WOW Resorts has entered a “prestigious agreement with the esteemed” JW Marriott to announce the unveiling of a jewel in the crown of Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE – the JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island.

The development, with an estimated value of USD 1.3 Billion upon completion, “will stand as a beacon in Marriott International’s luxury portfolio, a testament to its iconic stature on Al Marjan Island, a cherished destination for tourists and investors alike,” said the two partners..

The founders of WOW Resorts, Anwar Ali Aman and Bhupender ‘Bruce’ Patel, representatives of Marriott International and the respected Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, were all present during the resort and residences’ unveiling at a ceremony held at the Marriott Resort on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

The partners said the exclusive collaboration marks the birth of the first JW Marriott-branded resort and residences on Al Marjan Island, and is expected to attract over five million visitors annually, “thereby enhancing the island’s stature on the world map of tourism and opulent living.”

Described as an “architectural masterpiece”, the project is designed by celebrity Beverly Hills Architect Tony Ashai with Dubai-based Lead Consultants Architecture Design Unit, ADU.

“Anticipated to open its doors towards the end of 2026, JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island herald WOW Resorts’ debut in the UAE’s Northern Emirates, a favoured destination for leisure and luxury. With a legacy of over two and a half decades crafting hospitality and real estate projects across North America, WOW Resorts are bringing yet another exemplar. The newly announced development promises to redefine the very essence of hospitality and residential opulence. Infused with bold design and premium experiences, for which the JW Marriott brand is celebrated, this new establishment is designed as an exquisite haven for both vacationers and those seeking the pinnacle of luxury resort living. This extraordinary property caters to aspiring homeowners, the discerning globetrotter of tomorrow, nature enthusiasts, and aficionados of aquatic sports,” said WOW Resorts and JW Marriott in a statement.

Comprising an exclusive portfolio of 524 residences, featuring a selection of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom residences and luxurious penthouses, alongside 300 meticulously appointed guest rooms, JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island are set against the backdrop of breathtaking turquoise waters, offering uninterrupted vistas of the vast ocean: “The allure extends to the many amenities that grace this sanctuary, including a curated selection of seven distinctive dining venues, an indulgent spa, refreshing pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. These aspects, among others, render this property an irresistible proposition for discerning investors. Positioned conveniently, the property is a leisurely thirty-minute drive from the RAK airport, and less than an hour’s journey from the Dubai International Airport, ensuring the utmost in accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

Anwar Ali Aman, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of WOW Resorts, expressed his gratitude for the prestigious partnership and said: “It is a privilege to work with the prestigious Marriott International and Al Marjan Island to unveil our flagship project in one of UAE’s most eagerly anticipated developments. We are humbled by the opportunity to further enrich our portfolio in the luxury sector, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership for their efforts in enhancing investments in the tourism, hospitality, and residential segments within the region.”

Bhupender ‘Bruce’ Patel, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of WOW Resorts, conveyed his profound pride in the forthcoming property.

“Our collaboration with Marriott International and our venture on Al Marjan Island represents a new chapter in our journey,” said Patel. “With the demand for waterfront living on the rise, we are committed to optimising and elevating the experiences of all our cherished guests and residents as we embark on this remarkable project in the UAE, set on the enchanting Al Marjan Island, a prime investment destination in the region.”

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, added: “We are delighted to welcome JW Marriott and WOW Resorts to our flagship development, in line with our commitment to creating unparalleled living experiences for residents and guests on Al Marjan Island. JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island, are a luxury offering that will boost investment opportunities for both homeowners and tourists keen on enjoying the perks of waterfront living in prime leisure hubs. Al Marjan Island offers a perfect blend of luxury and nature and with excellent returns on investment, it further reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as an investment and lifestyle destination.”

Jaidev Menezes, Regional VP, Mixed-Use Development EMEA for Marriott International described the project as truly unique, adding that it “will provide an unparalleled experience for visitors and residents alike. With its stunning beaches, luxurious outlets, and world-class amenities, Al Marjan Island is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. We look forward to its continued success.”

Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Marjan Island in particular, have witnessed a consistent and steady demand for residential and tourism developments, indicating a positive outlook for real estate investment opportunities in the northern emirate. The sustainable growth in Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market and the appeal of waterfront living experiences have further attracted investors from across the globe, making Al Marjan Island a prime destination for lucrative returns on investment.

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In response to several requests for additional time to submit nominations for the 2023 edition of the Big Project Middle East Awards, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has decided to extend the nomination deadline to 10pm on 23 November.

The date of the gala dinner remains unchanged – 18 January 2024 – and the BPME Awards will be returning to the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai to unveil the shortlist, and winners, in each category, the BPME editorial team confirmed.

The 2023 edition of the BPME Awards has been revamped significantly, and now features 31 categories that enable government organisations, developers, contractors, construction specialists, construction teams and individuals, greater opportunities to participate and compete with their peers from across the Middle East. For the first time in its 14 year history, the BPME Awards is recognising mentors in the built environment, construction/project teams, and has further segmented the developer and contractor categories. You can read about all the categories by clicking here.

“Now in its 14^th year, the Big Project Middle East Awards carry significant recognition in the region, so making the shortlist or bagging an award is a sure-fire way to earn significant industry credibility. Taking into consideration how much the industry has evolved over the years, I felt the time was right to expand the BPME Awards programme, and judging by the nominations we’ve received so far, the move has been well received,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

As categories have been updated and changed compared to past editions of the BPME Awards, the editorial team stated that companies and individuals should pay close attention to category descriptions, in order to make sure they qualify for the category, and can submit a strong nomination. The BPME team also advised firms to look at the broader nomination guidelines here.

Following the close of nominations on 23 November, the BPME editorial team will collate all the nominations and begin the first round of eliminations. The second round of eliminations will then take place with a panel of industry judges. Ahead of the awards gala in January, the shortlist will be unveiled on Middle East Construction News, with winners announced on the night of 18 January at the Ritz Carlton JBR. Click here to nominate now.

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Batelco, part of the Beyon Group, has signed an agreement with Naseej, one of Bahrain’s leading real estate development companies, to provide smart home solutions for its Nasayim residential project located in Arad, Muharraq.

Through this partnership, Batelco will equip the Nasayim villas with the latest technologies, creating smart enabled homes that will provide homeowners with convenience, efficiency in power consumption, security systems and personalised settings.

The agreement was signed by Naseej CEO, Amin Al Arrayed, and Batelco Chief Operating Officer, Maitham Abdulla in the presence of representatives from both companies.

Amin Al Arrayed commented: “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Batelco, appointing them as our Technology Partner for the Nasayim villa project. We look forward to leveraging Batelco’s ICT expertise in enabling these homes as smart homes for the affordable sector.

“We are confident that these smart enabled homes will provide high value to their owners for many years to come without incurring the hassle of modifying or redesigning them in the years ahead, paving the way for a more prosperous future in the housing sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. With our strategic tie-up, we aim to deliver the highest standards of quality in our product offering, thereby serving clients with enhanced value and distinguishing Naseej’s projects in the market.”

Meanwhile, Maitham Abdulla said that Naseej has proven, through its portfolio of projects, its capabilities in the field of real estate development and it was delighted to be collaborating as the technology partner for their project. “Everyone today”, he explained, “dreams about owning homes that are smart enabled, and Batelco is committed to delivering the technology that will meet the aspirations and needs of Bahraini homeowners. The project combines real estate and innovative technological solutions, and we are looking forward to working with Naseej, unifying our efforts to deliver smart enabled villas in line with the demands for a modern-day lifestyle.”

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In a significant move towards promoting green and sustainable communities, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment held the fourth of eight nationwide COP28 Changemakers Majlis sessions at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. The session, themed “Green and Sustainable Communities,” comes ahead of the much-anticipated COP28 event in the UAE.

