Multidisciplinary consulting firm KEO and data centre and mission-critical design specialist Margulies Hoelzli Architecture (MHA) have inked a strategic partnership to deliver end-to-end data centre solutions for developers and investors across the GCC and Europe.

As demand for high-performance digital infrastructure accelerates amid power constraints and regulatory complexity, the partnership combines KEO’s regional infrastructure leadership with MHA’s expertise in hyperscale and complex mission-critical facility design, said a statement from KEO.

Together, the firms will deliver a unified platform that provides full-cycle service from early-stage feasibility through to design, construction, commissioning, and ongoing facility management, it added.

“This partnership brings together global hyperscale design expertise with deep regional infrastructure delivery, enabling a more coordinated approach to data centre development. By aligning grid, regulatory, and facility design from the outset, we help clients reduce risk, accelerate approvals, and bring capacity online faster,” said Gregory Karpinski COO & Partner at KEO.

Matthew Hoelzli, Principal at MHA added, “By aligning our deep technical expertise with KEO’s leadership in the Middle East, we are streamlining the path to advanced AI infrastructure. Our combined strengths allow us to cut through delivery complexities, optimizing both capital expenditure and long-term operational performance for the region’s most ambitious projects.”

Going forward, over US $3tn is expected to be invested in data centre infrastructure globally over the next 5-years. The sheer financial scale of this infrastructure boom eclipses some of the greatest transformative endeavors of our time, dwarfing even the Apollo Mission. The KEO & MHA partnership is positioned to competitively and innovatively support clients navigating complex challenges, including power availability, regulatory constraints, and the need for zero-downtime operations, the statement noted.

The partnership enables KEO and MHA to deliver a fully integrated approach to data centre development, combining hyperscale design, infrastructure planning, regulatory coordination, and project delivery within a single framework. This enables simultaneous development of facility and grid infrastructure from day one, aligning utility requirements, regulatory approvals, and design progression in parallel.

This integrated model provides a single point of accountability across the full project lifecycle, from concept advisory through to operations. It enables more predictable delivery, optimises total cost of ownership, and supports ESG compliance and access to green financing through recognised certification frameworks, the statement said.

KEO and MHA are said to boast a proven track record across more than 30 countries, representing over 1,200MW of installed capacity and more than $100bn in energy, power and data centre investments.

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Source: ME Construction News

Almal Real Estate Development announced that the construction of the ‘Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences’ in Ras Al Khaimah is 23% complete. Following its launch, the project is said to have achieved the highest price per square metre on the island.

The construction of the project is progressing on schedule and without any delay towards its 2027 handover. This reaffirms ALMAL’s commitment to its buyers and reinstates the sustained market value of developments on Al Marjan Island, the developer said.

The milestone follows regular site visits by Founder of Almal Real Estate Development, Dmitriy Starovoitov, who confirmed that construction activity remains fully on track, with no delays or disruption, as cranes move continuously and development milestones are met.

Amid global economic uncertainty, the uninterrupted pace of construction signals supply chain reliability, workforce stability, and sustained investor confidence, highlighting the consistency of project delivery in the UAE.

“Reaching this milestone at The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences reflects disciplined execution and strong alignment across our partners,” said Starovoitov. “This sold-out project has been strongly received in the market, and the consistency of progress on site reflects the UAE’s stable and resilient economic environment, supported by reliable supply chains and sustained investor confidence. Our focus remains on delivering a high-quality, world-class project that aligns with market demand and contributes to the continued growth of Ras Al Khaimah.”

Located on the shores of Al Marjan Island, this project will be managed by Palladium Hotel Group, and features 422 five-star hotel rooms and branded residential units. Inspired by Ibiza, the development blends architecture with a dynamic hospitality concept, providing direct access to the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, scheduled to open in 2027.

The project is said to offer a refined beachfront experience characterised by elevated amenities, services, and a distinctive lifestyle that sets it apart within the region.

Al Marjan Island continues to gain traction as one of the UAE’s most enticing investment destinations, positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a rising luxury and tourism hub with long-term prospects. This emirate has quietly established itself as a strategic growth market, attracting international capital and developer interest.

Tourism figures reached 1.35m visitors in 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, with projections indicating growth to nearly 5.5m visitors by 2030. The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is expected to further accelerate demand in the surrounding area, reinforcing the island’s status as a focused investment zone with strong projected returns and long-term growth potential, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Arada has said it welcomed the first residents to Vida Residences Aljada following completion of the 4 building Vida Aljada complex, which brings together homes, a lifestyle hotel, and a dynamic social environment in one integrated setting.

