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February 14, 2025 foasummit0

AD Ports Group has begun its long-term management and development of a major multi-purpose terminal, and an associated logistics business with local partners in Luanda, Angola, driving its expansion in sub-Saharan Africa.

With Angolan joint venture partners Unicargas and Multiparques, AD Ports Group started operations at Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal in the country’s largest port. The Port of Luanda handles about 76% of Angola’s container and general cargo volumes, as well as providing maritime access to its landlocked neighbours, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

AD Ports Group has a 81% stake in the multipurpose terminal venture with Unicargas and Multiparques, and a 90% stake in the logistics venture with Unicargas. In line with market demand, AD Ports Group’s investment could increase to US $380mn over the life of the concession, which could be extended by another 10 years.

Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, AD Ports Group committed to invest around $250mn through 2026 to modernise the terminal and to develop Noatum Unicargas Logistics – the joint venture provides integrated logistics, transport and freight forwarding services for local, regional and international clients.

With the terminal’s opening, trading began at Noatum Unicargas Logistics. Noatum Unicargas Logistics is making a significant investment in new trucks and systems, and will be fully integrated with the Noatum Logistics global network, to strengthen Angola’s access to international markets and drive investment-led growth in the Angolan economy.

The investments are also expected to result in the creation of thousands of local direct and indirect jobs, and in training and upskilling. The planned investments include equipment and technology solutions that will enable environmentally sustainable operations, with lower carbon emissions.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group said, “With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, and establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging our group’s global network and reach, AD Ports Group is positioned to capture growth in Angola’s container volumes, which are forecast to rise on average by 3.3% annually over the next decade. In line with the direction of our wise leadership, this significant investment by our group and its partners will strengthen the country’s ties with the UAE and bring jobs and economic prosperity to the citizens of Angola.”

Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu, Minister of Transport, Angola, said: “The Port of Luanda is the main maritime gateway to Angola, a critical hub for regional trade and an economic lifeline for the region. Our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group, part of a broader effort involving multiple stakeholders, will transform the Port of Luanda into an efficient, high-performance multipurpose facility that transforms our logistical capabilities and drives economic growth across central west Africa. This collaboration is a significant milestone in our mission to modernise infrastructure and expand access to global trade, while delivering a prosperous future to Angola and its partners.

The commencement and transfer of business assets occurred without interruption in terminal operations, which are planned to continue as its partners improve terminal efficiency and operating performance. The group is also committed to improving health and safety at the terminal, and has begun to put into place a best-in-class Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) programme to manage and control workplace hazards, environmental risks, and employee well-being.

Under AD Ports Group’s leadership, the Luanda port terminal will be significantly upgraded to a general cargo, container and roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) terminal. It will be the only terminal in the Port of Luanda with 16m of depth and therefore will be able to handle Super Post Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs. The terminal area will be re-engineered to support high density traffic and container handling, and will also be equipped with modern IT systems.

AD Ports Group has expanded into Africa over the past three years, announcing more than $800mn in planned investments in the maritime and shipping and ports and logistics sectors in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Angola. The decision to enter Angola followed the signing of a 2023 framework agreement between AD Ports Group and the Government of Angola to explore cooperation in transport and maritime infrastructure.

New container handling equipment will be installed by the third quarter of 2026 that will boost container capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs, and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles. AD Ports Group awarded contracts to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, port machinery manufacturers in the world, to supply three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and eight hybrid Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes for the Luanda terminal.

Noatum Unicargas Logistics will invest in new machinery, reefer and flat-bed trucks, and upgrade IT systems across Noatum Logistics’ digital ecosystem, providing full end-to-end supply chain visibility and operational efficiency.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 14, 2025 foasummit0

Ellington Properties and RAK Properties have announced the appointment of Nantong Construction Group as the main contractor for Porto Playa, a US $84.32mn waterfront development on Hayat Island. Scheduled for completion in Q4 2026, the project will set a new benchmark for quality and innovation in coastal living.