Chaired by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and moderated by Eng. Aisha Al Abdooli, the Majlis convened climate leaders and experts from various sectors. Discussions centered on innovations and challenges in creating greener, more sustainable communities within the UAE.

The event was attended by notable figures including H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer of The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohammed Juma’a Al Musharrakh of the Sharjah FDI Office, along with other senior officials and representatives from the private, academic, and entrepreneurial sectors.

The Majlis underscored the importance of building resilient communities adaptable to climate change. Attendees deliberated on collaborations between local governments and the private sector to support these initiatives across the UAE. Technology’s role in facilitating this change was a significant point of discussion.

H.E. Mariam Almheiri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of nature, in line with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She highlighted the UAE’s strides in clean and renewable energy and its commitment to reducing emissions by 40% and achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Discussions at the Majlis also covered sustainable projects like the Sharjah Sustainable City and the need for community awareness in adopting sustainable behaviors. The importance of developing laws to support sustainable investments and practices, such as banning single-use plastic bags, was also stressed.

The Majlis addressed the necessity of integrating knowledge about the green economy and circular economy into educational curriculums, promoting sustainable practices among individuals, and the role of effective communication between government, private sector, and academic institutions in achieving sustainability goals.

The UAE government’s collaboration with private businesses in driving sustainability was evident in various initiatives, such as developing green hydrogen projects, carbon capture and storage, local sourcing of produce, and the establishment of the Rebound Plastic Exchange for trading recycled materials.

On the sidelines of the Majlis, H.E. Mariam Almheiri toured the House of Wisdom, highlighting the facility’s contribution to sustainability and cultural advancement. The House of Wisdom reflects the UAE’s rich heritage and commitment to a sustainable future.

This session of the COP28 Changemakers Majlis marks a significant step in the UAE’s journey towards environmental sustainability and the development of green communities, reinforcing its role as a global leader in climate action.

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Egis, a global player in the consulting and construction engineering sector, said it has entered into an agreement with Nera, Saudi Arabia’s Air Navigation Services (SANS), to collaborate on business development and service delivery in the aviation sector across the kingdom.

Established by SANS earlier this year, Nera is a Saudi company with a mission to symbolise and steer a revolutionary era in the development of aviation in the Middle East and throughout the world.

Nera provides technical and operational solutions to the aviation and navigation industries in order to increase operational effectiveness while adhering to the high standards for safety set by relevant international organisations.

It is anticipated that Nera will become a leading technology company, as well as a global leader in providing operational and innovative solutions and services in the aviation and air navigation sectors.

Following its deal with Nera at the Dubai Airshow yesterday (November 13), the international engineering firm will provide specialised expertise and know-how in Air Traffic Management (ATM), airport development, design, operation, and maintenance in the Middle East as well as around the world.

Egis and Nera will work together to develop a list of projects on which they can collaborate. While Egis has decades-long experience and expertise in aviation engineering, airport operation, and integration of turnkey system solutions, Nera, through its close partnership with SANS and with an existing portfolio of ATM tools and services, is well-placed to provide specialised expertise and know-how in project management, ATM, and related services, as well as system operation and maintenance.

Egis and Nera believe that together, they can bring added value to clients across the areas of consulting, engineering, project management, and operations.

Thanos Deriziotis, Aviation Director, Middle East & South Asia at Egis, commented that: “Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy aims to attract 100 million visitors by 2030, as well as increase the tourism sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to more than 10 percent. A high-performing aviation sector will be key to achieving these ambitions, and this means collaborating and innovating to ensure we not only achieve safe growth, but also target long-term environmental sustainability.”

For more than 50 years, Egis said it has provided end-to-end services to the aviation industry on a global scale. With a prominent presence in Saudi Arabia, Egis’ contribution to the growth of the Saudi aviation industry has always been one of the group’s main strengths.

Egis is currently providing services to several airports in Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, AlUla, and Amaala, and has also recently signed a three-year contract with Matarat to provide consulting services to 26 airports across Saudi Arabia.

