Sharing an update on its activities, DAMAC has said it handed over more than 50,000 homes and has over 55,000 in its pipeline and awarded contracts worth US $2.72bn in H1 2026. The developer also said that more than 8,800 residential units are targeted for handover in 2026 across DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Hills 2, DAMAC Lagoons, Chic Tower and Elegance Tower.

The developer said that handovers are accelerating across Dubai, with nearly 25,000 new homes completed in the first half of 2026, representing a 36% increase compared with the same period last year.

Cushman & Wakefield Core research states 13,200+ units were delivered in Dubai during Q2 2026 alone, with approximately 32,000 additional units expected in the second half of the year. This increase in handovers places greater emphasis on construction capacity, contractor performance and developers’ ability to convert project pipelines into completed homes, said the statement.

With more than 55,000 units and over 100m sqft of project area in planning and development, DAMAC will focus on completing its targeted 8,800-plus handovers through 2026, while mobilising newly awarded construction packages. These works will establish the base for the next phase of deliveries in 2027 and beyond, it added.

Amira Sajwani, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties said, “As Dubai’s residential market continues to mature, the ability to execute at scale will increasingly differentiate developers. The ability to mobilise the right partners, maintain control across complex construction programmes and translate ambitious pipelines into completed homes and operational communities will define success in the months to come. With more than $2.72bn worth of construction contracts awarded in H1 2026, we are strengthening our delivery platform and maintaining momentum across our portfolio to meet the commitments made to our customers.”

“Having delivered more than 50,000 homes at scale, the next 55,000+ demand rigorous control at every stage. Our disciplined programme management enables us to closely track procurement, quality, contractor performance and site productivity; anticipating and mitigating risks before they affect delivery schedules. This operational resilience has kept construction progressing throughout 2026, despite significant geopolitical pressures on global supply chains,” added Mohammad Tahaineh, Chief Project Officer, DAMAC Properties.

According to the developer, DAMAC Lagoons makes up the largest component of its 2026 delivery programme, with approximately 6,300 homes targeted for handover, compared with around 513 in 2025. Overall infrastructure, landscaping and associated works have exceeded 80% completion. DAMAC Lagoons features approximately 177,000sqm of water bodies, equivalent to around 141 Olympic-size swimming pools, being commissioned in phases alongside residential and infrastructure works.

In addition, it said that at DAMAC Hills, approximately 85% of the community has been completed and handed over, while an active portfolio valued at approximately $816mn continues across the remaining villas and towers.

This year, dozens of luxury residences are being handed over across Cavalli Estates and Utopia. At DAMAC Hills 2, more than 1,500 villas will be handed over in 2026. The 55m sqft community currently has around 11,000 completed homes. DAMAC is also progressing handovers at Chic Tower in Business Bay and Elegance Tower in Downtown Dubai, extending the delivery programme across the company’s high-rise portfolio, it continued.

The developer explained that strategic contractor appointments, early procurement, bulk sourcing and technology-enabled project oversight are aiding it to meet its ambitious handover targets. Monthly quality and safety assessments measure project and contractor performance against defined benchmarks, supported by site inspections and corrective-action plans where required, the firm stated.

“From the progress updates to the final inspection and handover, the process was well managed. Seeing the home and wider DAMAC Lagoons community come together was particularly rewarding. The quality of the residence, landscaping and family-focused amenities reflects what was promised, and my family and I are happy to call this vibrant community home,” commented Ahmad Marouf, a homeowner at DAMAC Lagoons.

Source: ME Construction News

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH), in partnership with the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) and Ashraq Development Company, the development arm of the Eastern Province Municipality, has launched the Request for Qualification (RFQ) phase for the King Fahd Suburb Boulevard Project in the Eastern Province.

The project will be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) model, with a total contract term of 43 years.

Located in Al Bayda Governorate in the Eastern Province, the King Fahd Suburb Boulevard Project covers an area of approximately 1m sqm and will be delivered in 2 development phases.

