Architecture – Page 86 – Energy & Sustainability Summit | 23 May 2023

Umm Al Quwain authorities have announced plans to develop a landmark coastal city project, Downtown UAQ, in partnership with developer Sobha Realty. The project will feature luxury residential, commercial and hospitality districts in addition to a shoreline including a beach and beach park.

The project was unveiled by Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain and Chairman of the Executive Council, during a ceremony at the UAQ Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The launch of Downtown UAQ represents a defining moment for the emirate’s evolving urban landscape, by offering master plan envisioned as a Coastal City within a City.

This destination blends with nature, luxury, and modernity, Sheikh Rashid said, “The development marks a new era for the emirate, reinforcing the importance of strategic investment to unlock business potential.” The development will feature commercial offices, hospitality developments including five-star hotels and resorts as well as entertainment and recreational hub in addition to retail destination and residential communities.

Sobha Group Founder PNC Menon added, “Downtown UAQ is not merely a project, but a vision brought to life. We are proud to partner with the Government of Umm Al Quwain to create a destination that embodies innovation, sustainability, and serene luxury. Designed with a resolute commitment to ecological harmony and resilience, Downtown UAQ exemplifies a modern-day ‘Live, Work, and Play’ environment. Balancing residential, commercial, and public spaces, Downtown UAQ is designed as a self-sustaining community where sophistication and functionality meet and envisaged to accommodate a population of about 150,000.”

“The integration of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces ensures a vibrant yet serene lifestyle, while over 50% of the land is dedicated to open and green spaces, landscaped gardens, and tranquil natural corridors that elevate quality of life and champion sustainable living. Cutting-edge infrastructure, water-sensitive landscaping, and marine conservation strategies further solidify the development’s legacy as a beacon of responsible urbanism,” he added.

The stretch of coastline is an element of the development, for leisure, tourism, and waterfront living. A planned free zone is being implemented by UAQ to accelerate investment and economic growth. The project’s centrepiece will be the UAQ Trade Centre Free Zone, governed by an independent legal framework to attract global business and innovation. Planned as a self-sustaining ‘city within a city,’ Downtown UAQ comprises three distinct districts- North Beach, Trade Centre and South Beach.

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Source: ME Construction News

Nominations have officially opened for the highly anticipated Construction Machinery Middle East (CMME) Awards 2025, which are scheduled to take place on 25 June at the prestigious Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai. This prominent industry event will celebrate outstanding achievements in technology, operational performance, and leadership within the heavy equipment and machinery sectors across the region.

Organised by Construction Machinery ME magazine, the CMME Awards have emerged as a landmark event for industry professionals, acknowledging significant advancements and contributions in construction machinery. This year’s ceremony promises to deliver a unique and engaging experience for attendees.

The awards cover a diverse range of specially judged categories, recognising excellence among equipment rental specialists, distributors, lifting and crane manufacturers, road-making equipment providers, and access and handling innovators. The extensive range of categories underscores the event’s commitment to highlighting and empowering contributors across the industry’s spectrum.

Stephen White, Head of Content at Construction Machinery Middle East, highlighted the awards’ relevance, stating, “This year’s CMME Awards will not only celebrate the best in technology, services, operations and mobilisation but also reflect the rapid changes shaping our industry. With more categories, a robust judging process, we’re ensuring that excellence is recognised at every level.”

Nominees will benefit from regional and international recognition, further amplified by a comprehensive marketing campaign across major social media platforms. The event itself is set to attract a diverse audience of manufacturers, dealers, rental companies, and construction professionals from around the Middle East, providing an exceptional platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and future collaborations.

Industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit nominations by the 30 May 2025 deadline. Interested participants can find further details and nomination forms at cmmeawards.com.

Construction Machinery ME continues to provide vital insights, news, and analyses on the latest industry trends and developments, reinforcing its position as a leading voice in the regional construction machinery sector.

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Source: ME Construction News

Majid Al Futtaim has appointed United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC) as the main contractor for Plagette 32 and Amara, two landmark residential developments within Tilal Al Ghaf, in Dubai. UNEC is a general contracting company specialising in delivering large-scale projects across the UAE.

Valued at US $199mn, the contract encompasses 148 luxury villas, including their interior fit-out, as well as the shell and core construction of the Beach Club. It also includes in-plot and public realm landscaping, gatehouses, ancillary structures, and shallow infrastructure, ensuring the comprehensive delivery of both developments.

Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties said, “Breaking ground on Plagette 32 and Amara marks a significant milestone forward in bringing our vision for Tilal Al Ghaf to life. These developments reflect our unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional, design-led communities that harmoniously blend natural beauty, architectural excellence, and elevated living. The appointment of UNEC as our main contractor reinforces our focus on quality, innovation, and delivering on refined, future-forward homes. We look forward to seeing these residences take shape and to welcoming our residents to a new era of sophisticated living.”

The neighborhood will feature 116 twin villas set around a landscaped central park, with water features and green spaces with a focus on eco-conscious materials, contemporary design, and connectivity between homes and shared spaces.

Abdul Halim Muwahid, Chairman of UNEC added, “We at United Engineering Construction are proud to be awarded and entrusted with the delivery of two of Dubai’s most anticipated residential developments. Our long-standing expertise in high-quality construction, paired with a deep commitment to excellence, will guide every stage of Plagette 32 and Amara’s development. These projects set a new benchmark for luxury living, and we are honored to play a role in realising Majid Al Futtaim’s bold vision. With a shared focus on quality, innovation, and precision, we look forward to bringing these exceptional communities to life.”

Plagette 32 is a waterfront neighbourhoods within Majid Al Futtaim’s Tilal Al Ghaf, designed to offer architecture and resort-style living, with interiors curated by the Bergman Design House. Comprising 28 Club Villas and four Water Bungalows, each home features private gardens, terraces, indoor-outdoor spaces. A Beach Club, in partnership with Sunset Hospitality, will host the community for leisure and dining experiences.

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Source: ME Construction News

Range Developments has announced its fifth project, Island Heights, a collection of premium residential apartments in AL Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.

The project features 165 units, 78 studio apartments and 87 one bedroom apartments with 360 views of Al Marjan Island. The property is located within 90y from the beach, and four-minutes away from the Wynn Al Marjan Island.

Ras Al Khaimah has undergone a transformation by the advancement of the Wynn Al Marjan Island project, set to reach completion by 2027. Al Marjan Island is becoming region’s premium destination, attracting international investors with beachfront living, amenities, ocean views, and resort-like community, said a statement.

Mohammed Asaria, Managing Director and Board Member of Range Developments commented, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Island Heights in Al Marjan Island. Marking our fifth highly anticipated property in the country, this development is cultivated with lavish-living aficionados in mind, with the aims of providing an unparalleled lifestyle experience in the heart of the booming Ras Al Khaimah.”

“Ras Al Khaimah’s well-diversified economy and robust business environment generates significant investment opportunities, all elevating the region’s tourism,” added Riaz Shariff, Managing Director and Board Member of Range Developments. “Benefitting from the significant projected impact of Wynn Al Marjan Island, Island Heights is set to become both a beneficiary and a further catalyst to this growth, promising decadent living coupled with strategic investment potential.”

The property’s architecture portrays geometric precision and layered interaction, with interiors, modern elements, light, muted colours, travertine textures and smooth shapes. It also offers amenities to residents, including a gym, co-working space Resident’s Lounge, an outdoor children’s play area, yoga facilities, and a mezzanine level infinity swimming pool all within close proximity to Wynn Al Marjan Island’s entertainment and dining options.

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Source: ME Construction News

SSH has announced the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Kuwait Waterfront Development. Following the initial launch in Q1, Phase 2 marks a milestone in the wider transformation of Kuwait’s coastline.

Spanning five km, this phase extends from the Green Island to the Yacht Club in Salmiya. It forms part of a vision, a 9.7km stretch of the waterfront, designed to revitalise the area into an accessible and sustainable urban destination.

The newly developed project offers wide range of amenities aimed at enhancing the community’s quality of life. These include designed public spaces, children’s play areas, sports facilities, and a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés that cater to residents and visitors.

Keeping sustainability as the main focus of this project. SSH, in collaboration with the Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC), has integrated green solutions including solar-powered lighting, 40 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and the renovation of 4,000 parking spaces. The landscape is replaced with the Conocarpus trees and plant species specifically chosen for their resilience in Kuwait’s arid climate.

To promote active lifestyles and improve accessibility, the development features 12.4km of jogging tracks and a 15.4km bicycle path, through the waterfront surroundings. Adding to the cultural dimension, artistic installations inspired by Kuwait’s heritage and ecosystem have been placed throughout the site.

This project is a contributor to the goals set forth in Kuwait Vision 2035, for nation’s tourism infrastructure and generating new avenues for economic growth. It also presents valuable investment opportunities for both local and international stakeholders.

SSH has partnered with TEC as their consultant of choice, with its Design and Supervision team playing an important role in bringing this transformative vision to life. The delivery of Phase 2 demonstrates SSH’s ongoing commitment to deliver sustainable urban developments for the region.

