Dubai state-backed developer Meraas is adding hundreds of residential units to its portfolio, with the launch of its latest multi-tower development in Dubai Design District (d3). The developer behind several of Dubai’s key destinations, including City Walk, La Mer and The Beach, says it will build Design Quarter, the first premium residential community in d3.

Work on the first phase of the project will begin this year and will include the construction of 558 units across three towers. The development is scheduled for completion in May 2027.

The design district, which is part of the Dubai-listed TECOM Group, is home to a wide selection of creative brands, designers, studios and entrepreneurs. It has also recently acquired a reputation for being a leading venue for art installations and performance art from key practitioners across the GCC.

In late March 2023, Arada launched the penultimate phase of the Masaar residential community project and, Nine Yards launched its $544mn Sea La Vie project on Yas Island.

Meraas’ new project will feature modern lofts, duplexes and penthouses with views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Water Canal. The developer said the project saw a ‘tremendous response’ from potential buyers during its sales launch, which took place last weekend at d3.

Dubai’s property market continues to attract huge interest from buyers in the region and overseas, but prices have started to show signs of stabilisation after months of strong growth.

During the last three months of 2022, off-plan sales volume went up by more than 112% to 15,071 transactions, while the number of deals for ready units rose by around 37% to 11,165.

In late March 2023, Samana launched its $54.5mn Waves-2 residential project in JVC Dubai.

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Renewable specialist AMEA Power has announced the official groundbreaking of Phase 3 of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Solar Power Plant in the Togolese Republic. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic.

Located in the village of Blitta, the solar plant will be extended from 50MW to 70MW and will include a battery energy storage system (BESS) to prolong the availability of clean energy to the electricity network at night. The project will power more than 222,000 households and is supporting Togo’s National Development Plan, which has set out a goal to provide universal access to electricity across the country by 2030, a statement from AMEA Power noted.

The firm said the expansion of the project in Togo is expected to be completed by the end 2023, and will make the solar plant the largest of its kind in West Africa.

“The solar plant is providing a project blueprint that AMEA Power is using to deploy renewable energy across other parts of Africa. With the integration of battery storage, the plant can extend its power production to provide Togolese communities with clean energy at night. This project would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Togolese government, which continue to demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy and delivering energy access to the people of Togo,” stated Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.

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

Phases 1 and 2 of the project were fully developed by AMEA Power during the COVID-19 pandemic, and took less than 18 months to complete from their initial inception. Both project phases became fully operational in June 2021, with AMEA Technical Services currently responsible for the operations and maintenance of the solar plant, the statement explained.

To finance the development of the third phase of the project, Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) provided the Togolese Ministry of Economy and Finance with a loan of US $25mn. The project will be constructed by AMEA Technical Services, a subsidiary of AMEA Power. ADEX also participated in the financing of the construction of the project’s second phase, with an envelope of $10mn of debt, AMEA Power pointed out.

To support the economic and social development of Togo, AMEA Power’s investment in the region has also involved a range of initiatives to support the local community. These initiatives have comprised of the construction and renovation of primary schools, and the construction of a medical clinic with maternity support facilities. AMEA Power has also established an internship programme for engineering students from various technical institutions across Togo to gain practical experience at the solar plant, the statement concluded.

In late March 2023, Dubai Government Workshop (DGW) signed an agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company to set up a 2.5MW photovoltaic power station.

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Samana Developers has launched its Waves-2 residential project, following the launch and sell out of its Waves-1 residential project. Waves-2 is taking shape adjacent to Waves-1 in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) in Dubai, and will look to mimic the features of the Waves-1 project, the developer stated.

According to the developer, the Waves-2 residential tower will feature a G+3P+23 configuration, and will span over 263,636sqft. The project is said to have been designed by a team of expert architects who incorporated the modern trend of luxury living within budgets. The handover of the project is scheduled for Q1 2026.

Plenty of water features, private pools, water cascades, a leisure deck, a health club, valet parking and retail spaces make it a mid-luxury property right in the centre of the bustling city, the statement added.

In mid September 2022, Samana launched its $29.9mn Miami residential project and, in early January 2023, the firm said it would invest $680mn into 12 new projects in 2023.