Under the proposed PPP agreement, the selected private-sector partner will be responsible for the design, development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of a comprehensive mixed-use urban destination, before transferring the project back at the end of the concession period.

The scope of work includes the development of a 4km integrated mixed-use zone extending along a central boulevard and linear parklands, forming part of a wider 7.3km corridor. The master development will feature a balanced mix of development plots, green spaces and supporting infrastructure.

The project will also include a range of leisure and recreational facilities, public parks, entertainment venues, retail outlets, office spaces and road networks, creating a vibrant urban environment and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors in the Eastern Province.

The King Fahd Suburb Boulevard Project is expected to play a key role in reshaping the urban landscape of the King Fahd Suburb area in Dammam while creating significant opportunities for private-sector participation in the Kingdom’s municipal infrastructure and urban development sector.

The project supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, promoting sustainable urban development and increasing private-sector investment and participation in infrastructure projects.

Source: ME Construction News

The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) is implementing natural gas network projects worth more than US $1.9mn across Sharjah City, as it works to expand infrastructure, meet rising demand and improve service quality while maintaining international safety standards.

Ibrahim Al Balghouni, Director of SEWA’s Natural Gas Department, said the projects include the US $899,000 Al Hamah Gas Transmission Line, which spans 9,343m and is 90% complete. The project is expected to be finished by September 2026.

In Al Muwardah 6, SEWA is developing a 10km network at a cost of US $230,000. The project is 20% complete and scheduled for completion by the end of March 2027.

The authority is also developing an 8.9km gas network in Al Badea District, costing US &316,000. Work is 25% complete, with completion expected by March 2027.

Meanwhile, SEWA is preparing to launch the US $490,000 Al Qutaina 3 Gas Network Development Project, covering 18.4km.

The authority is coordinating with relevant bodies to secure no-objection certificates, with completion targeted for July 2027.

Al Balghouni said SEWA uses advanced technologies and best practices in network installation and maintenance, while applying stringent health and safety measures and ensuring projects remain on schedule.

He said the projects support SEWA’s continued expansion of natural gas services and its sustainability goals, while promoting innovative services that improve quality of life in Sharjah

Source: ME Construction News

Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Drilling Company has signed a 5-year contract worth approximately US $800mn with SLB for the provision of 11 land rigs for gas-related lump-sum turnkey (LSTK) operations.

Arabian Drilling will provide 11 land rigs for Gas LSTK operations. The rigs are the units currently deployed under the previous Gas LSTK project with SLB.

The contract is expected to contribute to Arabian Drilling’s revenues from the third quarter of 2026 and will support continued utilisation of the company’s land drilling fleet throughout the five-year contract period.

The company said the new agreement would help maintain utilisation of its land rig fleet and provide revenue visibility over the duration of the contract.

SLB is one of the major shareholders of Arabian Drilling, making it a related party to the transaction.

The contract comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its natural gas production capacity as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix and meet rising domestic demand for gas.

Source: ME Construction News

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), toured the authority’s Distribution Power complex in Al Ruwayyah to review innovative projects aimed at enhancing the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of Dubai’s electricity distribution network, WAM reported.

Al Tayer was accompanied by Rashid Bin Humaidan, Executive Vice President of Distribution Power, and senior DEWA officials.

The visit showcased initiatives including AI-powered asset management, distribution automation, accredited laboratories and advanced inspection technologies. Al Tayer said DEWA’s investment in research and development and its focus on employee innovation have helped strengthen the resilience of Dubai’s power network through Big Data and advanced analytics.

He reviewed the Asset Health Centre, which uses real-time data on asset condition, risk and maintenance needs to support risk-based maintenance, optimise replacement timing and reduce asset-related risks.

The Distribution Automation program, meanwhile, uses RF-Mesh technology to enable remote monitoring and control from Distribution Control Centres, supporting DEWA’s Smart Grid and improving network reliability.

Al Tayer also inspected DEWA’s accredited laboratories, including the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Cable Lab, which supports cable testing, quality assurance, root-cause analysis and lifecycle management, as well as the Energy Meter Testing Lab, which tests energy meters and current transformers. Both facilities deliver technical and financial benefits.

