Arada has announced its first expansion outside the UAE market with the launch of operations in Australia. The Dubai-based developer has set up a new office in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont and is planning multiple projects in Australia. Arada’s extended pipeline of projects will contribute towards urban renewal required to address the current housing shortage in Sydney.

Adding over 2,500 homes to the Sydney housing market, sales and construction for Arada’s initial projects will begin in 2025. With significant land holdings, the sites will deliver commercial and retail components. Arada has partnered with architecture firm Woods Bagot to design and deliver its vision to the Australian market, the firm noted in a statement.

Arada has been led by its Australian-born Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, who is also spearheading the Australian operations and business growth.

Alkhoshaibi remarked, “Launching in Australia marks a pivotal moment for Arada as we continue to realise our vision of integrated residential communities that help people lead happier, healthier and more meaningful lives. Arada is passionate about delivering activated precincts that deliver a community-based approach to housing supply.”

“Our initial projects in Sydney are strategically located within growth corridors, aligning with local government initiatives to expand housing near transport hubs and minimizing strain on existing infrastructure. With a strong financial position, an impressive track record and a dedicated local team, we are poised to make a positive impact on our future residents and the communities we serve,” Alkhoshaibi added.

In Australia, Arada will continue to deliver diverse housing options with facilities and amenities, alongside events and activations for residents and their friends to enjoy in the surrounding area. Its developments will feature green spaces, retail outlets and Arada’s own fitness and wellbeing offering, Wellfit, which focuses on providing active, healthy living for the whole family via state-of-the-art facilities, the statement concluded.

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ENBD REIT has announced the successful sale of the Remraam residential assets at a slight premium to market value. The decision to divest this asset with ENBD REIT’s turnaround strategy was to optimise its portfolio with a focus on dividend growth via proactive asset management. The proceeds from this sale will be utilised to reduce debt.

“Following a comprehensive review of the portfolio, we have identified a clear turnaround strategy to unlock value for our shareholders and maintain our position as a reliable dividend payer. This divestment marks a significant first step to streamline our future-facing portfolio by improving the overall mix of the portfolio and strengthen our financial foundations by reducing our debt,” said Samir Kazi, Head of Real Estate at Emirates NBD Asset Management and CEO of ENBD REIT.

The two Remraam residential towers, Al Ramth 57 and 59, are in Dubailand and offer 105 units with a net leasable area of 112,154sqft. Acquired in September 2015, Remraam represents 4% of the REIT’s portfolio value.

As part of the sustainable turnaround journey, ENBD REIT continues to explore opportunities for investments and portfolio re-balancing. Despite challenges posed by a high-interest rate environment and pricing expectations, ENBD REIT.

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BESIX announced the financial closing of the Khalifa University accommodation PPP project, confirming that all funding has been secured and financing conditions met. With this milestone achieved, the project will move ahead with full momentum, the firm said.

Construction is scheduled for completion in time to welcome residents in Winter 2026.

Operating under the banner of KUnnected Living, this project will bring together BESIX, Plenary Group, Mazrui International, and United Engineering Construction. This collaboration combines international infrastructure expertise, facilities management proficiency, and local UAE investment.

“By leveraging our expertise as an industrial equity provider and our leadership in the PPP domain, we are committed to setting new benchmarks and demonstrating the transformative power of public-private partnerships in driving community and economic development,” said Peter Lembrechts, General Manager of BESIX Middle East.

KUnnected Living represents a partnership rooted in synergy. With the support and trust of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIO) and Khalifa University, KUnnected Living is well-positioned to drive this project forward, noted Elias Sfeir, Head of Concessions & Assets, BESIX Middle East.

“A key component of our facility management team is to enhance student satisfaction through well-maintained facilities, reliable equipment, a clean, safe, hygienic living environment, and seamless service delivery. This commitment to operational excellence is at the core of our facility management approach,” noted Eric Tranchant, Head of Operations and Maintenance – Concessions & Assets, BESIX Middle East.

The Khalifa University accommodation will cover 114,000sqm on two sites and with a capacity of 3,260 beds. It will prioritise individual ensuite rooms, green spaces, natural light, and student-centric amenities, ensuring an optimal living and learning environment.

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Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced plans to build Africa’s largest airport in Abusera a critical element of the airline’s 15-year plan to become one of the most competitive aviation groups in the world. Building on a 78-year track record, Ethiopian operates Africa’s most modern fleet to more than 150 destinations across five continents, said a statement.

