Two contractors have been appointed for the development of the Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah by Marjan, which is developing the integrated gaming resort in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts. ALEC Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) was awarded the main contract for the construction of the integrated resort development, while German foundation specialist Bauer International will undertake the piling and enabling works.

The integrated resort development on Al Marjan Island is billed as the largest project of its kind in the emirate’s growing hospitality sector. Offering a pristine setting with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf as well as sandy beaches and a marina, the project is the first in the MENA region by Wynn Resorts, the US-based developer, designer and operator of luxury integrated resort experiences, a statement from Marjan explained.

The resort is now scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in early 2027; when the project was first announced in January 2022, it was originally slated for delivery in 2026.

In early May 2022, HKS Architects was appointed as the design consultant for the integrated gaming resort project.

Bauer has already begun construction preparation on the project site, located on the man-made Al Marjan Island, which is the flagship project of master developer Marjan. With a growing portfolio of bold and ambitious hospitality and leisure attractions, the cluster of four coral-shaped islands is emerging as a truly world-class lifestyle and waterfront destination in the region, the statement added.

“To fulfil and surpass the expectations of investors and all our stakeholders, we have teamed up with the best-in-class partners for the timely completion of a project that is the largest of its kind in the Emirate’s growing hospitality sector. Well-known for their cross-sector capabilities and expertise in building landmark projects, the appointment of ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC and Bauer International FZE will ensure the timely completion of the integrated Wynn Resort, that is set to further catalyse Ras Al Khaimah’s booming tourism market,” stated Eng. Abdulla Abdooli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan.

Attracting significant foreign direct investments, the new integrated resort highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s growing global reputation as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. The integrated development features a 1,000+ room hotel, high-end shopping mall, a state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, a wide array of entertainment choices, gaming area, and other amenities, the statement pointed out.

In late September 2022, it was announced that Abu Dhabi National Hotels acquired a prime plot on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah to develop a $272mn luxury resort with 1,000 rooms.

Investments in the project will further enrich the local economy and accelerate tourism, create new job opportunities, and energise the growth of allied sectors, the statement concluded.

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Omnix has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) to train and empower a new generation of engineers in the Kingdom.

The SCE is a scientific vocational council that promotes the development of the engineering profession within Saudi Arabia. All engineers in Saudi Arabia must be registered with SCE to perform engineering practice.

According to a statement, Omnix will facilitate SCE member engineers to get certified by international accreditation systems and offer the exchange of consultancy and engineering expertise between the employees of the SCE and Omnix. It will also provide specialised training programs to SCE members in the field of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Construction, Multimedia, 3D Laser Scanning, computer-aided design (CADD), and technical linkage to provide and exchange information of common interest.

“As part of our commitment to contributing to Saudi Vision 2030, we have partnered with the Saudi Council of Engineers to empower a new generation of Saudi engineers with cutting-edge technologies and skills. As part of our joint MoU, we are investing in training and upskilling to build Saudi’s work force of the future. This is our leap in strengthening our ties and gathering speed in the momentum of our regional growth. We look forward to working with the SCE and replicating this initiative in other regions as well,” said Walid Gomaa, CEO of Omnix International.

In late December 2022, Omnix and IMSCAD inked a deal to bring VDI environments to AEC firms and, in mid January 2023, Omnix said it is keen to enhance the Digital Maturity Index within regional AEC firms.

Simran Bagga, Vice President of Omnix Engineering and Foundation Technologies at Omnix International added, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Saudi Council of Engineers with an aim to provide them with access to our latest innovative solutions, technologies and specialised training programs. This partnership will enhance their capabilities and will undoubtedly play an immense role in upskilling them and contributing to the overall development of the engineering profession in Saudi Arabia.”

The partnership between Omnix and the SCE is said to be a long-term commitment aimed at empowering the new generation of engineers in Saudi. The two organisations plan to replicate this initiative in other regions within Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

Bagga added, “Thanks to Engineer AbdulNasser bin Saif Al-AbdelLatif, Secretary General of Saudi Council of Engineers, we have successfully signed the MoU and are extremely glad to be a part of the development of the country’s future engineers.”

The SCE’s decision to engage with Omnix is based on the company’s expertise and experience in delivering innovative solutions to the engineering industry. This MoU was driven by Mohammad Danish, Country Sales Manager, Omnix Engineering in KSA.  Earlier, Omnix provided SCE with online workshops on a variety of topics including Autodesk BIM Solution, Infrastructure BIM Solution, Visualization tools such as VRay, Lumion, 3D Laser Scanning, VR/AR and remote support tools like VARJO and VUZIX, the statement from Omnix concluded.

