Etihad Rail has said it plans to launch its first passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June 30. The developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network said that journeys on this route will take one hour and 45 minutes.

The inaugural route on the network will take passengers from Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed City station to the station in Al Hilal City. The Fujairah station was the first to be completed. This will be followed by the opening of the Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station on 30 September, followed by stations in Al Dhafra on 30 December. The entire route will be complete upon the opening of Sharjah Train Station on 30 March next year, said a WAM report citing senior officials.

Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet is said to comprise 13 trains, each with a capacity for 400 passengers and capable of reaching 200kph. Customers can book journeys and purchase tickets from today using platforms including the Etihad Rail app and its official website. Etihad Rail said it will provide a shuttle bus service between the Mohamed bin Zayed City station and key locations in the capital.

As part of the next phase of the project, feasibility studies will be undertaken to evaluate the expansion of the passenger rail network to additional emirates, further advancing the UAE’s vision of a fully integrated national transport system, the report explained.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi. Following the opening, Sheikh Khaled toured the station’s key facilities and amenities and reviewed its information management systems and operational readiness procedures.

He was also briefed on the station’s advanced infrastructure, future plans to increase capacity, measures to facilitate passenger movement during peak hours, and the smart solutions and customer service offerings designed to deliver the highest standards of operational efficiency and service excellence, said the WAM report.

Sheikh Khaled confirmed that the passenger train project reflects the UAE’s vision for a fully integrated transport network, enhancing inter-emirate connectivity, supporting sustainable growth through the efficient movement of people and goods, and opening new horizons for investment, tourism and urban development.

“The project is a strategic investment that advances the Projects of the 50 by delivering world-class infrastructure, while enhancing the UAE’s comprehensive development journey and strengthening its long-term competitiveness and global standing,” Sheikh Khaled explained.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, highlighted that the passenger rail network marks a transformative milestone in the development of the UAE’s national transport ecosystem by harnessing the latest technologies and innovations to deliver an advanced mobility system that provides a modern, safe and highly efficient travel experience.

The launch of the passenger rail network marks a new chapter in the UAE’s infrastructure development, extending beyond conventional transport to establish integrated urban and economic connectivity, linking population centres, economic hubs and tourism destinations across the country, he concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Egypt’s Midar for Investment and Urban Development (Midar), the mastermind behind Mostakbal City and Mada in East Cairo, has partnered with UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim. The collaboration aims to develop a significant mixed-use project within the Mada destination.

The agreement was officially signed in the presence of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The project will span an area of 553ac and is expected to have a total development value exceeding $3.1bn.

Under a revenue-sharing model, the project is projected to generate substantial future returns for Midar. In a statement, Midar disclosed the project is expected to yield more than $800mn in future returns.

Under the agreement, the unnamed project will be developed in phases, with the first phase covering 200ac over the initial 4-years, followed by a second phase spanning around 300ac. An additional 60ac have been earmarked for a shopping, entertainment and leisure destination that will be developed in line with project occupancy levels and market demand.

According to the 2-companies, the inclusion of the retail and entertainment component could increase the overall development value beyond the currently estimated $3.1bn. The master plan includes 6,000 residential units alongside a business and services district, commercial facilities and hospitality assets.

The project forms part of Midar’s broader strategy to accelerate development within the Mada destination, which is being positioned as a major mixed-use urban centre in New Cairo.

Majid Al Futtaim said it has made significant contributions to Egypt over the past 27 years. Their investment amounts to $2.8bn, which has resulted in the creation of over 226,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The company’s Egyptian portfolio encompasses a range of retail and entertainment destinations, including Mall of Egypt, City Centre Almaza, City Centre Alexandria, and City Centre Maadi. Additionally, Majid Al Futtaim operates 115 Carrefour and Supeco retail outlets, providing customers with a wide variety of shopping options.

Source: ME Construction News

Hassan Allam Holding has announced that one of its key subsidiaries has secured a major contract from Diriyah Company for the development of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Residences and mixed-use super block, a boulevard development within the Kingdom’s ancient city, Diriyah.

