VIA Riyadh, a new luxury shopping and entertainment hub in the Saudi capital will open its doors to the public on 11 May according to the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

The shopping destination is part of the wider Saudi Vision 2030 agenda which plans to modernise the country and develop its entertainment sector to help diversify the economy. VIA Riyadh will boast the Kingdom’s first St. Regis Hotel property, in addition to elite shopping outlets, cinemas and international food market, said a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

Lauding Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their support in turning the Kingdom into a mega tourist destination, GEA Chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al Sheikh said VIA Riyadh, one of the finest entertainment destinations in the capital, will offer visitors upscale hospitality, shopping, and accommodation services.

“Via Riyadh will feature five-star hotel Regis, 22 luxury stores, 15 restaurants and cafes, seven cinemas, and an international food market,” he explained.

In mid February 2023, the Saudi Crown Prince launched the New Murabba Development Company to develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh and, in late March 2023, Dar Al Arkan said it had 3D printed a ‘smart’ villa in Riyadh.

Construction of the area, which is built in the Salmani style, took 20 months. The Salmani design process is based on six core values outlined by King Salman: authenticity, continuity, human-centricity, livability, innovation and sustainability.

Salmani architecture integrates modern lifestyles while evoking the local identity and architectural heritage of the kingdom, a report by Arab News noted.

The opening ceremony will showcase the new zone, which is distinguished by a combination of authentic and modern architecture, but at the same time, its spaces are designed in a way that gives comfort and relaxation through vast green spaces, artistic sculptures, and perennial trees near the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.

The new venue will also include a theatre for live performances, which will be inaugurated by Saudi singer Abdul Majeed Abdullah on 18 May, the report concluded.

In late April 2023, Benoy unveiled the designs for Konoz in Riyadh.

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Development of the third phase of the Al Falah housing project has begun according to Abu Dhabi officials. The project is being developed over an area of 2.1m sqm at a total investment of over US $523mn.

According to officials, the project will boast 899 residential villas, five mosques, as well as other key amenities and allocated plots of land for commercial and community facilities. The latest phase reflects the increasing urban expansion of the Al Falah area, according to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently conducted an inspection tour of the project. He was briefed on the infrastructure, building specifications and architectural design features of the project, which is part of the Emirati Neighbourhood initiative.

Later he reviewed the interior and exterior finishes of the villas, which are designed to meet the needs of citizens and enhance their quality of life in line with the highest international standards, the statement concluded.

In mid September 2022, Sheikh Hamdan launched an integrated housing plan for Dubai nationals.

Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority; Muna Al Dhaheri, Director-General of Operational Affairs at Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Saif Badr Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Properties; and a number of senior engineers from the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority.

“The inauguration of this phase of the housing project reflects our leadership’s directives to ensure the highest living standards, stability, and wellbeing for Emirati citizens and their families. The project contributes to creating dynamic, attractive and secure neighbourhoods that enhance the lifestyle of citizens and stimulate economic and social growth across Abu Dhabi,” said Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa.

Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi added, “In delivering the directives of our leadership by enhancing quality of life and stability for our citizens, we remain committed to develop housing projects that meet their needs and ensure the comprehensive development of neighbourhoods.”

The expansion of Al Falah is the latest phase of the project, which was first launched in 2012. The project’s first and second phases are said to have already provided citizens with 4,857 homes.

In late February 2023, 8,500 housing plots were awarded to UAE nationals.

Each villa will boast five bedrooms, two Majlis (one for men and one for women), dining and living rooms, and other facilities, the announcement explained.

In late March 2023, Hill won the 50,000-unit Al Fursan PMC contract.

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Aramco and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have joined forces with Baosteel, the world’s largest steel conglomerate, to establish an integrated steel plate manufacturing complex in the Kingdom. It is set to provide a production capacity of up to 1.5m tonnes per year.

Subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, the joint venture (JV) complex will be built in Ras Al-Khair Industrial City, one of the four new special economic zones recently announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

It will be the first facility of its kind in the Kingdom (as well as in the GCC region), and is expected to strongly advance the regional steel industry ecosystem. The project aims to enhance the domestic manufacturing sector through localising the production of heavy steel plates, transferring knowledge, and creating a raft of new export opportunities.

The plant will be equipped with a natural gas-based, direct reduced-iron (DRI) furnace and an electric arc furnace, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the steel-making process by up to 60% compared to a traditional blast furnace.

In early January 2023, Dana Steel announced a major new facility in Abu Dhabi.