With a focus on quality in construction with its expertise in delivering large-scale developments, Nantong Construction Group will leverage a variety of construction techniques and engineering standards to ensure Porto Playa is built to the highest quality, said a statement.

Sameh Al Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties stated, “Hayat Island, a key component of our recently unveiled Mina masterplan, represents the future of waterfront living in Ras Al Khaimah. By partnering with Nantong Construction Group, a global leader in construction, and Ellington Properties, renowned for design excellence, Porto Playa will stand as a testament to what collaboration can achieve.”

“This development embodies precision, innovation, and a resident-centric approach, setting new standards in the real estate landscape of the emirate. We are seeing strong demand within Mina, which is at the forefront of our growth and transformation agenda, and with Porto Playa we look forward to continuing our success in delivering homes on, or ahead of, schedule,” Muhtadi added.

Joseph Thomas, Co-Founder of Ellington Properties added, “Porto Playa is not just another development—it’s a statement of excellence and innovation. The appointment of Nantong Construction Group reflects our commitment to delivering superior quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Their expertise ensures that Porto Playa will not only meet but exceed expectations, becoming a landmark that transforms Hayat Island into a premier destination.”

Porto Playa will offer a curated mix of studios, apartments, townhouses, and villas, all optimised using advanced AI technology to provide views of the Arabian Gulf and island landscapes.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 14, 2025 foasummit0

Sobha Realty has announced that its flagship Dubai project, Sobha One, has been awarded the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This achievement makes Sobha One the first building outside Singapore to earn this certification, highlighting Sobha Realty’s commitment to environmentally friendly living experience, said a statement from the developer.

In addition to the SLE certification, Sobha One has also been recognised with the Whole Life Carbon badge in testament to the project’s dedication to low-impact development and eco-conscious design.

The Green Mark certification is a globally recognised benchmark for environmental resourcefulness, assessing projects across five critical categories: Resilience, Whole Life Carbon, Health & Wellbeing, Intelligence, and Maintainability. Sobha One’s innovative design delivers best-in-class energy performance, achieving an impressive 60% energy savings compared to 2005 standards, a testament to Sobha Realty’s ethos of ‘Art of The Detail’, said the statement.

Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty commented, “Sustainability is a commitment woven into every aspect of our work. With Sobha One becoming the first building in the Middle East to achieve the Green Mark Platinum SLE certification, we are proud to set new standards in responsible living and low-carbon development. This milestone reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility; aligning with global sustainability goals and the UAE’s Net Zero vision for 2050.”

This achievement reflects attention to quality, climate-friendly leadership, and design that characterises every Sobha Realty development. Backward Integration model by Sobha Realty maintains complete control over the development process, integrating advanced technologies such as CAFM, Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms, digital twins, and predictive maintenance dashboards.

Sobha One also aligns with climate risk assessments and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework to mitigate and manage climate risks, the developer pointed out. The project’s pre-certification will be verified post-construction to ensure compliance with the international sustainability standards. Sobha Realty’s dedication to environmental stewardship likewise aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and global climate goals, while demonstrating the company’s leadership and clear strategy for emissions reduction through ESG reports, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessments and GRESB benchmarking assessments.

Administered by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Green Mark Scheme sets a global standard for sustainable design and best practices in construction. These innovations drive energy efficiency, resources optimisation, and long-term operational performance.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 14, 2025 foasummit0

Danube Properties has unveiled its latest luxury project in Dubai Silicon Oasis, TIMEZ by Danube is said to be a fusion of timeless design and contemporary luxury. The project is slated for handover in the third quarter of 2028, with connectivity for residents commuting from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi.

TIMEZ by Danube homes are equipped with innovative features apart from its flexible units design to adapt to the evolving needs of buyers and residents that cater to changing preferences over time.

The project offers a range of luxury apartments, including studio, one, two- and three-bedroom options. The flexibility to convert studios into one-bedroom apartments and one-bedroom units into two-bedroom layouts offers added customisation, the firm explained. Some of the project’s two-bedroom apartments will feature private pools, while the largest three-bedroom apartment provides expansive living spaces. A Presidential Suite is also available, as per a statement from the firm.

Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Properties said, “Dubai Silicon Oasis is a thriving community situated along Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, offering excellent connectivity to key parts of Dubai’s modern infrastructure. The launch of TIMEZ by Danube in this district is a reflection of our confidence in the future growth of this area.”

“Silicon Oasis provides significant capital appreciation and rental yields due to its anticipated connectivity through the Dubai Metro’s Blue Line, which will serve as a game-changer for all communities along Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road. Additionally, the relocation of Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum Airport will further boost the area’s appeal,” he added.

Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the area is ideal for families and professionals who value an eco-friendly lifestyle, with green spaces, parks, cafes, schools, and retail outlets all within easy reach. As a technology-driven free zone, DSO offers 100% foreign ownership and tax-free benefits, making it a destination for both investment and innovation.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 13, 2025 foasummit0

European developer Mr. Eight Development has launched its first residential project in the UAE – Villa del DIVOS on Dubai Islands. This is the first of five planned developments on the island. The project will offer residents access to amenities, including private beaches, a golf course, shopping mall and healthcare facilities.

The development is the launch of Mr. Eight’s first branded project; each residence is designed with interior finishes and will feature stone and marble surfaces.

“Villa del DIVOS represents the culmination of years of meticulous planning and design,” said Emils Daujats, Director at Mr. Eight Development. “We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional project to the Dubai market and offer discerning residents a unique blend of modern design, world-class amenities and serene waterfront views. With a private, secluded feel, residents will enjoy the best of both worlds – proximity to the vibrant heart of Dubai while living in a tranquil coastal retreat.”

“With great respect for Dubai’s beauty, we are inspired to create architecture that enhances its iconic skyline. We believe every project should be more than just a building, it should be a statement of innovation and excellence. We aim to design distinctive landmarks that add value, character and lasting beauty to this extraordinary city,” he added.

The development features floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting the coastal surroundings and interiors crafted with materials including Italian Silver Travertine Stone Romano, Italian Calacatta Viola marble and premium fixtures by Tom Dixon, Antonio Lupi, Zonda Lighting and SMEG kitchen appliances.

Villa del DIVOS residents will enjoy amenities including two infinity pools overlooking the coastline, a Technogym fitness centre, a private beach club and a wellness centre featuring a spa, sauna and cryotherapy facilities. The project also offers private gardens, a children’s play zone and leisure spaces such as the Sunset Terrace for yoga and meditation.

All residents of Mr. Eight Developments on Dubai Islands will become part of a Members Club which will give them access to a number of privileges. Residents will have access to in-house Rolls-Royce cars, with professional chauffeurs, available on-demand for personal use. Similarly, a motorboat with a captain will be made available for residents to take in Dubai’s sunsets. Other privileges residents will enjoy include an on-site bell boy, beach club access, valet parking and in-house spa services.

The development includes a total of 108 suites, including 12 duplex apartments with private pools. The highlight of the development is the five-bedroom Sky Mansion, a penthouse offering ocean views and premium finishes.  Construction of the project will commence in Q1 2025, with handover scheduled for Q1 2027.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 13, 2025 foasummit0

SEE Holding has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), marking a step towards advancing sustainable construction practices in the region. The partnership will prioritise the integration of low carbon steel in future projects, reinforcing SEE Holding’s commitment to selecting sustainable materials to achieve its Net Zero ambitions. Additionally, both entities will explore opportunities to promote circular economy practices, focusing on recycling and repurposing steel products to minimise waste and environmental impact.

Faris Saeed, Chairman & CEO of SEE Holding stated: “Achieving Net Zero emissions requires a holistic commitment to reducing both embodied and operational emissions across every facet of the built environment. Our partnership with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries reaffirms our dedication to selecting materials that align with our Net Zero strategy, while driving innovation in sustainable cities and communities. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire transformative change in Net Zero construction practices across the region, redefining how sustainable infrastructure and cities are designed and built.”