The contract worth US $719mn was awarded by Diriyah Company to a joint venture of Hassan Allam Construction and UCC Saudi.

A key unit of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, Diriyah Company is  responsible for the giga-project, and will be transforming it into a world-class cultural, lifestyle, and tourism destination.

The new hotel project comes as part of the PIF’s plans to develop 40 luxury hospitality projects across its 2 main projects: the 14sqkm Diriyah project and the 62sqkm Wadi Safar project, a premium destination that blends lifestyle, culture and entertainment.

Spanning 241,000sqm of built-up area, the mixed-use development will bring together the 200-key Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 47 branded residences, commercial and office buildings, an integrated super basement, and a vibrant public realm, contributing to one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious destinations, stated Hassan Allam Holding.

“Through our continued collaboration with Diriyah Company, we remain committed to delivering landmark developments that contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation,” said a spokesman for Hassan Allam Holding.

“Backed by a legacy of 90-years of excellence across the MENA region, we continue to shape iconic destinations that inspire generations and stand as enduring symbols of quality, innovation, and excellence,” he concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the progress of its 14.5km dedicated Bus and Taxi Lanes project. The project aims to enhance public transport efficiency and reduce travel times by implementing dedicated lanes across 6-major roads in the emirate.

The RTA also anticipates that the expanded network will encourage increased public transport usage. In particular, bus ridership on certain routes is projected to increase by up to 30%.

The project encompasses Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, 2nd December Street, Al Satwa Street, Al Nahda Street, Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, and Naif Street, as stated by the RTA in a statement. Upon completion, Dubai’s network of dedicated bus lanes will expand from its current 6.1 km to a total of 20.6 km.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA said, “The dedicated bus and taxi lanes are a key enabler of Dubai’s sustainable mobility targets. They are aimed at improving the reliability and attractiveness of public transport services by reducing journey times and improving schedule adherence.”

He continued, “The project ranks among the world’s leading practices and successful transport policies for encouraging residents to use public transport instead of private vehicles. It targets shorter journey times, improved adherence to bus schedules, better taxi arrival times, and lower direct and indirect operational costs, while also supporting greater public transport uptake across the community, smoother integration across transport modes, and reduced polluting emissions.”

“Collectively, these outcomes advance the strategic goal of integrated Dubai, enhance quality of life, bring happiness to public transport users, and reinforce Dubai’s standing as a world-leading city in seamless mobility and urban sustainability,” he concluded.

According to the RTA, bus travel times on routes utilising dedicated lanes during peak hours are expected to decrease by a range of 24% to 59%. Additionally, bus arrival punctuality is projected to improve by a range of 28% to 56%.

The RTA indicated that travel times could be reduced by as much as 59% on Naif Street, 54% on Al Satwa Street, and 50% on Omar Bin Al Khattab Street. Furthermore, bus arrival times are expected to improve by up to 56% on 2nd December Street and 52% on Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street.

The expansion builds on the previous 3-phases of dedicated bus lanes. These phases helped reduce journey times on some bus routes by around 5 minutes per bus, resulting in a 24% improvement in journey time. This improvement also led to increased satisfaction levels among passengers, bus drivers, and taxi drivers.

Previously, the RTA had implemented 6.1km of dedicated bus lanes. These included a separate lane for buses and taxis on Khalid bin Al Waleed Street, extending 4.3 km in both directions from the intersection of Khalid bin Al Waleed Street with Al Mina Street to just before its intersection with Zaa’beel Street.

The works also covered sections of Naif Street extending 500m, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street from Al Satwa Roundabout to Sheikh Rashid Street extending 900m, and Al Ghubaiba Street from its intersection with Al Mina Street to Street 12 extending 400m.

Source: ME Construction News

Red Sea International Company (RSI) has announced that its subsidiary, The Fundamental Installation for Electric Work (TFIEW), has secured a subcontract from Salini Saudi Arabia to deliver MEP works for a project within the Diriyah City development.

