CANNON Artes has been awarded the contract for the engineering and supply of a large-scale seawater desalination treatment plant for the Hajr Expansion CCGT IPP Project. This 3GW combined- cycle gas fired power plant is located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

The desalination plant is part of a US $2.6bn combined cycle power project developed by a joint venture between ACWA Power, the Saudi Electricity Company, and Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas are the EPC contractors for this project.

The project was recently assigned and is now entering its detailed design phase, and is said to represent a significant technological achievement in industrial water treatment and desalination under extremely challenging conditions.

The new facility will treat 34,000m3 of high-salinity seawater daily. It will produce demineralised water for steam generation, potable water for plant consumption, and service water for various utilities. Designed to ensure optimal performance and long-term reliability, the system exceeds local regulatory requirements. It also reinforces CANNON Artes’ commitment to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

The desalination plant integrates CANNON Artes’ most advanced membrane technologies. These include Ultrafiltration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, each featuring nearly 22,000m2 of active membrane area. Electrodeionisation (EDI) is used for final polishing. In addition, a remineralisation section with calcite filters will restore calcium and alkalinity to improve water stability and reduce corrosivity, the firm said.

“This project highlights CANNON Artes’ ability to manage highly complex and large-scale water treatment challenges, meeting the most demanding efficiency and environmental standards,” said Mauro Monti, Area Manager CANNON Artes. “Our integrated expertise, from process design to full plant delivery, allows us to deliver tailor-made solutions for critical industrial infrastructures worldwide.”

This project further solidifies CANNON Artes’ position as advanced industrial water treatment, serving the power generation, oil & gas, energy downstream, and petrochemical sectors.

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Source: ME Construction News

Developer Sankari has broken ground on its flagship project, Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place, located in the Marasi Marina district. The development is said to hold immense significance for Sankari and the Regent brand under IHG Hotels & Resorts, as it marks the inaugural standalone Regent-branded residential project globally.

The completion of enabling works by Dutch Foundations has paved the way for the appointment of Al Basti & Muktha (ABM) as the primary contractor. The contract, valued at US $272mn, has been awarded for the full construction of Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place, with a projected completion date within 34 months.

“The groundbreaking of Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place marks a defining milestone for Sankari and for luxury living in Dubai. This project exemplifies our commitment to excellence and timeless design. Together with world-class partners like Al Basti & Muktha and Foster + Partners, we are creating an iconic residential destination that embodies the Regent ethos of serene luxury and modern refinement,” said Mark Phoenix, CEO of Sankari.

“We are honoured to partner with Sankari on this exceptional project. Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place will showcase our decades of experience delivering some of the UAE’s most prestigious landmarks. Our team is committed to realising Sankari’s vision for this flagship development with the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail,” added Tushar Pathak, Chairman of Al Basti & Muktha.

Rooted in a legacy of craftsmanship and visionary development, Sankari’s ethos is built on creating enduring landmarks that embody heritage, quality, and purpose. Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place stands as a testament to this philosophy, merging contemporary excellence with a respect for the values that define the brand, the statement said.

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Source: ME Construction News

Developer LEOS Developments has launched its inaugural large-scale master-planned community in Dubai. The project has a gross development value (GDV) exceeding US $1.36bn, and is situated in Wadi Al Safa 5 within Dubailand.

LEOS’ collaboration with Dubai Holding is said to underscore its shared vision of delivering sustainable and design-led communities that align with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan. This blueprint aims to transform Dubai into a city to live, work, and visit, and LEOS is committed to playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.

Rui Liu, Founder and Chairman of LEOS Developments said, “The new masterplan marks a defining milestone for our company to become a major developer in Dubai. Developed in close collaboration with Dubai Holding, it embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality of life, which are the very principles that underpin the Dubai 2040 Vision. We are honoured to contribute to this city’s continued evolution as a global model for master-planned communities.”

Nestled amidst over 16,000 trees, botanical gardens, and lagoons, the master community represents a new standard, residents will embrace a lifestyle characterised by green spaces, open-air amenities, and design excellence. The community’s rollout will commence in phases, with Regent’s Park serving as the initial phase. This phase will feature three-to-four bedroom townhouses and five-to-seven bedroom villas, collectively comprising over 800 homes.

The UAE’s wellness real estate market is poised for significant growth which underscores the country’s increasing emphasis on health, sustainability, and quality of life. LEOS’ innovative masterplan is designed to lead this transformative movement, integrating wellness and modern living.