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Source: ME Construction News

Object 1 has launched V1STARA HOUSE, a mid-rise residential tower in Al Furjan designed to deliver modern, community-centric living with cultural and architectural identity. Slated for completion in Q3 2027, V1STARA HOUSE marks a significant step forward for Object 1 into a lifestyle-focused, purpose-driven real estate narrative.

V1STARA HOUSE offers villas, townhouses, and mid-rise apartment buildings, one, two and 3.5-bedroom apartments across 10 residential floors, designed with layouts, 3.1m-ceilings, and panoramic windows, each floor accommodates six to eleven apartments, ensuring space and privacy features. With rental transactions in Al Furjan up 8% and one-bedroom rental values surging by 39%, the area offers yields of up to 9%, making V1STARA a opportunity for both end-users and investors.

V1STARA HOUSE aims to benefit from the city’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, sustainability, and connectivity. Al Furjan offers accessibility, between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and is currently served by the Red Metro Line, commercial hubs such as Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Industrial Park and retail destinations like Ibn Battuta Mall makes it an ideal choice for both residents and investors. The development itself integrates eight retail spaces on the Ground Floor to provide daily conveniences.

Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1 said, “V1STARA HOUSE is our response to current market dynamics offering a product that balances aspirational living with real value. As Dubai expands with major infrastructure projects like the new Al Maktoum International Airport terminal, adjacent areas like Al Furjan are establishing themselves as a trusted investment hub, driven by high demand and long term growth potential. V1STARA is a smart, functional choice, whether you’re an investor looking for solid returns or someone searching for a comfortable, well connected home. It’s thoughtfully designed with the community in mind and built to keep up with today’s digital lifestyle.”

Architecturally, V1STARA HOUSE blends contemporary designs and smart technologies with cultural resonance. Inspired by the Sanskrit word ‘Vistara’, meaning expansion, the tower embodies the principles of growth, emotional well-being, and universal unity. This narrative is reinforced through interiors designed in a palette of deep midnight blues, cosmic golds, and ethereal whites drawing from the visual of the cosmos.

V1STARA HOUSE offers range of amenities, including a lobby, a lagoon-style pool with a sun-soaked deck and loungers, separate kids’ swimming pool, indoor kids’ playroom and outdoor play area, separate ladies’ and gents’ gyms and sauna. For leisure, residents can enjoy game room, cinema, and clubhouse, along with a BBQ area and lounge.

A 4-storey parking structure ensures space and security for residents’ vehicles. Homes come equipped with a smart home ecosystem that allows residents to control lighting, climate, and security from their mobile devices, while a smart locking system ensures, keyless access and safety.

As Dubai’s affordable housing segment becomes a focal point for developers and investors in 2025, Object 1’s entry with V1STARA HOUSE highlights a strategic approach to market timing, product positioning, and community integration. With rising end-user demand in Al Furjan, the project emerges as both a lifestyle choice and a forward-looking investment opportunity.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM) has officially announced the opening of Nad Al Sheba Mall. The move brings vibrant new lifestyle hub to the heart of Nad Al Sheba, said a statement from DHAM.

DHAM is the owner and operator of one of Dubai’s most extensive retail portfolios featuring 10 malls, 15 lifestyle destinations, and 18 retail centres.

Designed as a mixed-use lifestyle destination, the 500,000sqft mall is set to house a selection of over 100 stores spanning fitness, retail, entertainment, F&B, healthcare, and supermarkets.

Among the first major brands to open are Home Bakery, Joud Coffee, PDL Café, Parka, Homer Lobster, % Arabica, Fun City, Spinneys, GO Sport, SALT, and more, with FitnGlam, Fitcode and Union Coop joining in May 2025. Many more are set to follow in the coming months, said a statement from the firm.

Nad Al Sheba Mall adds to Dubai Holding Asset Management’s dynamic retail portfolio, which features malls like Nakheel Mall, Ibn Battuta, The Outlet Village, and Dragon Mart; landmark destinations including Bluewaters, JBR, and West Beach; and strategically located retail centres designed to foster connected communities and enhance convenience and quality of life across Dubai, it added.

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Madrid, Spain, will soon be home to a new Formula 1 racing circuit, and the job of building it has been awarded to two construction companies Acciona and Eiffage Construcción. The circuit, named Madring, is set to host its first Formula 1 races in 2026.

The Madring project was originally budgeted at US $118.8mn but the two companies offered to build it for $89mn. Acciona owns 60% of the partnership while Eiffage owns 40%. This joint venture now has the responsibility to turn Madrid into a Formula 1 destination.

