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January 16, 2023 wicsummit0

Ahmed Galal Ismail has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, taking over from Alain Bejjani who served for eight years, Majid Al Futtaim has announced.

“I am committed to building on our strong, customer-focused strategy that has allowed us to deliver sustained growth. Our prudent financial discipline and strong governance mean that we are well-positioned to remain focused on sustainable value creation and creating great moments for everyone, every day,” said Ismail.

As the previous CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, Ismail was responsible for Majid Al Futtaim’s malls, hotels, communities and project management operations since 2018. He also previously served as CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Ventures and VP Strategy of Majid Al Futtaim – Holding.

In late October 2022, Majid Al Futtaim Communities began handovers of the first phase of Al Yasmeen at Al Zahia and later in the month, the firm launched its ultra-luxury concept in Tilal Al Ghaf.

Following a steady economic recovery in the retail and leisure sectors, Majid Al Futtaim reported revenue of $4.9bn for H1 2022, an increase of 15% compared to H1 2021.

The firm’s EBITDA rose 18% to $517.3mn, a result of the company’s solid operational performance, driven by diversification efforts and a continued focus on cost efficiencies and scale, the group said.

In addition, Majid Al Futtaim stated that it continues to maintain a strong balance sheet with total assets valued at around $17.1bn, while net borrowing stood at $3.04bn.

In early December 2022, Majid Al Futtaim secured a sustainability-linked loan for $1.25bn.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 13, 2023 wicsummit0

Fitout contractor Summertown Interiors has completed the refurbishment of LinkedIn’s Middle East and North Africa headquarters in Business Central Tower, Dubai.

In a statement, the contractor said that the new sustainable interior project is aimed at attaining gold certifications in both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Health-Safety Ratings.

The project was carried out in close collaboration with Dubai-based architectural and design consultancy SAY Studio, project management specialists CBRE Project Management and engineering consultancy firm Cundall, the statement added.

It highlighted that the 1,600sqm two-floor refurbishment is a reflection of LinkedIn’s mission to “connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.” The team brought this concept to life by creating a physical space that embraces a creative and welcoming hybrid working environment.

In early January 2021, Summertown Interiors’ design and build said it helped Takeda’s new Dubai HQ earn LEED Silver Certification.

Marcos Bish, Managing Director of Summertown Interiors said: “It was inspiring to work on such a dynamic and sustainable fit out project for LinkedIn, which was highly tailored to their people and future-focused business model. We are delighted that LinkedIn are aiming for both LEED and WELL Gold certified ratings for their new workspace; and hope the LinkedIn team enjoys their new workspace for years to come.”

He pointed out that some of the key highlights of the new sustainable workplace include collaborative working spaces, a multi-functional training room and dedicated media recording room. There is also a welcoming café with a micro-kitchen co-working space, and a well-equipped mother’s room and social games room.

The result is a dynamic blend of workspaces that are welcoming and inspiring for LinkedIn’s employees, he said.

Bish added: “A key challenge in delivering this complex workspace was to ensure all stakeholders were kept informed of the project’s progress throughout. Our transparent approach to regular progress reporting and clear communication ensured that the project met the high-end quality expectations of the client. We used our Matterport 3D scanning technology to keep all stakeholders connected, which also enabled LinkedIn’s European team to keep up to date with the refurbishment’s progress virtually.”

In mid April 2021, Summertown Interiors said it would refurbish the food court at Times Square Centre.

Other initiatives and innovations included in the refurbishment program included desks turned into alternative settings to promote more flexible working styles, while meeting rooms were equipped with state-of-the-art technology to embrace hybrid work for a clear, collaborative experience.

The design team prioritised creating a community of new experiences that helps to foster team collaboration and creativity, the statement continued.

James Fee, LinkedIn EMEA Design + Build Lead concluded, “Summertown were excellent to work with on our project – from the initial client set up through to opening for First Day of Business. They also worked hard to ensure a team first approach was established and maintained. I think this helped promote a unified approach to problem solving from start to end and helped us deliver the project in a short timeframe on site, actively dealing with many global stakeholders.”

In late September 2021, Summertown Interiors said it achieved positive sustainability results and is on track for its JOURNEY2030 sustainability goals.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 13, 2023 wicsummit0

Arada has awarded a US $129.3mn contract to build the four buildings of the Vida Aljada Hotel Complex, which is located within the Aljada megaproject in Sharjah.

