JLL has appointed Maroun Deeb as Head of Project & Development Services (PDS) for the Middle East and Africa region.

As part of his expanded role, Deeb will be overseeing strategic growth and capability integration across the Middle East and Africa. His focus will include strengthening regional collaboration while maintaining strong local market expertise, advancing client-centric project delivery and developing the next generation of project leaders.

“I’m honoured to lead our Project & Development Services teams across such a dynamic and fast-growing region. Our priority is to deliver long-term value for our clients while empowering our people to do their best work. The Middle East and Africa present extraordinary opportunities for innovation and impact, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place,” Deeb stated.

The appointment showcases JLL’s commitment to delivering greater value for clients in an increasingly complex environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting demographics, sustainability demands and rapid technological change. Strengthening regional leadership helps ensure clearer oversight, more consistent execution and better outcomes across real estate projects in different markets, the firm said in a statement.

Since joining JLL in 2015, Deeb has been instrumental in growing the firm’s Project & Development Services business in Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, the business evolved to managing the construction delivery of shopping malls, hotels and hospitality assets, commercial buildings, giga projects and mission critical facilities, serving private and public sector clients, the statement outlined.

Deeb also played a key role in supporting the wider JLL business across the broader region. His leadership approach centres on building high performing teams, strengthening financial performance and delivering consistent client outcomes, reflecting the strength of JLL’s global platform, it added.

JLL confirmed that its Project & Development Services business across the Middle East & Africa comprises more than 7,500 consultants delivering projects across the region with a capital value under management of US $30bn, offering development management, project and programme management, cost management, fit-out & workplace design, engineering design & sustainability, HSE and digital solutions.

Source: ME Construction News

UAE-based fam Properties has announced it has facilitated the sale of 40,000sqft of office space at Vision Tower in Business Bay for US $34mn. It is said to be the biggest commercial real estate deal of its kind ever recorded in Dubai.

The asset, a contiguous block of Grade A office space across multiple floors in one of Business Bay’s landmark towers, was acquired by a UAE-based company as part of its business expansion plans.

“The transaction reflects continued confidence among local businesses in Dubai’s commercial real estate market, with investors and occupiers maintaining their focus on established business districts and institutional quality assets,” remarked Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fam Properties.

“Demand for well-located, institutional-grade office space in Dubai has stayed consistent. Buyers active at this level are precise about location, building quality and tenant profile. Assets that meet that standard continue to move,” he stated.

Daniel McCullagh the Commercial Sales Manager at fam Properties said transactions of this size typically involve extended due diligence, multiple stakeholders and detailed commercial structuring.

Led by McCullagh, fam’s commercial team advised on both pricing context and execution, drawing on transaction data recorded with the Dubai Land Department to benchmark value and demand across the district.

The deal adds to the commercial division’s activity in large-format office mandates, advising occupiers, investors and landlords across Dubai’s principal office markets.

Source: ME Construction News

Aldar has joined hands with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development (DCD) to develop Yas Community Park on Yas Island, a new public space that will include a community hub aimed at supporting social engagement and inclusive urban living.

The project is part of an agreement between DCD and Aldar to expand the Nabdh Community Hub model across Aldar developments in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, said a statement.

Under the agreement, DCD will identify community needs, oversee programs and establish the regulatory framework, while Aldar will lead the planning, design and development of the facilities, the developer explained.

The park will feature Nabdh Yas, a community hub that will host programs for families, youth and senior citizens. The initiative marks the first time private sector investment has been directed towards community infrastructure of this type in Abu Dhabi, with DCD responsible for the hub’s long-term management, it added.

“The collaboration with the Department of Community Development on Nabdh Yas reflects a shared commitment to creating places that bring people together and enrich everyday life across Abu Dhabi,” remarked its Group CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi.

Yas Community Park forms part of the Yas Inclusive City initiative, a joint programme by Aldar and DCD aimed at making Yas Island more accessible and inclusive.

Located between Yas Island’s residential neighbourhoods and leisure attractions, the park will include a mosque, an accessible children’s playground, shaded family areas and retail outlets, he stated.

Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, said the partnership would strengthen the presence of community centres within residential neighbourhoods and transform them into spaces that encourage interaction and participation.

“Through the ‘Nabdh’ community centres, we are working to cultivate an integrated community environment that offers opportunities for participation, learning, and volunteering, while empowering different segments of society to contribute actively to community programs and activities in a way that enhances quality of life and reinforces a culture of shared responsibility and social cohesion,” he commented.