DEWA also highlighted its use of X-ray inspection technology for capacitor bank circuit breakers, allowing internal defects to be detected early without affecting equipment functionality or causing damage, helping minimise service interruptions.

The visit concluded with a review of DEWA’s Mobile Training Unit, which provides safety and operational training to field teams. The unit trained more than 9,200 employees between 2021 and 2025.

Source: ME Construction News

Acwa has signed an MoU with Veolia to optimise seawater desalination across the full value chain.

Signed in Paris, the agreement will bring together the companies’ engineering and technical expertise across the development, design and operation of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plants, with energy efficiency identified as a key priority.

Under the collaboration, engineers will work to refine plant designs, equipment selection and operating strategies to reduce energy consumption.

The companies will also focus on chemical optimisation, including improved dosing and consumption, to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impacts.

A third area of cooperation will target water quality through advanced monitoring, enhanced treatment methods and real-time assurance systems during plant operations.

Veolia will also apply its design capabilities, technical expertise and operational best practices across Acwa’s existing fleet to improve efficiency and operational performance.

The partnership also covers project delivery, building on existing cooperation between the companies. The two sides will pursue closer coordination and faster resolution of operational issues while supporting timely completion of current and future projects.

The potential energy savings could be significant at scale.

4 Acwa plants — Rabigh 3, Rabigh 4, Jazlah and Shuaibah 3 — each produce 600,000 cubic metres of water per day.

Saving 0.1kWh per cubic metre at one such facility would reduce annual electricity consumption by about 22GWh.

The collaboration could also extend beyond the Gulf, including Acwa’s desalination projects in Azerbaijan and Senegal, where planned capacities stand at 300,000 and 400,000 cubic metres per day, respectively.

The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to make water supplies more efficient and less carbon-intensive, with desalination playing a central role in meeting rising municipal demand.

Acwa currently operates desalination capacity of 4.1m cubic metres per day in the Kingdom.

The non-exclusive MoU does not commit the companies to additional capacity.

Instead, it establishes a technical work program covering ongoing and future SWRO developments, with designated technical leads and regular reviews.

Raad Al-Saady, Managing Director of Acwa, said, “Between Acwa and Veolia, we have built the most efficient desalination plants in the world, and the lesson those projects taught is that the last increments of cost are rarely sitting in one easily identifiable place and are and are rather spread across design, procurement, chemistry and operation. This is why we have written this agreement to cover the whole chain instead of the single stage that happens to be easiest to measure.”

Anne Le Guennec, Director of the Water Technologies Zone, Veolia, said, “Through this agreement, thanks to our advanced water technologies, we are offering concrete and effective solutions to renew and preserve water resources. In Saudi Arabia, environmental security, which we build every day with our partners, depends on our collective ability to preserve every drop of water. Here, alongside Acwa, we are accelerating the excellent work carried out for more than 10 years to revolutionise the desalination model, and we continue to put our cutting-edge technologies and expertise at the service of essential infrastructure, competitiveness, and the strategic autonomy of the region.”

Source: ME Construction News

The design of a new Elysian Mansion villa in Tilal Al Ghaf, has been completed, Nikki Bisiker Design Studio has announced. The design studio said that the project is now progressing into the interior execution phase.

The milestone project is said to reflect the studio’s expanded scope across architecture, interiors, landscaping, FF&E, procurement and bespoke detailing. In line with the expanding service offering, Nikki Bisiker Interior Design recently rebranded to Nikki Bisiker Design Studio to reflect its broader, end-to-end approach.

Taking shape within the Elysian Mansions community, the villa features a basement, ground floor, first floor and rooftop, and is said to bring together a calm, serene atmosphere with an eclectic design language shaped by travel, craftsmanship and nature. The residence is defined by rich layers of natural wood, organic textures and a soft, composed material palette that creates a sense of quiet sophistication, said a statement.