The airport’s location allows the airline to meet the International Air Transport Association’s forecasts of more growth over the next decade. Growing beyond Bole International Airport, Abusera’s lower altitude will elevate aircraft take-off performance, while an express rail link to Addis Ababa facilitates connectivity.

In its first phase scheduled for 2029, the airport will have capacity for 60m passengers annually almost three times Africa’s current busiest airport creating thousands of jobs to serve Ethiopian’s expanding customer base and fleet. Ultimately, the airport will serve 110m passengers annually four times the capacity of Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian’s CEO Mesfin Tasew stated, “With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation.”

To deliver this transformational new project, Ethiopian Airlines awarded a consultancy contract to a consortium led by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Pascall+Watson Architects, Landrum&Brown, and TY Lin.

Dar, TY Lin, and Landrum&Brown belong to Sidara, a global collaborative that ranks first in aviation (Engineering News Record 2023). ZHA brings design expertise and a record of acclaimed airport projects, while Pascall+Watson Architects has completed over 2,000 aviation projects across 70 airports, the statement noted.

These companies will cover technical advisory, engineering, project management, and construction supervision services for passenger facilities, airline support facilities, two Code 4E parallel runways along with associated airfield infrastructure, and other major airport facilities and infrastructure.

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EDL Anlagenbau Gesellschaft mbH (EDL) has been commissioned by Puraglobe Holding GmbH (Puraglobe) to engineer another HyLube plant. The client will build the fourth used oil re-refining plant, this time outside Europe. In this new project EDL will be responsible for basic and detail engineering with the necessary adjustments to the non-European location. The official signing of the contract was celebrated in May.

Puraglobe is the only manufacturer of API Group III/III+ base oils based on waste oil worldwide. The company invested an undisclosed sum into the construction of the HyLube3 plant, which was successfully commissioned in spring 2024.

In the EPCm project, 430t of piping and pipe support material, around 50km of cable, around 1,200 instruments, 10,000t of concrete and 1,000t of steel work were installed. Particularly challenging was the very limited space available for installation. Therefore, detailed planning and assembly sequence scheduling had to consider the limited pre-assembly options and the delivery of equipment by the required deadlines.

“We are delighted to be working with Puraglobe again. As the previous plants, HyLube 4 will also produce sought-after base oils, which are urgently needed due to their high quality and lower CO2 emissions. For these reasons, there is a high demand on them on the market,” says Luis Villalobos, Director Project Execution at EDL.

The 47m fractionating column, which was completed horizontally and then lifted into place in the previous project, the HyLube2 plant, was lifted into place, scaffolded and completed step by step with steel platforms, pipelines and other components in the HyLube3 project. There were also changes to the political situation in February 2022, which had a particular impact on the procurement of materials at equipment manufacturers. Irrespective of all these challenges, the plant was mechanically completed on schedule. It was handed over to Puraglobe in spring 2024 and went into proper operation, said the statement.

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Australia’s federal and state governments have appointed CPB Contractors, a subsidiary of Australia-based Cimic Group, to develop the Tram Grade Separation Projects in Adelaide. The Cimic Group said the scope of work for the projects includes works at three locations along the Glenelg Tram Line in Adelaide.

The project will be delivered in-conjunction with several other firms including: Arup, Aurecon, McConnell Dowell and Mott MacDonald.

“Works along the tram corridor, modifications of the existing tram overpass at South Road, replacement of the level crossings at Marion Road, Cross Road and Morphett Road with tram overpasses, intersection upgrades, tram depot upgrades at Glengowrie, and a temporary tram maintenance depot on Peacock Road on the edge of the CBD,” stated Cimic Group.

The plan also calls for signal upgrades along the tram corridor and the creation of new public spaces, said Cimic Group.

“These upgrades will be critical to supporting economic growth in South Australia and reducing travel times for motorists, buses, freight and airport traffic, while promoting sustainable urban growth and low emission, healthy transport choices for commuters,” noted Cimic Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria.

Major construction is expected to begin later in 2024, while level crossings will be removed by the end of 2025. Site investigations for planning are said to already be underway.

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Etihad Rail has launched its Sustainable Finance Framework, a guided design to link the company’s future financing to its ESG Strategy in relation to clean transportation, green buildings and pollution prevention and control.

Commenting on the launch, Ali Tabbal, Chief Financial Officer at Etihad Rail said: “The introduction of our Sustainable Finance Framework is a testament to Etihad Rail’s commitment to integrate and uphold sustainable practices in all our operations. Through responsible financial practices, we are further underscoring this dedication by driving positive environmental and social impact in the region across the transportation, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.”

