Aedas has said that it has designed the Rixos Al Reem Residences in Abu Dhabi for East&West Properties. This marks the second Rixos branded residential development delivered through their partnership.

The project is said to build on the success of Rixos Financial Center Road Residences in Dubai, the first-ever Rixos branded residences worldwide, also designed by Aedas. Following a positive market response, East&West Properties has once again entrusted Aedas with the development of the next Rixos residential destination in the UAE, said a statement.

Conceptualised as a waterfront address, the development is positioned to offer views of the sea and the Abu Dhabi skyline. In response to the urban landscape of Al Reem Island, often characterised by repetitive glass façades, the design adopts a more restrained architectural language. Simplicity emerges as a defining gesture, creating a distinctive and elegant aesthetic, it added.

The tower’s massing and façade are designed to optimise orientation, enhance residential comfort, and establish an identity within the skyline. At the podium level, landscaped terraces and activated edges create a strong connection to the public realm, fostering pedestrian engagement and urban integration.

The collaboration between Aedas and East&West Properties embodies a shared vision to create distinctive residential destinations that harmonise architecture, hospitality, and lifestyle. Through this partnership, both parties contribute to the growing demand for branded residential experiences across the region.

This project marks Aedas’s further expansion of its portfolio of branded residential developments in the Middle East, solidifying its role in shaping integrated, hospitality-led living environments, the statement concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Havelock One Interiors has been appointed to deliver the interior renovation of 360 Mall in Al Zahra, Kuwait. The appointment was awarded by Tamdeen Group, and adds to Havelock One’s track record in large-scale mall projects across the region, including the renovation of Kingdom Centre in Riyadh and the front-of-house fit-out contract for The Avenues Khobar.

The renovation program will be delivered in 4-phases, and has been carefully sequenced to minimise disruption to mall operations and tenants throughout the works. The scope spans multiple levels of the mall, with the design focus centred on 2 of its most prominent and high-traffic spaces: the Main Atrium and The Arcade.

The interior concept, developed by creative studio WEFT, re-imagines 360 Mall with a refined, hospitality-inspired identity. Described as bringing a ‘hotel lobby’ sensibility to the mall environment, the design draws on mid-century modernist influences, pairing lighter tones of wood with contemporary detailing to create a warm, elevated atmosphere, complemented by an entirely new lighting design throughout the renovated areas, said a statement.

In the main atrium, the renovation introduces updated column cladding, and a redesigned lighting scheme, while preserving the structural character of the space. The arcade will see its aged column cladding and existing decorative wood arches replaced with a refreshed, lighter material palette and a new louvred elevation, alongside re-imagined landscaping and seating designed to better support social and leisure activity, it added.

Commenting on the appointment, Imtiaz Mahadiwala, Director, Kuwait Operations, of Havelock One said, “360 Mall is one of Kuwait’s most recognised retail destinations, and we are proud to be entrusted with refreshing such an important space for the community it serves. Tamdeen Group’s decision to bring Havelock One onto this project speaks to our ability to deliver high-quality, carefully sequenced renovation works in live retail environments. Our teams are fully mobilised and committed to executing this project to the highest standard, while ensuring minimal disruption to the mall’s tenants and visitors throughout the renovation.”

Havelock One brings to the project its experience delivering complex, phased renovation and fit-out works in live retail environments across the region, along with its in-house manufacturing capabilities and specialist trades, the statement concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

UAE-based international master developer Arada has announced phase one of Thameside West. With a gross development value of US $3.27bn and spanning over 47ac in London’s Royal Docks area, the project is taking shape on the capital’s longest stretch of undeveloped riverfront, which is situated opposite The O2 and next to City Hall. The project is said to be one of London’s largest regeneration opportunities, and – once complete – will stand as a vibrant new district of East London.

In a statement the developer said the site has the potential to deliver at least 5,000 new homes as secured in the existing planning permission, including 35% affordable homes with green spaces on half of the site and a kilometre of active waterfront. The project forms a key part of the long-term vision for the Royal Docks, one of Europe’s largest regeneration areas, being delivered through collaboration between public and private sector partners.

Thameside West is being brought forward in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), through its land and property company GLAP, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering new homes, public infrastructure and long-term economic growth across the Royal Docks, it added.

“Following our investment in Thameside West in November 2025, we outlined our ambition to unlock this extensive riverside development to help alleviate the huge pressure on housing in the capital. Today’s announcement of our plans for the first stage alongside the appointment of Gensler, Arup and Planit, are major steps forward in our vision,” said Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada.