The DRI plant would be compatible with hydrogen without the need for major equipment modifications, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90% in the future.

Aramco President & CEO, Amin H. Nasser said, “The Kingdom’s first steel plate production facility is expected to enhance Saudi Arabia’s steel industry ecosystem and improve supply chain localisation. Under our flagship industrial investment programme, Namaat, and supported by the government’s Shareek programme, this JV is expected to create jobs and contribute to economic growth and diversification. This JV is also an example of bringing together expertise from other sectors. With Baosteel and PIF supporting in-capacity building in the Kingdom’s industrial sector, Aramco aims to create additional value for our company and our partners.”

PIF Deputy Governor and Head of MENA Investments, Yazeed A. Al-Humied added, “PIF is diversifying the Saudi economy by unlocking opportunities and enabling key strategic sectors in the local market. This partnership aims at establishing an integrated steel plate manufacturing facility that will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s industrial development and enable its role as a supplier within the metal industry.”

The investment aligns with PIF’s strategy of resourcing promising sectors and technologies, and the most strategically important industries, in order to drive the diversification of the local economy.

In mid January 2023, Emirates Global Aluminium announced the Aluminium Recycling Coalition.

Baosteel Chairman Zou Jixin commented, “This project is an active practice by our group to explore lower-carbon paths for the steel industry, a major achievement in promoting the international development strategy of Baosteel. The project aims to contribute positively to the localisation of the steel industry chain, to job creation, and to local economic prosperity in Saudi Arabia.”

In early February 2023, a Saudi-Korean JV broke ground on a $240mn stainless steel pipes production facility.

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Developer Red Sea Global (RSG) has launched Akun, which is billed as an adventure sports brand that will create authentic and unique experiences for guests at RSG destinations, in line with the responsible ethos of the group.

According to the developer, ‘Akun’ comes from Arabic meaning ‘to be’. It is said to be deeply connected to the ambition of empowering guests to “find their way and just be. Be present. Be in the moment. Be real”.

The brand reflects a mission to encourage people to live meaningfully, where every day is different. It is about finding your way, it added.

“At Red Sea Global, we believe the experiences available for our guests are just as important as the destination itself, and this new brand will provide them with world-class experiences in land and in connection with the sky above. Akun will offer a diverse range of ‘bucket-list’ adventures set in, over and throughout breath-taking sea and landscapes, and each builds on the exciting sense of exploration we nurture at our destinations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

In late March 2023, RSG awarded the contracts for Amaala’s Marina Village.

According to a statement from the developer, Akun will operate and manage adventure and sports experiences at RSG destinations including gravel, mountain, fat tire and electric biking, plus trail running and hiking through diverse natural trails. Guests can choose from climbing, scrambling, and a wide selection of thrilling action sports for both beginners and athletes.

Akun will also be closely connected to the local communities in each destination, working to develop conservation and cultural trails, and telling the incredible stories of these ancient lands.

The company’s formation comes after the developer’s transformation into Red Sea Global last year, which came with an ambition to establish a series of RSG-owned subsidiary businesses to support the evolution of its developments. WAMA and Galaxea were the first two subsidiary businesses to be announced back in February, the statement explained.

“Combined with WAMA and Galaxea, our water sports and diving brands, we can now offer a full trio package of sporting experiences ahead of our first guests arriving at The Red Sea this year. Aligning with these brands and our broader company vision, Akun will operate with sustainability at its core and in line with our regenerative ambitions to protect and enhance the local environment,” Pagano commented.

In early April 2023, RSG appointed ILF Consulting Engineers to implement a $1.5bn project.

WAMA is responsible for offering invigorating water sport adventures, from stand-up paddleboarding through the destination’s mangrove forests, to sailing the Red Sea’s soft swells, while Galaxea will offer diving experiences that let guests explore the rich marine life below the water, the developer reiterated.

Akun has already signed two initial partnership deals with operators Bungy New Zealand and Air Sports Group, which will both assess the capacity for adventure tourism at RSG destinations. Air Sports Group will carry out a 13-week on-site technical assessment to ascertain the air sports potential at both Amaala and The Red Sea, with sports including skydiving, paragliding, paramotoring, and hot air ballooning. Bungy New Zealand will focus on developing the overall adventure tourism plan and concept designs for individual guest experiences, the statement clarified.

“Akun focuses on discovery – discovering yourself and your physical and mental strength and discovering the Kingdom. Through such partnerships with leading international experts, we are confident that we can successfully unlock the potential of our land, sea and skies, welcoming guests to find their way in this new adventure playground,” added Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director-Destination Development at Red Sea Global.