The Nabdh Yas hub will become part of a wider network of community hubs across Abu Dhabi that deliver programs and activities in partnership with government, private sector and non-profit organisations, he concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Kevin Hayes will become Managing Partner of Cundall on 1 July 2026, succeeding Carole O’Neil following the completion of her 4-year term. In line with Cundall’s governance structure, the Managing Partner role is elected by the Partnership for a 4-year term, ensuring regular leadership renewal, while maintaining continuity and long-term stability, the firm explained.

In the past 4-years Cundall has grown to 1,300 people, while opening new offices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Germany, India, Philippines and Malaysia. This leadership transition therefore represents a planned evolution of the business at a time when it continues to expand across new markets, sectors, and geographies, it added.

Hayes, an expert in building services engineering, brings almost 30-years of experience with Cundall, including 15 years as a Partner. For the past decade, he has successfully led the London office and has played a key role in shaping Cundall’s direction through his position on the Management Board. His appointment reflects both continuity in leadership and a commitment to building on the strong foundations established under ONeil’s tenure, the firm explained.

Within the firm, Hayes is said to have created and led the Global Corporate Real Estate sector, including its fit-out sub-sector, working closely with global corporate clients. His technical expertise and drive for innovation have resulted in truly integrated solutions and fantastic spaces for clients.

“I would like to thank Carole for a very important term as Managing Partner. She has seen the practice grow to 1,300 people and opened offices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Germany, India, Philippines and Malaysia. Most importantly she introduced and has driven a strategy for Cundall that has helped the practice prepare for the next phase of our development. We are very grateful for, and proud of, Carole’s tenure as Managing Partner and wish her every success in the future,” Hayes commented.

He continued, “Over the next 4-years, I will be building on the existing strategy with particular focus on our markets, our clients, and our technical excellence. I will ensure that we continue to advance our thinking and extend our global footprint, both in terms of client and locations, but also provide amazing opportunities for our employees. I’m enthusiastic about collaborating with people, supporting and nurturing talent, and passionate about inclusive leadership which allows everyone to have a voice.”

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have collectively achieved over the past 50-years, and the future of Cundall must be about progression. We need to be courageous in defining Cundall as a truly independent global engineering consultancy that has ambition and a willingness to succeed,” he stated.

O’Neil commented, “Cundall’s success has always been built on the strength of our people, our culture and our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. Everything I’ve done during my time with the practice has been driven by a desire to help build a business where exceptional people can build exceptional careers – where they are stretched, supported and inspired, and where the work they do genuinely matters. I’ve lived this myself, and I’ve learned so much over the last 2 decades. As I hand over leadership of this culture to Kevin, I’m grateful for the support, guidance and friendship of the people who have helped to shape this chapter of my career.”

Tomas Neeson, Cundall’s Chairman concluded, “As we look ahead, this transition reflects both the maturity of our business and the strength of our people. Kevin’s journey within Cundall has been a testament to his leadership, commitment and deep understanding of our values, making him a natural choice to lead the practice forward. Having built this business together over many years, our Partners share a strong foundation of trust and collaboration that will continue to support our future success. I am excited to support Kevin and the wider partnership as Cundall embarks on its next stage of growth.”

Source: ME Construction News

The One Atelier has launched The One Capital, a blockchain platform focused on early-stage development in branded real estate through tokenised real-world asset (RWA) structures.

The launch is said to build on The One Atelier’s track record across internationally recognised branded residential projects associated with well-known lifestyle brands, including Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi Casa, ETRO, Armani Casa, ELLE and Dolce & Gabbana, many of which have demonstrated significant value uplift between early development and market maturity.

Branded residences remain one of the fastest-growing segments in global real estate, with reported average price premiums of up to 33% over comparable non-branded properties, according to Savills’ Branded Residences Report. The sector is projected to exceed 1,000 schemes globally by the end of 2026, reflecting significant growth over the past decade.

The One Capital has been created to support early stage branded residential development through tokenisation applied to carefully selected assets, said the statement from The One Atelier.

It focuses on value creation at the earliest stages of the development lifecycle, providing structured capital during pre-launch and early phases, underpinned by the growing maturity of blockchain-based real-world asset infrastructure, it stated.

Michele Galli, CEO of The One Atelier said, “The One Capital is a natural extension of how we already operate. We work at the earliest stages of branded real estate projects, where decisions around brand alignment, positioning and design have the greatest impact on long-term value. The maturity of the technology now allows us to apply more structured and transparent approaches to early-stage development, supporting developers in project planning, alignment and execution across an ultra high-end network of luxury properties.”

“To support its digital infrastructure, The One Capital leverages the capabilities of blockchain to provide a secure and scalable foundation for real-world asset tokenisation. This includes the digital representation of selected assets in a transparent and traceable manner,” he added.

Source: ME Construction News

Dar Global said it is marking its fifth anniversary following a period of rapid international expansion that has transformed the company into a US $23bn global real estate platform serving investors from more than 125-nationalities.

