Vision 2030 projects. These include planned nuclear power plants, vital electricity and water initiatives, large-scale manufacturing and petrochemical facilities, chemical, gas and mining sectors, as well as critical infrastructure such as railways, telecommunications, and ports.
“The safety of facilities and their workers, and ensuring the continuity of operations, is an investment in the future and an added value to achieve sustainability and the success of national business systems. By establishing strong legislation built on the best local standards, experiences, and forward-looking global practices, we can ensure that security and safety remain central to the Kingdom’s industrial and infrastructure development,” said Eng. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, Governor of the Supreme Authority for Industrial Security (SAIS).
To date, AESG is said to have helped safeguard over US $7.9bn worth of built assets, including projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea International Airport, projects in the Diriyah Gate district, and more, representing millions of sqm of facilities in the country.
With the SAIS licence now in place, AESG is well positioned to contribute to the more than $69.8bn being invested annually in Saudi industrial and infrastructure projects, the firm said.
Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG said, “Through commendable vision, SAIS is setting a new benchmark for Fire and Life Safety not just in the Kingdom, but for the wider region. We are proud to have worked closely with the authority, meeting every requirement of its rigorous licensing process. This achievement reflects AESG’s unique ability to combine the depth of regional understanding from our Middle East roots with the breadth of expertise from our expansive global operations. It underscores our commitment to bringing world-class safety standards to Saudi Arabia at a time of unprecedented growth.”
AESG’s scope of services under the licence will encompass the full breadth of FLS consultancy, from SAISSAF directives compliance guidance to the delivery of practical, high-impact solutions designed to be simple, effective, and achievable. This will include supporting Saudi Public and Private sectors in meeting SAIS requirements, ensuring safety and resilience remain at the forefront of the Kingdom’s infrastructure boom.
The company’s investment in talent is central to its growth strategy in the Kingdom. Among its most notable recent hires is Steve Apter, former Deputy Chief of the London Fire Brigade, who brings over three decades of international leadership in fire safety, including work on several Saudi Giga projects.
In parallel, AESG said that it is expanding its Fire and Life Safety service offerings to comply with the Saudi Civil Defence’s new mandate for licensed private fire and rescue teams – an initiative driven by the Kingdom’s privatisation policies and the 2021 Privatisation Law, which emphasises private-sector involvement in delivering services to giga projects and the wider market. With the licence in place, AESG aims to grow its Saudi team by more than 25%, while remaining on track to achieve its business goal of 40% growth in the Kingdom this year.
Abdullah Faza, Director – Fire and Life Safety, Middle East at AESG concluded, “This licence unlocks significant opportunities to support the Kingdom’s most strategic projects, from power generation to industrial manufacturing sectors. At AESG, we take pride in being at the forefront of this transformation by already leading one of Saudi Arabia’s first private fire code guides for a royal commission, a clear example of the specialist and pioneering role we bring to the market. Of course, with such governmental trust comes responsibility, and everything we deliver must add value. We are committed to making compliance with AHJ requirements more efficient, clear, and simple, so our clients can focus on achieving their targets with confidence. Backed by our expanded capabilities, we will continue to deliver solutions that safeguard lives, protect assets, and enable the operational excellence of Saudi Arabia’s most critical developments.”
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Sobha Realty has announced the successful issue of its inaugural US $750mn green sukuk. The largest transaction in the company’s history – and the largest green sukuk by a real estate developer globally in 2025 – was executed under its $1.5bn Trust Certificate Issuance Programme. It will be listed on the London Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Dubai.
The order book for this five-year sukuk, maturing in 2030, was significantly oversubscribed, reaching approximately $2.1bn, 2.8 times the issuance size, reflecting strong investor confidence in Sobha Realty’s credit profile and the firm’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Robust demand from a high-quality investor base, with 56% allocated to regional investors and 44% to international investors, enabled a substantial price tightening of 50 basis points from Initial Price Thoughts (IPTs). The sukuk was priced at a profit rate of 7.125% per annum, with an effective yield of 7.375% per annum. The net proceeds from this green sukuk will be allocated to financing or refinancing eligible green projects as defined in Sobha Realty’s Green Financing Framework.
This framework, aligned with the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Green Bond Principles and the Loan Market Association (LMA) Green Loan Principles, received an independent Second Party Opinion (SPO) from DNV, confirming its alignment with market best practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Menon, Chairman, Sobha Realty said, “The resounding success of our inaugural Green Sukuk issuance is a powerful testament to the market’s recognition of Sobha Realty’s robust financial standing and our deep, unwavering commitment to sustainable development. This transaction is not just a financing initiative; it is a strategic alignment of our capital structure with our core values. It enables us to accelerate our ambitious ESG agenda, funding projects that will deliver tangible environmental benefits and solidify our position as a leader in crafting sustainable luxury communities. This milestone reinforces our dedication to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders while contributing positively to the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”
The sukuk issuance is expected to be rated Ba2 (Stable) by Moody’s and BB (Stable) by S&P, in line with the corporate credit rating of the obligor, PNC Investments.