TFIEW is said to deliver projects via end-to-end solutions such as integrated design, engineering and construction services. As per the US $94mn deal, the RSI unit will be responsible for providing engineering, supply, installation, testing and commissioning services in addition to all MEP works.

The entire contract work will be completed by TFIEW within a 15-month period, said RSI in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

On the financial impact of this contract, the Saudi group said it will start work from the second quarter onwards.

The project win comes close on the heels of the company’s recent win in Riyadh, where it snapped up a similar contract for the King Salman International Airport project. The enabling works package was awarded by King Salman International Airport Development Company and will be completed within a 4-year period.

The firm said it also secured a US $58.6mn contract from Al Arab Hospital Company for the construction of a premium healthcare facility this year.

The 19-storey hospital, comprising 2 basement levels, will be located on the Corniche Road in the South Obhur district of Jeddah, it added.

Source: ME Construction News

Azizi Developments has said that it continues to strengthen its project delivery capabilities through a vertically integrated industrial model designed to enhance quality control, construction efficiency, and execution timelines across its growing portfolio. The developer said that it is able to achieve positive results by managing critical manufacturing processes in-house, including aluminium and facade systems, structural steel, HVAC ducting, marble works, GRC facades, and modular PODs.

The developer said that it maintains end-to-end operational oversight from production to on-site installation. This approach reduces reliance on third-party suppliers, minimises supply chain disruptions, and ensures greater consistency in quality and delivery standards. The strategy supports several of the developer’s flagship projects, including Azizi Venice and Burj Azizi, it stated.

Azizi Industrial operates through a highly specialised workforce and advanced manufacturing facilities focused on supporting large-scale construction requirements across the UAE. Its specialties include:

• Advanced facade engineering: The facade and aluminium division currently produces approximately 10,000sqm of finished products monthly through a workforce of 858 specialists, including technical, fabrication, and installation professionals dedicated to delivering climate-resilient architectural systems
• Precision HVAC & modular manufacturing (Freesia Factory): The ISO-certified facility manufactures approximately 45,000sqm of HVAC ducting and 650-modular units every month to support efficient mechanical and air distribution systems across multiple developments
• Structural steel operations: Managed by more than 400 specialised professionals, the division supports high-capacity steel fabrication requirements for Azizi’s expanding high-rise development portfolio

Further strengthening its industrial ecosystem, Azizi Developments said that it is expanding its manufacturing operations into KEZAD, following the signing of a long-term land lease agreement to establish advanced production facilities that will support its growing development pipeline. The facilities are expected to enhance production capacity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support the delivery of Azizi’s flagship developments across the UAE.

“Vertical integration continues to play a critical role in strengthening our operational efficiency and quality standards,” explained Mohamed Ragheb Hussein, CEO of Azizi Industrial.

“Our expansion into KEZAD marks an important milestone in scaling our industrial capabilities through automation, operational efficiency, and advanced manufacturing infrastructure that supports faster, high-quality project delivery. By operating within KEZAD’s integrated industrial ecosystem and logistics network, Azizi Industrial will benefit from advanced infrastructure and enhanced connectivity that support scalable and efficient manufacturing operations,” he stated.

“As part of this transition, the facade division is projected to increase its production capacity from 10,000sqm to approximately 45,000sqm of finished goods per month,” he explained.

The increase in output is expected to improve material availability and align manufacturing operations more efficiently with ongoing construction schedules across Azizi’s master-planned communities, he concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Metal Park has announced the launch of Phase Two of its integrated industrial ecosystem, marking a milestone in enabling international metal companies to establish and scale operations in the UAE without upfront capital investment.

Following the successful delivery and utilisation of Phase One, the new expansion will introduce more than 700,000sqft of industrial units dedicated to metal processing and fabrication, further reinforcing Metal Park’s position as the world’s first fully integrated plug & play ecosystem for the metals industry.

Built around a flexible operational model, Phase Two is designed to simplify industrial growth by combining plug & play infrastructure with pay-as-you-go flexibility, enabling companies to begin operations immediately while scaling according to demand, said a statement.