In early March 2023, it was announced that earthquake resistance is mandatory for all new Saudi residential buildings.

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JLL has opened its new multifunctional office, designed around the concept of ‘the workplace of the future’. Located in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the new office is said to be built to the highest standards of sustainability, and prioritises employee wellbeing and productivity. Throughout, it fully embraces the needs of a dynamic, hybrid working environment.

The relocation to the 10,000sqft office was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by JLL CEO and President Christian Ulbrich and Middle East, Africa & Turkey CEO Thierry Delvaux – along with many other staff members. The opening was also attended by DIFC Governor Essa Kazim and Arif Amiri, CEO, DIFC Authority, who officially welcomed JLL to DIFC.

Following the inauguration, the dignitaries were led on a VIP tour of the office, being briefed on its many sustainable features, including how its biophilic elements and green features are designed to positively impact health and happiness.

The future-ready, green, and sustainable workplace brings JLL one step closer to fulfilling its own sustainability targets and is in line with the UAE’s ambitious ‘Net Zero by 2050’ initiative, said global CEO and President, Christian Ulbrich. “At JLL our vision is to shape the future of real estate and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders. In a world of hybrid working, human-centric solutions that value choice and flexibility will optimise organisational performance and achieve business resilience,” he stated.

In early December 2022, Louise Collins, Head of Engineering & Energy, MENA at JLL shared her thoughts and takeaways from COP27 exclusively with Middle East Construction News and, in mid December 2022, JLL said the Saudi construction segment remains the strongest in MENA.

JLL’s new office is primed to achieve LEED Gold and WELL Gold Certification, as the firm aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable, healthy, energy-efficient, and future-ready offices in the region.

The new office has optimised the use of natural resources to achieve energy savings of 17%. A biophilic design that creates a connection with nature provides a high-quality indoor environment and minimises negative environmental and human health consequences for employees.

Adhering to the WELL Building Standard, the industry’s leading health-focused benchmark for buildings, JLL has also incorporated best practices in design and construction with evidence-based health and wellness interventions.

Delvaux commented, “JLL has a very ambitious sustainability roadmap and the forward-thinking design of the new Dubai office builds on these commitments while also providing a positive ‘people experience’ as it re-imagines the office as a place to learn, connect and socialise. Environmental and social aspirations are impacting future office portfolio transformation, as demand is on the rise for innovative, flexible, and sustainable work environments.”

In mid February 2023, JLL appointed Larry Baker to develop its data centre business in the MEA region.

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AECOM has been awarded a multi-year contract to provide project management consultancy (PMC) services for Neom International Airport (NIA). The airport is set to be built within a large, futuristic city in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia.

The consultancy said the scope of work will include project management for master planning, design and construction services, through to testing, commissioning, operational readiness, activation and transition (ORAT).

In mid October 2022, AECOM said it opened a new office to support projects by the Royal Commission for AlUla and, in early January 2023, it was announced that Diriyah would become PIF’s fifth giga-project.

“Our track record delivering large scale infrastructure projects in the region, as well as our mobilised global aviation resources and project management experts, will help ensure the successful delivery of NIA,” said AECOM’s President Lara Poloni.

AECOM Middle East and Africa CEO Hamed Zaghw added, “We are delighted that AECOM will be adding another chapter to its relationship with Neom. This contract is a testament to our leadership position in the region and to our continuous commitment to Neom and the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

In late February 2023, it was announced that outdoor experiential hospitality company Collective Retreats has reached an agreement with Neom, to open a next-generation, ultra-sustainable retreat in Trojena.

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Dubai Government Workshop (DGW) has signed an agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad Esco) to set up a 2.5MW photovoltaic power station as part of its efforts to boost the contribution of clean energy and to cut carbon emissions.

In its first year of operation, the plant is projected to generate 3.79m kWh of clean energy, thereby reducing carbon emissions by 1.37m kg.

Etihad Esco said the agreement was mainly aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration in the field of renewable energy. It is also very much in line with the national sustainability promotion strategies and further enhances customer experiences.

In mid March 2021, Etihad Esco and Drydocks World inked a lighting upgrade deal and, in mid February 2023, DEWA and ENOC signed a MoU to develop and operate a hydrogen-based mobility pilot project.