The first ever branded residences project in Sharjah, Vida Residences Aljada is located on East Boulevard in the Naseej District – the creative hub of the mega community, and offers a diverse array of lifestyle, hospitality, dining and retail offerings to residents, guests and visitors alike.

Delivery of the 579 units in the complex means that over 8,800 homes have now been completed at the US $9.5bn Aljada megaproject.

The completed 4 building development comprises 255 branded residences, 149 serviced apartments, and the upcoming 175 room Vida Aljada Sharjah hotel with Emaar Hospitality Group. Together, they form a connected experience rooted in Vida’s philosophy of modern living, where simplicity, energy and human connection shape every moment.

Vida Aljada’s residential buildings include 1-3 bedroom apartments, as well as 3-4 bedroom penthouses, said the UAE developer.

Rooted in Vida’s signature approach to lifestyle hospitality, the development has been designed to foster a sense of ease, openness and connection. From modern, light-filled interiors to transitions between private and social spaces, every detail reflects a contemporary way of living, the developer said.

Within the development, residents enjoy access to a range of lifestyle amenities including fitness and wellness spaces, pools for both adults and children, and  communal areas designed for both quiet moments and social interaction. Smart home features come as standard, it added.

Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said, “We are committed to delivering 4,000 homes as well as key supporting infrastructure across our communities this year, and the handover of Sharjah’s first ever branded residences scheme is an important part of that journey. Vida Residences Aljada are the most premium homes completed so far in our flagship megaproject, and these units have already delivered significant capital appreciation to our buyers.”

“In Emaar Hospitality, we have a partner that is totally aligned with our vision of quality, service and efficiency and we look forward to working with them as we near the opening of the Vida Aljada Sharjah hotel in the coming months,” he stated.

The Vida Aljada buildings will host a selection of high end dining outlets, which are opening in the coming months alongside various other cafés, studios and boutiques, the developer noted.

These venues will further elevate more than 100 existing dining and retail experiences on East Boulevard, delivering a premium lifestyle and hospitality offering to residents, visitors and families from across Sharjah. The complex’s serviced apartments and branded residences both include 24/7 concierge support, bellman services, and monthly planned preventive maintenance for fire and life safety systems, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Work is moving at a steady pace on the Al Mamzar Corniche Development in Dubai with the project nearly 88% completed, thus reflecting steady progress in line with planned timelines and adherence to the standards of safety, environmental sustainability, and service quality, said a statement from Dubai Municipality.

Through Al Mamzar Corniche, Dubai Municipality will introduce a new coastal destination guided by an integrated vision that transforms public beaches into urban spaces.

The project represents a qualitative leap and a significant addition to the emirate’s coastal landscape, offering a destination for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and luxury-oriented beach experiences.

It will feature a public beach dedicated exclusively to women, available for night swimming, designed in line with the highest international standards to ensure privacy and safety. The beach will be fully enclosed by a surrounding fence to guarantee complete privacy for women.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality said, “Dubai’s beach development projects are among the most important strategic initiatives we are delivering to enhance the efficiency and quality of the emirate’s coastal and beachfront infrastructure.”

He was speaking after conducting a field visit to the Al Mamzar Corniche Development Project to review the progress of works and ensure alignment with delivery timelines ahead of its completion and opening.

Accompanied by executive leadership, project managers, and engineering teams, Bin Ghalita assessed construction progress, supply chain resilience, and operational readiness, reaffirming Dubai Municipality’s commitment to delivering high-quality, future-ready coastal destinations.

The visit forms part of Dubai Municipality’s broader efforts to advance the development of public beaches and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for beach tourism, aligned with its vision to enhance quality of life through sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure.

As part of Dubai Municipality’s commitment to climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience, the project includes measures to elevate beach levels and strengthen coastal protection against the impacts of climate change.

More than 500,000cu/m of beach sand have been utilised based on specialised environmental studies to enhance shoreline stability and ensure long-term sustainability, the statement said.

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Source: ME Construction News

The cement sales volumes across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia declined by 6.7% YoY and 21.3% MoM to hit 3.37MT, reflecting the holiday effect and recent geopolitical developments, according to a report by Al Rajhi Capital, a leading financial services provider in the Kingdom.

The sales volume for the first 3 months fell by 4.7% YoY to 12.76MT, it stated.