“The beauty of this project was in balancing creativity with complexity. It was both fun and challenging to bring together architecture, interiors, landscaping and bespoke details into one cohesive story. Every space was approached as an opportunity to reflect the family’s personality while maintaining an atmosphere that feels calm, elegant and deeply connected to nature,” said Nikki Bisiker, Founder of Nikki Bisiker Design Studio.

Throughout the villa, the design studio is said to have translated the owners lifestyle and memories into a highly personal environment, including black and white photographic elements captured by the homeowners themselves and integrated into the wider interior story.

The project’s standout features are said to be a dramatic 7ft chandelier that’s made in Paris, a Venetian glass dining table inspired by the composition of olive tree leaves and custom joinery detailing that reinforces the home’s artisanal character. Outside, the landscaping draws on African influences, while the villa’s pool, waterways, fire pit, rooftop spaces and private gym complete a residence designed for both retreat and entertaining, the statement explained.

Personalisation runs through the entire home, from black-and-white photographic elements captured during the owners’ African travels to children’s bedrooms shaped around individual interests and fashion sense. With vintage, bohemian and artistic themes, these spaces feel both functional and deeply personal, rounding out a home that celebrates identity, storytelling and a considered connection to nature, it concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Al-Futtaim Contracting has launched Facilities Management and Fire & Life Safety operations in Saudi Arabia in a bid to strengthen its specialist capabilities in the Kingdom.

The launch is said to bring together Al-Futtaim Facilities Management, the company’s dedicated Facilities Management division, and the Fire & Life Safety division of Al-Futtaim Engineering, with the aim of providing customers integrated services across the lifecycle of their assets and developments.

“The launch of our Facilities Management operations in Saudi Arabia marks an important step in our growth journey. We are bringing our experience in managing and optimising built environments to customers across the Kingdom, with a focus on operational efficiency, asset longevity and sustainable solutions. We look forward to working closely with customers to deliver services that respond to their evolving needs and create long-term value,” said Yousuf Ali Bin Zayed, General Manager, Al-Futtaim Facilities Management.

Al-Futtaim Facilities Management will provide a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance operational efficiency and asset longevity, spanning sustainable energy management, HVAC maintenance and property upkeep. Its capabilities will support the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia’s growing commercial, industrial and residential sectors, said a statement.

In addition, Al-Futtaim Engineering’s Fire & Life Safety division will provide end-to-end fire protection and life safety solutions for commercial, residential, industrial, retail, hospitality and infrastructure developments. Its capabilities cover the complete project lifecycle, including system design and engineering, equipment supply, system integration, testing, commissioning, operation and ongoing maintenance. Solutions will be designed and delivered in accordance with applicable Saudi regulations, project requirements and relevant international fire and life safety standards, it added.

Nadeem Al Kilani, Head of Fire & Life Safety, Al-Futtaim Engineering commented, “Our Fire & Life Safety offering brings together engineering expertise and end-to-end capabilities across the complete project lifecycle. From system design and integration through to testing, commissioning and ongoing maintenance, our focus is on providing reliable, code-compliant solutions that meet the requirements of customers in Saudi Arabia. We are ready to bring this expertise to the Kingdom and support both standalone and integrated fire and life safety requirements, including technically complex and mission-critical environments.”

The Fire & Life Safety offering is supported by established international technology and product partners including Siemens, Panasonic, TecniKabel, RP-Technik, LDA and PEMALL, strengthening the division’s ability to deliver integrated solutions for customers in the Kingdom, the statement outlined.

Murali S., Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Contracting concluded, “Saudi Arabia is an important market for Al-Futtaim Contracting, and the launch of our Facilities Management and Fire & Life Safety operations reflects our commitment to growing our capabilities in line with the Kingdom’s continued development. By bringing these specialist services to the Saudi market, we are strengthening the breadth of solutions we can offer customers, while building on our established presence and more than five decades of experience across the region.”