In a statement, the developer said that the contract will result in the construction of the 175-room Vida Aljada Hotel, as well as 255 branded residences and 149 branded serviced apartments. All of these will be based within the megaproject’s cultural district, it added.

The contract was awarded to Gulf Asia Contracting Company (GAC), a Dubai-based contractor with extensive civil and industrial construction experience across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Work on the Vida Aljada complex will begin immediately and is scheduled to take 30 months, the developer stated.

Owned and developed by Arada and operated by Vida Hotels & Resorts, the Vida Aljada will be the first of three Emaar Hospitality properties that will be built at Aljada, which include The Address Aljada and Rove Aljada.

In late November 2022, Arada entered the Dubai real estate market with the launch of Jouri Hills.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada said: “We are confident that Vida Aljada and the further properties we are building in partnership with Emaar Hospitality will set a new benchmark for hospitality in Sharjah, significantly strengthening the tourism sector and adding value to the local economy.”

“This is a major step forward in our mission to provide a world-class lifestyle and facilities for residents and visitors to the Emirate’s most exciting new destination. We have already witnessed extremely strong demand for this complex’s branded residences and serviced apartments, and we look forward to bringing the style, experiences, and quality for which the Vida brand is well known to Aljada.”

Set in the heart of the $6.53bn Aljada master community, the hotel complex will be located along a boulevard containing a number of retail and dining offerings. The four buildings will form part of the Naseej District, which is a new neighbourhood for creatives that will also contain a world-class cultural centre and makers’ district.

The Vida Aljada hotel and Vida Residences Aljada buildings will focus on bold, modern social spaces in line with their sister properties in Dubai and the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand. The apartments will be fitted with smart home features, a standard in all Vida Residences, alongside warm and simple designs with immaculate finishes. Each building will be typified by the entrance lobby, which will be a cosy and comfortable environment that encourages creativity and connection online and offline, the developer explained.

In late December 2022, Arada awarded two contracts worth $255m for 986 homes at Masaar.

In early January 2023, Arada said it completed work on the $190.5mn Nest in Aljada.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 13, 2023 wicsummit0

Several high temperature records were broken in Europe and across the world, while extreme events such as drought and flooding affected large regions of the world, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s (C3S) 2022 Global Climate Highlights report. The report is based on the ERA5 dataset produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

C3S is itself implemented by ECMWF on behalf of the European Commission.

According to the report, Europe saw its hottest summer ever recorded, while a number of prolonged and intense heatwaves affected parts of western and northern Europe. C3S noted that ERA5 data concurs with other widely used temperature datasets that European temperatures have increased by more than twice the global average over the past 30 years, and has the highest rate of increase of any continent in the world.

“In our efforts to tackle climate change at global, European or national level, it is clear that high-quality Earth observation data, information and knowledge are essential. C3S provides authoritative and timely monitoring of the changing climate which informs adaptation efforts,” explained Mauro Facchini, Head of Earth Observation at the Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space, European Commission.

Exploring how close the world is to breaching the temperature limits outlined by the 2016 Paris Agreement, the report revealed the annual average temperature was 0.3C above the reference period of 1991-2020, which equates to approximately 1.2C higher than the period 1850-1900, typically used as a proxy for the pre-industrial era. This makes 2022 the eighth year in a row of temperatures more than 1C above the pre-industrial level. Further, each boreal summer month during 2022 was at least the third warmest globally.

In early July 2022, WSP Middle East’s Sophia Kee said, “We have 93% certainty within the next five years of hitting new temperature highs”.

The report highlighted that, during 2022, the world experienced its fifth warmest year on record, according to the C3S ERA5 dataset, but by a very small margin. Other commonly referenced temperature datasets are likely to rank 2022 slightly differently; so far, the hottest years on record globally are 2016, 2020 and 2019 and 2017 respectively, the C3S report said.

“2022 was yet another year of climate extremes across Europe and globally. These events highlight that we are already experiencing the devastating consequences of our warming world. The latest 2022 Climate Highlights from C3S provides clear evidence that avoiding the worst consequences will require society to both urgently reduce carbon emissions and swiftly adapt to the changing climate,” stated Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director, C3S.

