Sobha Realty has unveiled its latest masterplan development in Dubai. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Sobha Central promises to be the next transformative lifestyle hub, rising as a vertical urban sanctuary with six premium residential towers. Backed by Sobha Realty’s Backward Integration Model, the masterplan was unveiled with the first tower slated for delivery December 2029.

Sobha Central is designed as a self contained, future forward address where luxury, lifestyle, and business converge. It offers a mix of amenities, working spaces, entertainment venues, and retail experiences, making it a global hub within itself. The development launches with 1,225 homes, a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences for those seeking accessibility, modern amenities, functional design, and investment.

Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group said, “Sobha Central is a bold expression of our vision to shape the future of urban living in Dubai. Strategically located on the most powerful corridor of the Middle East Sheikh Zayed Road, this development goes beyond architecture to create a self sustained high living community that blends design, connectivity, and functionality. Every element reflects our ‘Art of The Detail’ philosophy, an uncompromising commitment to quality and precision. With Dubai’s real estate market on an upward trajectory, Sobha Central caters to the evolving aspirations of modern homeowners and investors seeking long-term investment value in a vibrant, central location.”

The six towers are linked by an elevated circulation path that connects residents to indoor amenities including the gym, theatre, clubhouse. This pathway extends to select lift cores, providing direct internal access to shopping mall, restaurants, supermarkets, and a Grand Hall for the convenience of both the residents and the surrounding community. The mixed-use project features residential, retail, healthcare and office offerings. The integrated retail podium also delivers a car free shopping & dining experience right at the residents’ doorsteps.

“Recent industry reports highlight Marina, JLT and surrounding corridors among Dubai’s most resilient sub-markets, recording rental yields of 7–10% and consistent capital appreciation; positioning Sobha Central as a prime asset for both end-users and investors,” added Menon.

Outdoors, private themed courtyards are nestled within a central park, offering moments of calm, community, and recreation. Residents will also enjoy open space, with amenities such as landscaped terraces, infinity pools, wellness lounges, and recreational decks.

In line with Sobha Realty’s commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking development, Sobha Central incorporates eco-smart solutions such as double glazed façades, energy efficient HVAC systems, EV charging stations, and advanced district cooling. The use of locally sourced materials further reduces environmental impact and reinforces the brand’s responsible design ethos.

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Meraas has launched a new residential project in Dubai’s d3. The 45-storey Atélis residential project was designed by SOM and will be located on the Creekside shoreline.

Atélis will feature 280 residences with a range of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. Inspired by the UAE’s desert flower, the tower will boast a distinctive facade defined by curved, petal like balconies. The terraces not only create a distinct appearance but also provide shade, enhancing the building’s environmental performance while offering waterfront views and Dubai’s skyline.

Atélis at d3 includes three exclusive duplex sky villas, each of which features a private terrace overlooking the cityscape along with two penthouses with double height living spaces and a statement staircase, combination of space, design, and views.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate said, “We are thrilled to unveil an architectural marvel like Atélis at d3, marking a new era for the city’s creative hub. The iconic tower is destined to set new benchmarks for elevated living, further upholding the dynamic urban landscape of Dubai. Its design embodies the innovation and creativity that defines our city, and we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and the 2040 Urban Master Plan through this exceptional project.”

Atélis at d3 fosters an experience of tranquillity, wellness, and recreation, by a resort like ambiance. The project offers three floors of amenities, with co working spaces, entertainment room, children’s learning area, and a multi-purpose room that extends to the outdoor gardens on the ground floor. One entire floor features spa and wellness amenities, including a gym, infinity pool with lounges and a reading lawn.

The project forms part of d3’s upcoming expansion, which will play a vital role in meeting the demand from global customers in the design, fashion, and creative industries. The expansion project, which includes the development of six Grade-A office buildings, will add more gross leasable area (GLA) to the district, making d3 the destination of choice for creative minds around the world.

The new development will feature office spaces built in line with LEED certification standards, and is set for completion by H1 2028. The project will also include sports facilities, community spaces, ample parking, fine dining options, all surrounding the residential developments.

Meraas’ projects offer a unique blend of people-centric communities rooted in wellness and sustainability, nestled within planned master communities that are instrumental in realising Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan. Committed to luxury, exclusivity, and privacy, this new address is poised to be part of one of the global creative hubs, d3, which houses creative brands, designers, studios, and entrepreneurs.

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ACCIONA Living & Culture has completed the design and execution of Pathway to Peace, a newly inaugurated exhibition curated by the International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar. This exhibition delves into the crucial role of mediation and peace building in shaping the global stage.

Located in the grand ballroom of the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, the exhibition presents a powerful and captivating journey through Qatar’s dedication to peaceful diplomacy and conflict resolution. Pathway to Peace centre, its focus on mediation as a cornerstone of Qatar’s foreign policy, shedding light on the nation’s role as a neutral facilitator in international negotiations and dialogue, the firm explained.