Source: ME Construction News

The Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC) and JSW Cement have inked a deal to build and operate a new cement grinding unit in Al Tawyeen. Construction is expected to take 15 months and includes the establishment of a dedicated unit for the production of ordinary Portland cement, along with supporting utilities and infrastructure.

The unit is expected to have an annual production capacity of 1.65m tonnes per annum, and will contribute to enhancing the production capacity of the building materials sector and supporting the growth of industrial investments in Fujairah.

Additionally, the expansion positions Fujairah as a major production hub for the region, while aligning with critical shifts across the UAE’s industrial landscapes, a WAM news agency report stated.

The project reflects the vision of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, and the follow-up of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, to make optimal use of natural resources, expand the base of development projects, and strengthen the industrial sector in support of sustainable economic development in the emirate.

Engineer Ali Qasim, Director General of the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation said that the signing of the contract represents an important step in supporting industrial investment in Fujairah.

He explained that it reflects the corporation’s commitment to attracting and enabling high-quality projects that generate added value for the local economy and adhere to the best environmental and technical practices, in line with the emirate’s efforts to maximise the utilisation of its resources and develop its industrial sector.

He also highlighted the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation’s continued efforts to support strategic projects that strike a balance between economic development and the preservation of natural resources, paving the way for a sustainable industrial future.

GSW Cement expressed its appreciation for the support and cooperation provided by the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation, affirming that the project will help meet growing market demand and enhance production efficiency through the utilisation of locally produced clinker.

The expansion project is said to be in response to the growing demand for cement in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside urban growth and the expansion of infrastructure and construction projects. It will also contribute to improving supply chain efficiency and supporting the sustainability of the building materials sector.

In addition, the project strengthens the position of Fujairah as an attractive destination for industrial and mining investments. It supports the emirate’s efforts to expand development projects and maximise the utilisation of available resources, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the industrial sector and supporting sustainable economic growth at both the local and regional levels.

Source: ME Construction News

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded 2-contracts for the Al Meydan Street Development Project, which is said to be one of the RTA’s key strategic projects to enhance Dubai’s main road network. The contracts are said to be worth US $316mn.

According to the RTA, the scale of the project meant that the works had to be divided into 2-contracts to accelerate delivery, realise traffic and development benefits, strengthen the road network’s readiness to accommodate future growth, and support urban development and development projects across the emirate.

The project includes the development of several key intersections along Al Meydan Street through the construction of 3,700m of bridges and 17km of roads, in addition to cycling tracks that will enhance connectivity with the existing cycling network. The project will serve a number of residential and development areas with a combined population of more than 500,000 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, the RTA explained.

The project aligns with the directives of Dubai’s leadership to continue developing and enhancing the efficiency of the city’s road infrastructure to keep pace with the emirate’s rapid urban and economic growth, while improving traffic flow and quality of life, it added.

“The RTA continues to deliver strategic projects to develop Dubai’s road network, guided by the leadership’s vision, which regards investment in infrastructure as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive development, enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness and reinforcing its position as a leading global city in which to live, work and invest,” said His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority.

He added, “The RTA follows a proactive approach to planning and delivery, focused on developing an integrated and highly efficient road network that keeps pace with urban, population and economic growth and delivers high levels of traffic flow and mobility flexibility. This contributes positively to quality of life and supports the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

“Al Meydan Street is one of Dubai’s key strategic corridors, running parallel to and supporting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The project will strengthen connectivity across the main road network, provide alternative routes that improve traffic distribution, enhance traffic flow, and increase mobility efficiency between key areas. It will also raise the capacity of north–south traffic corridors by 18% and reduce travel time from Al Manama Street and Dubai–Al Ain Road to Umm Suqeim Street from 30 minutes to 10 minutes, an improvement of 66%. The project will also support the emirate’s rapid urban growth,” he continued.

The Al Meydan Street Development Project extends from its intersection with First Al Khail Street to Umm Suqeim Street, passing through several key roads, including Al Khail Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Al Marabea’ Street. The project also includes the development of Al Marabea’ Street up to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, the RTA explained.

Source: ME Construction News