Since launching its first project in Dubai in 2021, Dar Global has expanded across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Spain, Greece and the United Kingdom, establishing a portfolio of luxury residential, hospitality and lifestyle destinations, the company said.

The milestone follows a transformational year for the company. In FY2025, Dar Global tripled its Gross Development Value from US $7.5bn in FY2024 to US $23bn, reflecting the scale and quality of the pipeline it has built across global markets, including 5 major master-planned communities and a growing portfolio of globally recognised branded residences.

Revenue increased by 124% to US $539mn, while EBITDA reached a record US $126mn, reflecting strong operational performance and sustained demand across its international portfolio. Today, the company has approximately 6,100 units under construction across 16-projects and maintains a strong financial position, supported by US $702mn in cash and cash equivalents as of December 2025, alongside a recently secured US $250mn financing facility to support future growth.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global said, “Over the last 5-years, we have built a company designed for global citizens, investors who increasingly live, work and invest across multiple countries. What began as a luxury real estate developer has evolved into a diversified platform spanning real estate, hospitality, golf, private clubs, asset management and emerging real estate technologies, developed alongside some of the world’s most recognised brands. As we look ahead, our ambition is not simply to build homes, but to create destinations, experiences and ecosystems that define the future of luxury living.”

As part of its next phase of growth, Dar Global has expanded into hospitality and entertainment, with luxury hotels under development in Dubai, Riyadh, Muscat and the Maldives.

The company said that it is also building a portfolio of golf destinations and private members’ clubs across key international markets. In parallel, Dar Global has launched Dar Global Capital Partners, its asset management platform, while advancing initiatives in real estate tokenisation as part of its strategy to participate in the future evolution of global real estate investment.

Source: ME Construction News

Saudi developer Arabian Centers Company (Cenomi Centers) has awarded a design and build contract worth US $342mn to Lynx Contracting Company for the development of a premium retail and boulevard project at Al Khobar in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.

The Al Khobar Downtown Mall and Boulevard project – once complete – will further strengthen Cenomi Centers’ portfolio of flagship assets across the Kingdom. The entire project will be completed within a three-year period, the company said.

The project aligns with the company’s strategy to develop modern mixed-use destinations that enhance customer experiences and support the continued growth of the retail sector in Saudi Arabia, said Cenomi Centers in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

Under this contract, Lynx will be responsible for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and installation services as well as testing, commissioning and the final handover of the mixed-use retail and lifestyle destination.

On the financial impact, Cenomi Centers said it is expected to be reflected in the company’s results throughout the execution period as construction progresses.

Cenomi Centers is said to be the largest owner of contemporary shopping malls in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a leading company in their development and operation. For over 2-decades, it has provided its customers with a diverse portfolio of high-quality shopping malls designed in accordance with the highest modern standards, located in some of the most attractive destinations across the Kingdom, the statement concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Dubai Municipality has launched what’s billed as the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) – powered park design challenge. The initiatives follows the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The initiative will invite participants to re-imagine Al Safa 2 Park using AI, and forms part of Dubai Municipality’s efforts to harness advanced technologies, urban design and community participation to shape the future of parks and public spaces.

It also explores how an integrated ecosystem of AI tools can support the full design journey, from site analysis and user insights to concept generation, scenario testing, design optimization, and visualisation, while ensuring that final design decisions remain human-led, said a report by the Dubai Media Office.

“The launch of the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge reflects Dubai’s ambition to lead the future of urban innovation by combining advanced technologies with human-centred design. Under the leadership’s vision, Dubai Municipality continues to develop transformative initiatives that enhance quality of life, strengthen community participation and reimagine public spaces as integrated destinations designed around people and their daily needs,” said His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

The challenge aims to develop visionary and implementable design concepts for Al Safa 2 Park that enhances sustainability, accessibility, wellbeing, social interaction and quality of life. Submissions are expected to include a fully integrated master plan supported by data analysis, visualisations, detailed plans and drawings, and a clear explanation of how AI tools informed the design process.

The design challenge is open to professionals in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture and public space design, as well as undergraduate students, master’s and PhD candidates, researchers, startups, artificial intelligence specialists and technology innovators. Participants are required to demonstrate how AI tools were integrated into their design process to support analysis, iteration and decision-making. This may include concept exploration, spatial planning, environmental response, shade and microclimate optimisation, user experience insights, performance improvement, data-informed design decisions and AI-assisted visualisation.

Bin Ghalita added, “Artificial intelligence is not replacing human creativity in this challenge. It is being used as a tool to expand possibilities, deepen understanding and support better design decisions. Through this initiative, we aim to attract bold ideas from designers, researchers, students, startups and technology innovators, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global model for designing smart, sustainable and liveable future cities.”