The community offers a curated selection of premium villas and townhouses, each surrounded by water features, landscaped parks, retail, and an array of leisure, wellness, and family amenities. Facilities include padel and tennis courts, yoga studios, cycling tracks, outdoor gyms, children’s play areas, swimming pools, and a clubhouse.

Homes will also feature smart technology integration and EV-ready garages, fully aligning with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. This sustained momentum is a testament to the company’s confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth and its commitment to shaping the future of community living.

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WakeCap has acquired Trackfy, a workforce safety and operational solution for industrial companies. The acquisition reflects WakeCap’s commitment to expanding its global reach, diversifying its product capabilities, and strengthening customer relationships across the construction and industrial lifecycle. It combines WakeCap’s expertise with Trackfy’s strength, enhancing the management of construction projects, said the firm.

The acquisition of Trackfy comes at a time when global infrastructure investment is experiencing significant growth, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone investing nearly US $1tn in construction and urban development.

The acquisition of Trackfy enables WakeCap to provide continuous support to clients even after construction is complete. By integrating operations and maintenance capabilities, WakeCap can remain involved in projects from the construction phase through to daily industrial operations, offering a unified and connected solution across the entire lifecycle of a facility.

“Trackfy brings both regional expertise and product capabilities that perfectly complement WakeCap’s vision to put workers first, make jobsites safer, and bring clarity to the world’s most complex construction projects,” said Dr. Hassan Albalawi, Co-Founder and CEO of WakeCap.

Albalawi continued, “WakeCap’s ability to capture and act on real-time jobsite data is critical for high-performing project controls, and this acquisition fuels our next stage of growth as we expand our global footprint, increasing the value we deliver to customers through richer insights, faster reporting, and greater operational efficiency. This is a strong cultural fit, and we are excited to welcome the Trackfy team to WakeCap.”

“WakeCap’s mission has always been to solve the construction industry’s most urgent problems through data, software, and IoT, while Trackfy has done the same across the operational core of industrial environments,” said Tulio Cerviño, CEO of Trackfy. “Joining forces enables us to scale our technology, expand into new regions, and serve customers across the full lifecycle of industrial projects. This move is more than just an acquisition it’s a big step toward the realisation of a shared vision: to build the global standard for smart operations and industrial intelligence.”

WakeCap’s technology provides live, site-wide visibility across various aspects of construction, including workforce, safety, productivity, and progress. By empowering jobsite workers, WakeCap’s technology ensures safer and more reliable work environments.

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Source: ME Construction News

International law firm Trowers & Hamlins (Trowers) has appointed Partner Magda Kofluk to its International Construction Disputes team in Dubai. She is joined by Senior Associate Samantha Martin.

With three female partners now on the team, collectively possessing over 50 years of experience in the region, Trowers continues to lead the way in promoting gender diversity in construction law, the firm said.

Cheryl Cairns, Head of the International Construction Disputes team, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Magda to the team. Her expertise in high-value arbitrations and deep regional knowledge will build on the team’s extensive experience and further strengthen the support we offer to our clients.”

Cairns added, “The addition of Magda and Samantha further enhances the depth and diversity of talent within our Construction Disputes team, and we are extremely proud of the culture we are building. This growth is aligned with our 2030 strategy to strengthen our sector offering and expand in an innovative and inclusive way.”

Kofluk added, “I’m excited to be joining Trowers & Hamlins and to be part of a team with such a strong reputation in international construction disputes. It is a proud moment to be stepping into partnership for the first time, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success and working closely with clients on high-value, technically challenging arbitrations across the Middle East.”

Kofluk, a civil law construction arbitration specialist with over 15 years of experience, has 11 years of experience in the Middle East, where she has advised on projects in Qatar, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE. Her expertise lies in advising clients on high-value arbitrations related to construction projects across various major industries, including power plants, highways, airports, mixed-use buildings, railways, and stadiums. Kofluk also frequently participates as an arbitrator in DIAC, ICC, and ad-hoc cases and has been admitted to the roster of arbitrators of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration.

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Source: ME Construction News

Full-service real estate developer and design consultancy ASICO Development has announced the appointment of Salah Baleed as Director of Engineering. The firm said the move strengthens its engineering and development capabilities across the UAE.

In his new role, Baleed will oversee all engineering functions at ASICO Development. His primary responsibility will be to ensure that the company’s projects are executed to the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability. Baleed will play a pivotal role in driving technical excellence, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting the company’s vision of delivering world-class developments that redefine modern living.

