UAE-based real estate developer Al Andalusia Courtyard has announced its entry into the residential properties sector in Dubai with the launch of ‘Maya Townhouse’. The project is being developed at a total investment value of US $32.6mm, the firm said.

Billed as a premium project, it is taking shape in the Majan neighbourhood of Dubailand. The developer said it will feature 30 luxury units, including villas of three size categories (one-, two- and three bedrooms), plus hallway.

Spread over an area of approximately 70,000sqft, Maya Townhouse is expected to boasts key lifestyle amenities such as playgrounds and recreational zones, as well as large areas of green space.

In early February 2023, Aldar Properties formed a JV with Dubai Holding to enter the Dubai real estate market and, later in the month, Deloitte said that its real estate outlook for Dubai and Saudi Arabia was positive.

Announcing the launch, Al Andalusia Courtyard CEO Saleh Tabakh said, “We currently seek to develop new projects in Dubai, and this is the group’s first project in the residential properties sector in the emirate, as well and its second project generally, after the opening of the Andalusia Courtyard project.”

“The development provides its tenants with accessibility and easy mobility to major landmarks and tourist destinations in Dubai, via the main road networks, e.g. Emirates Road, Umm-Suqeim Road and Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road. Thus, the project is easily connected to all parts of Dubai,” he concluded.

In late February 2023, Taraf launches ‘Luce’ on the Palm Jumeirah.

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Al Zorah Development Company, a joint venture (JV) between the Government of Ajman and Solidere International, has achieved a number of notable milestones across its current ongoing projects.

In a statement, the holistic real estate master developer for the Al Zorah Area in Ajman said that 2022 was a successful year as it saw the successful launch and off-plan sell out of two beachfront luxury villa developments – Exclusive 21, Seaside Hills Villas and Seaside Hills Residence.

It also said several other projects in Al Zorah were completed, at a total development cost of around US $544.4mn. The projects included: District 9 and the Central Part includes 623 luxury villas and townhouses, as well as commercial show-room plots. It had a total development cost of $313mn; and The Fairways, which consists of 158 villas and townhouses, as well as residential building plots. Its total development cost was around $266.7mn.

HH Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Al Zorah Board of Directors said, “Under the vision and direction of the Ruler of Ajman, Al Zorah has become a landmark destination in the UAE, attracting thousands of visitors of many different nationalities whom all come to experience what the region has to offer.”

In late June 2021, Al Zorah Development Company said it had begun land-leveling works on District 9.

He continued, “From the pristine sandy beaches to the protected nature reserves, attractions, and luxury hotels, Al Zorah delivers a holistic lifestyle experience and a welcoming environment for all to enjoy. Through its commitment to the economic development of Ajman, Al Zorah will continue to create unique projects that will add value to Ajman and the surrounding emirates and serve the needs of the community and all visitors to the region.”

In addition, 2022 also saw the inauguration of the Zoya Health and Wellness Resort on 22 April, which increased the list of operational assets within the Al Zorah development. Construction also started on two other projects during the year. The first project was the Oberoi Hotel and Resort extension, which comprises eight additional two-bedroom beachfront villas, raising the overall resort inventory to 97 keys, in addition to an adult pool and a food and beverage outlet. The second project was a clubhouse at the Al Zorah Golf Club.

The Oberoi Beach Resort at Al Zorah is said to have been thoughtfully designed and curated as a scenic and relaxing retreat where families come to relax and unwind. The hotel offers sophisticated and modern architecture, open spaces, and views of the surrounding beaches and sea. The resort is also a wellness-getaway, featuring relaxing accommodations, international and health-focused cuisine, tailored spa therapies, water sport activities, and private beachside access.

The Al Zorah Golf Club is just a 25-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. It is billed as a world-class 18-hole golf championship course that invites players from all over the world. Designed exclusively by the Nicklaus Design Group, Ajman’s first ever golf course features expertly maintained fairways that lie within one-million-sqm of mangrove reserves. The golf course also offers a distinct challenge as its 12km-long waterfront and coastal areas change the landscape of the course on an hourly basis, challenging players throughout their circuit of the course.

In late April 2022, construction work commenced on the luxury clubhouse at Al Zorah Golf Club.