The collaboration extends beyond material selection, focusing on research and development (R&D) to innovate and refine techniques that enhance the adoption of low carbon steel in construction processes. Both parties will work together to develop new methodologies that optimise energy efficiency and reduce embodied emissions in building projects.

Asam Hussain, AGSI’s Chief Executive Officer said, “The partnership with SEE Holding represents a significant step forward by driving sustainable transformation in construction practices in the UAE. Our collaboration will ensure that we structurally embed demand for low-carbon materials to seize the opportunity of accelerating decarbonisation of the hard-to-abate sector. Together, we are advancing environmental sustainability and driving positive economic and social impact.”

AGSI is the first Carbon Neutral Steel Plant and Low Carbon Steel Manufacturing Facility based in the UAE. The company is pioneering low carbon products to play a critical role in decarbonising not only the steel industry but also the built environment. By incorporating 100% recycled low carbon steel SEE Holding aims to reduce embodied emissions, while maintaining the highest standards of durability and strength required for modern construction. AGSI’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to minimise waste and energy consumption, aligning seamlessly with SEE Holding’s ethos of responsible urban development.

Both companies will work together to introduce training programs targeted at architects, engineers, and construction professionals to raise awareness of low carbon steel benefits and foster its adoption across the sector. The partnership will also prioritise performance monitoring, implementing reporting mechanisms to track environmental impact, measure emission reductions, and enhance project transparency.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 13, 2025 foasummit0

Arada announced the sales launch of Safa, a new cluster of apartment buildings located within the Aljada megaproject in Sharjah. In total, the five buildings in the Safa complex will contain 660 premium apartments, all characterised by contemporary design, facilities and direct access to Aljada’s main sports complex.

Ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments, each home contains smart home features and white goods, while owners will also benefit from the presence of an indoor gym and a shared swimming pool. In addition, residents have direct access to West Boulevard, which is two minutes walk from Raffles Aljada, an American curriculum international school with capacity for 2,000 students that is set to open in 2026.

Located right next to the Safa buildings is a set of outdoor sports facilities, spread across a 400,000sqft landscaped park. The complex includes a full-size football pitch, smaller five-a-side football pitches, basketball, padel tennis, volleyball, squash and badminton courts, cycling and jogging tracks and adventure play areas for children.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada said: “The Safa community is superbly placed within the Aljada master plan, offering an exceptional range of amenities within just a few minutes’ walk. With well over 10,000 homes sold at Aljada so far, this progressive destination is already setting the bar for urban living throughout the UAE, and we’re looking forward to delivering another 1,400 homes in Aljada this year.”

Homes in Safa are being launched for sale during the Acres real estate exhibition in Sharjah Expo Centre. Investors wishing to purchase a home during the period of the exhibition will benefit from a 50% reduction in property registration fees.

Spread over a 24m sqft area and featuring 25,000 homes in total, Aljada contains numerous residential districts, retail, hospitality, entertainment, sporting, educational, healthcare components and a business park, all within a green urban plan. Over 7,500 homes in Aljada have already been handed over, with a further 2,000 currently under construction.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 13, 2025 foasummit0

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced the preferred suppliers and contractors to support the development of the world’s first large-scale ‘round the clock’ gigascale project, which will combine solar photovoltaic (PV) power and battery storage to deliver uninterrupted renewable energy.

JA Solar and Jinko Solar, two of the PV module suppliers, and CATL, the battery manufacturer and a battery energy storage system (BESS) supplier, are preferred suppliers for the project. Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA have been selected as preferred Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors for the project.

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer, Masdar, said: “The record-breaking project we are developing with EWEC is a giant step forward in the clean energy transformation, overcoming the intermittency challenges of renewables and enabling the dispatch of clean energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As Masdar’s largest and most ambitious project to date, we made sure we are working with the best possible partners that will deliver to the highest standards. I look forward to working with these preferred suppliers in setting a new global benchmark in clean energy innovation.”

