Developer Arada has awarded two contracts for the next phase of Sharjah’s Aljada megaproject, which aims to build 2,210 homes. These contracts, valued at US $555mn, cover the main construction activities across 14 residential blocks.

China Tiesiju Civil Engineering Group, a subsidiary of China Railway Group, will construct the 5 Nesba buildings on East Boulevard and the 5 Safa buildings on West Boulevard. Both contracts are expected to be completed within 26 months, with all blocks scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2028, ahead of the completion of one of the community’s key attractions, Madar Mall.

The contract for The Gate blocks 3-6, located at the southern entrances of the community, has been awarded to Kuwait-headquartered Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi and Sons, said to be one of the most experienced contractors in the region. The company has also collaborated with Arada on other projects in Aljada, Masaar, and Nasma Residences.

Each construction contract involves the delivery of modern apartment blocks, featuring units ranging from 1 bedroom residences to 4 bedroom family spaces. Smart home technologies will be integrated into all buildings as standard features.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada said, “These large-scale contracts reflect our confidence in the local market and our determination to continue to aggressively deliver on our projects across the UAE. They mark a major milestone in the ongoing development of Aljada, and reflect the extraordinary buyer interest we continue to see in this community. These new buildings will be delivered alongside major upcoming components of Aljada, including Madar Mall and the Arada Central Business District, reinforcing our commitment to creating a transformational, lifestyle-led destination.”

The Nesba and Safa communities are characterised by contemporary, light-filled architecture and are situated adjacent to Aljada’s iconic sports park, currently under construction and slated to open by the end of 2026. This 400,000sqft landscaped complex will boast a full-size football pitch, five-a-side fields, and courts for padel, basketball, volleyball, squash, and badminton. Additionally, there will be cycling and jogging tracks and adventure play areas for children.

The Gate 3-4 is a 2-building complex located at the main entrance of East Boulevard, directly opposite SABIS International School – Aljada. The Gate 5-6, another 2 building cluster, is positioned at the West Boulevard entrance, near the northwest corner of the community and directly opposite Raffles World Academy Aljada, which is currently under construction and expected to open for the 2026-2027 academic year.

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Azizi Developments has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyprlift, a US-based innovator in advanced vertical transportation systems. The purpose of this agreement is to explore the potential application of ropeless elevator systems in selected Dubai developments.

The 2 parties will collaborate on technical studies, integration planning, and feasibility assessments. These assessments will evaluate the end-to-end requirements of the project, covering various aspects such as design, installation, testing, commissioning, operations, and ongoing maintenance.

Hyprlift, headquartered in California, specialises in the development of self-propelled, modular, ropeless elevator systems. These systems offer an alternative approach to vertical transportation, providing greater architectural flexibility, multi-directional movement, increased transport capacity, and more efficient utilisation of building cores.

Group CEO, Farhad Azizi said, “Innovation is central to our approach. Through this collaboration with Hyprlift, we are exploring elevator systems that could improve performance and comfort, while unlocking new possibilities in building design. This framework supports our focus on infrastructure-led development and long-term value.”

Hyprlift Founder and CEO James Hutchinson added, “The MoU reflects a shared ambition to rethink vertical mobility and place advanced technology at the heart of modern buildings. Azizi Developments’ interest in our self-propelled, ropeless elevator systems signals a growing recognition that the future of intelligent buildings depends on reimagining how people move within them.”

Azizi said it currently has around 150,000 units under construction, valued at tens of billions of dollars.

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Dubai’s RTA has inaugurated 2 bridges as part of the Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which forms part of Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project. The project contributes to linking Al Asayel Street with Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street.

The first bridge serves traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Al Wasl Club Street, while the second bridge carries traffic from Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road towards Business Bay Crossing, the RTA said.