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Developer LEOS Developments has unveiled Hadley Heights 2, its latest residential project in Dubai Sports City. The project is said to be the world’s first branded residence that has been developed in partnership with an Olympic champion. Co-branded with three-time gold medalist Tom Dean, the project is designed around the principles of performance, wellness, and innovation.
Building on the success of Hadley Heights (Phase 1) in Jumeirah Village Circle, Hadley Heights 2 will boast 230 units, ranging from studios to three bedroom apartments, each with its own private pool. The development will feature a suite of Olympic-level amenities, including AI-powered gyms, rooftop running tracks, outdoor CrossFit zones, sports simulators, wellness parks, and play areas for children.
As cities worldwide prioritise health and wellness, architecture and urban planning play a crucial role in shaping how people live, move, and connect. The UAE has been at the forefront of this shift, with the 2040 Urban Master Plan placing well-being at the core of future development. Hadley Heights 2 embodies this vision by creating an environment that supports physical fitness, mental well-being, and a strong sense of community, the developer said.
The launch of Hadley Heights 2 coincides with the growing popularity of branded residences in Dubai. These developments now account for 8.5% of total transaction value, reflecting a shift in buyer priorities towards developments that offer not only strong returns but also a distinctive lifestyle and sense of identity. Hadley Heights 2 responds to this trend by combining wellness, performance, and long-term value in a single residential offering.
“At LEOS Developments, we’ve always believed that the places we build should help people live better lives. Working alongside Tom Dean, a three-time Olympic champion, we’ve created a development that captures the spirit of performance and well-being in everyday living. Hadley Heights 2 is more than just homes with great amenities; it’s a community designed to inspire people to push their limits, recharge, and thrive. For us, this is about building with purpose and responding to the growing demand in Dubai for residences that reflect lifestyle and identity,” said Rui Liu, Chairman and Founder of LEOS Developments.
Each residence features a private pools floor-to-ceiling windows, and interiors inspired by calming landscapes. Warm colour tones, natural textures, and sleek modern finishes create a luminous, serene atmosphere throughout each residence, while a signature feature of the development is the Skyline Beach Infinity Pool, located above the water canal and designed with white sand edges and panoramic views, offering residents a daily resort style escape.
Unit types include, studios (57 units), one-bedroom apartments (69 units), two-bedroom apartments (93 units), and three-bedroom apartments (11 units). Strategically situated in Dubai Sports City, the development boasts direct access to major roads such as E311 and Hessa Street. Moreover, it is conveniently located near both international airports, the Dubai Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah. The upcoming Yellow Metro Line further enhances connectivity, making it an ideal choice for families and investors.
The surrounding area is home to international schools, golf courses, and elite training academies, making it a sought-after location for families and investors alike. Hadley Heights 2 sets a new standard for sports-inspired living in Dubai Sports City, designed with future champions in mind. It integrates bold, aerodynamic architecture with next-generation wellness, performance, and digital innovation.
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Schneider Electric has said that it has achieved carbon neutrality for its new Dubai office, ‘The NEST’ within three months of the official opening. Designed to prioritise resource efficiency, collaboration, and employee wellbeing, the company’s hardware and software are embedded throughout the building to ensure adaptability for present and future needs.
The NEST is billed as a hub for innovation and talent development, and includes a dedicated training centre to equip local professionals and youth with next-generation skills. The building design aims to boost collaboration and productivity, and features 360 workstations, 90 meeting rooms, as well as a modular amphitheatre. The inauguration of Schneider Electric’s new Dubai office earlier in May marked the launch of the company’s Impact Buildings Program, which aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real estate using its EcoStruxure solutions suite, the firm said.
These technologies include Building Operation, Power Monitoring Expert, Building Data Platform, and Planon, where visitors can experience its smart building technology at work.
Amel Chadli, the President, Gulf Cluster, Schneider Electric commented, “By embedding our own technologies, we have cut energy consumption by 37% this year, while aiming to achieve emissions reduction of +700 tCO2e/year by 2026, proving that a Net Zero future is a tangible reality. We are proud to have created a vibrant workspace that directly aligns with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and serves as a blueprint for a more sustainable future.”
He added, “The NEST is more than just a new building; it’s a testament to the power of partnership. Our own employees named this building, giving it a true sense of ownership from day one. In collaboration with local partners like Dubai Silicon Oasis and the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, we’ve brought this vision to life.”