George Saad, Chief Executive Officer at Al Zorah noted, “The Al Zorah region is considered one of the UAE’s most spectacular tourist destinations in Ajman. Major attractions in the area include luxury resort developments on the seashore overlooking the Arabian Gulf and an 18-hole championship golf course. In addition, there are walkways and bike trails, restaurants and cafes, a marina, and an array of land and water activities provide a multitude of fun for the whole family.”

He concluded, “The location includes the Al Zorah Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful natural features of Ajman. It is an ideal destination for lovers of ecological and nature tourism and mangroves, which are home to many resident and migratory birds, and where a variety of plants and tree species thrive. The coastline is also a sanctuary for large groups of fish and magnificent coral reefs.”

In late May 2022, Al Zorah Development Company launched the 21 villa residential project.

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AESG has announced the appointment of Tom Burkitt as the company’s Country Director for Saudi Arabia, and has confirmed that it has successfully achieved Certification under the Saudi National Centre for Environmental Compliance (NCEC).

With this certification, AESG’s qualified Environmental Team will be able to continue to actively preserve and protect the environment, through the provision of high-quality services that contribute towards raising the level of compliance with environmental regulations and standards across the Kingdom’s giga-projects.

The company’s Global Director of Environment, Nivine Issa, stated: “At AESG, we are proud to have achieved the NCEC Certification which enables our qualified team of environmental scientists, engineers and experts to guide developers in bringing the Kingdom’s impressive giga-projects to life, while actively preserving and protecting the environment.”

Burkitt’s appointment will see him spearhead the firm’s expansion across Saudi Arabia, while also aiding the Kingdom’s advancement of the National Transformation Plan. Burkitt is a scientist, business analyst, and environmental consultant with thirty years of professional experience and a technical background spanning environmental impact assessment, coastal planning, climate risk assessment, capacity building, infrastructure asset management, and the implementation of technologies for solving complex environmental and engineering challenges.

In early August 2022, AESG said it would push smart buildings with WiredScore and SmartScore accreditation.

Commenting on his new role, and outlining AESG’s objectives in the Kingdom for 2023, Burkitt remarked, “2023 will be a pivotal for the Kingdom as work on a multitude of iconic, transformational projects announced in recent years surges ahead. The eyes of the world will be on these undertakings as the international engineering and construction industry looks to draw inspiration from the revolutions in design and implementation. I am excited to lead AESG’s multidisciplinary team at this inflection point. Our holistic approach will help unlock tangible value through all phases of these projects, translating to high performing developments that balance ambition with sustainability.”

AESG established its dedicated operations hub in Riyadh in 2018, and says it distinguishes itself through its unique, multidisciplinary approach that combines expertise in engineering, cost management, environment and sustainability and building commissioning, for the delivery of comprehensive value on large and complex projects.

As a result, AESG now plays an integral role in some of the Kingdom’s more iconic undertakings by working with developers and organisations that include Red Sea Global, NEOM, The Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), SEVEN, Saudi Downtown Company, Qiddiya Investment Company, and ROSHN.

“Saudi Arabia has demonstrated clear intention for its giga-projects to set new sustainability benchmarks aligned with its Vision 2030 agenda,” stated Saeed Al Abbar, CEO of AESG.

In mid November 2022, AESG launched its cost management service line.

Saeed Al Abbar, CEO, AESG

He concluded, “In doing so, these projects are set to become showcases of innovative new construction and development paradigms and future-focused design concepts. Bringing this vision to life will call for the support of international engineering firms whose world-class expertise can ensure the incorporation of the highest industry standards.”

In late January 2023, AESG’s Katarina Uherova Hasbani said that sustainable practices can also build resilience, lower operational costs, and create value through new product and solution lines.

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PMKConsult has enhanced its ownership structure by making two senior team members partners. The regional project and commercial management consultancy firm said that Jon Whyte and John Vint already have senior leadership roles within its commercial and cost management business stream.

“The addition of Jon Whyte and John Vint as partners reiterates our commitment as a company to elevating our team and growing from within. This partnership demonstrates that commitment. Our recent company annual event had many leadership announcements and several of the team have had their growth trajectory mapped within the business. There is a lot of excitement and positive momentum in our offices around the region,” stated Kevin Woolley, CEO of PMKConsult.