The RTA announced that 72% of the overall project has been completed, and 70% of the tunnel construction works have also been completed. The tunnel will serve traffic from Dubai–Al Ain Road towards the Oud Maitha service road. Works are currently underway to complete additional road expansions and bridge structures, which are expected to open in the third quarter of this year.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said that the development project is being implemented under the directives of the leadership to complement the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development and accommodate the emirate’s ongoing urban expansion and population growth.

The project is among the key road infrastructure developments, encompassing the upgrade of 4 major intersections, including the construction of bridges and 2 tunnels extending 4.3km, in addition to roads extending 14km.

“The project serves several key service facilities, residential communities, and development zones, most notably Za’abeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Maitha, and Umm Hurair, in addition to major destinations such as Latifa Hospital and Al Wasl Club. The population of the areas served by the project is projected to exceed 420,000 residents by 2030,” Al Tayer added.

The project will increase the traffic-carrying capacity of Oud Maitha Street from 10,400 vehicles per hour in both directions to 15,600 vehicles per hour, representing an increase of 50%. It will also reduce average journey time from 20 minutes to 5 minutes, reflecting an improvement of 75%.

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The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has announced that operations remain uninterrupted despite current regional developments. The company said it has activated its protocols and is collaborating closely with the relevant authorities to safeguard its people, assets, and operations.

Business units are conducting a product-by-product and transaction-by-transaction assessment of the situation, taking into account the ongoing disruption impacting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. ADNOC continues to utilise export capacity that bypasses the strait and its international storage facilities, thereby ensuring the continuity of supply to global markets, the energy company said.

ADNOC’s sales and trading teams are proactively reaching out to customers whose shipment schedules may be affected, the firm said it values its commercial partnerships and will continue to provide the latest information directly to them.

The company said it is carefully managing offshore production levels to meet storage requirements, while ensuring the safety of its people, assets, and facilities. This approach maintains operational flexibility and allows the company to resume normal operations without significant delays.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai has issued Law No. (3) of 2026 on the quality and safety of buildings in the emirate of Dubai. Provisions of the law will apply to all buildings across Dubai, including those in private development zones and free zones such as the DIFC, whether built before or after its enactment.

The law aims to ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of buildings in Dubai by maintaining structural integrity, ensuring regular maintenance and supporting the safe operation of all systems. It also seeks to enhance occupant comfort, reduce accidents, protect lives and property, and preserve the emirate’s urban identity.

Dubai Municipality is responsible for ensuring building safety and quality by developing a digital management system, maintaining a unified building database, conducting periodic assessments, setting standards for sustainability, and implementing measures and procedures to safeguard buildings, lives, and property. It also oversees maintenance, investigates incidents, applies corrective actions, promotes modern technologies, regulates materials, and manages the digital building portal, said a statement.

The law defines the roles of authorities overseeing construction in Dubai, including the Dubai Municipality, along with authorities supervising private developments and freezones such as the DIFC. It also requires that a Quality and Safety Certificate be issued only after a licensed engineering office or firm conducts a comprehensive inspection and assessment of the building’s structural and technical condition, following the law’s provisions and related procedures.

According to the law, the owner of a building, including unit owners under Law No. (6) of 2019 on Joint Property Ownership in Dubai, must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate after the building’s completion, ensure any defects identified in inspections are corrected, and follow the procedures set by the relevant authority.

Under the law, building owners must hire a licensed engineering office to assess the building and prepare a technical report for the Quality and Safety Certificate, carry out periodic maintenance for buildings under 20 years old, and fix any defects that threaten structural safety, lives, property, or surrounding buildings. Owners must allow authority inspections, enable repair works, and continue maintenance even after obtaining the certificate. The law also defines the responsibilities of building management and the engineering office and sets rules for authority inspections to ensure the building meets certification requirements.

The validity of the Quality and Safety Certificate is 10 years for buildings less than 40 years old from the date of their completion certificate, and 5 years for buildings 40 years or older. The certificate can be renewed for similar periods, with the conditions and procedures for renewal determined by a decision issued by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai (TEC).

