Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, the operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones has announced plans to develop a specialised zone for aquaculture and related industries. The zone is the result of growing demand within the industry for dedicated infrastructure and connectivity to serve the domestic and international markets from Abu Dhabi.

KEZAD Group is the key partner in Abu Dhabi’s AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (Agwa) Cluster, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said a statement.

Agwa aims to provide a key platform to support local suppliers and exporters to maximise commercial opportunities, and ease pressure on agriculture systems, and by 2045, this cluster is expected to contribute in incremental gross domestic product to the Abu Dhabi economy, create more than 60,0000 new jobs and attract investments.

Aquaculture is a key driver of sustainable food production as it alleviates pressure on wild fish resources. Currently, the UAE consumes approximately 220,000t of seafood annually, with 70% of this demand being met through imports. KEZAD’s new aquaculture zone is designed to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic production.

By developing a hub for aquaculture and related industries, KEZAD Group is not only enhancing the UAE’s food supply chain but also establishing the country in sustainable seafood production, as the UAE aims for attaining the No 1 position on the Global Food Security Index by 2050, the statement outlined.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said, “Food security is a top priority for the UAE, and KEZAD Group is proud to contribute to this national and regional objective in line with our wise leadership’s vision, and in support of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. Our planned aquaculture zone will strengthen our country’s resilience, reduce reliance on imports, and create a sustainable model for food production in the region. The aquaculture zone is part of KEZAD Group’s broader strategy to provide world-class industrial ecosystems that cater to high-growth sectors. This initiative complements ongoing efforts for food security, while addressing regional challenges in food supply and sustainability.”

The global aquaculture market was valued at approximately US $244bn in 2023 and is projected to reach $360.6bn by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4.5%. In the Middle East and Africa, the aquaculture market is expected to grow to $22.3bn by 2028, with a CAGR of 4.8%.

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Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has announced the completion of the first two phases of its Salalah masterplan. The comprehensive development initiative is designed to harness the economic, environmental, and social potential of the Dhofar region.

Following the completion of these phases, which involve data collection and analysis, the ministry said it was currently working on the general structural plan and detailed regional plans.

Spanning over 427m sqm between Salalah and the wilayat of Taqah, the plan aims to accommodate more than 480,000 residents, marking an important milestone in Dhofar’s urban evolution.

A key feature of the initiative is the ‘Future City’ of Salalah, spanning seven sqkm and designed to house 60,000 residents in approximately 12,000 housing units. The city will incorporate modern urban design with sustainable practices, green spaces spanning 2.5m sqm, recreational parks, cultural facilities, and a seafront.

Using advanced, AI-led technologies, a climate-resilient infrastructure is central to the overall vision, ensuring long-term appeal and adaptability.

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The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with Partanna, a Bahamian climate tech company, to establish its regional headquarters and a manufacturing facility in the UAE capital. This collaboration will establish the emirate as the regional epicentre for carbon-negative building materials, creating new possibilities for global sustainability.

The agreement will support Partanna’s ambitions to decarbonise the US $400bn global cement industry, facilitating the company’s establishment of large-scale manufacturing operations in Abu Dhabi and servicing the regional market.

As part of the collaboration, Partanna will produce Verra-certified carbon credits, supporting the reduction of carbon emissions in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s climate goals. Cement production accounts for nearly 9% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and traditional manufacturing methods remain among the most significant contributors to climate change.

Partanna pointed out that its modern reinterpretation of cement offers an innovative, scalable solution. By replacing carbon-intensive clinkering with magnesium compounds derived from brine – a by-product of desalination – Partanna turns a waste stream into a valuable resource while producing a cost competitive product, said a statement.

Under the agreement, Partanna’s new facility in Abu Dhabi will convert waste brine into carbon-negative cement, not only neutralising emissions but also actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere, transforming concrete into a carbon sink. Complying with international building standards, Partanna cement is compatible with reinforced steel and shows improved strength in saltwater conditions.

The new Abu Dhabi facility will produce up to three million tonnes of Partanna binder annually – equivalent to 10% of the UAE’s cement market – while setting the stage for expansion across the region and beyond. By achieving this output, Partanna will achieve the same positive carbon impact as the Borneo Rainforest, offsetting approximately 7.98m metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.