He added, “Large-scale developments such as Thameside West require a huge amount of collaboration, ensuring that new housing is delivered alongside amenities and public infrastructure. We have worked closely with the Greater London Authority, GLAP and the Royal Docks team to bring forward plans for Thameside West, and our shared vision for the future of the Royal Docks will remain central to the successful delivery of the project. We remain committed to working with our partners to ensure that this first phase and future phases are designed to meet modern living requirements over this multi-year project.”

Arada said that the first stage of the project comprises 1,500 homes across 6-buildings, as well as a significant new public park. The focus of this stage is the early delivery of much-needed homes and supporting infrastructure. The proposals have also undergone a comprehensive design refresh to ensure they meet the latest building safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development added, “I am delighted that Arada is moving ahead with the first stage of redeveloping Thameside West – one of the key sites within the Royal Docks. Working together we will be able to deliver at least 5,000 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable as we continue to return this part of the capital to its former glory and create a better, fairer, greener London for everyone.”

Mayor of Newham, Forhad Hussain continued, “Thameside West is one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in Newham, and I welcome this important milestone providing much-needed homes, stunning new green spaces and better transport for our borough. As Newham continues to grow, it is vital that regeneration delivers real benefits for local people through affordable housing, jobs, investment and better infrastructure. I look forward to working with Arada and partners to support Thameside West to become a thriving new neighbourhood that creates opportunities for Newham communities now and for generations to come.”

To deliver the project, Arada has selected global architecture firm, Gensler, global built environment consultancy Arup, and landscape architects Planit to progress the first stage. The move is said to showcase the developer’s commitment to bring forward a new neighbourhood at Thameside West and contribute to the long-term vision for the Royal Docks. Arada is expected to submit a planning application for the first stage of the project over the summer, with work on site expected to begin by early 2028, subject to approval.

Arada said it is also heavily engaged in working with Transport for London (TfL) on a new DLR station, a major piece of public infrastructure, which it is intended will open in time for the arrival of the site’s first residents. The DLR is one of the UK’s busiest light rail routes with 97.8m passenger journeys recorded during the year ended March 2025.

The wider area is said to be well served by public transport, and a new station will offer enhanced accessibility for future Thameside West residents and nearby neighbours and businesses. Construction of the first phase will be undertaken in-house by Arada London, leveraging the business’ vertically integrated model with local expertise at every stage of the development journey from planning, construction to marketing and asset management.

Duncan Swinhoe, Managing Principal, Gensler remarked: “Thameside West represents a once in a generation opportunity to reshape a significant stretch of London’s riverfront, and we’re proud to help bring this first phase to life. We’re excited to be working with Arada and GLAP. We’re committed to creating a resilient, people centred neighbourhood that sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban living in the capital.”

“Thameside West is an exceptional opportunity to shape a distinctive, resilient waterfront community that creates lasting value for residents and the wider Royal Docks. Arup is pleased to support the design and delivery of a new DLR station and help embed sustainable, accessible transport at the heart of the development. Guided by our commitment to sustainable development and to creating places that improve people’s lives, we look forward to working with Arada and the wider project team to help realise this ambition with imagination, rigour and care,” commented Gareth Fairweather, Director, Arup.

Pete Swift, CEO, Planit concluded, “A park is arguably the ultimate display of the landscape architect’s art and civic duty. In Thameside West, Arada and their partners have placed their faith in us to design and deliver London’s next great waterfront park, following on from centuries of tradition, but mainly, away from the Thames. Not since Thames Barrier Park opening in 2000 has East London had a significant public green space on its banks. We do not take this responsibility lightly and look forward to working with Arada, GLAP and the communities of Newham to create a place for nature and people with views across our capital city.”

Source: ME Construction News

The Middle East Consultant (MEC) team has confirmed that the Women in Construction CONNECT will take place on 7 October at Topgolf Dubai.

The editorial team said that the annual Women in Construction Summit is being re-launched in a new format for 2026, which will give attendees the opportunity to hear from speakers on several curated topics, expand their networks through informal networking, and participate in a fun activity in the form of Togolf.

The event is open to attendance from female and male professionals from the construction and real estate supply chain, including contractors, consultants, developers, technology providers, manufacturers, service providers and others.

Spaces are extremely limited, secure your spot by registering for the event by clicking here.

“Middle East Consultant has consistently shone a spotlight on issues relating to diversity and inclusion in the built environment for several years, through special editions of the magazine, networking events, webinars, and fully-fledged summits. In response to feedback from stakeholders in the industry, we’ve made the decision to re-launch the event in a different format for 2026 that will place shared emphasis on edgy content, networking and a fun and interactive gameplay experience at Topgolf Dubai. Having launched MEC’s focus on diversity and inclusion back in 2018, I look forward to hosting the event in this new format on 7 October,” said Jason Saundalkar, Editorial Director at CPI Trade Media.