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In a significant move aligned with the government’s Year of Sustainability, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has introduced its pioneering electric construction machines to the UAE, marking a major step towards decarbonising construction sites in the region.

The launch of these electric machines, including the ECR25 Electric compact excavator, the 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator, and the 20-ton L120 Electric wheel loader, demonstrates Volvo CE’s commitment to sustainable construction practices. These machines offer the same performance as their diesel counterparts but with additional benefits such as near silence, reduced vibrations, and a more comfortable working environment. They are not only environmentally friendly but also comply with stringent emission regulations, opening up new business opportunities.

These electric units have already demonstrated their efficiency on various global construction sites. Their introduction in the UAE is timely, as the region increasingly embraces electromobility and aims for zero-emission job sites. The UAE government’s focus on sustainability in 2023 further underscores the significance of this introduction.

Volvo CE has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, aiming for net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and significant reductions by 2030. Ilkay Fidan, Volvo CE’s Commercial Area Manager, emphasized the company’s mission to enable the industry’s transition to electric solutions, ensuring power and performance without environmental compromise.

Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment (Famco & Commercial Vehicles), expressed excitement about introducing Volvo’s zero-emission construction machines to the UAE. “This introduction is not just about today’s construction needs but also about shaping a sustainable future for the UAE’s construction sector,” he said.

The electric machines come equipped with charging solutions that enable a full charge in under six hours. Volvo dealers can provide customized calculations for optimal operating time and charging based on specific customer activities. These machines are ideal for operation in noise-sensitive areas, during non-standard hours, and for indoor projects without the need for expensive fume extraction systems.

The arrival of these electric construction machines in the UAE is a milestone in the construction industry’s journey towards sustainability and aligns with the nation’s vision for a greener future. This initiative is expected to set a new standard in the industry, leading the way for more sustainable construction practices.

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Nikken Sekkei, the Japanese architectural, engineering, and urban design firm, has announced the official unveiling of its Dubai-based project, Midori Park.

Located in the Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), the new residential tower and mixed-use development will feature a variety of amenities, including a pool, gym, spa and yoga area, as well as other recreational and social spaces.

Residents will also have access to co-working areas and a children’s playground.

One of the world’s largest practices, Nikken Sekkei said the Midori Park project was designed on behalf of Qube Development, with a vision to revolutionise urban living, prioritising sustainability and well-being through extensive use of biophiliac design.

Fadi Jabri, CEO of Nikken Sekkei Dubai, said: “Midori Park embodies the essence of sustainable luxury living. Our approach places sustainability at its core, emphasising community connectivity and minimised energy consumption while offering exceptional comfort and timeless elegance. Reference to nature has always been a basic principle in Japanese aesthetics. We consider biophilia an essential component of attractive public spaces and are devising diverse ways of incorporating it in the design of urban environments.”

At Midori Park, a signature cascading design of overhanging eaves, shading elements, and vibrant greenery are deployed throughout the complex. A variety of spaces have also been created as dedicated places of reflection and communal gathering.

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Gas Arabian Services, a provider of automation, project management and field services for the energy sector, has announced that it has secured a SAR51m ($13.5m) contract from Advanced Petrochemical to build a pipeline in the Jubail region of KSA.

Advanced Petrochemical is a leading producer and distributor of propylene and polypropylene products in Saudi Arabia. It operates several propylene and polypropylene projects in the kingdom as well as in South Korea and Turkey.

As per the new contract, Gas Arabian Services will provide EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) operations for the pipeline project linked to Jubail United Company.

The entire contract work will be completed within 14 months, stated Gas Arabian Services in its filing to the Saudi bourse.

The financial impact on the company’s financial statements will appear in the 2023-24 reporting period.

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Speaking exclusively to Middle East Construction News (MECN), Nivine Issa, Founder & Managing Director of Terra Nexus has announced the launch of her new firm, and says the organisation “aims to be a catalyst for environmental excellence, leading the way towards improved environmental performance and sustainable growth in the region”.