Jinko Solar and JA Solar are preferred suppliers for PV modules amounting to 2.6GW capacity each, with both companies utilising the latest TopCon technology with optimised parameters for maximum efficiency and production for 30 years.

CATL would supply its TENER technology for the total capacity of 19GWh, which features all-round safety, a long service life, and a high level of integration, ensuring the reliable, stable operation and efficiency of the entire project lifetime. The solar PV and BESS facility will provide stability and efficiency by overcoming the intermittency of renewable energy.

The 19GWh battery storage facility will enable seamless integration of solar power into the grid. This initiative also supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the facility will play a transformative role in energy systems, ensuring the UAE continues to lead by example in delivering towards the historic UAE Consensus agreed at COP28.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 13, 2025 foasummit0

Roshn Group is making significant strides with its raft of high-profile projects in the capital, including Sedra, its flagship integrated community, and the upcoming Warefa development. As part of its expanded portfolio, Roshn is also pushing ahead with plans for a stadium that will host several of the FIFA World Cup 2034 matches.

Sedra, spanning over 20m sqm is adjacent to Riyadh’s main airport and the Riyadh Expo 2030 site, and will feature 30,000 homes and 400 amenities across eight phases. The integrated community is also situated next to the retail and commercial area of Roshn Front.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed company says it has completed infrastructure for Sedra 1A and is in the process of handing over approximately 3,000 homes to owners in this part of the development, with the majority having been handed over in 2024.

Next door in Sedra is 1B, which features over 1,000 multi-family units and apartment buildings that are being built by AlKifah Contracting. Roshn has also signed an agreement with the National Water Company to jointly plan for the development of water utility services for each of its residential projects.

Further phases are under way; China Harbour Engineering Company is developing infrastructure for Sedra 2, which will include several thousand family villas being constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji.

Meanwhile, Sedra 3 and Sedra 4 will feature 3,400 and 2,500 units respectively, with the latter also housing the community’s first Saudi Sports for All Federation Dome. Other phases are in the design stage, with construction expected to begin soon.

In terms of services at Sedra, Roshn has signed an agreement with the Riyadh Region Municipality that covers the management, operation and maintenance of all municipal assets and infrastructure at Sedra’s first phase.

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Source: ME Construction News


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February 12, 2025 foasummit0

AD Ports Group has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and Transport to explore joint development and operations in an integrated logistics Park in Alexandria. The signing took place in Cairo.

The firm will pursue a collaboration with HCMLT to explore developing, managing and operating 1.1sqkm of an Integrated Logistics Area, set to be one of the key logistics hubs on the Mediterranean Sea, at Alexandria Port. The port accounts for about 60% of Egypt’s foreign trade, according to government figures.

Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group said, “AD Ports Group partners with governments for the long-term development of their economies, inspired by the vision of our wise leadership. We are working with the Egyptian government to bring growth, jobs and prosperity to the people of Egypt. Today’s signing could lead to strategic infrastructure projects in the Mediterranean Sea region that would leverage Egypt’s global trade flows, driving economic growth and advancing the Group’s portfolio of value-added investments.”

Over the last three years, AD Ports Group has entered the Egyptian market with the acquisition of Egyptian maritime companies Transmar, TCI, and Safina B.V. The group has also signed long-term concessions to develop and operate cruise terminals at the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada, Al Sokhna and Sharm El-Sheikh, and to build and operate a multipurpose port in Safaga and a Ro-Ro terminal in Al Sokhna.

The UAE is Egypt’s second-largest trading partner and its biggest international investor, according to the Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS), with US $9.6bn invested in the country in 2023. The UAE has a trade volume of $6.9bn with Egypt in 2023, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Over 1,600 Emirati companies are present in Egypt. In February 2024, the two countries signed a landmark agreement that will see the UAE invest $35bn to develop the Ras El-Hekma coastal region, 350 km northwest of Cairo.

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Source: ME Construction News