“This framework is a pivotal element of our broader ESG strategy, directly aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a clear roadmap for integrating ESG considerations into investment decisions, empowering companies to generate long-term sustainable value. By doing so, we are not only fostering a transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy but also supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and contributing to the nation’s vision for a sustainable future,” he concluded.

It was developed in collaboration with various industry members along with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, who served as co-ESG advisors, providing expertise and insights to ensure it aligns to the Green Loan and Bond Principles.

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An investor has been secured by the provincial government of Bali, Indonesia for a US $20bn subway project. The new system of trains is meant to reduce congestion on existing road infrastructure.

The infrastructure development’s project manager PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya (SBDJ) notes that construction is expected to start in September. The scheme will run through four phases and introduce an underground rail network between Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International airport and the country’s popular tourist destinations.

Work will include construction of transportation infrastructure, including tunnels and subway tracks, and utility infrastructure for telecommunications, water, electric and waste, according to a report.

SBDJ President Director Ari Ashkara, via a government statement, said a groundbreaking was expected in September.

Phases one and two, which will run new lines from Ngurah Rai airport to Cemagi and from the airport to Nusa Dua, respectively, are projected to finish in 2031 and cost $10.8bn. The entirety of the second phase and a portion of phase one should finished in 2028, Ashkara remarked.

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Emaar Properties has delivered solid results for the first half of 2024, with a 17% jump in its total revenue, which grew to $3.9bn, and a net profit before tax of $2.1bn, up 33% over last year.

Announcing its financial results for H1, Emaar said its strategy to improve profit margins and optimise operational efficiencies resulted in the company achieving a 24% growth in Ebitda, which rose to $2.2bn in the first six months of 2024.

The Dubai developer outperformed its Q1 2024 group property sales in Q2, resulting in record group property sales across H1 of $8.6bn, a 56% growth compared to H1 2023. This improved performance was driven by sustained investors’ confidence and robust demand in Dubai’s real estate market, strong project execution capability, as well as continued growth in tourism and retail sales.

On the company’s solid performance, Founder Mohamed Alabbar said: “Emaar delivered remarkable results in the first half of the year, reflecting our commitment to long-term success and customer satisfaction. Our strategic investments in key locations and other major assets have yielded impressive returns.”

“With a clear vision and pragmatic approach, we maximise value for our stakeholders. We are confident in executing our business strategies and proud of our significant contribution to Dubai’s economic landscape and reinforcing its global leading position,” Alabbar concluded.

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Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) has announced its new district cooling plant in Dubai’s Deira district. This follows the recent award of the main construction contract for the facility. The new plant will serve over 46 buildings within the Deira Waterfront development.

The project aims to transform and upgrade the district by creating 20 residential communities featuring apartments, distinctive commercial spaces and modern offices, while preserving Deira’s heritage and cultural character.

The company indicated that advanced technologies will be incorporated into the operations of the Deira Waterfront district cooling plant. Technologies such as Thermal Energy Storage (TES), which optimises the energy usage during peak and off-peak hours, and Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE), which helps conserve fresh water, will be integrated into the plant.

The work is progressing on schedule, as per the statement from the firm, under the direct supervision of Empower’s in-house project team. The new plant will be completed in two phases, reaching a total production capacity of 39,000 refrigeration ton (RT). The first phase, with a capacity of approximately 20,000 RT of environmentally friendly cooling, is expected to become operational by the end of June 2025.

With a claimed 80% of the Dubai district cooling market share, Empower said it will continue to invest significantly, its commitment includes upgrading and developing its facilities and technical staff to meet the growing demand for its services from various segments.

“Our teams are increasing their efforts to provide reliable and high-quality district cooling services to customers across Dubai. Empower is committed to expanding its projects and operations to meet the growing demand for district cooling,” said HE Ahmad bin Shafar, Chief Executive Officer of Empower.

“These efforts will result in developing our infrastructure, expanding distribution networks, increasing the number of cooling plants, and targeting new areas to be covered by district cooling systems such as the Deira Waterfront. This will contribute to expanding our customer base to reach around 140,000 by the end of the year,” he concluded.

The new plant is designed according to international standards, taking into account sustainable green building standards and Dubai’s recent urban developments, and in harmony with the overall aesthetic appearance of the area and the exterior of the buildings in the development, according to the statement.

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