Three resorts at The Red Sea will open this year along with the first phase of the Red Sea International airport, welcoming domestic flights. A further 13 hotels will open in 2024, and upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities, the statement concluded.

In mid April 2023, a Red Sea hotel MEP contract was awarded to Elegancia Arabia Trading Company.

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The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) said it is sourcing requests for proposal (RFPs) from interested bidders to provide project management and supervisory consultancy services for its key solar PV projects: Manah I and Manah II.

The large-scale Manah independent power projects (IPP) is to be set up on a 15m sqm area within the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah, and will jointly produce a total 1,000MW of power.

It is expected that over two million solar panels will be installed in these two stations, which will be the largest solar panel project for the sultanate. Oman has already declared that solar power should play a major role in its transition towards largely alternative energy sources by 2035, and notably, has already worked with a number of European solar power exponents to develop its conversion strategy and the technologies required to do so most efficiently.

In late February 2023, Baynouna Solar Energy Company opened Jordan’s largest clean energy project and, in early March 2023, ALEC Energy partnered with Solar Earth to bring pavement integrated photovoltaic solution to the GCC.

OPWP, a member of Nama Group, is responsible for procuring new capacity for power and water in the sultanate in accordance with the provisions of the law for the Regulation and Privatisation of the electricity and related water sector, as promulgated by Royal Decree 78/2004.

In its tender notification, OPWP said the winning consultant will provide PMC and supervisory consultancy services for the key renewable project during its construction, commissioning and testing phase.

According to OPWP, work on these two stations will kick off in Q3 this year and the entire project is due for commercial operations by mid-2025. The deadline for submitting the tenders has been set for 11 June 2023.

In late April 2023, Big Project Middle East announced its 2023 Energy & Sustainability Summit will take place at the Habtoor Grand Resort on 23 May.

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Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a major expansion in its hospitality sector by developing 315,000 new hotel keys by 2030, according to a new report on the future of hospitality in the region by Knight Frank.

This growth, according to the firm, will see Saudi Arabia’s hotel room inventory swell to become larger than Dubai’s current 140,000 keys. The development of the hospitality sector is said to be a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic diversification plans, and a vast variety of initiatives for attracting global brands – throughout the Kingdom – are already well under way.

Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Middle East Research, Knight Frank, explained: “The volume of hotel room keys planned to be delivered in the Kingdom by 2030 is nothing short of incredible, with a total likely stock of close to 450,000 hotel rooms. For context, the UAE today has a combined total of around 200,000 rooms, including Dubai’s 140,000 keys, so Saudi is gearing up to see close to 58% more than this figure.

In mid March 2023, Marriott joined forces with Neom to open three new properties and, in earl April 2023, PKF Hospitality Group said that Saudi Arabia is the ‘single biggest hospitality opportunity’.

“A major part of the success of the Kingdom’s future tourism and hospitality market will be its domestic tourism sector. The sector is already alive and thriving, with 65% of Saudis already travelling within the Kingdom between one- and three- times a month. What’s fascinating however is the fact that 58% of Saudis we spoke to as part of our 2023 Saudi Report don’t stay in hotels.”

Addressing the need for diversity in accommodation options, Durrani noted, “The prevalence of large families traveling together may clearly be a factor, but so is cost, quality and location, with these three reasons being cited by our 2023 Saudi Report respondents. Notably, just 17% of the planned hotel supply falls in the three star or below category, and with 56% of the Kingdom’s population aged below 35, the demand for various accommodation types will likely continue to emerge as a significant consideration and a major driver in terms of capacity for the industry.”

In late April 2023, Wynn Resorts revealed the name and design vision of its $3.9bn RAK hospitality project.

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Dubai Investments Park (DIP) says that it has completed its LED lights retrofit project across identified areas within DIP. The move is said to highlight its commitment to providing quality infrastructure and a sustainable environment. The retrofit project is expected to save 700,000kW/h of energy per year.

According to a statement from DIP, which is wholly owned by Dubai Investments PJSC, over 1,355 sodium streetlights have been replaced with LED streetlights, which provide improved illumination and better energy efficiency, while simultaneously enhancing the visual appeal and facilitating a safe and secure environment within DIP.

“We are committed to enhancing the well-being of people and are focused on providing best in-class infrastructure facilities across DIP, and our streetlights installation project is an important aspect of the ongoing improvements. Designed to be one of the most environment-friendly developments in the region, we are mindful of complementing our initiatives towards contributing and encouraging a sustainable lifestyle. It is in line with the green vision of the UAE government, that we decided to install streetlights with LED solutions,” said Omar Al Mesmar, General Manager, Dubai Investment Park.