The new racetrack will be constructed in the northeastern part of Madrid. Most of the track (about 4.1km) will be built on land owned by IFEMA Madrid, which is an exhibition and events centre. The remaining 1.3km of the track will be built along public roads. After each race, the public roads will be restored for normal use by everyday drivers.

Construction work is expected to begin in April 2025 and is planned to be completed by May 2026, in time for the Formula 1 season. The new circuit will be 5.4km long and will meet the international standards set by the FIA (International Automobile Federation) for Formula 1 racing.

The project involves, building permanent track structures such as the actual racecourse and key facilities, setting up and later removing temporary structures for each race, like grandstands, pits, and hospitality areas, restoring public roads used for the circuit so they can be used again after each event.

Acciona and Eiffage are committed to reducing environmental impact during construction by reusing up to 700,000cu/m of earth from excavation work, recycling 60% of the materials moved during construction, using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel for all machinery and vehicles involved in the project, which helps reduce CO2 emissions, powering construction equipment and on-site facilities with renewable electricity. These eco-friendly measures will make the Madring not just a track but also a greener one.

This is not the first time Acciona and Eiffage have worked on race tracks. Acciona has previously built the Motorland Aragón track, and Eiffage has worked on the Jerez circuit, which hosted the 2009 MotoGP Grand Prix, as well as the Carmona circuit in Seville, one of Spain’s largest racing venues.

Once completed, Madring will become a new addition to the Formula 1 calendar. The project is part of Spain’s growing interest in motorsport, as the country continues to invest in racing infrastructure. With the Madring set to host F1 drivers from the world, this track will bring attention to Madrid, boosting both tourism and the local economy.

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Source: ME Construction News

Deyaar Development conducted its Annual General Assembly (AGA) under the leadership of its Chairman, Abdulla Ali Alhamli. The meeting brought together the company’s Board of Directors, shareholders, senior management, external auditors, and representatives from regulatory bodies, marking a milestone in Deyaar’s corporate governance calendar.

In a strong show of corporate alignment, shareholders overwhelmingly approved all agenda items, demonstrating confidence in the company’s strategic direction. The General Assembly elected a new Board of Directors for the 2025-2028 term, comprising, Abdulla Ali Alhamli, Hamad Mubarak Buamim, Adnan Chilwan, Mohammed Saeed Al Sharif, Maryam Mohammed Bin Faris, Mohammed Rashed Bin Dhabeah Al Ketbi, Rashid Hasan Aldaboos, said a statement.

The newly elected Board is expected to reinforce Deyaar’s commitment to corporate governance, innovation, and sustainable growth, further strengthening its role as a key enabler in the UAE’s economic diversification and real estate development goals. The approval of a 5% dividend distribution underscores Deyaar’s financial performance and commitment to delivering shareholder value.

Deyaar continues to deliver transformative developments reflecting innovation, and sustainability. With a portfolio that spans residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, Deyaar remains at the forefront of shaping the nation’s urban future. The company reaffirms its commitment to supporting the UAE’s visionary development agenda, contributing meaningfully to the country’s socioeconomic progress, and delivering long-term value to stakeholders.

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The Kenyan government has terminated a US $1.39bn highway expansion agreement with Vinci Highways. The project could potentially be awarded to a Chinese contractor, as confirmed by government officials and sources familiar with the matter.

The project, initially signed in Paris in 2020 during a visit by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, aimed to transform a 140km single-lane road into a multi-lane highway connecting Nairobi to Nakuru, a city in Kenya’s Rift Valley region.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) expressed dissatisfaction with the deal, stating that it was not favorable to the country. The agreement would have required the government to cover the costs if insufficient vehicles utilised the road. KeNHA attempted to modify the contract, but Vinci refused to agree, leading the government to cancel the deal, as per a report.

“KeNHA requested a restructuring of the contract but the proposal was considered unbankable thus creating a stalemate,” the agency stated. This led to the issuance of a formal termination notice, effectively ending the deal before any construction had begun.

The French-led group included Vinci Highways, Vinci Concessions, and private equity firm Meridiam. Two sources with direct knowledge of the government’s plans revealed that the project is now expected to be handed over to a Chinese construction company, although the specific firm has not yet been publicly identified.

This shift follows a high-level visit to Beijing earlier this month by Kenya’s Finance Minister John Mbadi, who led a delegation for talks with senior Chinese officials. Local media have also reported that President William Ruto is scheduled for a state visit to China later this month, signaling a strengthening of bilateral ties.

Kenya is adjusting its approach to large-scale projects like roads in response to financial constraints. To address these challenges, the country is collaborating with both Western and Chinese partners to develop its infrastructure and foster economic growth.

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Source: ME Construction News

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