Whyte has been a team member of PMKConsult for the past several years and leads the commercial management discipline for the consultancy. His vast portfolio of commercial management clients ranges from multi-platform real estate projects to hospitality, leisure, residential in addition to many other sectors, the firm said.

In late May 2021, PMKConsult acquired value management and cost consultancy firm ACS.

Whyte’s notable assignments include the completion of a high-end residential neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi, the QE2 upper deck, and a commercial real estate project delivering over 50,000sqm of floor area. He has also delivered commercial management services for major infrastructure projects in the UAE and the UK, it added.

Speaking about Vint, the statement notes that he joined PMKConsult through the acquisition of his previous entity, ACS Cost Consulting. Since the acquisition, Vint has grown the commercial management business stream for PMKConsult and guides a 20-member team along with Whyte.

Key wins for the business include commercial new-build and fitting-out, healthcare, hospitality, engineering, and airport related schemes. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a qualified Expert Witness, who has recently contributed his expertise on cases that have all ruled in favour of his clients. He is actively growing this service within the business and has been throughout his career involved in many high-profile arbitration cases, the statement added.

In mid October 2022, the firm appointed Jesyka White as Director of Operations for the UAE.

Keenan Grote, Chief Operating Officer of PMKConsult stated, “Both Jon Whyte and John Vint have played an integral role in elevating PMKConsult’s business in particular the commercial management practice. Jon Whyte is taking leadership of the cost management delivery stream ensuring that our distinct and elevated client services are maintained throughout the business across regions, while John Vint is building the specialist services offering within the commercial management practice area. On the whole, the business stream has grown considerably under their guidance. This move strengthens the foundation of our organization and I believe that the team and our collaborators and clients will benefit.”

The firm’s commercial management business has recently grown to include assignments in KSA and the UK, with the addition of considerable key remits ongoing within the UAE including hospitality, residential, offices, medical, infrastructure and retail, the statement concluded.

In late January 2023, the firm appointed a new Human Resources Director.

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French water sector major, Saur Group, has announced the opening of its new international headquarters in Dubai, in a move that is said to symbolise the company’s ambitions for international expansion and to make its expertise available to facilitate the water transition for all Middle Eastern countries.

In a statement, the group said that the new office was opened in the presence of His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA. Also in attendance was Patrick Blethon, the Executive Chairman of Saur Group.

The UAE faces some very demanding challenges in terms of water resources, and currently relies on desalination plants to supply 42% of its drinking water, the statement highlighted. As such, the country launched its comprehensive ‘UAE Water Security Strategy 2036’ program in 2017 to ensure universal access to safe drinking water by effectively addressing not only long-term supply and accessibility issues, but also the water security challenges of the years ahead, it continued.

Therefore, as a leading water infrastructure investor, operator and technology provider, Saur has fully committed to the policy adopted by the UAE to guarantee, conserve, and protect access to sufficient supplies of high-quality water resources, the statement pointed out.

In early February 2023, DEWA said it had spent $871mn on new projects in 2022.

Al Tayer stated, “I am pleased to be here today to attend the opening ceremony of Saur new International Headquarters, in Dubai. We welcome this move from Saur. With its innovative ideas, world-class infra-structure and business-friendly policies, Dubai has built a strong reputation to be the ideal global hub for businesses and a profitable base for regional and international operations. The remarkable inflow of investments and relocation of businesses to Dubai observed in recent years, is a testament to the robust commercial appeal of Dubai.”

The group is said to have amassed a recognised body of expertise in many regions subject to significant levels of water stress, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, USA, and Singapore. Across a broad diversity of international projects, it has implemented cutting-edge water treatment and renewable energy production technologies, underlining its expertise in the management of facilities that combine high performance with powerful innovation.

Saur is also convinced that the development and use of data are essential for effective water resource conservation. Unlike water, data is an inexhaustible resource whose analysis enables remote unmanned smart management of infrastructure facilities, in addition to physical maintenance and repair. The group said it is now also rolling out new AI based integrated digital platform and partnering with the most advanced technology providers to take maximum advantage of all data-driven opportunities.