DGW remains committed to developing a sustainable and integrated service ecosystem that is supported by collaboration with leading businesses and institutions across a range of industries, said Fahad Ahmed Al Raeesi, the Executive Director of DGW, after signing the deal with Dr Waleed Alnuaimi, the CEO of Etihad Esco.

“The agreement reflects our commitment to collaborate with relevant entities that embrace ambitious national objectives and visions and set the groundwork for a green economy,” he stated.

Etihad Esco will continue to assist Dubai’s goal of being one of the most sustainable cities in the world, as evidenced by the group’s support for the usage of renewable energy in accordance with the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2030.

In early March 2023, it was announced that Big Project Middle East’s 2023 Energy & Sustainability Summit will highlight the region’s key opportunities and challenges in the lead up to COP28.

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Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed an agreement with top energy group Nuclearelectrica for bilateral cooperation within the nuclear energy sector to support the growth of this critical energy source.

The objective of the MoU is to provide both parties with an enabling framework for potential collaboration on the development and expansion of nuclear energy programmes in the UAE and Romania, as well as within Central and Eastern Europe, said a statement from ENEC.

Nuclear energy is recognised by both the UAE and Romania as an essential clean energy resource in accelerating decarbonisation of the power sector and other heavy industries, as well as wider applications including the production of clean hydrogen and other clean molecules, as well as for water desalination.

As per the deal, ENEC and Nuclearelectrica will work together to assess potential partnerships in operations and maintenance support of nuclear energy plants, capacity building and human capital development, as well as synergies in research and development (R&D).

In early July 2021, ENEC and EDF signed a nuclear energy R&D MoU and, in early October 2022, Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Plant was successfully connected to the UAE power grid.

The two parties will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks of nuclear programmes, as well as exchanging knowledge on project management capabilities, it added.

ENEC Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi said: “Our partnership with Nuclearelectrica reaffirms our commitment to advancing Net Zero nuclear globally. As more and more nations recognise the crucial role nuclear energy plays as a proven solution to boosting domestic energy security and in parallel decarbonising the power sector, as well as heavy industry through the generation of heat, steam and clean hydrogen, international partnerships will become even more critical to accelerating the development of nuclear programmes. Our nation has benefited from long-term investments in nuclear energy, which supports economic diversification and sustainable development.”

He added, “With three commercially operational reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, we are generating abundant clean electricity 24/7, sustainably powering the UAE, whilst inspiring a new generation of climate change champions. Meanwhile, the deal with Nuclearelectrica will see Enec explore opportunities to grow its global nuclear fleet and ensure reliable and sustainable operations, in addition to sharing knowledge on advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies.”

Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita concluded, “Over the past years, the nuclear industry has proven that development, technological advancement and timely implementation are a direct consequence of international cooperation, involvement at the level of governmental and non-governmental organisations, operators and partner entities.”

In early October 2022, Inspire marked five million man-hours with zero LTI at the Barakah Nuclear Plant.

The nuclear industry is a strategic resource in countries with a tradition of high technology research and expertise, or in countries that consider the development of nuclear capabilities as a solution to various environmental or energy system challenges.

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Developer Nine Yards has entered the UAE’s real estate market with a $544.53mn waterfront project that is taking shape at Yas Bay on Yas Island. Sea La Vie will include a range of luxury homes from one- to four-bedroom apartments, lofts, townhouses, duplexes and penthouses.

The developer, born out of a partnership between Ethmar International Holding and Al Nahda International Holding, said the project is inspired by a blend of tranquillity, style and architecture in an exceptional waterfront destination that is perfectly placed at the heart of Yas island, and is set apart by its unique design, ambiance and facilities.

“Nine Yards will be at the forefront of shaping the nation’s future lifestyle, creating beautiful state-of-the-art projects in some of the country’s most iconic locations. We are constantly thinking about how communities, society and families evolve, grow, interact and live together and we believe deeply that our developments will ultimately lead to healthy, vibrant and happy communities,” said Ahmed Selet, CEO of Nine Yards.

In late February 2023, DAMAC handed over ZADA Tower in Business Bay to customers and, in mid March 2023, Deyaar launched a $300mn waterfront residential project in Dubai Maritime City.

Through its upcoming developments, Nine Yards aims to be a positive contributor to Abu Dhabi’s long-term development as a sustainable, diversified, globally-integrated economy, Selet remarked.

He added, “The real estate market in Abu Dhabi and the UAE is witnessing a huge increase in demand from local, regional and international buyers and investors, with luxury-minded customers from around the world showing keenness to buy properties in the UAE, but these home-buyers aren’t only looking for extravagant options, they are also seeking added value from a genuine community vibe, where they can find comfort and style with their families.”