The MEC editorial team confirmed that the event’s content themes will focus on topics including: rejoining the construction workforce as new mothers; balancing work/life in the region; why paternity leave is critical for gender equality; the gender pay gap; nationality based salary discrimination, and construction’s toxic masculinity challenge.

“We’re working with a number of companies and individuals in the industry on the content for this year’s event with the aim of discussing several key issues, and exploring ways to move the industry forward in the right direction. I look forward to announcing the agenda on the Women in Construction CONNECT website in the coming weeks, along with our list of speakers,” Saundalkar confirmed.

The event is being supported by HKA, with additional partners expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

To discuss joining the event as a speaker contact Jason Saundalkar on Jason.S@cpitrademedia.com. Sponsorship inquiries can be made to Raz Islam on Raz.Islam@cpitrademedia.com and Jason Saundalkar.

Read more about the Women in Construction CONNECT by clicking here.

Source: ME Construction News

Saudi Downtown Company, a unit of sovereign wealth fund PIF, has awarded Ansab the contract for the design and infrastructure development works at its mixed-use development – Al Khobar Downtown Project.

The Al Khobar Downtown Project is said to be one of the flagship developments being delivered by Saudi Downtown Company to create vibrant urban destinations that enhance quality of life, stimulate economic growth, and support sustainable city development across the Kingdom.

Backed by the PIF unit and developed by Cenomi Centers, the project is moving forward following a major US $354.7mn construction contract awarded recently to Lynx Contracting.

As per the terms of the deal, Ansab will be responsible for the design and development of the project’s infrastructure, in addition to the design and execution of road networks and street lighting systems across the mixed-use development.

Its scope of work includes the engineering design and construction of essential infrastructure utilities and internal roads, as well as modern street lighting networks to support the project’s long-term urban development objectives.

The contract forms part of the early infrastructure package aimed at preparing the site for future residential, commercial, hospitality, and public facilities.

The award reinforces Saudi Downtown Company’s commitment to partnering with leading national contractors to deliver world-class infrastructure in line with Saudi Vision 2030, while supporting the transformation of Al Khobar into a modern, integrated urban destination, said a company spokesman.

“The Public Investment Fund (PIF) Strategy 2026-2030 reflects a roadmap for a promising new phase, and at Downtown Saudi Arabia, we continue to develop integrated urban and urban destinations that enhance investment competitiveness, empower the private sector, and contribute to sustainable urban development and enhance quality of life, in a way that supports the achievement of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” he added.

Source: ME Construction News

The Kingdom of Bahrain is redeveloping Muharraq and implementing infrastructure and public space improvements as part of a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate one of its historic cities.

The initiative follows the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who emphasised the importance of preserving Bahrain’s cities’ historical and cultural heritage. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has also approved the implementation of the executive plan for the development of Muharraq City.

The development plan aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure and promote its growth and prosperity, as reported by BNA.

Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works, inspected the ongoing development projects in Muharraq City. During the inspection tour, he reviewed the progress of government projects, including the Muharraq Gate project at the entrance to Shaikh Abdulla Avenue, and the development of Shaikh Abdulla Avenue and Shaikh Isa Avenue around Isa Al Kabeer Palace.

The minister stated that these projects are designed to preserve Muharraq’s architectural and heritage character, while simultaneously modernising infrastructure.

The scope of work includes road development as well as upgrades to stormwater drainage, sewerage and utility networks in coordination with relevant authorities, as well as improvements to streetscapes, lighting, commercial signage, landscaping and parking facilities, said the BNA report.

Al Hawaj also reviewed progress on the re-development of Shaikh Hamad Avenue, extending from the beginning of Muharraq Souq to Shaikh Isa Avenue, and the construction of 2-multi-storey car parks with a combined capacity of more than 300 parking spaces, in addition to other parking facilities across the area, it stated.

The minister later received a briefing on the progress and upcoming implementation phases of various projects. He emphasised the need for coordination among the relevant authorities, highlighting the significance of completing the projects on schedule while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety.

Source: ME Construction News

Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has signed an agreement with Saudi group Alrashid Properties to develop a premium mixed-use project – the Multaqa Residences – in Madinah on a 149,520sqm area.