ADIO Director General, Badr Al Olama said: “At the core of Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation lies innovation. Through strategic partnerships with pioneering companies like Partanna, we are demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. This collaboration is a testament to our unwavering commitment to shaping the industries of future, and to accelerating industrial innovation.”

Rick Fox, the Co-Founder and CEO of Partanna commented, “From the Roman Empire to the modern era, great civilisations are built on great materials. Partanna is bringing a new era of cement to the world and there’s no better place to scale our business globally than Abu Dhabi. This isn’t just about building a factory; it’s about building a future. With ADIO’s support, we’re creating a roadmap to scale this globally and show that sustainable construction is not only possible, but profitable.”

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Dubai’s real estate market has enjoyed another busy month, recording a total of 13,502 property sales with an overall value of US $10.8bn in November. A market update issued by fäm Properties showed that apartment sales worth $5.42bn rose 31.2% in volume to 10,857 compared with the same month last year.

November also generated 1,903 villa sales worth $2.78bn as well as 387 plot sales worth $2.21bn, although volumes were down 35.8% and 39.6% respectively on the same month in 2023. Meanwhile, 354 commercial property transactions amounted to $353.93mn, an increase of 5% in volume compared with November 2023, the report said.

While November was the most moderate month since April in terms of overall sales value and volume, the total number of transactions was still up by 10.5% on last November. The average property price per sqft also continued its steady rise, increasing by 8.8% compared with last November, after previous month-by month growth from 2020.

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties said, “The market’s overall performance continues to demonstrate exceptional strength in what has already been a remarkable year for Dubai real estate. Sales volumes consistently reflect a clear and consistent trend of healthy, sustainable demand driven by investor confidence, economic growth, and Dubai’s global appeal.”

Dubai property sales for the month of November have now risen in volume over the last five years from 3,800 transactions $1.998bn in 2020 to 7,000 $4.83bn in 2021, 11,100 $8.37bn in 2022, and 12,200 $11.45bn in 2023. The most expensive individual property sold in November was a luxury apartment at Six Senses Residences, Palm Jumeirah which sold for $35.1mn.

The best-selling off-plan project in terms of value in November was Vida Residences Club Point, where 227 apartments sold for $144.8mn. The top-selling off plan villas project was Greenridge, with 113 units fetching $101.2mn. Maya 3 topped sales of ready apartments with 103 transactions worth $14.23mn, while Mag Eye Phase 1 led the way in ready villa sales, with 14 properties selling for $11.91mn.

Overall, first sales from developers outnumbered re-sales in the secondary market – 56% over 44% in terms of volume, and 52% against 48% in value. With properties worth more than $1.35mn accounting for 8% of total sales, 32% came in both $270mn  between 17% to 12%.

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The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and General Hotel Management (GHM) have announced the opening of The Chedi Hegra, which is said to mark a new chapter in the development of AlUla as a world-class tourist destination.

Nestled within the ancient Nabataean settlement of Hegra, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the property is the Kingdom’s first 7-star hotel to open, offering guests a harmonious blend of rich history and luxurious comfort.

According to RCU, a key focus of the development is its commitment to sustainability. The hotel’s design aligns with RCU’s Sustainability Charter for AlUla, ensuring minimal environmental impact through a ‘light-touch’ tourism approach, and also emphasising the use of local materials wherever possible during development and construction.

The Chedi Hegra will feature 35 bespoke guest rooms, each designed to reflect the harmony between luxury and the surrounding natural landscape. The project integrates existing structures – such as the Hegra railway station – into its architecture, preserving the integrity of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The main restaurant is in the eatery of the former train station, with a 1906 locomotive at the centre of the room. The train’s maintenance area has been conserved and is visible through a glass floor in the restaurant.

Axel Jarosch, Vice President of Hotels & Resorts at RCU added, “The Chedi Hegra will stand as a model for authentic luxury, blending modern hospitality with the timeless heritage of AlUla. This project embodies the vision of our ‘Journey Through Time’ masterplan, which celebrates AlUla’s history and culture, offering travellers an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations. It also reflects our dedication to sustainable growth, and we are confident this project will set a new benchmark for luxury experiences in AlUla.”