Imran Farooq, the CEO of Samana Developers said, “Dubai’s real estate market is currently witnessing a historic rise. The bullish trend, kick starting in 2023 at the back of regional and international events, is expected to continue during the rest of 2023. The emirate’s residential market saw 8,515 transactions, an enormous 43.9% increase from the previous year according to CBRE Dubai real estate report.”

Beyond the property market, Dubai’s economic boom is evident in everyday life. Every month, a new high-end real estate project appears in the sandy emirate, a bustling, hyper-modern metropolis in the Middle East, the statement pointed out.

“We keep an eye on new market developments, new trends, new policies and come up with an out of the box approach, and how we can create something new which makes us stand apart from the clutter, as well as attracts international buyers and increases investment returns”, concluded Farooq.

In late January 2023, the Dubai Land Department said it had issued 9,047 permits in 2022.

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Two contractors have been appointed for the development of the Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah by Marjan, which is developing the integrated gaming resort in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts. ALEC Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) was awarded the main contract for the construction of the integrated resort development, while German foundation specialist Bauer International will undertake the piling and enabling works.

The integrated resort development on Al Marjan Island is billed as the largest project of its kind in the emirate’s growing hospitality sector. Offering a pristine setting with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf as well as sandy beaches and a marina, the project is the first in the MENA region by Wynn Resorts, the US-based developer, designer and operator of luxury integrated resort experiences, a statement from Marjan explained.

The resort is now scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in early 2027; when the project was first announced in January 2022, it was originally slated for delivery in 2026.

In early May 2022, HKS Architects was appointed as the design consultant for the integrated gaming resort project.

Bauer has already begun construction preparation on the project site, located on the man-made Al Marjan Island, which is the flagship project of master developer Marjan. With a growing portfolio of bold and ambitious hospitality and leisure attractions, the cluster of four coral-shaped islands is emerging as a truly world-class lifestyle and waterfront destination in the region, the statement added.

“To fulfil and surpass the expectations of investors and all our stakeholders, we have teamed up with the best-in-class partners for the timely completion of a project that is the largest of its kind in the Emirate’s growing hospitality sector. Well-known for their cross-sector capabilities and expertise in building landmark projects, the appointment of ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC and Bauer International FZE will ensure the timely completion of the integrated Wynn Resort, that is set to further catalyse Ras Al Khaimah’s booming tourism market,” stated Eng. Abdulla Abdooli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan.

Attracting significant foreign direct investments, the new integrated resort highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s growing global reputation as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. The integrated development features a 1,000+ room hotel, high-end shopping mall, a state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, a wide array of entertainment choices, gaming area, and other amenities, the statement pointed out.

In late September 2022, it was announced that Abu Dhabi National Hotels acquired a prime plot on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah to develop a $272mn luxury resort with 1,000 rooms.

Investments in the project will further enrich the local economy and accelerate tourism, create new job opportunities, and energise the growth of allied sectors, the statement concluded.

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Omnix has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) to train and empower a new generation of engineers in the Kingdom.

The SCE is a scientific vocational council that promotes the development of the engineering profession within Saudi Arabia. All engineers in Saudi Arabia must be registered with SCE to perform engineering practice.

According to a statement, Omnix will facilitate SCE member engineers to get certified by international accreditation systems and offer the exchange of consultancy and engineering expertise between the employees of the SCE and Omnix. It will also provide specialised training programs to SCE members in the field of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Construction, Multimedia, 3D Laser Scanning, computer-aided design (CADD), and technical linkage to provide and exchange information of common interest.

“As part of our commitment to contributing to Saudi Vision 2030, we have partnered with the Saudi Council of Engineers to empower a new generation of Saudi engineers with cutting-edge technologies and skills. As part of our joint MoU, we are investing in training and upskilling to build Saudi’s work force of the future. This is our leap in strengthening our ties and gathering speed in the momentum of our regional growth. We look forward to working with the SCE and replicating this initiative in other regions as well,” said Walid Gomaa, CEO of Omnix International.

In late December 2022, Omnix and IMSCAD inked a deal to bring VDI environments to AEC firms and, in mid January 2023, Omnix said it is keen to enhance the Digital Maturity Index within regional AEC firms.