The expansion aligns directly with the UAE’s national industrial agenda and the vision behind ‘Make it in the Emirates’, shifting the focus from ownership-driven industrial development to operational readiness and utilisation, it stated.

“Industrialisation is no longer about waiting to build, it is about starting to produce,” said Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park.

“Phase Two continues that shift by enabling companies to enter the market faster, operate with greater flexibility, and scale with confidence as demand grows,” stated Fouladkar.

As part of its continued expansion strategy, Metal Park has also strengthened its presence in Fujairah to complement its Kezad operations and establish a resilient dual-hub logistics structure.

According to Metal Park, this integrated model supports uninterrupted metal flows across the UAE and regional markets, covering import, export, inland distribution, storage, processing, and fabrication through one connected ecosystem designed to streamline both operational and financial flows.

Phase Two will significantly expand Metal Park’s industrial and logistics capabilities through the addition of more than 700,000sqft of fabrication and processing units, alongside over 130,000t of new storage capacity.

This expansion will strengthen the Storage Hub in KEZAD, bringing Metal Park’s total storage capacity across Abu Dhabi and Fujairah close to 450,000t, said the statement.

Source: ME Construction News

Holcim UAE unveiled ECOCycle at the ‘Make It In The Emirates’ event held at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. The milestone is said to signify a pivotal moment in the nation’s pursuit of smarter and more sustainable construction practices.

ECOCycle harnesses Holcim’s circular technology to accelerate change and transform cities into thriving urban centers. By effectively closing the loop in the construction industry, ECOCycle aims to revolutionise the way cities are built and developed, said the statement.

The UAE generates a massive amount of construction demolition materials annually, comprising 70% to 75% of the nation’s total solid waste. ECOCycle directly tackles this challenge by transforming these discarded resources into high-quality building materials, giving them a second life instead of sending them to landfills, it added.

As Holcim’s circularity technology platform, ECOCycle ensures that every labeled product contains a minimum of 10% to 100% recycled construction demolition materials, without compromising on quality or performance, the firm explained.

Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman said, “With ECOCycle, we’re building cities from cities, closing the loop in construction and helping our customers achieve their ambitious circularity goals – by providing building materials and solutions that carry this label, with no compromise on quality and performance. At the same time, we’re reducing the use of primary materials, conserving natural resources, and minimising the volume of materials sent to landfill.”

The concept is simple, instead of extracting new raw materials for every construction project, ECOCycle recovers and reprocesses materials from old structures, reintegrating them into the construction cycle. This results in a genuinely closed-loop system that minimises waste, conserves natural resources, and aligns with the UAE’s ambitious goal of diverting 75% of waste from landfills, the firm outlined.

Holcim said it has already implemented this technology in various markets worldwide, including France, where an unprecedented feat was achieved: an entire residential building was constructed entirely using 100% recycled concrete. The UAE launch brings this proven track record to this region for the first time.

ECOCycle products can contribute to recognised green building certifications, providing developers, architects, and contractors with confidence that their projects are built responsibly. From foundations to facades, ECOCycle represents Holcim’s commitment to transforming today’s cities into the building materials of tomorrow, effectively building cities from cities, the firm concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Arada has begun the pre-launch phase at 100 Avenue Road, a new residential development in Swiss Cottage, a short distance from Regent’s Park and Hampstead Heath in North West London.

Construction of the 172-apartment building is said to already be under way and due for completion in the fourth quarter of 2028, marking the UAE-based master developer’s first London project following its acquisition of Regal – now Arada London – in September 2025.

Located in NW3, 100 Avenue Road sits between some of London’s best-known neighbourhoods, and is the tallest building in the Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, St Johns Wood and Belsize Park area, said Arada in a statement.

Nearby hotspots include Hampstead Village, known for its literary and artistic heritage; Primrose Hill, renowned for its panoramic city views; and the Lord’s Cricket Ground, with a diverse mix of residents, giving it a distinctly cosmopolitan feel, it stated.