According to the law, in cases where a building is approved for demolition, the rules for vacating tenants set out in Law No. (26) of 2007 on Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Dubai and its amendments apply. Tenants who vacate under this law have priority to return to the building after reconstruction or completion of maintenance and repairs, at the same rental value agreed in their original lease, unless otherwise agreed by both parties. Violators of the law or its decisions face fines from US $27 to US $272, 294, with repeat offences within 2 years subject to doubled fines up to US $544,588.

Relevant authorities may also suspend building permits, stop any transactions or approvals related to the building with government or private entities, including the Dubai Land Department, and halt lease certifications for units in the building until the violations are corrected. Imposing fines or administrative measures does not prevent holding the violator accountable under civil or criminal law, and engineering offices or contractors remain responsible for fulfilling their legal obligations.

The law permits anyone subject to a decision, action, or measure under this law to submit a written appeal to the Municipality’s DG or relevant authority within 30 days from being notified. A committee will resolve the appeal within 30 days, and its decision is final. The law allows the authorities to seek help from government bodies, including the police, who must assist promptly, the statement explained.

Building owners, contractors, and engineering offices must comply within 1 year from the law’s effective date. The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai may extend this deadline if necessary. The DG of the Dubai Municipality or relevant authority issues decisions to implement the law, except those reserved for the Chairman of TEC. Any provisions in other laws that conflict with this law are annulled. The law will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect 60 days after publication.

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Dubai Residential REIT has secured approval from its shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to distribute US $150mn in cash dividends for the second half of 2025. This decision reflects the strength of REIT’s portfolio and its confidence in Dubai’s residential leasing market.

Managed by DHAM REIT Management, the REIT sets the benchmark for the city’s residential real estate market. Last year, the Dubai Residential REIT delivered solid results, reporting revenue of US $531mn, up 9% year-on-year, supported by portfolio occupancy of 98.3% and tenant retention of 88%, the company said.

Nabil Mohammad Ramadhan, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Dubai Residential REIT said, “The approval of the cash dividend for the second half of 2025 is an important outcome for unit holders and reflects strength in the REIT’s portfolio, operating model and confidence in Dubai’s residential leasing market. With total cash dividends of $300mn for 2025, we have delivered in line with the distribution guidance provided at the time of listing.”

“Looking ahead, we remain committed to strong governance, prudent leverage, and balanced capital allocation, while continuing to progress our committed growth pipeline and maintain our distribution policy of paying out at least 80% of our net profit. Dubai’s real estate and residential leasing markets remain supported by diversified demand and a well-established regulatory framework, reinforcing confidence in their resilience,” he added.

“Against this backdrop, REIT’s long-term fundamentals remain stable, underpinned by a diversified portfolio, high occupancy, recurring rental income and disciplined balance sheet management. Net Profit before changes in the fair value of investment property increased by 14.5% to $307mn, reinforcing the strength of the underlying earnings and cash generation supporting the dividend,” he concluded.

REIT’s portfolio comprises 21 integrated communities, each with over 35,700 homes, serving more than 140,000 residents. These communities span 4 key segments: Premium, Community, Affordable, and Corporate Housing. The cash dividends being distributed are equivalent to 4.2 fils per unit, resulting in a total payout of $299mn for the year ended 31 December 2025, the statement noted.

The dividend amount is equivalent to 8.5 fils per unit, which translates to a gross dividend yield of 7.7% on the IPO price. Additionally, it accounts for 86% of the net profit before changes in the fair value of investment property, according to the statement.

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Developer TownX has collaborated with Regeny, an electric vehicle (EV) charging solution provider, to establish 29 EV charging spots at Luma Park Views, located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for Luma Park Views, as it will now boast the highest number of EV charging slots in a single tower in the city. This expansion aligns with TownX’s commitment to sustainability and the advancement of the future of transportation. It represents a substantial step towards fostering a greener and more sustainable urban environment, said a statement.

Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director at TownX stated, “Today’s announcement is a monumental step for both TownX and the city of Dubai. With the highest number of EV charging spots at Luma Park Views, we’re taking bold strides in supporting the future of clean transportation. This move underscores our dedication to sustainability and the reduction of our carbon footprint, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a green and innovative future.”

Anish Racherla, CEO, Regeny commented, “We are thrilled to collaborate with TownX to install and operate EV charging spots at Luma Park Views. This partnership not only supports the growing demand for EVs in Dubai but also aligns with our mission to provide reliable and eco-friendly charging solutions. Together, we are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable Dubai.”

In addition to this partnership, TownX has appointed Green Parking, the industry’s provider of retail parking management, to oversee the parking operations for the over 20,000sqft of retail space within the development. This collaboration ensures efficient and innovative management of parking facilities, thereby enhancing the overall retail experience for visitors.

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Developer Arada has expanded its emergency accommodation support in response to flight cancellations caused by regional unrest that stranded travellers in the UAE. The developer said it has opened 150 free rooms at Aljada in Sharjah.

This initiative follows the initial allocation of 100 rooms at Nest Hotel, which was fully booked. Consequently, Arada released an additional 50 rooms. The 395-room Nest Hotel at Aljada is currently operating at 95% occupancy, accommodating affected travelers. Rooms at The Nest Campus are available on a first-come, first-served basis for stays of up to 7-days.

Rosa Piro, Director of Arada Foundation said, “Supporting communities in times of need both at home and abroad is at the heart of the Arada Foundation’s mission. When we saw how many travellers were affected by flight cancellations, we wanted to ensure that families had a safe and welcoming place to stay while they make their onward plans. By opening additional rooms at Nest, we hope to extend that support to as many people as possible during this challenging time.”

All guests receive full-board accommodation, including 3-meals daily. During Ramadan, Muslim guests are provided with iftar and suhoor at the Alsimrah Ramadan tent at East Boulevard in Aljada, offering a welcoming communal setting for affected travellers observing the holy month.

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Dubai Municipality has awarded contracts for 5 new projects under Phase Two of the Tasreef Program to expand and strengthen Dubai’s stormwater drainage network.

Cumulatively valued at US $681mn, the new projects will serve 30 vital areas spanning approximately 430m sqm and supporting an estimated population of 3m residents by 2040.

Dubai Municipality signed the contracts with DeTech Contracting and China State Construction Engineering Corporation, alongside specialised consultancy firms. The package includes 3 contracts for projects to be executed and 2 contracts for the study and design of drainage systems in selected areas across the emirate.

The announcement builds on the projects awarded in April 2025 under Phase One of the Tasreef Program, reflecting the municipality’s phased and strategic approach to strengthening stormwater infrastructure and enhancing the city’s readiness to address climate challenges and rapid urban expansion.

The new projects represent a step towards building a comprehensive drainage system that reduces flood risks, improves infrastructure efficiency and sustainability, and enhances quality of life across the emirate, in alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and national climate neutrality objectives.

H.E. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, DG of Dubai Municipality, affirmed that the Tasreef Program is one of the emirate’s most important infrastructure initiatives, supporting Dubai’s focus on long-term sustainability and reflecting its proactive approach to urban planning.

Ghalita said, “The Tasreef Program represents a practical model of long-term strategic planning adopted by Dubai Municipality across the management of the city’s operations and infrastructure assets. Our goal is to develop an integrated system for stormwater management and drainage that enhances city readiness, preserves resource sustainability, and safeguards the safety and quality of life of residents and visitors, reinforcing Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live and work.”

Adel Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality added, “The new projects under Phase Two of the Tasreef Program mark an advanced step in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Dubai’s stormwater drainage system, increasing network capacity in key areas and strengthening infrastructure readiness to address climate challenges, while ensuring service continuity and elevating safety standards and quality of life.”