The hotel will offer guests a range of amenities, with three distinct culinary experiences, including Prima Classe, a fine dining restaurant housed in the former Hegra railway station, and featuring a unique heritage exhibition.

Meanwhile, the Fort Restaurant is set within the walls of the historic Hegra Fort, while The Water Basin Restaurant offers unobstructed views of Hegra’s landscape.

According to Jarosch, additional amenities include the Chedi Spa with six treatment rooms, two post-treatment rooms, and two hydrothermal rooms, as well as a fitness & pool centre, situated in a series of transformed mud brick villas.

Beyond the hotel walls, guests can take part in curated experiences such as exploring the wildlife reserves, witnessing a traditional falcon show, or embarking on a Bedouin Expedition, all designed to foster a deeper appreciation for AlUla’s enduring legacy.

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Saudi Arabia’s Matarat Holding, in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) has invited developers and developer consortiums to submit expressions of interest for the new Taif International Airport project. On completion, the airport will be able to accommodate 2.5m passengers by 2030.

It is being implemented as a public-private partnership (PPP) project under a Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) model for a period of 30 years, inclusive of the construction period. Located 21 km south-east of the existing Taif Airport, the new airport’s proposed design features a runway with a full-length-parallel taxiway, which connects to a single commercial apron.

The new Taif International Airport will include a commercial passenger terminal building aligned with the airport’s projected capacity and demand, along with facility buildings, utility networks, car parks, and access roads that enable the standard operation of the airport.

The project also involves additional expansions to meet future subsystem requirements. The deadline for submitting the EOIs is 10 January, 2025. According to Matarat, the project is fully in line with Vision 2030’s goals, which aims to enhance the growth of the aviation sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Through the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position among the leading nations as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

Matarat said the new Taif International Airport is expected to meet the projected increase in demand by 2055, and will be a viable alternative within the region’s multi-airport system. This system includes King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, and Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu.

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PIF-owned Soudah Development has appointed AECOM to lead the design for the first phase of Soudah Peaks. The developer explained that the appointment is an important step marking a new phase of progress in the development of Soudah Peaks, the luxury mountain destination on Saudi Arabia’s highest peak.

One of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary consultants, AECOM offers architecture and design services, construction management, engineering and environmental services, and programmes management.

“It is a new important milestone for the Soudah Peaks project and will pave the way for more milestones and achievements. We are committed to ensure that sustainability remains at the core of the project’s design and development process, in addition to the preservation of the region’s natural, cultural and architectural identity,” said CEO of Soudah Development, Saleh Aloraini.

Jason Kroll, CEO of AECOM Arabia added: “We are excited to partner with Soudah Development on the Soudah Peaks project. This initiative showcases our commitment to sustainable and innovative design. Our team will use their integrated expertise to meet the project’s goals, and together, we aim to boost economic growth and enrich local communities.”

The infrastructure design of Soudah Peaks will incorporate environmentally sustainable solutions that preserve the landscape, while also driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for the local communities in Soudah and Rijal Alma.

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MAG Group Holding has announced its portfolio of current and under development projects across its different real estate subsidiaries has reached US $ 11.9bn.

Moafaq Al Gaddah, Founder and Chairman of MAG Group Holding said: “The UAE’s real estate sector is witnessing unprecedented demand, driven by the strategic vision and initiatives of our wise leadership. The government’s ongoing efforts to foster a favorable investment climate have made the UAE a preferred investment destination for global investors.”

“We take pride in our extensive portfolio of developments that cater to diverse audiences, adding value to the already thriving sector. At MAG Group Holding, our mandate is to support the UAE’s growth by creating innovative developments and meeting the evolving needs of both residents and investors.” he added.

MAG Group Holding’s real estate subsidiaries include MAG Lifestyle Development, Keturah, Invest Group Overseas (IGO), MBL, Shoumous, Art of Living Mall and MAG Leasing for warehouses.

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