100 Avenue Road offers contemporary London living at its finest, combining Arada’s innovative design and upscale lifestyle offerings from the UAE with Regal’s longstanding expertise in delivering homes across the UK capital, the statement continued.

Arada Group CEO, Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said, “There are very few opportunities left in London to buy into an address like this: an established, deeply connected neighbourhood where new development of this scale is exceptionally rare and where long-term capital preservation is as compelling as the lifestyle on offer.”

He added, “100 Avenue Road is exactly the kind of development Arada was built to deliver, where design, amenity and location work together to create a genuinely unique product, and we look forward to welcoming the first residents in 2028.”

“Homes at 100 Avenue Road range from approximately 422sqft to 957sqft – from Manhattan-style apartments to 3-bedroom units – with each boasting a private balcony offering unrivalled views of the London skyline,” Alkhoshaibi explained.

“The residences are offered on a 999-year leasehold basis and have been designed by Arada London’s in-house team, combining herringbone oak flooring throughout with underfloor heating, bespoke porcelain accessories and ambient night lighting in each bathroom. Fully equipped kitchens are finished with premium stone worktops and integrated high-end appliances, including wine coolers, washer-dryers and designer fittings throughout,” he continued.

According to Arada, wellness is placed at the forefront of 100 Avenue Road’s residential experience. A comprehensive selection of amenities include a swimming pool with vitality spa, sauna, steam room and dedicated treatment room, as well as a fully equipped gym, Technogym Visio Studio and Reformer Pilates studio. Residents will also benefit from a 24-hour concierge and dedicated front-of-house team, alongside exclusive access to a residents’ lounge and library, private dining room, cinema and virtual golf simulator, the statement concluded.

Source: ME Construction News

Havelock One has been chosen as the front-of-house fit-out contractor for The Avenues – Khobar, a mixed-use development coming up on a 820,000sqm area in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Work is currently under way on the lifestyle destination featuring 9-districts with a dynamic mix of retail brands and special entertainment spaces, complemented by an internal garden and structured car parking, said a statement.

Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading Company was commissioned as the main contractor, guided by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) as Project Manager and AESG as Cost Consultant.

Havelock One said the mall will be built on a 770,000sqm area. The site will also house Tower 2, a mixed-use canopy building that includes shell and core offices alongside a 200-key fitted-out hotel, adding a further 50,000sqm to the footprint.

The Avenues – Khobar has already taken a significant step toward sustainability by meeting the requirements and standards of LEED v4 and receiving a Gold Precertification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the statement noted.

On the contract win, Group Managing Director Syed Kashif Akhtar said, “This award reflects the continued trust placed in us to deliver high‑value, complex developments across the GCC. Our team is fully prepared and committed to execute this project with the consistency and technical capability that define our work in the region. We look forward to applying our expertise to a LEED‑aligned mixed‑use destination that will play an important role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving landscape.”

Nigel Wilson, Division Director, KSA of Havelock One remarked, “The Avenues – Khobar represents an important addition to the Kingdom’s development pipeline, and we are prepared to deliver with the level of organisation and project discipline expected at this scale. Our teams are already engaged on the ground, ensuring a smooth start and a clear path toward successful delivery.”

“Flooring, ceiling, wall finishes, glass and aluminium balustrades, lift cabin finishes, welcome hall frontage glasses, internal facades for shopfronts, public utility areas and related MEP works are proposed to be installed on multiple levels of this 9-district development,” he stated.

For this project, Wilson said Havelock One Bahrain and KSA fit-out teams have joined forces to deliver high-spec finishes.

Havelock One said the group’s growth and expansion plans are deeply rooted in its strategic supply chain partners, its qualified operational team across KSA, and its reputation for high standards of execution and reliability in the fit‑out industry.

The growth is further reinforced by the organic expansion of its in-house specialist tradespeople – ensuring greater agility, quality control, and self-sufficiency across projects, it added.

Source: ME Construction News