ACCIONA Living & Culture was the driving force behind the design and execution of this project, overseeing every aspect from spatial adaptation and lighting design to the installation of narrative, audiovisual, and interactive content. The result is an environment that embodies the core values of diplomacy, cultural understanding, and cooperation that underpin Qatar’s global initiatives, it added.

This exhibition marks another milestone in ACCIONA’s presence in the region. It further underscores its expertise in designing innovative cultural spaces that inspire, educate, and foster connections among people through storytelling and thoughtful design. ACCIONA Living & Culture, with its presence in the region, continues to deliver cultural projects that inform, inspire, and foster meaningful public engagement.

The project adds to ACCIONA Living & Culture’s portfolio in Qatar. ACCIONA, in collaboration with UCC, spearheaded the design and museography of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, the largest museum globally dedicated to Olympic Games and sports. Additionally, ACCIONA led the design and production of 150 media installations for the National Museum of Qatar, played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of Msheireb Museums, and numerous temporary exhibitions for Qatar Museums, including the Al Jazzera Exhibition and Tales of a Connected World: Lusail Museum.

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Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), a move that now allows UAQ FTZ-registered companies to legally acquire and register freehold property in Dubai under their business name. This collaboration enables businesses to scale, diversify, and root themselves in the UAE’s real estate market.

“We are proud to lead with purpose and enable our investors to participate in Dubai’s thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and institutional support,” said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu’alla,Executive Director of Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority.

The agreement establishes a legal and operational framework between the two government entities, eliminating traditional barriers and facilitating the ownership of strategic real estate assets by licensed businesses that align with their growth roadmaps.

“This is a transformative step for the businesses we support. We’ve consistently positioned UAQ FTZ as a strategic gateway to the UAE. This collaboration now gives our license holders the power to secure real estate assets in Dubai, aligning with their growth ambitions and offering long-term operational stability,” added Johnson M. George,General Manager of UAQ FTZ.

“This partnership reflects Dubai Land Department’s commitment to enabling real estate investment across the UAE through collaboration and innovation. We’re proud to work with UAQ FTZ to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion while upholding regulatory excellence,” noted Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department.

This milestone of inter-governmental cooperation aligns with the UAE’s vision for economic diversification, foreign direct investment growth, and cross-emirate business operations. The resulting benefits span various operational and strategic dimensions. It enables direct freehold ownership under a company name, expedites registrations through integrated digital systems, and ensures transparency in ownership transfers. Both entities have also committed to ongoing regulatory coordination, reinforcing compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.

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BESIX recently secured an award for a marine infrastructure project at SOHAR Port and Freezone in Oman. The project award sees BESIX’s return to the Omani market and marks the expansion of its regional activities beyond the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

The project scope includes constructing a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) jetty, implementing shore protection measures, and developing an advanced drainage network.

The contract will be executed by BESIX, leveraging its marine expertise and record in the Sultanate. The firm says it has completed various marine projects in the region, including the marine works at the Duqm refinery and Sultan Qaboos Port, the seawater intake system in Barka, and earlier developments at Sohar Port. Construction is scheduled to commence in summer 2025 and is expected to last 16 months.

The new LNG jetty will be a crucial component of the infrastructure supporting the Marsa LNG project, which aims to be the Middle East’s first fully solar-powered LNG bunkering hub. By facilitating the safe and efficient transfer of cleaner marine fuel, the jetty contributes significantly to the project’s broader sustainability goals.

Emile Hoogsteden, CEO, SOHAR Port said,  “Partnering with BESIX on this strategic development reinforces our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region. The new LNG jetty is a cornerstone of the Marsa LNG project, and it exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure that positions SOHAR as a leader in green maritime logistics.”

Peter Lembrechts, General Manager, BESIX Middle East added, “This contract represents the trusted collaboration we first established with Sohar Port years ago. We look forward to delivering this project with the same focus, reliability, and excellence that define BESIX across Oman and the Gulf.”

BESIX has been delivering jetties worldwide for several decades. Their portfolio includes jetties such as the South Hook Terminal in the UK, Wheatstone LNG in Australia, LNG Kitimat in Canada, the LNG import terminal in Bahrain, and Ain Sokhna LNG in Egypt.

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Nominations for the 2025 edition of the Digital Construction Awards (DC Awards) will close in less than a week, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed. The BPME team confirmed that nominations will close on 21 May.

Formerly known as the ME Digital Construction Awards, the DC Awards gala event will take place this year at the Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai on 26 June, where the full shortlist and winners will be revealed in each category.

The awards comprise 15 distinct categories designed to recognise trailblazers and innovation across individuals, companies and projects. The BPME editorial team has confirmed that all categories are open to nominations from government organisations, developers, consultants, contractors, integrators/specialists as well as suppliers.

