Stirling Hospitality Advisors (SHA) has announced the completion of Phase One of its mixed-use Hajar masterplan project in Oman.

In a statement, SHA said that the four-phase project was launched in June this year, with the firm spearheading the development across the tourism and hospitality sectors to optimise the destination’s economic potential and attract further investment.

The key development encompasses an overarching strategy to develop an attractive, profitable destination, which is appealing to domestic and international travellers, it said.

In early August 2022, Oman’s Rakiza said it had received a capital commitment of $298mn from Saudi’s PIF.

“We are delighted to be working on Oman’s stunning Hajar Mountains and developing world-class real estate and hospitality projects with internationally renowned groups. We have successfully finished the first phase of the project and we look forward to continuing working alongside our partners in driving new opportunities to attract investment and connect experiences with assets to ensure overall success,” commented Managing Director Tatiana Veller.

She added that the firm is working with governmental agencies, local investment groups, internationally renowned master planners, and infrastructure and sustainability advisors on the project, and that SHA is now initiating the second phase of the project.

This will include the development of one of the ridges of the Hajar Mountains into a holistic tourist destination, highlighting Oman’s highest terrain and unique history and artisanry, the statement continued.

In mid-August 2022, Oman’s $175mn Botanic Garden was said to be on track for completion in 2023.

Stretching along the northern coast of Oman, from southwest of Muscat to the UAE, the Hajar Mountains are a six-hour drive away from Dubai, making for the ideal getaway destination for travellers looking for an adventure in the wild terrains or a luxurious and relaxing weekend in the mountains.

“The sectors SHA is currently covering includes looking at creating all types of accommodation; from wellness escapes and luxury hotels to more standardised three- and four-star offerings, as well as family-run B&Bs, which maximise the local community’s involvement,” Veller added.

SHA is also looking into the potential development of niche products such as lifestyle boutique hotels, glamping solutions, container camps and farmhouses, catering to diverse customer needs and raising the destination’s competitive edge, enhancing overall tourism in the country, she concluded.

In September 2022, Bank Nizwa signed a $650mn agreement with Palm Beach for the Al Nakheel project.

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Komatsu will showcase a prototype of its first fully electric compact wheel loader at the company’s demo area at Bauma 2022 in Munich, the manufacturer has announced.

The machine was recently designed and built in collaboration with Moog, a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. It is battery-powered with zero-emissions and is now ready for joint testing, Komatsu noted.

The machine’s electrified system includes an electric traction motor, lift, tilt and steering electric cylinders, as well as power electronics, a system control computer, battery, and battery management system.

In September 2022, Komatsu said it would focus on future technologies at Bauma 2022 and, later in the month, it was announced that Bauma China has been postponed to 2024.

“To achieve our CO2 emission reduction targets from products in use of 50% by 2030 from 2010 levels and to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2050, we are looking for promising technologies from suppliers to accelerate our electric machine development,” said Seiichi Fuchita, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and President of Development Division at Komatsu.

“The machine built together with Moog combines the strengths of both companies and was finalised within a short period of time, and we expect the joint testing will show the advantages of a full electric machine and will prove collaboration is beneficial for both sides,” he added.

Both companies plan to jointly test the fully electric loader after Bauma to prove that it can achieve a new level of efficiency, operating time, and comfort.

In October 2022, Liebherr said it would premiere its hydrogen prototype engines at Bauma 2022.

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In a bid to boost the involvement of the private sector in achieving Net Zero, applying circular economy principles, and building an integrated waste management system, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Emirates RDF have signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Fujairah Cement Industries, JSW Cement, Lafarge Emirates, and Star Cement. The deal will see the companies partially use alternative fuel generated from municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment by the Emirates RDF plant in Umm Al Quwain in their manufacturing operations.

The plants will start to use alternative biofuel in their production activities in confirmation of their commitment to sustainability, and supporting the development of a circular economy through an effective and long-term waste management solution, in line with the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, MOCCAE stated.

