Roshn has awarded over US $2.4bn worth of contracts linked to construction, primary and secondary infrastructure work across its raft of forthcoming development projects.

The first contract, worth $2.05bn, has been awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company for the construction of 6,700 residential units, as well as retail and supporting public amenities, including mosques and community centres at Roshn’s Sedra and Warefa communities in Riyadh.

Roshn said this commercial contract was the largest in value to be announced among all Saudi giga-projects to date – and the entire work would be completed within a 45-month period.

The second deal, worth $187.8mn, was sealed with Saudi group PC Marine Services for canal and bridge construction in Roshn’s recently announced Marafy community, which connects to Alarous in Jeddah.

The third contract was awarded to Saudi Abyat for the design and supply of around 12,000 kitchens with high-quality design, construction, and fittings in several upcoming Roshn communities.

The last deal – worth $229mn – was sealed with Saudi Pan Kingdom Company, covering primary and secondary infrastructure works in Roshn’s upcoming and yet-to-be announced communities in the kingdom’s western regions.

On the deals, CEO David Grover said, “I am very proud to announce these multi-billion commercial partnerships, including the largest among Saudi giga projects to date. At Roshn, we form commercial partnerships to harness both Saudi and international expertise, ensuring our residents and communities consistently benefit from our unwavering efforts to elevate the kingdom’s construction and real estate sector. These agreements are paramount in fortifying our supply chains and maintaining the unmatched pace and magnitude of delivery expected of Vision 2030.”

“They serve as conduits for driving Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Saudi Arabia and for bolstering local suppliers by weaving them into our flagship projects. In essence, these commercial partnerships epitomise our shared vision, dedication, and ambition to craft transformative, sustainable, people-centric communities,” he concluded.

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Construction of The First Collection Waterfront, which is located on the Canal Boardwalk in Business Bay, Dubai, has been completed, The First Group has announced. The new property will be the third in the collection and is scheduled to open its doors in Q4 2023.

The achievement marks a significant milestone in expanding The First Group’s hotel portfolio and is said to underscore the continuous growth of its homegrown hotel brand, The First Collection, said a statement.

Within The First Collection brand, there are already two established hotels – The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle and The First Collection Business Bay. Together, these hotels welcome approximately 850,000 guests annually, hailing from diverse countries including KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UK, Russia, France, USA, and Italy, the firm said.

“We are thrilled to introduce The First Collection Waterfront, a remarkable addition to our portfolio. This milestone not only signifies our unwavering dedication in providing unparalleled hospitality experiences, but also mirrors our determination to elevate the reach of our brand. At The First Group, our mission is to optimise the performance of each property under our care, seamlessly adapting to changing market trends, and creating exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Rob Burns, CEO, The First Group.

The First Collection Waterfront will offer guests easy access to the business scene by day and tourist attractions by night. It will feature 327 rooms and suites, while its rooftop pool will offer panoramic vistas of Dubai’s landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal, the statement noted.

“The introduction of The First Collection Waterfront further strengthens the presence of our homegrown brand, reaffirming its position as the preferred choice for discerning global travellers in pursuit of excellence. Capturing the very spirit of urban resort living, The First Collection Waterfront combines convenience, urban, and authentic local experiences for its guests. We are confident that The First Collection Waterfront will become a sought-after destination for both business and leisure travellers,” added Karim Abdelhamid, Vice President of Hotel Operations for The First Group.

A spa and gym will be available for relaxation and fitness, while culinary experiences will encompass diverse options, such as a local all-day dining establishment, an Asian specialty restaurant, and The First Group’s homegrown brand – Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery, the statement concluded.

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The installation of main water pipelines running more than 34km long in the north of Riyadh has been completed according to Saudi Arabia-based National Water Company (NWC).

The project was completed at a total cost of US $22.3mn and is being implemented as part of Phase One of NWC’s strategic water plan, is aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of several key neighborhoods in the north of the Saudi capital. These include Al Qairawan, Al Arid, Al Yasmine, Al Narjis, Al Ghadir, Al Muhammadiyah, Al Nuzha, Al Taawun, Al Masif, Al Muruj, King Fahd and Al Nakhil neighbourhoods.

NWC said this comes in line with the kingdom’s efforts to achieve the 2030 sustainability development goals with regard to water services.

The utility major is also currently working on 12 major desalination projects worth more than $1.3bn, covering the key regions of Dammam, Al Khobar, Jubail, Al Ahsa and Qatif.