“At Nine Yards, we are designing our legacy through our commitment to create projects and developments that satisfy the overall need for a better life,” he concluded.

In late March 2023, Arada launched the penultimate phase of its Masaar residential community project.

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AD Ports Group has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Red Sea Ports Authority to develop and operate a multi-purpose port in Safaga, Egypt. As per the terms of the deal, the Abu Dhabi-based group will be responsible for the development and operation of a multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Port, which is billed as a strategic location on the Red Sea coast of Egypt.

Safaga Port will be the first internationally operated port in the Upper Egypt region, bringing significant cost savings to traders, industries and businesses located in this region, a statement from the firm pointed out.

The terminal will come up an area of 810,000sqm and is set to be operational in Q2 2025. It will boast a quay wall of up to 1,000m and it will have the capacity to handle five million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, one million tonnes of liquid bulk, 450,000 TEUs of containerised cargo, and 50,000 CEUs of RoRo.

In mid Feb 2023, Mawani and Maersk broke ground on a $346mn logistics park and, in early March 2023, Mawani signed an agreement to setup a $266mn integrated logistics park in Al Khumrah.

In addition to this, the AD Ports Group has signed two 15-year agreements – a MoU and three Head of Terms (HoTs) – concerning ports located in Egypt’s Red Sea region and Mediterranean Sea, enabling a major expansion of the group’s activities into Egypt. These agreements allow for expanded access to multipurpose terminals, cruise routes, and logistics capabilities in Safaga, Ain Sokhna, Port Said, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Al Arish, said the Abu Dhabi company in its statement.

AD Ports Group explained that it will invest a total of $200mn in superstructure and equipment, buildings, and other real estate facilities and utilities’ network inside the concession area. The majority of this CapEx will be spent in 2024 and 2025.

Moreover, agreements for the development of two cement terminals in Al Arish Port and West Port Said Port were also signed between AD Ports Group and the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, requiring a combined investment of $33mn in both terminals.

In mid March 2023, AD Ports Group said it opened its Digital District in Zayed Port.

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The sixth and penultimate phase of Arada’s woodland residential community project, Masaar, has been launched. The release of a further 338 homes within Sequoia comes a week after the launch of Sarai, the fifth phase dedicated to mansions at the community.

Sequoia is located on the north side of the Masaar masterplan which is located in the Al Suyoh district of New Sharjah. The developer notes that all homes lie within walking distance from Masaar Central, the community hub which features entertainment, leisure, wellness and fitness facilities, along with direct access to Masaar’s forested landscape, outdoor amphitheatre, children’s waterplay area and a skate park.

“When we launched Masaar, we made a promise to our buyers that homes in this unique community would set a new standard of living – not just for Sharjah but for the entire UAE. It has been incredibly encouraging to see how the blend of exceptional design and facilities mixed with the huge potential for value creation has resulted in buyers from all over the world putting their faith in Masaar,” said Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada.

He added, “We’re now fast-tracking both sales and construction at this project, with a view to completing Masaar sales within the next few months. The early launch of Sequoia brings us another step closer to that goal, and gives buyers the opportunity to purchase one of the few remaining homes in one of the UAE’s most popular off-plan projects.”

In early January 2023, Arada awarded a US $129mn contract for the Vida Aljada Hotel Complex to GAC and, in early February 2023, Arada reported a 46% rise in sales in 2022 to reach $955.5mn.

Homes at the Sequoia district range from two-bedroom townhouses to six-bedroom Sequoia Forest Signature Villas. Smart features come as standard at every Sequoia home while larger villas offer increased privacy, additional lounges, expansive terraces and swimming pools. All homes in Sequoia will be completed by the end of 2025, the developer explained.

Construction at the project’s first three residential districts, Sendian, Kaya and Robinia is underway, and the first homes are scheduled to be delivered later on in 2023. The construction contract for the fourth and fifth phases, Azalea and Sarai, will be awarded in the coming months, the statement added.

Valued at US $2.18bn, the Masaar master plan features 3,000 homes spread over seven gated districts, all of which are linked by a green spine featuring over 50,000 trees.

Masaar is located in the up-and-coming Suyoh district, close to Tilal City, the Sharjah Mosque and Arada’s first project, Nasma Residences. The community has easy access to Emirates Road and Mleiha Road, and is 15 minutes’ drive from Sharjah International Airport, and 20 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport, the statement concluded.

In mid February 2023, Arada successfully closed a $50mn second tap of sukuk.

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