Yamama continues to command the highest market share, recording 14.2% in Q1, followed by Saudi Cement (12.8%) and Qassim Cement (12.1%), said the report by Al Rajhi Capital.

Clinker inventory grew by 2.1% MoM to 43.6MT, with Southern cement holding the highest inventory (18 months of LTM average sales), it added.

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Source: ME Construction News

Oman is undertaking projects to expand its road network with investments exceeding US $3.1bn. These projects are aimed at enhancing national connectivity, as reported by the Oman Observer newspaper, citing transport minister Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali.

The highway sector is currently experiencing several high-quality developments, including constructing new roads, upgrading and repairing existing roads, and performing routine maintenance. Strategic projects under the 11th 5-year plan for highways aim to alleviate congestion by expanding the Muscat Expressway, the report said.

Additionally, a dual-carriageway project for the Ibra Road (Al-Yahmedi-Al-Qafisi), located southeast of Muscat, is currently under construction. This project has a cost of $1.38bn. Oman’s state budget for 2026 has allocated $2.34bn for road development.

The Gulf nation intends to raise $2.21bn this year through the issuance of bonds and sukuk to address the financial shortfall in its 2026 fiscal budget. This budget forecasts a deficit of $1.38bn, which is 14.5% lower compared to the 2025 budget.

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Source: ME Construction News

Mira Developments has unveiled Richmond District, a new branded residential development in Al Furjan and the area’s first fully integrated masterplan, created in collaboration with John Richmond.

The project was officially unveiled on 2 April during a grand event attended by over 4,000 guests. The main celebration took place at Baoli Dubai, with a live broadcast that connected audiences across both venues. Notable attendees included Mena Marano, the CEO of John Richmond. The project brings together 5-residential towers, 1-office tower, and a shared podium designed around water, wellness and everyday convenience.

John Richmond’s distinctive visual language is brought to life in the built environment through crafted lines, rock-inspired attitude, and confident detailing. This brand-defining aesthetic extends beyond fashion into a fully realised residential concept, shaping studios and apartments, the statement said.

A key element of the architecture is its adaptive mashrabiya system of windows and shutters a contemporary interpretation of a traditional feature that allows residents to control light, privacy and airflow while improving comfort and reducing heat. The architectural design was developed by Marco Casamonti of Archea Associati in close collaboration with John Richmond, it added.

Timur Mamaikhanov, Co-Founder and CEO, Mira Developments said, “What makes Richmond District stand out is the way connectivity, architecture and brand identity come together in one place. Its location next to Discovery Gardens Metro Station gives residents direct access to the city, while the mashrabiya feature gives the project a visual character that feels entirely new for Al Furjan. Together with John Richmond’s aesthetic, it sets a new architectural tone for the area.”

Omar Gull, Managing Director of Mira Developments added, “We saw an overwhelming response to Richmond District. We expected around 2,000 guests but over 4,000 joined us. We had to host 2 separate presentations across different venues to accommodate everyone. At one point, it even caused traffic in the area. But more than anything, it reflects the resilience of Dubai’s real estate market and the clear demand for high-quality, branded developments.”

The development offers a range of amenities, including Technogym-equipped fitness areas for both men and women, outdoor sports area, dedicated yoga space. Ground level features integrated cafés and retail spaces. Additional services such as valet parking, concierge support, cleaning, and room service further contribute to its welcoming atmosphere.

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Source: ME Construction News

Phase 1 of the Sewerage and Stormwater Network Development Project in Al Quoz Creative Zone, has been completed according to Dubai Municipality at a cost of US $68.1mn, with the total investment in the project said to be $136.1mn. The Al Quoz Creative Zone is said to be one of Dubai’s most dynamic and economically active areas.

The project aims to develop an integrated, adaptable, and sustainable sewerage and stormwater system serving Al Quoz Industrial Areas 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as the area located between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. It spans a total area of 1,600ha and covers more than 1,507 plots.

His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality said, “The Sewerage and Stormwater Network Development Project in Al Quoz is one of Dubai Municipality’s key strategic projects to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and operational readiness of the emirate’s infrastructure systems. It supports Dubai’s ongoing urban and population growth, reinforces its position as a global leader in sustainable urban planning, and strengthens the future readiness of its infrastructure, making Dubai a more attractive, sustainable, and liveable city.”

“The project enhances the efficiency of sewerage and stormwater infrastructure systems in Al Quoz Creative Zone and supports its integrated urban model. It will further strengthen the area’s appeal as a vibrant hub for economic and investment activity, while keeping pace with the emirate’s future development requirements,” he added.