As part of the execution contracts, a main tunnel with a diameter of up to 4m will be constructed to connect urban communities along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Yalayis Road to Dubai Municipality’s primary stormwater drainage network. The project will increase hydraulic capacity, enhance operational flexibility, and support sustainable urban growth in one of the emirate’s most dynamic development corridors.

The projects also include the development of an integrated stormwater drainage network extending more than 27kms between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jamayel Road, comprising advanced tunnels and network systems. The works will serve transport corridors and strengthen infrastructure resilience in a key industrial and logistics zone, support business continuity, and reduce water accumulation risks.

To enhance stormwater management in inland areas, the program includes the construction of a drainage tunnel and a modern pumping station along the Dubai-Al Ain Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street to regulate water collection and discharge, alongside the creation of a strategic stormwater collection lake.

Dubai Municipality has also awarded design contracts for an integrated stormwater and groundwater drainage system in Al Marmoom and Saih Al Salam, linking the areas to the main drainage network along Al Qudra Road. The initiative will support tourism and residential development, while maintaining ecological balance in line with the highest sustainability standards.

This new package of projects under the $8.2bn Tasreef Program reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to developing smart, resilient infrastructure based on advanced engineering solutions, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in sustainability, infrastructure excellence, and urban resilience.

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DIFC Square has opened ahead of schedule, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced. DIFC said the offering responds to “unprecedented demand for office space within the centre, underpinned by 100% pre-leasing levels prior to handover.”

The project reflects DIFC’s position as the region’s leading financial centre, which continues to attract new companies at an unprecedented rate, while also providing expansion opportunities for existing clients, said a statement from DIFC.

To support expansion plans, some existing registered companies are either relocating to larger premises at DIFC Square or expanding their footprint by securing additional space there. These companies include Bank of Singapore, Deutsche Bank, Gallagher Insurance, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Moody’s and TP ICAP, it explained.

DFIC said the move demonstrates the significance of DIFC and Dubai as a prominent financial centre that enables scale and expansion. It said that tenants who have received offices have already commenced fit-out works.

DIFC continues to help clients identify the most suitable space across the district, and the movement of existing tenants into DIFC Square will provide 100,000sqft of capacity in DIFC’s sought-after Gate District and Gate Village, it added.

Saleh Al Akrabi, Chief Real Estate Officer at DIFC Investments said: “We are pleased to announce the completion of DIFC Square ahead of schedule, underpinning our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure that enables businesses to scale and thrive. The exceptional demand from new international firms and the sustained expansions of our registered companies is a strong endorsement of the resilience and attractiveness of our ecosystem. Financial centres of the future focus on innovation, being sustainable, digitally inclusive and customer centric. At DIFC, we are ensuring that all our real estate projects align with this vision, while playing a critical role in ensuring the quality of life that attracts and retains global talent in Dubai as a top four global financial centre.”

Developed by DIFC Developments within a 24-month design and construction timeframe, DIFC Square provides 600,000sqft of office space built to meet the evolving needs of global businesses. The development forms an ensemble of three interconnected glass façade buildings with dedicated parking facilities and retail spaces. Some renowned outlets set to establish within the development include Duck & Rice, Saddle, Hudson & Rye, Liban, and Cakes & Bubbles, said the statement.

DIFC Square is said to be part of the centre’s ambitious plans to deliver 1.6m sqft of commercial space in 2026 and 2027, including DIFC Living, Innovation Two and Immersive Tower, demonstrating its proactive response to sustained demand for premium office space and its commitment to supporting the next phase of growth across financial services, innovation and professional services sectors.

Reflecting DIFC’s ongoing efforts to foster a smarter and more sustainable future, and in line with other DIFC infrastructure, DIFC Square has been built to LEED standards, with certification by the US Green Building Council due imminently, the statement confirmed.

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