For 2022, temperatures were more than 2C above the average of the 1991–2020 reference period over parts of northern central Siberia and along the Antarctic Peninsula. Several regions saw the warmest year on record, according to the ERA5 dataset. Over land, this included large parts of western Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and China, New Zealand, northwestern Africa and the Horn of Africa, the report highlighted.

Discussing temperatures tracked in Europe in 2022, the report revealed that temperatures across the year were the second warmest on record. It added that while 2022 was cooler than 2020 by 0.3C, it was marginally warmer by around 0.1C compared to 2019, 2015 and 2014. It said that with the exception of Iceland, Europe as a whole saw annual temperatures above the 1991-2020 average.

Temperatures were most above average in the western part of the continent. According to the C3S ERA5 dataset, several countries in western and southern Europe saw the highest annual temperatures since at least 1950. Similar findings have already been reported based on either preliminary or final data by national agencies in this region, the report pointed out.

In early September 2022, a youth movement called for global leaders to take “urgent and bold climate adaption action”.

The report said that summer in Europe was the warmest on record by a clear margin, following the previous warmest summer in 2021. In addition, Autumn was the third warmest on record, only surpassed by 2020 and 2006. Winter temperatures in 2022 were found to be 1C above average, ranking amongst the ten warmest winters. In contrast, spring temperatures for Europe – as a whole – were just below the average of the 1991-2020 reference period.

With regards to monthly averages, nine months were above average, while three – March, April and September – were found to be below average. The continent experienced its second warmest June ever, recorded at about 1.6C above average, and its warmest October recorded with temperatures nearly 2C above average.

Documenting extreme weather events in 2022, the report stated that both polar regions saw episodes of record temperatures during 2022. The Antarctic experienced an intense warm period with temperatures well above average in March 2022. At Vostok station, in the interior of East Antarctica, for example, the reported temperature reached -17.7C – the warmest ever measured in its 65-year record.

During September, temperatures over the centre of Greenland were 8C higher than average, with C3S data showing that almost the whole country experienced average temperatures higher than any in September since at least 1979. This was said to be associated with southerly prevailing winds that were warmer than normal.

The Antarctic saw unusually low sea ice conditions throughout the year, with six months seeing record or near-record low Antarctic Sea ice extents for the corresponding month, the report said. During the second half of February, Antarctic daily sea ice extent reached a new record low, bypassing the previous minimum reached in 2017. The low sea ice extents came primarily from below-average sea ice conditions in the Weddell Sea throughout most of the year, in the Ross and Amundsen Seas until April, and in the Bellingshausen Sea from April onward, the report explained.

In late September 2022, the World Bank committed  $2bn in aid for Pakistan reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Shifting focus to the tropical and subtropical regions, the report stated that extremely high pre-monsoon temperatures in Pakistan and northern India resulted in prolonged spring heatwave conditions, and record-breaking maximum and minimum temperatures. Central and eastern China experienced long-lived heatwave conditions with subsequent drought during the summer, it added.

In July and August, the report highlighted that Pakistan saw record-breaking rainfall, which ultimately led to large-scale flooding over large parts of the country, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

Australia was also found to have experienced below average temperatures, with unusually wet conditions throughout much of the year, especially in the east of the continent, with several episodes of widespread flooding. The report explained that this situation typically associated with persisting La Niña conditions and likely accentuated by saturated soils.

The unusual warmth in late spring and summer in Europe combined with a lack of rain, clear skies and dry soils, brought drought conditions especially to the southern and central parts of the continent. Many countries on the continent reported impacts on agriculture, river transport and energy management. Extremely dry conditions also led to increased fire danger resulting in unusually high fire activity in southwestern Europe, especially France and Spain, it stated.

In-conjunction with the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), C3S cautioned that atmospheric greenhouse gases continued to increase in 2022. As per an initial analysis of satellite data averaged over the whole atmospheric column, carbon dioxide concentrations rose by approximately 2.1ppm, while methane rose by around 12ppb.

In late October 2022, the UNEP cautioned that the lack of progress leaves the world hurtling towards a temperature rise far above the Paris Agreement goal.

This is said to have resulted in an annual average for 2022 of approximately 417ppm for carbon dioxide and 1894ppb for methane. This is the highest concentrations from the satellite record, and by including other records, the highest levels for over two million years for carbon dioxide and over 800,000 years for methane, CS3 warned.