The group is the first water company to have transformed its performance model to combine financial profitability with ambitious environmental commitments. It has also given its commitment to reduce the amount of water abstracted from the natural environment by 5% over 10 years and cut its greenhouse gas emissions by a factor of six. Supported by a strong private equity fund, EQT (US $100bn of assets under management), the Saur group has robust assets to answer the region’s needs, the statement continued.

In early February 2023, SEWA said it had made major progress on Khorfakkan infrastructure projects.

Patrick Blethon, Executive Chairman of Saur Group remarked, “Our opening of a new office in the United Arab Emirates is a clear demonstration of the group’s ambition to continue its international expansion in key markets. The combination of our innovation capabilities and expertise in countries suffering high levels of water stress makes Saur the preferred partner for succeeding in the specific challenges faced by the countries of the Middle East and supporting them to achieve their own water transition.”

Nader Antar, President of Saur International concluded, “It’s a great honour to officially open our new office in Dubai today, a major hub for Saur. The in-country presence of Saur International, alongside our regional HQ in Riyadh, will allow the Group to work much more closely with its customers throughout the region, and provide them with the highest level of support for sustainable, long-term water resource management.”

In mid February 2023, DEWA and ENOC signed a MoU to develop and operate a hydrogen-based mobility pilot project.

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Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Company (NHC) has launched Al Fursan, the company’s largest, new residential suburb in the northeast of Riyadh, and confirmed the launch of the second phase of its Khuzam Suburb.

The launch represents the largest real estate supply in the capital city, with Al Fursan spanning an area of over 35m sqm alone. This will include more than 50,000 residential units of various types, as well as more than 190 vital facilities and commercial centres. These will all be surrounded by six million square metres of green space, the company added.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, unveiled the project at a ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries, including the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al Hogail, as well as other senior government officials.

Speaking at the launch, Prince Faisal highlighted the support provided to the housing sector by the Kingdom’s leadership, and also praised the Ministry of Housing and NHC for its work in helping provide decent living standards to Saudi citizens.

In early March 2022, the NHC launched a new residential project in Makkah for citizens and, in early October 2022, DGDA and NHC said they would collaborate on mutual areas that serve the housing sector.

Mohammed bin Salih Al Batti, NHC Chief Executive Officer, said that the new suburb comes with a ‘new concept of housing and modern styles that carry the spirit of architectural originality with global standards that meet quality of life requirements’. He added that these residential units will provide a unique experience for residents, with gardens, green spaces, and integrated services.

Al Fursan, he added, was the largest project, in terms of the area and number of housing units, that NHC is implementing in partnership with real estate developers. “We plan to launch the second phase of the Khuzam suburb in the near future,” he explained.

A total of 18 investment agreements worth more than US $6.4bn were signed by NHC and the Ministry of Housing with leading real estate developers for the Al Fursan suburb’s projects.

In mid February 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince launched the New Murabba Development Company to develop world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh.

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Emirates will invest US $135mn into building an advanced training facility to accommodate six Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) for its future Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. The new facility is slated to open in March 2024.

The 63,318sqft facility will be adjacent to the existing Emirates Training Facilities in Dubai, which the organisation says will provide ‘great integration and close proximity to all the other pilot training centres’.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group said, “This $135mn investment to build a new pilot training centre will ensure Emirates’ readiness to commence its pilot training ahead of the delivery of its new aircraft fleet starting from 2024. The building will be equipped with the latest, technologically advanced simulators to provide the best training for pilots, while using solar power to reduce energy consumption.”

In early November 2022, construction work on Kuwait International Airport achieved significant headway.

According to Emirates, pilot trainees will benefit from being able to set-up and configure the cockpit environment using bespoke devices as part of the pilot training module and upload the data to the Full Flight Simulator (FFS) prior to commencing their training session.

The innovative, first-of-its-kind concept is designed to shorten the trainee’s preparatory time inside the simulator, help them maintain focus and take full advantage of the training duration, it explained.

With the addition of the new building to Emirates’ existing training colleges in Dubai, the airline will have the potential to expand its pilot training capacity by 54% per year. Across the airline’s training buildings, Emirates’ pilots will have increased flexibility and facilities to hone their flying skills with 17 full flight simulator bays offering a capacity of more than 130,000 training hours a year, the statement added.

In early November 2022, Red Sea Global appointed Reem Emirates Saudi for façade works on RSI Airport.