Simran Bagga, Vice President of Omnix Engineering and Foundation Technologies at Omnix International added, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Saudi Council of Engineers with an aim to provide them with access to our latest innovative solutions, technologies and specialised training programs. This partnership will enhance their capabilities and will undoubtedly play an immense role in upskilling them and contributing to the overall development of the engineering profession in Saudi Arabia.”

The partnership between Omnix and the SCE is said to be a long-term commitment aimed at empowering the new generation of engineers in Saudi. The two organisations plan to replicate this initiative in other regions within Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

Bagga added, “Thanks to Engineer AbdulNasser bin Saif Al-AbdelLatif, Secretary General of Saudi Council of Engineers, we have successfully signed the MoU and are extremely glad to be a part of the development of the country’s future engineers.”

The SCE’s decision to engage with Omnix is based on the company’s expertise and experience in delivering innovative solutions to the engineering industry. This MoU was driven by Mohammad Danish, Country Sales Manager, Omnix Engineering in KSA.  Earlier, Omnix provided SCE with online workshops on a variety of topics including Autodesk BIM Solution, Infrastructure BIM Solution, Visualization tools such as VRay, Lumion, 3D Laser Scanning, VR/AR and remote support tools like VARJO and VUZIX, the statement from Omnix concluded.

In early March 2023, it was announced that earthquake resistance is mandatory for all new Saudi residential buildings.

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JLL has opened its new multifunctional office, designed around the concept of ‘the workplace of the future’. Located in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the new office is said to be built to the highest standards of sustainability, and prioritises employee wellbeing and productivity. Throughout, it fully embraces the needs of a dynamic, hybrid working environment.

The relocation to the 10,000sqft office was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by JLL CEO and President Christian Ulbrich and Middle East, Africa & Turkey CEO Thierry Delvaux – along with many other staff members. The opening was also attended by DIFC Governor Essa Kazim and Arif Amiri, CEO, DIFC Authority, who officially welcomed JLL to DIFC.

Following the inauguration, the dignitaries were led on a VIP tour of the office, being briefed on its many sustainable features, including how its biophilic elements and green features are designed to positively impact health and happiness.

The future-ready, green, and sustainable workplace brings JLL one step closer to fulfilling its own sustainability targets and is in line with the UAE’s ambitious ‘Net Zero by 2050’ initiative, said global CEO and President, Christian Ulbrich. “At JLL our vision is to shape the future of real estate and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders. In a world of hybrid working, human-centric solutions that value choice and flexibility will optimise organisational performance and achieve business resilience,” he stated.

In early December 2022, Louise Collins, Head of Engineering & Energy, MENA at JLL shared her thoughts and takeaways from COP27 exclusively with Middle East Construction News and, in mid December 2022, JLL said the Saudi construction segment remains the strongest in MENA.

JLL’s new office is primed to achieve LEED Gold and WELL Gold Certification, as the firm aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable, healthy, energy-efficient, and future-ready offices in the region.

The new office has optimised the use of natural resources to achieve energy savings of 17%. A biophilic design that creates a connection with nature provides a high-quality indoor environment and minimises negative environmental and human health consequences for employees.

Adhering to the WELL Building Standard, the industry’s leading health-focused benchmark for buildings, JLL has also incorporated best practices in design and construction with evidence-based health and wellness interventions.

Delvaux commented, “JLL has a very ambitious sustainability roadmap and the forward-thinking design of the new Dubai office builds on these commitments while also providing a positive ‘people experience’ as it re-imagines the office as a place to learn, connect and socialise. Environmental and social aspirations are impacting future office portfolio transformation, as demand is on the rise for innovative, flexible, and sustainable work environments.”

In mid February 2023, JLL appointed Larry Baker to develop its data centre business in the MEA region.

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AECOM has been awarded a multi-year contract to provide project management consultancy (PMC) services for Neom International Airport (NIA). The airport is set to be built within a large, futuristic city in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia.

The consultancy said the scope of work will include project management for master planning, design and construction services, through to testing, commissioning, operational readiness, activation and transition (ORAT).

In mid October 2022, AECOM said it opened a new office to support projects by the Royal Commission for AlUla and, in early January 2023, it was announced that Diriyah would become PIF’s fifth giga-project.

“Our track record delivering large scale infrastructure projects in the region, as well as our mobilised global aviation resources and project management experts, will help ensure the successful delivery of NIA,” said AECOM’s President Lara Poloni.