“We are delighted to welcome Salah Baleed to ASICO Development,” said Wail Abualhamail, Director of Real Estate at ASICO. “His technical expertise and leadership will further elevate our engineering standards and reinforce our commitment to building with integrity and innovation.”

Baleed commented, “It’s an honour to join ASICO Development and contribute to its ambitious vision for growth. I look forward to leading a talented engineering team and ensuring that our projects continue to set new benchmarks for quality and performance.”

ASICO Development remains steadfast in its commitment to investing in highly skilled professionals and engineering solutions that propel progress and sustainability in the UAE’s real estate and construction sectors.

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Source: ME Construction News

American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Mapei have formalised a collaboration within the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program. The partnership aims to develop industry ready engineers by aligning academic learning with market requirements. Through internships, applied research, and regular expert exchanges, the partners will strengthen clear pathways from the classroom to the workplace.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) establishes a connection between AUS’ coursework and professional practice. Mapei will host AUS students annually in structured internships that immerse learners in active teams and laboratories. When feasible, AUS faculty and Mapei specialists will co-supervise selected capstone and research projects, sharing technical knowledge essential for emerging engineers, said a statement.

Additionally, the partners will organise field visits to laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and project sites, allowing students to engage with current methods, quality systems, and safety standards. Furthermore, they will pursue joint research and development projects that address sector priorities in the UAE.

“This collaboration is designed for outcomes you can measure in skill, in confidence and in employability,” said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering. “By connecting our students to Mapei’s teams, facilities and project environments, we are creating an applied learning loop that starts with a question on campus and ends with a solution on site.”

Giuseppe Castelli, Corporate HR and Organisation Director at Mapei added, “We believe that investing in young people means investing in the future of the region and the local community. The collaboration with AUS represents an important step in fostering the professional and personal growth of new talents, creating a bridge between university and business.”

The agreement aligns with the objectives of the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program, which aims to establish targeted partnerships with prominent firms across various sectors. These partnerships empower students with practical skills essential in a rapidly changing job market. Currently, the program boasts a network of 18 partners, which is expanding, fostering industry collaboration and providing students and faculty with meaningful opportunities.

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Source: ME Construction News

Gensler has been appointed as the lead consultant for Miraf District, a mixed-use development project spearheaded by Real Estate Investment & Development (Refad). Nestled along King Faisal Road in the district of Al Khobar, Miraf District promises to be a hub of activity, where retail, hospitality, residential, and commercial life converge into an integrated urban experience.

The firm’s engagement on the project commenced in February 2024, and it has been providing comprehensive expertise across various disciplines, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, signage, and wayfinding. Gensler’s scope of work extends from conceptual design to construction documentation.

“Miraf District is not just a project; it is the embodiment of our ambition at Refad Real Estate Investment & Development to elevate Al Khobar to the ranks of modern cities that place the human experience at their core,” said Abdulhadi Al Qahtani, Managing Director of Refad. “The pioneering project will redefine the entire city experience, creating an integrated, vibrant destination that strengthens community bonds and respects the environment.”

Raj Patel, Architecture Design Director and Principal at Gensler added, “Rooted in the vision of the next evolution of mixed-use design in the Eastern Province, Gensler draws inspiration from Khobar’s heritage of trade, pearl diving, and family gatherings transforming the site into a gateway to the sea. The development is designed to promote synergy between its components: retail, hospitality, and workplace fronting King Faisal Road for accessibility and visibility, while residential and wellness zones are oriented toward the waterfront for privacy and views. Flexible outdoor areas and public spaces encourage year-round social interaction, events, and well-being. The design celebrates Al Khobar’s coastal identity, with architecture and materials inspired by the dialogue between land and sea.”

Miraf District is said to be a blend of indoor and outdoor retail spaces connected by an inviting promenade. This inviting promenade is complemented by an IHG hotel, two residential towers, and a Grade A office building. The development’s 2,150,000sqft master plan, conceived by Refad, aims to create a destination that celebrates the modern Saudi lifestyle while fostering community and connection.

Sustainability is said to be deeply ingrained in the project’s approach; the design incorporates locally sourced materials and adheres to local environmental and regulatory standards, ensuring a responsible and long-term contribution to the region’s development.

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Developer ATARA Development has unveiled its latest project – Kaia Villa. This US $16.34mn, six-bedroom villa is located on Pearl Jumeirah Island and marks the first launch under the developer’s Terra Collection. The villa is said to be designed for families seeking beachfront living.

With five villas already completed and delivered to residents, Kaia Villa stands as a significant milestone in ATARA’s growing portfolio. Currently, 10 additional residences are under construction across Dubai’s communities, the developer said.