Schneider Electric explained that The NEST was designed on the following four main pillars: it is sustainable (achieving emissions reduction of +700 tCO2e/year, roughly equivalent to the annual energy use of 82 homes in the UAE; and targets 47% onsite renewable sourcing, towards achieving LEED Platinum certification); it is people-centric (a healthy building with indoor air quality and daylight harvesting, and a next-gen Innovation Hub offering smart meeting room, visitor management, wayfinding, and ticketing experiences, and targeting WELL Equity Rating); it is Resilient (powering resilience with a micro grid, digital twin for simulation and operational efficiency, as well as a cybersecure edge data centre, ensuring predictive maintenance and digital asset management), and it is Efficient (an adaptive workplace with space occupancy analytics that leverages AI for HVAC, maintenance, and operational optimisation, all while targeting +50% energy and water saving, and automated workflows for facility management).
With buildings responsible for as much as 37% of global carbon emissions, The NEST has been specifically engineered to showcase how the application of technology can significantly enhance sustainability in the built environment.
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Khazna Data Centers (Khazna) has secured a US $2.62bn financing facility in a bid to support its growth ambitions in the UAE and in international markets. The financing deal, said to be amongst the largest in the MENA region, was secured in partnership with two UAE banks – Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
With a tenor lasting up to 10 years, the financing facility will enable Khazna to progress on the build-out of its operational expansion across the MENA region, said a statement from Khazna.
“Khazna is the foundational layer upon which the emerging AI-enabled economy is built. The criticality of our work is highlighted by the expanding scale, scope, and sophistication required to support complex, resource-intensive AI workloads. This work involves the deployment of vast sums of capital investment, and access to such capital requires a stable, attractive business model, underpinned by the strength of our financial position and our disciplined approach to capital management. This is what we have built at Khazna, enabling us to secure one of the largest financing deals the region has ever seen,” said Fabio Cattaneo, CFO, Khazna Data Centers.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the MENA region’s total data centre capacity is set to double over the next five years. With the capital unlocked through this recent financing deal, Khazna will be at the forefront of regional data centre market growth, preserving its 73% market share in the UAE and growing its share in other markets, the statement confirmed.
Khazna has several projects underway, including two new facilities in Abu Dhabi, one in Dubai, and the region’s first AI-enabled data centre in Ajman. The new financing facility will supercharge Khazna’s ability to expand both at home and abroad. Time to value will be realised quickly, thanks to a modular construction approach that significantly drives down the cost, environmental impact and time required to build a new facility, the firm explained.
Ludovic Nobili, Group Chief Corporate, Wealth, and Investment Banking Officer at ADCB said, “This transaction highlights ADCB’s steadfast contribution to the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-based, future-focused economy. Leveraging our robust balance sheet, extensive financial expertise and dedication to innovation, ADCB is proficient at syndicating and structuring financing for large-scale digital infrastructure projects such as those spearheaded by Khazna. We are proud to support a platform that is laying the digital foundations essential to the UAE’s global competitiveness and sustainable growth.”
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Rheem Middle East has announced the launch of Rheem Centurion, a next-generation system that is said to redefine performance standards in heating and cooling for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Rheem Centurion is said to deliver up to 84% energy savings, directly addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions across the region’s residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. The system recycles waste heat expelled by air conditioning units to produce hot water, simultaneously cooling indoor spaces. This dual functionality reduces energy costs, cuts carbon footprint, and ensures maximum efficiency throughout the year, said a statement.
Developed to meet the MEA region’s unique climate conditions and evolving sustainability requirements, Rheem Centurion aligns with regional sustainability goals and the rising demand for energy-smart building technologies. With urbanisation, population growth, and large-scale construction projects continuing to accelerate, the system offers developers, operators, and property managers a future-ready solution to meet both comfort demands and regulatory standards, it added.
Rheem Centurion’s technology integrates into various building types, providing versatility for projects of all scales. It can heat water up to 70-degrees Celsius, making it ideal for high-demand applications such as hotels, resorts, hospitals, and multi-family developments. A smart controller allows users to optimise performance across three operation modes: cooling, heating, or simultaneous use. Additionally, whisper-quiet operation enhances indoor comfort compared to conventional systems. By capturing and reusing otherwise wasted energy, Rheem Centurion delivers measurable savings in both cost and environmental impact.
Brian Hempenstall, Vice President and General Manager at Rheem Middle East commented, “Rheem Centurion is more than a product launch; it represents a significant step forward for the built environment in this region. By combining air conditioning and hot water generation in a single, highly efficient system, we are helping developers, hoteliers, and homeowners meet today’s demands, while preparing for tomorrow’s sustainability standards. At Rheem, our mission is to deliver comfort without compromise – comfort that is smarter, cleaner, and built for the future of the Middle East and Africa.”
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Source: ME Construction News