Annual global total emissions from vegetation fires continue to decline in relation to land use changes and declining savanna fires in the tropics. However, scientists from CAMS monitored significantly increased fire emissions in some regions of Europe where hotter and drier conditions contributed to increased flammability and fire danger.

Due to this, the total estimated summer (June-August) emissions from wildfires in the EU and United Kingdom were the highest since 2007. France, Spain, Germany, and Slovenia experienced their highest summer wildfire emissions for at least the last 20 years, contributing to degraded air quality, the report outlined.

Vincent-Henri Peuch, Director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service remarked, “GHGs including carbon dioxide and methane, are the main drivers of climate change and we can see from our monitoring activities that atmospheric concentrations are continuing to rise with no signs of slowing.”

He concluded, “Concentration changes are the result of both human and natural factors. Our ongoing efforts towards an operational verification support capacity of CO2 and CH4 emissions will provide immensely useful tools to assess more specifically the effectiveness of climate change mitigation measures.”

In mid November 2022, EARTHDAY.ORG unveiled the Climate Education Coalition at COP27.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 13, 2023 wicsummit0

Jotun MEIA’s new $40.8mn facility in Dubai Science Park has been completed and handover according to Group AMANA. The latter said the ‘state of the art facility’ is part of Jotun’s new MEIA (Middle East, India and Africa) regional office, and covers a built area of 23,000 sqm.

This is the latest project delivered to the highest standard by AMANA Contracting, with optimal quality and results, the firm said.

“AMANA continues its mission of delivering certainty and quality across milestone projects in the region. The partnership between Jotun and AMANA is built on a foundation of common values: a shared commitment to sustainability and to delivering excellence over many decades in the Middle East. AMANA leveraged innovative technologies to improve on quality and reduce materials, achieving over two million manhours with no lost-time injury (LTI) or any major safety incidents, highlighting our commitment to the highest safety standards,” said Joe Labaky, General Manager of UAE and Emerging Markets at AMANA Contracting.

In early July 2022, Group AMANA announced its new brand identity and, in late August 2022, the firm said it delivered the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai South.

The facility is said to house spaces for corporate users for regional operations and has a main boardroom, meeting rooms, prayer rooms, gym, training rooms, recreational zones, a canteen, and other areas. In addition, the R&D laboratory building will facilitate high-quality wet, solvent and powder paint testing and research operations, and is located on dedicated floors. It also includes two pilot production labs, a loading area and store, a painting studio, offices for laboratory staff and meeting rooms, AMANA explained in its statement.

AMANA said it used modern technology including BIM and Offsite Construction to “deliver excellence and timely construction”.

BIM was used to map out digital drawings of the project and deliver thorough installation of modular systems, instead of conventional methods. The facility also showcases Jotun’s premium products by using 100% Jotun paints and coating products. The project is set to achieve LEED silver classification in the near future, the firm pointed out.

In early January 2023, CK Architecture Interiors completed the handover of ‘Framed Allure’ signature villa on the Palm Jumeirah.

Aligned with Jotun’s global initiative to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030, AMANA used an innovative technique to help reduce energy dissipation in the building. Chilled water pipes run through the floor slabs, cooling down the concrete floor. This helps preserve room temperature, reducing the energy required to cool the space, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 12, 2023 wicsummit0

Real estate advisor CBRE has been appointed by Bahrain-based developer Naseej to exclusively manage and lease the retail component of CanalView, which is the developer’s flagship mixed-use development on Dilmunia island.

In a statement, CBRE said that the retail component spans a total of approximately 5,200sqm of gross lettable area (GLA) with 26 retail units, leasable to cafes, restaurants, fashion boutiques, entertainment centres and other retail services and hospitality outlets.

The total value of the project is said to be US $75.6mn. It features 246 luxury freehold apartments across four seven-storey buildings, along with two levels of retail facilities, which overlook a grand canal, waterfall, and main fountain. It was officially launched in November 2021.

In early September 2020, IDC awarded the design and supervision contract for the Dilmunia Mosque to MSCEB Architects and Engineers.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Ahmed Al Hammadi, General Manager of Naseej said, “We are very pleased to announce the official appointment of CBRE to oversee the property leasing aspect of CanalView’s retail complex. It is fundamental for us to ensure that the retail component is properly managed in order to deliver CanalView’s promise as an integrated, mixed-use development that combines modern living with a lifestyle of luxury.”