The project scope includes the construction of 40 water tanks with a total capacity of 1.6m cu/m, in addition to pumping stations and the laying of 493km of strategic pipeline networks that will be gradually operated to serve beneficiaries in Dammam, Khobar, Jubail, Al Ahsa and Al Qatif with 24/7 supply, a report noted.

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A major contract has been awarded to Abu Dhabi-based Masdar for the construction of the 1,800MW sixth phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The contract, which was awarded by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is worth US $1.5bn.

Masdar emerged the winner with a Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $1.6215 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), after beating competition from 23 high-calibre international bidders. The firm’s bid for the project was said to have been the lowest of any of DEWA’s solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) model projects to date.

The sixth phase of the project will be using photovoltaic solar panels based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA in the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

“Today, I witnessed with Mansour bin Zayed the signing of an agreement between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, to implement the sixth phase of the world’s largest single-site solar park, at a cost of $1.5bn. This phase will power over half a million residences while reducing carbon emissions by 2.36m tonnes annually. All phases of this landmark project are expected to be completed by 2030, with a total investment of $13.6bn. We’re on track to achieve our ambitious goal – 100% clean energy for Dubai by 2050,” stated Sheikh Mohammed.

According to DEWA, the current total production capacity of solar projects at the solar park stands at 2,427MW. The utility company also said it is building another project with a total capacity of 433MW. The 1,800MW sixth phase of the solar park will increase total production capacity to 4,660MW.

Dr Al Jaber added, “Being awarded this landmark renewable energy project on the world’s largest single-site solar park is another significant milestone for Masdar. It is a testament to Masdar’s track record in pioneering clean energy projects as we continue to support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. Ahead of our nation hosting COP28 later this year, it is vital that the world triples global renewable energy capacity by 2030 to keep the ambition of 1.5 degrees within reach. This landmark project demonstrates definitive action in our shared journey towards a cleaner, greener future.”

Al Tayer said the agreement underscores the UAE’s prominent status as one of the world’s largest investors in clean and renewable energy projects. He noted, “It also affirms our support for the UAE’s hosting of the COP28 at Expo City Dubai, aligning our strategies and policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in sustainability, innovation and future-making.”

Masdar CEO Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi said: “Following our successful delivery of phase three of the Al Maktoum Solar Park as part of an international consortium, this latest award once again shows that Masdar is a global leader in clean energy as we move forwards from 20GW capacity today to reach 100GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 driving decarbonisation at home and abroad. When fully completed, the solar park will reduce over 6.5m tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The 1,800MW sixth phase will become operational in stages starting from Q4 next year.”

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The Devmark Group has sold out Phase 1 of Society House. The stunning 52-story residential development is situated in one of the last available plots in Downtown Dubai, marking a significant achievement for the two industry leaders.

This collaboration marks the third joint venture between Devmark and IGO, with Devmark serving as the exclusive master agent for the sales and marketing of Society House. The residential tower, Society House is intender as a testament to contemporary architecture, adding a distinctive touch to Dubai’s prestigious Downtown address.

Society House presents a range of residential options, including studios, one, two, and three-bedroom fully furnished apartments. Embracing sophistication, innovation, and sustainable design principles, each unit is thoughtfully designed to provide spacious living and captivating views of the city through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

IGO and Devmark have equipped Society House with a host of amenities and facilities catering to residents’ diverse lifestyles. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a fully equipped outdoor CrossFit box and a top-tier fitness studio, while golf aficionados can refine their skills in the state-of-the-art golf simulator. The residents’ lounge will serve as a communal hub for interaction and relaxation, and co-working spaces and meeting rooms offer a valuable work-from-home setup.

Leisure and entertainment are well accounted for, with a horizon deck boasting breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline, a 25-meter lap pool, paddle courts, and a private cinema. A dedicated children’s play area ensures that residents of all ages have ample recreational opportunities.

Society House was officially launched at an exclusive event held at the luxurious Atlantis Hotel Ballroom. This unveiling garnered significant attention from Devmark’s extensive broker network, with over 2,000 agents in attendance, reaffirming the immense interest and anticipation surrounding Society House.

Devmark and IGO worked closely to determine the optimal unit mix and sizes for Society House, setting ticket prices accessible to a broad range of potential investors and homeowners. Moreover, Society House offers a post-handover payment plan, providing buyers with greater flexibility in payment options, particularly benefiting international buyers who may not typically qualify for traditional financing options.