AECOM Middle East and Africa CEO Hamed Zaghw added, “We are delighted that AECOM will be adding another chapter to its relationship with Neom. This contract is a testament to our leadership position in the region and to our continuous commitment to Neom and the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

In late February 2023, it was announced that outdoor experiential hospitality company Collective Retreats has reached an agreement with Neom, to open a next-generation, ultra-sustainable retreat in Trojena.

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Dubai Government Workshop (DGW) has signed an agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad Esco) to set up a 2.5MW photovoltaic power station as part of its efforts to boost the contribution of clean energy and to cut carbon emissions.

In its first year of operation, the plant is projected to generate 3.79m kWh of clean energy, thereby reducing carbon emissions by 1.37m kg.

Etihad Esco said the agreement was mainly aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration in the field of renewable energy. It is also very much in line with the national sustainability promotion strategies and further enhances customer experiences.

In mid March 2021, Etihad Esco and Drydocks World inked a lighting upgrade deal and, in mid February 2023, DEWA and ENOC signed a MoU to develop and operate a hydrogen-based mobility pilot project.

DGW remains committed to developing a sustainable and integrated service ecosystem that is supported by collaboration with leading businesses and institutions across a range of industries, said Fahad Ahmed Al Raeesi, the Executive Director of DGW, after signing the deal with Dr Waleed Alnuaimi, the CEO of Etihad Esco.

“The agreement reflects our commitment to collaborate with relevant entities that embrace ambitious national objectives and visions and set the groundwork for a green economy,” he stated.

Etihad Esco will continue to assist Dubai’s goal of being one of the most sustainable cities in the world, as evidenced by the group’s support for the usage of renewable energy in accordance with the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2030.

In early March 2023, it was announced that Big Project Middle East’s 2023 Energy & Sustainability Summit will highlight the region’s key opportunities and challenges in the lead up to COP28.

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Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed an agreement with top energy group Nuclearelectrica for bilateral cooperation within the nuclear energy sector to support the growth of this critical energy source.

The objective of the MoU is to provide both parties with an enabling framework for potential collaboration on the development and expansion of nuclear energy programmes in the UAE and Romania, as well as within Central and Eastern Europe, said a statement from ENEC.

Nuclear energy is recognised by both the UAE and Romania as an essential clean energy resource in accelerating decarbonisation of the power sector and other heavy industries, as well as wider applications including the production of clean hydrogen and other clean molecules, as well as for water desalination.

As per the deal, ENEC and Nuclearelectrica will work together to assess potential partnerships in operations and maintenance support of nuclear energy plants, capacity building and human capital development, as well as synergies in research and development (R&D).

In early July 2021, ENEC and EDF signed a nuclear energy R&D MoU and, in early October 2022, Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Plant was successfully connected to the UAE power grid.

The two parties will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks of nuclear programmes, as well as exchanging knowledge on project management capabilities, it added.

ENEC Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi said: “Our partnership with Nuclearelectrica reaffirms our commitment to advancing Net Zero nuclear globally. As more and more nations recognise the crucial role nuclear energy plays as a proven solution to boosting domestic energy security and in parallel decarbonising the power sector, as well as heavy industry through the generation of heat, steam and clean hydrogen, international partnerships will become even more critical to accelerating the development of nuclear programmes. Our nation has benefited from long-term investments in nuclear energy, which supports economic diversification and sustainable development.”

He added, “With three commercially operational reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, we are generating abundant clean electricity 24/7, sustainably powering the UAE, whilst inspiring a new generation of climate change champions. Meanwhile, the deal with Nuclearelectrica will see Enec explore opportunities to grow its global nuclear fleet and ensure reliable and sustainable operations, in addition to sharing knowledge on advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies.”

Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita concluded, “Over the past years, the nuclear industry has proven that development, technological advancement and timely implementation are a direct consequence of international cooperation, involvement at the level of governmental and non-governmental organisations, operators and partner entities.”

In early October 2022, Inspire marked five million man-hours with zero LTI at the Barakah Nuclear Plant.

The nuclear industry is a strategic resource in countries with a tradition of high technology research and expertise, or in countries that consider the development of nuclear capabilities as a solution to various environmental or energy system challenges.

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