The signing ceremony at MOCCAE drew the participation of Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, representatives of the Follow-Up Committee of the Initiatives of the UAE President, members of the Follow-up and Supervision Committee of the Emirates RDF Project, and executive directors of the cement factories.

In August 2022, the MOCCAE unveiled a pledge designed to boost the private sector’s contribution to the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative.

“The participation of the private sector is a main pillar of the UAE’s green economy transition and the adoption of circular economy methods, the foremost of which is integrated waste management. Therefore, the ministry is keen to expand its cooperation with private sector entities to enhance their effective contribution to the country’s endeavors to drive sustainable economic development and build a better, greener future,” Her Excellency explained.

She added: “The signing of the agreements with a group of leading cement factories in the country to partially use alternative fuel in their operations is a high-impact step within our efforts to implement integrated waste management and reduce harmful emissions.”

Her Excellency extended her appreciation to the Follow-Up Committee of the Initiatives of the UAE President for its sponsorship and follow-up of the implementation of the Emirates RDF project in Umm Al Quwain. She also thanked the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, and Umm Al Quwain Municipality for their support of this project.

In September 2022, the MOCCAE introduced the National Air Quality Agenda 2031.

The MoUs are said to be part of MOCCAE’s support for integrated waste management projects that treat waste and transform it into economic resources, in line with the Ministerial Decree No. 98 of 2019 on using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) produced from waste treatment procedures in the operations of cement factories.

The Ministry supports national industries that contribute to achieving its goals, and aims to motivate cement factories to meet at least 10 percent of their total energy needs from alternative fuels produced by MSW treatment, the MOCCAE added.

The Emirates RDF plant in Umm Al Quwain is said to be the first facility of its kind in the country. It treats MSW generated in Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, and turns it into RDF that can be used to provide energy to power the operations of cement factories. The project significantly contributes to diverting MSW from landfills, implementing integrated waste management, and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the MOCCAE noted.

In October 2022, Global Mission launched a $17bn fund to achieve the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and, later in the month, Farnek signed MOCCAE’s pledge to support the UAE’s decarbonisation drive.

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Phase Three of Sharjah Sustainable City comprising 324 villas has been launched following “overwhelming response to its fully sold out first two phases”.

The sustainable residential community is being developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in partnership with Diamond Developers. It is said to meet the highest standards of social, environmental and economic sustainability, and extends over an area of 825,000sqft in the Al Rahmaniyah area in Sharjah. It comprises 1,250 sustainable villas divided into blocks of three-, four- and five-bedroom properties.

“We are deeply excited to bring esteemed homebuyers in the region and beyond a brand-new range of eco-friendly villas at Sharjah Sustainable City, offering a sustainable contemporary design and innovative architecture with the same high quality and commitment that the community has come to be known for,” said His Excellency Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City.

In June 2022, Big Project Middle East met with Diamond Developers to discuss progress at Sharjah Sustainable City and the impact the sustainable lifestyle development will have on the real estate sector.

The three, four and five-bedroom villas of phase three are said to offer a variety of layouts and views, and are located in an environment designed to improve quality of life for residents, without compromising the needs of future generations, as well as creating inspiring opportunities to minimise the community carbon footprint, a statement from the developer noted.

He added, “Powered by clean energy, providing an abundance of green space and with an affordable price range, the third phase of properties at Sharjah Sustainable City offers an unbeatable combination of sustainable lifestyle and future-proof real-estate investments. At a time when property investors and home buyers around the world are increasingly seeking green homes and a lifestyle that protects the planet, we are proud to be leading the field of sustainable development in the emirate of Sharjah. We are confident the response to the third phase of Sharjah Sustainable City will be even more robust than the first two phases.”

Phase one of the project, comprising three, four and five-bedroom townhouses, was a resounding success with property buyers, as was phase two with residential corner units encompassing three bedrooms, it added.