Based in Dubai, Terra Nexus plans to “provide exceptional environmental consultancy services that empower clients to make informed decisions, minimise their ecological footprint and support their sustainability vision,” Issa explains.

Asked about the inspiration that drove her to launch the firm, Issa responds, “With everything that’s happening in the region, the transformation and unprecedented focus on sustainable development, Net Zero plans and environmental targets, there has never been a better time for a new player in the market. Coupling this with my love for the environmental services industry and passion in building strong multidisciplinary teams really pushed me to build Terra Nexus and help bring environmental excellence in the region to new heights.”

Issa is a veteran of the regional built environment and has worked in the environment consultancy sphere on some of the most impressive projects in the region. Her most recent role was Partner and Global Director of Environment at AESG, where she built one of the largest multidisciplinary environmental teams and spearheaded the company’s growth in multiple verticals and sectors.

Asked to expand on the firm’s service offering and how Issa plans to ensure her firm stands out in the market, she notes, “We aim to provide exceptional environmental consultancy services that empower our clients to make informed decisions, minimise their ecological footprint and support their sustainability vision. We have come together as a group of environmental experts, with a diverse background, but a firm consistent belief that growth and development can go hand in hand with environmental conservation and consciousness.”

“We combine our extensive local understanding with scientific expertise, innovative thinking, and an integrated approach to deliver practical and effective solutions. Through environmental impact assessment, environmental planning and design, ecological studies and waste management planning, we strive to mitigate environmental risks, enhance ecosystem health, and help create a sustainable future for generations to come.”

She continues, “At Terra Nexus, we are guided by the principle of ‘Building with Nature’, which embodies the comprehensive standards of sustainable development on a quest to achieve equilibrium between anthropogenic development and the natural environment. Our unique service offering will support developers, architects, engineers and planners throughout their development’s lifecycle.

Discussing the Middle East and which markets will be key for her firm, Issa notes that her multidisciplinary team of experts has worked on projects from around the globe.

“We are fortunate to bring all of our knowledge and experience to the region. Having spent the past 13 years in the region, I have had the privilege to work on some of the most complex and ambitious development and advisory projects around the GCC. Our focus at the moment will be on projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where some of the most ambitious sustainability and environmental targets have been set,” she clarifies.

Discussing the opportunities she has identified in the market and whether or not her firm will focus on a specific sector or niche, Issa states, “We have seen the market go through its ups and downs over the past decade, but the environmental consultancy space is as competitive and busy as ever. Terra Nexus brings together a team of experts and partners from around the world, and what sets us apart is not only our expertise and knowledge, but also our unwavering commitment to making a difference on the projects that we work on.”

“With our unique service offering around the full suite of environmental studies, as well as our environmental design planning services, we fill a substantial gap in the market. We have taken the time to invest in an area that we believe will make the most impact on projects in the region, and we will focus on those projects in the built environment and infrastructure sectors.”

Asked about what challenges she anticipates as an entrepreneur, Issa highlights, “As with any business in the region, there will be challenges around staying competitive and sustaining growth with the ever-changing economic landscape of the region; however, we will strive to differentiate ourselves from the competition, provide exceptional services to our clients, and constantly aim to make a positive impact on the projects that we work on.”

Speaking about COP28’s potential impact on the built environment and what she would like to see come from the global event, Issa concludes, “I am extremely proud that Dubai will host this year’s COP, where world leaders and key stakeholders will meet to discuss the most pressing climate action issues. The road to COP28 for the UAE has been an inspiring long journey that started back in 1975.”

She adds, “As someone who is born and raised in the Middle East, and having spent more than a decade in Dubai already, I am committed to investing in Terra Nexus to help support governments and organisations on their quest to improved environmental performance and sustainable growth. I’m extremely proud of the impact this region has had over the past few years on a global scale, and I’m looking forward to witnessing and contributing to further achievements and goals in the environmental space here.”

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