Sean McCauley, CEO of The Devmark Group, expressed, “Our collaboration with IGO on Society House extends beyond a typical partnership; it reflects trust and synergy between our organizations. The launch of Society House marks our third partnership with IGO, and it has proven to be one of the most successful launches of the year. Our extensive broker network has enthusiastically embraced this project, which is a product the market wants and needs. With reasonable ticket prices, a downtown address, and a post-handover payment plan, we have created the right recipe for achieving sales success.”

Dr. Anas Kozbari, CEO and Founder of IGO, added, “We are delighted to collaborate with Devmark once again to introduce Society House, the epitome of luxury living, in the coveted setting of Downtown Dubai. Society House is set to become a distinguished icon within the city, and our unwavering commitment to quality, luxury, and sustainable practices is evident in every inch of its innovative design.”

“With project completion slated for 2025, Devmark is now accepting bookings for Phase 2 at the IGO sales center located at the Art of Living Mall on Umm Suqeim Road.”

This collaboration between Devmark Group and Invest Group Overseas reflects a shared commitment to delivering exceptional living spaces and enhancing the community experience in Downtown Dubai.

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Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies, a leading industrial player dedicated to decarbonising the construction sector through clinker-free cements, has announced a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts.

The company has inked a  22-year exclusive licensing agreement with the Shurfah Group, a prominent Saudi conglomerate, to establish multiple Hoffmann Green cement production units in Saudi Arabia. This strategic collaboration aims to advance the decarbonization of the construction sector within the region.

The 22-year licensing agreement provides the Shurfah Group with exclusive rights to leverage Hoffmann Green’s pioneering clinker-free cement technologies and replicate a first-of-its-kind plant based on the H2 vertical model. The Shurfah Group, with a substantial portfolio of over 13,800 thousand housing units and investments exceeding 6 billion Saudi riyals, will be responsible for financing, building, and operating Hoffmann Green production units. Furthermore, the agreement grants exclusive marketing rights for Hoffmann Green’s carbon-free cements throughout Saudi Arabia. The first clinker-free cement plant, identical to the H2 model, is scheduled for construction in 2024 within Saudi Arabia.

The engineering and production processes for these plants will be executed by IBAU Hamburg, a German general contractor. Hoffmann Green entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with IBAU Hamburg in June 2022 to support the construction of Hoffmann units worldwide. Importantly, all vertical units, including the ones in Saudi Arabia, will be constructed entirely with Hoffmann Green cement.

In return for the transfer of industrial and technological expertise, along with granting exclusivity, Hoffmann Green will receive an entry fee and fixed and variable annual royalties based on the sales of Hoffmann cements in Saudi Arabia.

This partnership’s primary objective is to facilitate the ecological transition of Saudi Arabia’s construction sector by establishing multiple vertical plants for the production of Hoffmann Green cement. Beyond the first plant, the contract aims to duplicate several H2 plants throughout Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, through its “Vision 2030” national plan for economic transformation, has prioritized the ecological transition, particularly in the burgeoning construction market, driven by numerous Smart Cities projects. Through their future plants, Hoffmann Green and the Shurfah Group intend to contribute to the decarbonisation of Saudi Arabia’s construction sector and assist the nation in accelerating its path towards carbon neutrality.

Julien Blanchard and David Hoffmann, co-founders of Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies, expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “Just a few weeks after signing a pre-agreement, we have given concrete expression to our commitment by signing this licensing contract with Shurfah, a major player in the Saudi Arabian construction industry. After Switzerland and the United Kingdom, we are continuing our international deployment with the aim of supporting, through this new contract, the kingdom’s ambitious ‘Vision 2030’ project and participating in the decarbonization of their construction industry through the construction of several of our units on their territory and the marketing of our 0% cement clinker.”

Abdullah Al Majed, Founder and Chairman of Shurfah Holding, added, “Saudi Arabia has announced that it is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. In order to meet its ecological ambitions, Shurfah is striving to contribute to the sustainable development of the Saudi economy and the realization of Vision 2030. In this context, we are proud to be associated with Hoffmann Green, which will enable us to build our future sites in a sustainable manner. The construction of the first vertical plant in 2024 is just the beginning before, we hope, the duplication of several units throughout the country.”

This partnership between Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies and the Shurfah Group marks a significant step toward sustainable construction practices and carbon neutrality in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the nation’s forward-looking ecological goals.

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The national importance of water efficiency in the built environment took centre stage as the Future of Water Summit (FOW Summit) got underway in at the Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR, Dubai;

The event has officially been endorsed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and organised by Big Project Middle East magazine.