In line with the scheduled delivery of Emirates’ first Airbus A350 aircraft, the airline’s newest training college will commence training its first batch of A350 pilots by June 2024, the statement concluded.

In early January 2023, Saudia opened its new operations building at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.

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Yas Holding’s real estate wing, Taraf, has just announced its ‘Luce’ residential development on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. It is said to offer contemporary luxury and an enhanced living experience in its “spacious light-filled homes, featuring sweeping panoramic views”.

Taraf, which was itself launched in late January 2023, explained that it aims to develop lifestyle destinations “that stand the test of time with authentic places that form strong communities, build connections and shape meaningful lives.”

Unveiling the new project, the developer said the building’s design is inspired by nature, the beach – with the sand’s elegant curves and organic lines – and takes its cues from the fluidity seen within Dubai’s desert and seascapes. The property will encompass a mix of luxury units with exclusive two-, three- and four-bedroom units with sea views, along with a duplex and a penthouse.

Facilities include a swimming pool, a children’s playing area, a gym equipped with hi-tech sports equipment and a recreation space for social gatherings with direct access to the beach.

In late January 2023, Knight Frank said 219 ultra-prime homes had been sold in Dubai in 2022.

“Luce reflects our unwavering dedication to create high quality, lifestyle-driven communities and also to inspire meaningful lives. We are proud to bring new and unique investment opportunities to the UAE and international market, enhancing Dubai’s position as one of the best cities to live in the region. The launch of Luce, which is a true gem, offers privacy, luxury and comfort to those seeking a highly curated living experience,” said Yas Holding Group CEO, Low Ping.

The developer also said that Luce reflects the group’s mission to create lifestyle destinations that elevate living and create authentic places forming strong communities, which build connections and shape meaningful lives.

Taraf CEO Ahmad Shibel concluded, “We aim to develop properties that add value not only to the lives of our residents but also to the surrounding environment, with the future uppermost in mind. Setting a new standard for contemporary luxury, we are proud to offer our residents a luxurious, exclusive, comfortable and curated living environment, which will add further value to the communities on the Palm Jumeirah.”

In early February 2023, Aldar Properties formed a JV with Dubai Holding to enter the Dubai market.

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Data Hub Integrated Solutions (Moro Hub) has inaugurated its green data centre facility. The facility is located at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is said to be the largest single-site solar park in the world.

Using 100% renewable energy, the Uptime TIER III-Certified data centre has a capacity exceeding 100MW. Its area will exceed 16,000sqm. Moro Hub – a subsidiary of Digital DEWA – said the facility has been recognised as the largest solar-powered data centre by the Guinness World Records.

According to a statement from the firm, the opening event saw the signing of agreements between Moro Hub and its key technology partners and customers including Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Huawei, VMWare, Emirates NBD, Digital Dubai Authority, and Dubai Islamic Bank.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council opened the green data centre in the presence of Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, the statement explained.

In mid December 2020, Facilio and Moro Hub inked a deal for energy management and monitoring services.

Following the launch, Sheikh Hamdan toured the facility where he was briefed by Al Tayer on the facility’s integrated solutions designed to provide next-generation services in the areas of digital transformation, cloud and hosting services, cybersecurity, smart cities, IoT services and professional and managed services, as well as Moro services supported by ChatGPT technology.

Al Tayer commented, “Moro Hub’s solar-powered data centre supports our efforts to achieve the targets of the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. It reflects our commitment to support the development of a sustainable economy and our efforts to transform Dubai into a global green economy hub.”

Moro Hub has always been a frontrunner in promoting digital transformation and sustainability, as well as enhancing its integrated solutions to help organisations and companies reach Net Zero carbon emissions, he added.

This initiative is particularly significant since it comes in a year in which the UAE is hosting the largest international climate conference, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28), he continued.

In late June 2021, Moro Hub said it inked a deal with Intel to accelerate digital transformation.

Moro Hub’s green data centre features ground-breaking solutions from Dell Technologies, Microsoft and Huawei including the latest advances in Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Digital Twin Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Recovery as a Service, Consulting & Professional Services, Managed Services, Residency Services, Network as a Service and Moro Open Cloud, the statement concluded.

In early January 2023, Moro Hub launched its first AI-driven cyber security system.

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