The completion of Kaia Villa underscores ATARA’s expansion in Dubai’s luxury residential segment. This expansion follows the developer’s recent partnership with Marriott International, which resulted in the introduction of the GCC’s first Sheraton-branded residences on Al Marjan Island.

“The completion  of Kaia Villa marks another important step in our journey as a growing developer in the Emirates real estate market,” said Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer of ATARA Development. “Kaia Villa represents our vision to create homes that offer more than architecture, residences that reflect individuality, innovation, and a refined approach to modern living.”

Set within the gated enclave of Pearl Jumeirah Island, the residence embodies ATARA’s philosophy, Design, Detail, Distinction. Spanning four levels, basement, ground, first, and rooftop, the villa blends spatial harmony with a contemporary aesthetic, offering residents a sanctuary of privacy, comfort, and sophistication, the developer said.

Every space within the home has been curated to enhance functionality and experience. The fully-furnished six-bedroom villa features en-suite bathrooms and walk in closets, complemented by a study, private cinema, spa, gym, yoga area, a rooftop terrace with a BBQ zone, and a ground-floor pool with deck. Behind its façade lies an integration of smart home technologies, including automated lighting, climate control, motorised curtains, smart mirrors, motion sensors, home theatre automation, and integrated security systems.

The villa’s wellness facilities include a fully equipped fitness studio, private steam and sauna rooms, and dedicated shower spaces. A three-car garage, private lift, and dual front of house and back of house kitchens further demonstrate ATARA’s attention to both comfort and convenience.

With an expanding pipeline of upcoming developments, ATARA Development continues to establish its presence in Dubai’s high-end real estate landscape, creating exclusive homes that balance design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle distinction.

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Source: ME Construction News

Modon Hospitality has unveiled the launch of a luxurious active lifestyle resort, the Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi. The new sports and wellness destination is said to redefine healthy living and performance based hospitality on Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriyat Island.

This resort, owned and developed by Modon Holding, offers a range of activities, including active stays, recovery, movement, holistic wellness, healthy cuisine, leisure, and relaxation. It boasts wellness facilities, such as Reboot Recovery Lounge, which provides guests with access to features such as altitude training, which is traditionally used by elite athletes. Now accessible to all guests, the lounge features compression technology, next-generation biohacking tools, and tailored treatments that aid recovery, boost circulation, and optimise overall performance.

Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi’s design includes unique features like inter-connecting family rooms, spa and wellness facilities, and a variety of organic, nutrition focused dining options. Selected guest rooms also feature hypoxic technology to support athletic recovery and performance.

Guests can also experience the unique benefits of the Olympia Recovery Mattress, crafted to support muscle repair, enhance circulation, and promote deep, restorative sleep. Its advanced foams, pocket springs, and cooling fabric work together to facilitate the body’s recovery overnight, leaving guests feeling refreshed, balanced, and ready to embrace a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep.

The Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi will play a role in transforming Hudayriyat Island into a global destination known for sports, recreational, and wellness offerings. The resort integrates performance with leisure, providing elite training facilities catering to guests of all skill levels, the statement said.

Bill O’Regan, Group CEO at Modon Holding said, “We take pride in creating iconic destinations that redefine how people live, work and connect. Hudayriyat Island is emerging as one of Abu Dhabi’s most distinctive landmarks an integrated urban experience setting a new benchmark for community, lifestyle and wellbeing. With the Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi, we’re building on that vision, bringing together sport, wellness and family recreation within a setting designed for active, connected living.”

Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Hospitality added, “The Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi signifies a new category of hospitality where performance and lifestyle meet. The resort offers first-class facilities that encourage people to move, train, and recharge in an environment designed for balance and wellbeing. We have designed a space for those who thrive on movement, balance, and discovery, built around an active lifestyle that reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to create destinations that inspire healthier, more active communities while inviting the world to experience everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

“The Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi is a key part of our next chapter of growth and expansion. As the specialist hospitality arm of Modon Holding, we are continuing to design and deliver experiences with purpose, precision, and passion. We already operate a local, regional, and global portfolio of 28 hotels across five markets, and this is the latest asset to be part of our ever-expanding offering. We are proud that our portfolio reflects our international outlook and DNA, our versatility and our world-class expertise,” added Dardenne.

Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi, a standalone Modon Hospitality concept, is planned to open in early 2026. This resort, designed to blend local identity with global appeal, aims to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a sports tourism and active living hub.

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Source: ME Construction News