Eng. Faisal Ali Al Rashid, senior director demand side management, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy delivered the keynote address, telling delegates that the UAE was instigating policies at a local and governmental level as part of its drive towards decarbonisation, including being on track to deliver 40% of its desalination via reverse osmosis by 2030.

“Water is a precious asset,” he emphasised.

Other topics that the FOW Summit focussed on: governance on water usage in the built environment and progress on regional water management strategies; strategies and tactics cities and structures can use to capture water from other sources (rain/humidity); enhancing water security; public and private sector projects to enhance water security (desalination facilities etc); technology that can boost water efficiency and conservation efforts; greywater reuse in structures; water distribution networks and technology to enhance their efficiency; wastewater treatment plants and sewage networks.

“The topic of water scarcity in the MENA region has been discussed extensively by the Big Project team over the past couple of years. We even debated whether we should include this crucial topic in our popular Energy & Sustainability Summit. However, after taking a deep dive into industry reports about the water challenges the MENA region faces, we felt that the topics of water scarcity and water security deserved an event on its own,” said Big Project Middle East magazine’s Jason Saundalker.

“Here are some eye-opening stats pertaining to the region: of the 17 most water-stressed countries in the world, 11 are in the Middle East and North Africa. The World Bank’s recent ‘Economics of Water Scarcity in the MENA region’ report warned that by the end of this decade, the amount of water available per capita annually, will fall below the absolute water scarcity threshold of 500 cubic meters per person, per year. The report also said that 14% of the region’s GDP could be lost due to water scarcity by 2050, and revealed that 90% of children live in high water stress areas,” the head of content continued.

“Millions of people in the MENA region are already affected by the water crisis today, and millions more could yet be affected, as drivers such as population and city growth, and climate change exert pressure on already strained water reserves. Taking all this into account, we decided on a broad agenda that covers as many facets as possible.”

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Responding to the evolving dynamics of urban living and a growing demand for creative communal spaces, the developer Āsper has joined forces with the renowned international architecture bureau IND to unveil an ambitious initiative – the Creative Cluster, poised to become the vibrant heart of Riyadh.

Inspired by the ever-changing urban panorama of Riyadh, the project’s team identified an opportunity to create a multifunctional space that nurtures creativity, fosters innovation, and facilitates cultural exchange.

The proposed location of the Creative Cluster encompasses a vast area in Al-Diriyah, pending confirmation. Spanning a sprawling plot of approximately 133,600 square meters, the Creative Cluster project blends culture and commerce, offering an array of diverse functional zones. These zones encompass co-working spaces, hotels, museum galleries, cafes, retail outlets, workshops, restaurants, and more. At the core of this development lies an expansive event plaza, designed to host events of various scales. The project’s design philosophy is aimed at catering to both local residents and international creatives, creating an environment conducive to the growth of talents and imaginative minds.

One of the distinguishing features of the Creative Cluster project is its strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. The use of rammed earth as the primary façade material for most buildings not only emphasizes aesthetics but also underscores a commitment to sustainability. This choice draws inspiration from historical and aesthetic references while championing local production, thus reducing the carbon footprint associated with material transportation.

The entire complex functions as an integrated system, seamlessly blending buildings and gardens. These gardens serve a multitude of purposes, ranging from recreational spaces to exhibition areas and educational venues. A canopy system acts as a visual connector between various functions while providing essential shade in the local climate. The incorporation of greenery is further complemented by the strategic use of water surfaces, contributing to a subtle reduction in air temperature.

Amir Idiatulin, CEO of IND, commented, “The Creative Cluster concept emerges from a shared commitment to reshape urban spaces by seamlessly integrating creativity and functionality. It aims to create a hub where entrepreneurship, artistic expression, and social engagement converge – a space that resonates with both local residents and global visitors.”

Artem Y.F., CDO, and co-founder of Āsper, added, “IND’s profound understanding of creative clusters, coupled with their enduring partnership with Āsper, makes them the ideal choice for this venture. We believe that our shared passion for the project, combined with expertise and a visionary approach, will result in a genuinely innovative development within the region.”

The proposed location in Al-Diriyah is said to enable the development to draw from the rich historical significance of the area, infusing an additional layer of cultural depth into the project while projecting it into a future characterized by innovation and vibrancy. The project strategically aligns with Riyadh’s iconic landmarks, including KAFD and Kingdom Center, further solidifying its role as a cultural gravity point.

Currently in the process of obtaining approvals and securing investments through MN Group, the Creative Cluster project holds the potential to become a new hub for the creative community, poised to reshape Riyadh’s cultural and commercial landscape once it advances to the implementation stage.

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