The statement highlighted that CanalView’s waterfront retail area provides large outdoor spaces as it has a ground floor promenade, along with upper floor terraces adjacent to the canal. These span a length of 1.6km and extend to the Dilmunia complex and other developments on the island.

Richard Botham, Senior Director & General Manager at CBRE Bahrain commented, “CBRE is proud to have been appointed by Naseej to support with the retail component of Bahrain’s newest real estate landmark. This modern, luxury apartment project in the heart of Dilmunia, a developing community master plan, offers an attractive waterfront destination for retailers and consumers alike.”

In early February 2022, IDC and Naseej began construction of the Nadeen School Dilmunia.

He concluded, “We anticipate that both residents and visitors will be offered a unique experience, with the dining and retail experiences on the promenade overlooking the canal and fountains. We are truly privileged to add a development of this quality to our portfolio of locally managed assets in Bahrain.”

In early July 2022, EDAMAH called for bids for the 20,717sqm mixed-use investment project, which is being developed near Diyar Al Muharraq and Dilmunia.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 12, 2023 wicsummit0

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement to establish a new company that will invest in mining assets globally, to secure strategic minerals that are essential for Saudi Arabia’s industrial development, as well as the resilience of global supply chains.

In a statement, the companies said that the new JV entity will be incorporated after obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities and satisfying certain conditions of the JV agreement. Ma’aden will own 51% and PIF will own 49% of the company. The company’s capital will amount to US $50mn.

Yazeed Alhumied, Deputy Governor and Head of MENA Investments at PIF said, “PIF and Ma’aden combine extensive investment expertise with deep sector knowledge. The new company will significantly contribute to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s strategic position as an important link in the global supply chain in line with PIF’s strategy to further grow key industries.”

He added, “As a catalyst of Vision 2030, PIF continues to drive the growth of new sectors, and companies, while contributing to job creation, technology transfer and localizing knowledge to build a prosperous and sustainable economy in Saudi Arabia.”

In mid November 2022, PIF and BlackRock signed a MoU to jointly explore Middle East infrastructure projects.

The company aims to initially invest in iron ore, copper, nickel, and lithium as a non-operating partner taking minority equity positions. This will provide physical offtake of critical minerals to ensure supply security for domestic mineral downstream sectors, and position Saudi Arabia as a key partner in achieving global supply-chain resilience, the statement explained.

Robert Wilt, CEO of Ma’aden commented, “This is a significant step for Ma’aden as we develop the mining sector in Saudi Arabia and position the Kingdom as a key ally in securing the metals of the future. The global energy transition relies on the strategic minerals needed for renewable energy and battery storage, and our focus on these will give us a foothold in the global commodity value chain, where major supply constraints are combined with growing demand.”

“We are proud to be playing a leading role in the economic diversification and growth of Saudi Arabia, building the talent pool and securing the future for the country, as we help deliver Vision 2030.”

The agreement is in line with PIF’s mission to build strategic economic partnerships to achieve sustainable returns and unlock the capabilities of promising sectors with significant long-term growth potential, in line with Vision 2030.

In late November 2022, PIF subsidiary SEVEN said it would invest $13.3bn into 21 integrated entertainment destinations in the Kingdom.

It also aligns with Ma’aden’s 2040 Strategy to focus on upstream mining activities and gain exposure to future minerals as well as build partnerships with global mining companies.

In early January 2023, it was announced that Diriyah would become PIF’s fifth giga-project.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 12, 2023 wicsummit0

Neom has signed a strategic agreement with General Hotel Management (GHM), the international hotel and resort developer, to manage The Chedi Trojena, at the under development Trojena mountain destination – the venue set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

Nestled within the Slope Residences approaching the mountain summits, The Chedi Trojena will be part of an upscale residential village in one of Trojena’s six distinctive clusters: Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax and Fun, Neom noted.

The hotel’s location in the ‘Relax Cluster’ is said to serve as a sanctuary for reflection, recreation, and rejuvenation, featuring world-class wellness programmes. Its design blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, with nature trail paths and eco-friendly activity areas, the Saudi developer added.