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality added, “Parks play a direct role in shaping community wellbeing, social connection and everyday quality of life. Through this challenge, Dubai Municipality is exploring a new model for public space design, where artificial intelligence helps generate deeper insights into people, place, climate and use, while ensuring that the final outcome remains practical, inclusive and centred on human experience.”

He continued, “Al Safa 2 Park provides an opportunity to test how AI can support the design of more responsive, comfortable and sustainable public spaces. Our focus is on developing a park that is accessible, engaging and meaningful for all ages and abilities, while reflecting the needs of the community and Dubai’s identity as a city of innovation.”

The report noted that submissions will be assessed against several key criteria, including the strength of the AI-integrated design approach, spatial intelligence and feasibility, human-centred experience, inclusivity, sustainability, clarity of design narrative and the ability to translate data analysis into practical spatial outcomes.

The judging panel comprises a distinguished group of executive leaders from the Government of Dubai, alongside prominent local and international experts in design, architecture, artificial intelligence, and future city planning. The panel will evaluate the submissions and shortlist a selection of proposed designs, after which the community will be invited to participate in selecting the winning entries. This approach reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to directly engaging the community in the design of parks, ensuring the development of public spaces that meet residents’ needs, align with their aspirations, and enhance quality of life, the report said.

By launching the world’s first global challenge for park design using AI, Dubai Municipality continues to establish a new model for designing public spaces that integrates AI, creativity, sustainability, local identity, human experience, and participatory design. This further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global platform for urban innovation and the design of future cities.

Dubai Municipality has also invited creatives and specialists to participate in the challenge through https://aipark.dm.gov.ae/ai-competition with applications open until 15 August 2026.

Source: ME Construction News

Blacksand has announced an agreement with Marriott International to develop 10 hotels in KSA over the next 4- years. The multi-brand deal establishes a long-term collaboration between both companies to deliver projects aligned with the country’s evolving tourism and urban development ambitions.

The companies said the projects, which will comprise more than 1,300 rooms, will be developed under a range of Marriott brands spanning the luxury, premium, select-service and extended-stay segments, including St. Regis, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy.

These hotels are planned across multiple cities in the kingdom, with the first property expected to open in the capital Riyadh, they explained.

Omar Alabdullatif, CEO of Blacksand, said the agreement marks a defining milestone for the company and reflects the scale of its ambition.

“Our collaboration with Marriott International brings globally recognised brands together and a shared commitment to creating exceptional hospitality offerings in the Kingdom. An agreement of this calibre is one that supports the shaping of the future of an already ambitious nation, and we are proud to be there setting the benchmark for quality, experience, and long-term value,” he stated.

Blacksand said the agreement marks a long-term collaboration between the two companies as Saudi Arabia accelerates investments in tourism and hospitality as part of its economic diversification plans.

The projects are currently in the design and early construction phases, with phased openings scheduled through 2030. Upon completion, the developments are expected to create more than 6,000 full-time jobs, with at least 60% of positions earmarked for Saudi nationals, it added.

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said this deal with Blacksand reflects the group’s continued focus on diversifying its portfolio across Saudi Arabia to deliver meaningful hospitality experiences in line with the country’s tourism priorities.

“From immersive resort escapes and design-led stays to vibrant social hubs and extended-stay living, we look forward to introducing a range of experiences tailored to meet the evolving needs of travellers visiting the Kingdom,” he added.

Source: ME Construction News

ZaZEN Properties has officially begun the handover phase of its community-focused project, ZaZEN Ivy, located within the Al Furjan community development in Dubai. Rising 6 storeys, ZaZEN Ivy is the company’s second LEED-certified development.

The handover marks another important achievement for ZaZEN Properties as the company continues to expand its portfolio of sustainable and community-focused developments across Dubai, said the company in a statement.

Designed around wellness, functionality, and long-term livability, ZaZEN Ivy reflects the developer’s continued focus on creating liveable, high-quality homes designed for long-term residents, end-users, and investors in one of Dubai’s fastest-growing residential communities, it stated.

The development features spacious and Vastu-compliant residences, high-quality finishes, abundant natural light, and integrated green spaces, while also offering residents strong connectivity to key destinations across Dubai through its proximity to Gardens Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Announcing the handover, Co-founder and CEO Madhav Dhar said: “For us, handovers are a crucial phase of any project because that is when a development truly becomes a home and a community begins to take shape. At a time when buyers are placing even greater value on certainty and delivery, meeting key milestones and handing over homes remain among the most important ways we can build trust and create lasting value.”

“And given the regional conflict over the last 3-months, it has been a challenge, but it has caused us to learn and find ways to keep our promise to our owner community,” he stated.

Source: ME Construction News