As per the deal, KEC will retain ownership of the land and continue to act as master developer, while Alrashid Properties will oversee the project’s design, engineering, financing, construction, delivery and maintenance, said KEC in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

On completion, the project will boast a mix of residential units, branded homes and commercial space as well as hotels, retail and hospitality assets.

The project will be developed under the Off-Plan Sales Regulations on a 149,520sqm project site in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, following the issuance of the required approvals and licences, it stated.

The company estimated the project development costs at about US $693.2mn, excluding the land value, with total project revenue expected to reach about US $1.33bn. The entire project will be implemented within a 54-month period, stated the company in its bourse filing.

Strategically located within KEC as part of Multaqa Al Madinah development on King Abdulaziz Road, it overlooks Multaqa Mall to the west, which is directly connected to the Hilton Hotel tower, the Hilton Branded Residences tower, and the Multaqa Hospitality development, which includes the JW Marriott Hotel, the Marriott Hotel, and branded residential units, it stated.

Under the agreement, proceeds above the agreed benchmark development cost will be shared between the two companies under a profit-sharing mechanism, while revenue will be recognised in KEC’s financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as the project progresses, it added.

Source: ME Construction News

ECC Contracting has said it achieved its strongest project acquisitions in a quarter in its history. The firm said it secured 3-major construction contracts across Dubai from developers including Majid Al Futtaim, Arada and Emaar, with a combined total value of US $1.29bn.

The awards reinforce ECC Contracting’s position as one of the UAE’s leading construction companies and a trusted delivery partner for some of the country’s most ambitious residential developments. Collectively, the projects will deliver 2,715 apartments and 12 townhouses, providing homes for an estimated 8,000 residents across almost 650,000sqm of built-up area, the contractor said in a statement.

The awards span 3 of Dubai’s most significant residential destinations, reflecting continued confidence from leading developers in ECC Contracting’s ability to deliver complex projects at scale, on time and to the highest standards, it added.

“Securing these landmark developments within a single quarter reflects the confidence our clients place in ECC Contracting’s ability to deliver complex projects at scale and to the highest standards. As Dubai continues to grow, we remain committed to delivering exceptional developments that contribute to the city’s long-term vision while maintaining the quality, innovation and reliability that have defined our business for more than five decades,” commented Hatem Farah, Chairman, ECC Group.

The project awards include a $545mn contract from Majid Al Futtaim to deliver Capria East and Capria West within Ghaf Woods. The project will deliver 1,267 apartments across 295,619sqm of built-up area and is scheduled for completion in August 2028.

In addition, the contractor secured a main construction contract worth $422mn for W Residences Dubai Harbour, Arada’s flagship branded residential development. The project comprises 490 luxury residences across 3-interconnected towers with a built-up area of 233,675sqm and is expected to be completed in July 2029, creating homes for approximately 1,225 residents.

The final contract, valued at $321mn, was from Emaar to deliver Altan and Albero within the North Gateway District at Dubai Creek Harbour. The development will deliver 958 apartments and 12 townhouses across 113,700sqm of built-up area and is scheduled for completion in December 2028.

The contractor said the contract wins further strengthen its presence across Dubai’s premium residential sector, while reinforcing its reputation for delivering technically complex developments for the region’s leading developers.

Source: ME Construction News

Think, a Riyadh-based AI infrastructure venture, secured over US $8mn in pre-seed funding to facilitate its expansion, primarily in the GCC region.

The startup disclosed in a statement that the pre-seed round was co-led by RAED Ventures and Wa’ed Ventures, two Saudi venture capital firms.

The funding will support team expansion, scale-up manufacturing, and product development across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and selected global markets over the next 18 months.

Founded by Ahmed AlSharif, the company aims to maximise GPU utilisation, reduce token costs, and lower the overall cost of deploying AI. The company has strategic partnerships across Saudi Arabia, including HUMAIN, a Public Investment Fund-backed AI ecosystem.

Source: ME Construction News

Modon has announced the complete sell-out of the final phase of Bashayer, its premium waterfront community on Hudayriyat Island, within one day of launch.

It generated approximately US $340.37mn in sales. The development attracted strong interest from buyers, with 71% being new customers to Modon, it said.

Bashayer comprises 1-3 bedroom apartments, 4-bedroom penthouses, and newly introduced 2- and 4-bedroom townhomes.

Residents will enjoy a 3.5km waterfront promenade with walkable piers extending into the water, the developer said.

The development offers a carefully curated collection of lifestyle amenities, including landscaped parks, a fully equipped gym, hydrotherapy facilities, children’s play areas and retail outlets, creating a well-rounded environment for everyday living, it added.

Source: ME Construction News