“I’m looking forward to closing nominations next week and sitting down with the BPME editorial team to kick off the first round of eliminations. Following that process, the remaining nominations will be sent off to our panel of industry judges for deliberation. The BPME team and I will then sit down with the judges at a later date to vote on the strongest nominations for the shortlist. Nominations with the most first-choice votes will be chosen as the winner,” explained Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The 2025 edition of the awards comprises the following categories: Young Technology Champion of the Year; Digital Visionary of the Year; Digital Team of the Year; Construction Software Provider of the Year; Construction Hardware Provider of the Year; Digital Contractor of the Year; Digital Consultant of the Year; Technology SME of the Year; Digital Government Organisation of the Year; Data Champion of the Year; Digital Construction Innovator of the Year; Net-Zero Technology Champion of the Year; Excellence in Collaboration & Productivity; Digital Construction Project of the Year – Building, and Digital Construction Project of the Year – Infrastructure. Nominations will close on 21 May, read the nomination guidelines by clicking here.

Read more about the Digital Construction Awards here.

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Khazna Data Centers (Khazna) has announced its plans to construct an AI-capable data centre in Türkiye. This data centre will have the potential to handle a capacity of up to 100MW, and it has secured a site in Başkent, OIZ, Ankara. This announcement comes after a surge in interest and investment in AI within the country.

Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Index for 2025 revealed a remarkable 198% increase in AI talent concentration in Türkiye between 2016 and 2024. Moreover, this development follows the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and strategic agreements worth over US $50bn between the UAE and Türkiye in 2023.

With the increasing global expansion of hyperscale data centres, Khazna will serve as the foundation layer for the digital infrastructure by empowering governments, businesses, and societies, Khazna ensures that these entities can thrive in the digital age. Their data centres are designed to handle the high-density computing demands essential for the next-generation AI-powered applications to drive the future economy.

The new data centre in Ankara has been designed with the flexibility to host a variety of workloads, ranging from AI to cloud and other critical applications. While the first phase will constitute a cloud-focused design, the modular facility can be expanded and adapted to meet evolving demands across diverse technological requirements, ensuring robust support for future innovations.

Like Khazna’s other facilities, the new data centre in Ankara will be built to maximise operational efficiency. The design will incorporate features to enhance energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact. These include the use of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants that do not contain Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and the use of low-carbon and recycled materials.

Additionally, the facility will explore the use of solar water heating systems, as well as employ high-efficiency adiabatic chillers that maximise the use of free cooling where possible. The design also incorporates systems for re-using wastewater and generators capable of running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, further reducing the facility’s carbon footprint.

Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers added, “We’re proud to be supporting the efforts being made in Türkiyeto create an advanced economy with AI at its heart, and we hope to be able to provide the foundation layer for this. We believe this data centre will add to the country’s impressive economic growth, encouraging innovation and accelerating digital transformation.”

Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of UAE to Türkiye commented, “Khazna Data Centers’ expansion into Türkiye is a testament to the deepening ties between our countries. Relations with Türkiye are of great importance within the UAE’s strategy to strengthen its partnerships, expand its relations and reinforce bridges of cooperation in all fields.”

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Wilo and Masdar have signed an agreement emphasising the significance of efficient technology and renewable energy. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of North Rhine Westphalia’s Minister President Hendrik Wüst, marking the commencement of a strategic partnership aimed at substantially expanding their collaboration in the Middle East and beyond.

“The cooperation agreement as the beginning of the partnership symbolically shows what the response to the global energy shortage must look like. We need the expansion of renewable energy generation on the one hand and the expansion of energy efficiency initiatives on the other. Only if we think about the supply and demand sides together can the ambitious energy transitions succeed worldwide,” explains Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group.

“The great challenges of our time can only be overcome together. We therefore firmly believe in the power of strong partnerships such as between Wilo and Masdar,” he notes.

“This agreement unites two organisations with complementary strengths, delivering powerful synergies for our customers and communities, and embodying our vision for a cleaner, more efficient world. It promises the advent of innovative, seamlessly integrated solutions, with Masdar supplying our green energy expertise and Wilo leveraging its cutting-edge cooling and heating technologies and manufacturing capabilities. This partnership will also strengthen our links with Germany – a vital market for us and a key focus of our investment strategy,” says Husain Al Meer, Director Global Offshore Wind & UK at Masdar.

“As an international technology company with strong roots in North Rhine-Westphalia, Wilo is an example of the transformation of our industry. Where coal used to be mined, solutions for sustainable water supply and energy-efficient technology are now being developed in Dortmund as well as in Dubai. With the expansion of its location in the UAE, Wilo impressively demonstrates how climate-friendly innovations from North Rhine-Westphalia offer solutions for the future worldwide. We need this strength to make North Rhine-Westphalia the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe,” comments Hendrik Wüst.

The signing took place at the Wilo Group’s recently expanded main production plant in Dubai, which the Minister-President was visiting as part of a four-day delegation trip through Qatar and the UAE. The partnership symbolically shows what the response to the global energy shortage must look like underscoring a shared vision for addressing the global energy crisis through integrated solutions that combine renewable power generation with advanced efficiency technologies.

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