Phase 1 included the construction of sewerage and stormwater drainage networks covering 155ha and 123 plots. Supporting the emirate’s sustainable sewerage infrastructure, Dubai Municipality delivered sewerage networks adding up to a length of 15km, with pipe diameters ranging from 160mm to 1,600mm. The works also included the development of an integrated stormwater drainage network extending 14km, with pipe diameters ranging from 200mm to 3,000mm.

This project forms part of the emirate-wide Sewerage System Development Programme, which aims to transform the system into a more sustainable, innovative, and efficient network. It also aligns with the Tasreef programme for stormwater drainage development, valued at $30bn – the largest unified stormwater collection system in the region and one of the most operationally efficient – designed to increase drainage capacity by 700% for the next 100 years.

Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality noted, “This project contributes to enhancing the efficiency of the rainwater drainage system and the smooth flow of water in the Al Quoz Creative Zone, while reducing water accumulation. This ensures the continuity of services and business operations and supports the city’s resilience and preparedness to face various future climatic conditions.”

Dubai Municipality said that it will continue to implement transformative infrastructure projects that strengthen the emirate’s resilience to future environmental challenges, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure service continuity in line with urban and population growth.

These efforts support Dubai’s transition towards a smart and sustainable city model, aligned with national agendas and the leadership’s vision to position Dubai as a global benchmark for infrastructure quality and public services, it added.

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Source: ME Construction News

PIF developer Rua Al Madinah has awarded a US $2.1bn contract to China Railway 18th Bureau Group for the construction of Superblock 5 within the holy city’s tourism and cultural development, said a report by MEED.

The scope of Superblock 5 comprises the construction of 10 branded hotels, JW Marriott (5-star, 252 rooms); Marriott (5-star, 450 rooms); Le Meridien (5-star, 533 rooms); Four Points By Sheraton (4-star, 777 rooms); Novotel (4-star, 328 rooms); Swissotel (5-star, 466 rooms); Fairmont (5-star, 142 rooms + 120 residential units); Grand Hyatt Hotel (5-star); Hyatt Regency Hotel (5-star, 539 rooms) and Hyatt Place Hotel (4-star, 330 rooms).

According to Rua Al-Madinah’s estimates, the construction of Superblock 5 will require a substantial amount of materials, including 430,000cu/m of concrete, 875,000sqm of block walls, 423,000sqm of drywall, 74,000t of steel rebar, 215,000sqm of tiles, and 228,000sqm of facades, curtain walls, and windows.

In February 2024, 2 contracts were awarded to international consulting firms for the development of the Superblocks 4 and 5 components. Rua Al Madinah entered into a contract with the US-based engineering firm Jacobs for design consultancy services on 12 hotels and other infrastructure for Superblock 4.

Another contract was signed with the US-based firm KEO International Consultants to oversee the implementation of the Superblock 5 project. The other consultants involved in the Superblock 5 project include Perkins Eastman, a US-based firm, and Meinhardt, a Singapore-based firm.

In February 2023, the MEED report revealed that US-based Parsons had been awarded contract worth $15mn for construction project management consultancy and contract administration services for mega Madinah project. Parsons is responsible for managing the main infrastructure works, including the construction of the tunnel, roads, and utilities.

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Source: ME Construction News

Qatari Diar, the real estate subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority, is to invest US $828mn in building hotels in east Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh over the next 4-years.

Citing unidentified sources, Asharq Business reported that Qatari Diar intends to construct 4-hotels, totaling 1,000 rooms, as part of the CityGate project in the Fifth Settlement, east Cairo. The 4-hotels will be developed in collaboration with global hospitality brands.

Qatari Diar is said to already have a landbank in Egypt spanning 64m sqm. It has developed 8m sqm of this land and aims to expand the developed area to 18m sqm within the next 3-years.

The expansion plans extend to Egypt’s Red Sea coast, where the developer is finalising feasibility studies on a luxury hotel complex in Sharm El Sheikh.  Spanning 470,000sqm, the project will cost between $350mn and $500mn. The studies are expected to be completed within 18 months, with construction starting in 2027.

In November, Qatari Diar signed a partnership agreement to develop a project on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, with investments totaling $30bn.

The company is working on completing the masterplan and final designs of the Alam Al-Roum project, located 480km northeast of Cairo. Construction is anticipated to commence in Q4 of 2026. The initial phase of the project will encompass residential, tourism, and hospitality facilities, with investments projected to reach $1bn, as per the report.

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Source: ME Construction News