In late October 2022, the MoEI disclosed the pre-qualification requirements for a PPP street-lighting project and, in early November 2022, a JLL whitepaper outlined ways to decarbonise Egypt’s built environment.

With a 10-year life expectancy, providing 50,000 lighting hours per month, the LED lighting project implemented by DIP will require less maintenance and consume less electricity. The decision for the replacement was based on studies confirming steady light output at less than 1% degradation per year over the life of the equipment as compared to other conventional lights, the statement explained.

In line with the company’s infrastructure enhancement initiatives, DIP partnered with Litetech Industries LLC – a subsidiary of Dubai Investments and a pioneer in the manufacturing of lighting fixtures and eco- friendly LED fittings – to install the LED lights. With its strong track-record, the company served as an ideal partner in undertaking the project, demonstrating innovation in design and excellence in execution, the firm noted.

The LED lights implementation project is also aimed at improving safety, the firm said. As part of DIP’s macro approach in occupational health and safety, the company is committed to preventing and minimising any adverse occupational health, safety and environmental impacts, the statement concluded.

In late January 2023, the Abu Dhabi DoE inked deals with NYU Abu Dhabi to enhance energy and water sustainability.

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Developer Azizi Developments has partnered with Peri, the German manufacturer and supplier of formwork and scaffolding systems, for its Beachfront 1 project, which is said to be a key element in its premium waterfront development, Riviera.

Located in MBR City, Beachfront 1 comprises three 14-storey developments offering 252 studios, 84 one- and two-bedroom homes, as well as 19 retail spaces – totalling 439 units. Each building, set on the shores of Azizi’s 2.7km-long crystal lagoon, features direct beach access, swimming pools, landscaped surroundings, fully equipped gyms, barbeque areas, children’s playground and games, and yoga spaces. The surrounding crystal lagoon is itself designed to offer a safe haven for swimmers.

Additionally, the development will comprise several basketball and tennis courts, and an extensive jogging and cycling track, all designed to foster the sense of a community that lives, works and plays together, the developer explained.

In early March 2023, Azizi extended its partnership with Kludi and, in early April 2023, the developer launched Azizi Grand in Dubai Sports City.

Azizi CEO Farhad Azizi said, “Working with Peri to source formwork and scaffolding systems for our Beachfront 1 project in Riviera excites us, not only due to them being undisputed market leaders, but also with them being a family-run business that fully understands the importance of putting customer satisfaction at the forefront of their operations, just like us.”

Founded in 1969 in Weißenhorn, Germany, Peri has – for nearly 50 years – been a pioneer in formwork and scaffolding technology, with its success stemming from a commitment to customer care and a philosophy of consistently surpassing client expectations, the statement concluded.

In mid April 2023, the developer said its Park Avenue II project was set for completion in Q2.

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UAE-based lifestyle developer and investment firm, Al Hamra, has said that it has successfully sold all the units in Phase Three of its newly-launched Marina Residences, in Ras Al Khaimah.

Marina Residences – Phase Three is said to be an extension of the existing Marina Residences development, and overlooks the Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah in the heart of the premium gated community, Al Hamra Village.

As the first off-plan project driven by Al Hamra’s exclusive ‘Live & Work’ package – a limited offer that provides buyers with a 12-year UAE residency visa, a business licence, and a partner visa following a 20% down-payment – the development offers a hassle-free opportunity for investors, professionals, and freelancers to live and work in the UAE, the statement noted.

In late July 2022, Al Hamra announced the roll-out of Phase Two of its Falcon Island residential community and, in early August 2022, the first advisory board meeting for the RAK Energy Summit was held.

Al Hamra Group CEO Benoy Kurien said, “We are delighted to achieve this very significant milestone for our Marina Residences – Phase Three. This is a testament to our commitment towards delivering premier lifestyle experiences to customers and the ability to draw inward investments from around the world to Ras Al Khaimah. This gives us the confidence to launch more projects under our five-year growth plan, as we continue to support the Emirate’s economic growth, tourism strategy, and livability agenda.”

The sales milestone also coincides with progress on the group’s luxury Falcon Island development, with Enervo Contracting & General Maintenance now being awarded the infrastructure works contract, the firm noted.

Kurien stated that the main construction is due to start immediately on completion of the infrastructure build.

In late October 2022, Al Hamra launched its Falcon Island – South residential project.

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