In mid October 2022, Hotel Development inked a deal with Ennismore to open two hotels in Trojena.

The Slope Residences will offer guests a range of experiences including culinary nourishment, sports and adventure, health, and longevity, as well as restorative and meditative activities, all with uninterrupted views overlooking the Lake of Trojena.

Following the signing of the agreement, GHM’s CEO Tommy Lai, commented, “We are honoured to be the second hotel partner selected by Neom Hotel Development to realise its vision of hospitality excellence of the future. GHM’s remit is to create an exceptional luxury sanctuary that will chart the course for this shared new future.”

The design narrative for the hotel will reflect the Kingdom’s rich history, with a nod to Trojena’s futuristic architecture to add a contemporary edge befitting its awe-inspiring context. Construction on Trojena began last month and Neom expects to welcome its first guests in 2026.

In early November 2022, Neom appointed an Independent Safety Assessor for the railway system in The Line and Neom Industrial City.

In its aim to become a hub for world-class tourism and recreation, of a kind never before offered in the Gulf countries, the mountain destination will also feature 30km of ski slopes for visitors of all ages and levels, ultra-luxury and wellness hotels and resorts, as well as over 100 indoor and outdoor experiences available all year-round.

Chris Newman, Executive Director, Hotel Development at Neom said the Chedi brand has a proven track record of creating inimitable and authentic hospitality concepts. He concluded, “By capturing this spirit of luxury escapism, we can deliver on our promise of giving visitors something that they have never seen before, and in turn, experience the world in ways they couldn’t have imagined.”

In early December 2022, Neom launched its first island development – Sindalah.

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Source: MEConstructionNews


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January 12, 2023 wicsummit0

A signature villa on Billionaire’s Row of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah has been handed over by CK Architecture Interiors (CKAI). The project was developed by Alpago Properties and saw CKAI offer design and build and interior design services – the latter in conjunction with Emre Arolat Architecture who was also responsible for the architecture design.

The successful and timely handover of the ultra-luxury villa – Framed Allure – further reinforces CKAI’s growing reputation of adding significant value to developers looking to maximise their returns, the firm said.

“Dubai’s international position as a top destination for the ultra-rich and international property investors looking to invest in luxury homes continues to grow. According to a recent report, prices of high-end luxury residential properties are expected to increase by 13.5% this year, mainly driven by demand for opulent homes and the city’s global reputation as a safe investment haven,” said Cem Kapancioglu, Founder and Managing Director of CK Architecture Interiors.

In early November 2022, Alpago Properties announced its luxury Palm Jumeirah penthouse will cost $68.06mn.

He added, “The signature Framed Allure villa will offer its owners ultra-luxury custom-made furniture from some of the most prestigious names in the industry and high levels of comfort and luxury. We are extremely pleased to be working on the Billionaires’ Row villas and look forward to delivering the three remaining villas later this year.”

The villa boasts five bedrooms and is built over four levels – basement, ground, first and second floors, on a plot of 16,000sqft. The ‘ultra-luxury villa’ is said to have a rooftop terrace with a fully equipped modern gym, yoga deck, cinema and golf simulator, and a basement floor specifically crafted for car enthusiasts that can accommodate eight cars.

Inspired by Italian design, the villa features a triple-height entrance hall, and the living area are said to combine modernity and sophistication. The project features custom-made furniture and one-off pieces from Minotti, Henge, B&B Italia, Baxter, and Boca do lobo, amongst others. The ensuite bedrooms feature a long balcony and offer a glass balustrade that runs along with the bedrooms, providing uninterrupted views of the sea. The outdoor area meanwhile features a pool, an outdoor kitchen, a BBQ patio, a large and small dining area and loungers, the firm detailed.

In mid December 2022, B1 Properties said its villa sales topped US $185mn in four months.

CKAI said it is also working on three more signature villas in Billionairs’ Row, in addition to two villas at Dubai Hills, a penthouse at Bluewaters and multiple upcoming design and build projects across the UAE.

The company said it had also recently expanded its operations to Abu Dhabi, with the opening of a new 2,000sqft showroom and experiential centre at St. Regis Residences in Saadiyat Island.

In late December 2022, GAJ said it would act as the lead architect for the new Serenia Living project on the Palm Jumeirah.

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Source: MEConstructionNews