In August 2022, PNC Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group said that authorities are increasingly turning to the concept of smart cities to alleviate many of the issues they face today.

Using thermal insulating construction materials and windows, smart home automation, water-saving appliances, energy-saving electrical fittings and rooftop solar PVC installations, the residential properties of Sharjah Sustainable City are projected to deliver savings of up to 50% on electricity and water bills for residents. Environmental sustainability is also maintained through passive and active design strategies, including the green spine that runs through the centre of the community and supports vertical farming, reusing water for irrigation, and a waste-to-energy plant, the developer explained.

In addition, the development supports social sustainability through several amenities and community outreach programs such as cycling and jogging tracks, green parks and playgrounds, swimming pools and health clinics, the statement concluded.

In August 2022, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced a ‘Holiday Homes Project’ in the emirate.

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Developer DAMAC Properties has unveiled CHIC Tower, a 41-storey tower designed to instil wellness and healthy living in a luxury setting, complemented with amenities and facilities. Located in Dubai’s Business Bay, the tower grants direct access to the Dubai Canal, as well as views of the city’s skyline and access to its financial and lifestyle districts.

Taking its cues from the healing properties of turquoise, the project’s design will have branded interiors by de GRISOGONO, a statement from the developer said.

“Our objective with this project goes beyond just fine layouts. Along with its exquisite architecture, CHIC Tower encapsulates and advocates for wellness, positivity, and luxurious living. This new development draws its inspiration from the vital need for wellness and self-care, in a fast-paced industrious and demanding world,” said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President of DAMAC.

In September 2022, DAMAC said it was adding an ultra-luxurious mansion development to its DAMAC Hills development.

CHIC Tower features exclusive studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as one-bedroom lofts with private terraces, and DAMAC plans to launch three and four-bedroom apartments with encompassing hydroponic walls and sky pools at a later stage, the company confirmed.

Inspired by luxury wellness, CHIC Tower will feature restorative baths, beauty treatments and state-of-the-art sky gyms. Seven revitalising baths are specifically designed to extract body toxins resulting in skin glow with the radiance of youth, along with hot baths, cold baths, salt baths and mud baths, the developer said.

Furthermore, the developer says the tower will feature a beauty bar that will be the first of its kind in Dubai. Handcrafted skincare products by specialised technicians will be tailor-made for residents’ specific requirements and skin types, it added.

Late in September 2022, DAMAC Properties’ GM said that Web3 is transforming the UAE real estate landscape.

Commenting on the facilities, McLoughlin stated, “The launch of this luxury wellness living concept centres around three key wellness pillars: mind, body, and skin.”

He added that the design of the tower features undulating terraces inspired by the waves of Dubai’s Canal. These will descend from the building’s stepped roof, which is meant to evoke layers of rock where water trickles from one pool to another.

“Every aspect of the project has been carefully considered and designed to maximise the use of environmental resources such as light, air, and views, as well as to leverage cross-ventilation, thereby creating comfort and tranquil luxury,” McLoughlin continued.

In October 2022, DAMAC Properties awarded a contract for the development of electrical substations to Danway EME.

This new development, which is envisioned to be a world-class residential destination, will contribute to the Dubai 2040 New Urban Masterplan, which focuses on health, sustainability, and improved quality of life, the statement concluded.

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Project and commercial management firm PMKConsult has appointed Jesyka White as Director of Operations for the UAE.

In a statement, PMKConsult said that White will be joining the firm’s senior management team from a directorship role in an international project management firm and was previously based in the Philippines. She is said to have overseen the delivery of several large-scale new build developments and refurbishment projects in North America, Middle East and North and South-East Asia.

“I am really excited to be taking on this position with PMKConsult; this region is growing rapidly with significant developments and projects being launched in every major sector. The company has a strong corporate ethos and culture, and the team’s positive energy is palpable. I look forward to working closely with Keenan to start delivering work alongside this amazing team,” commented White.

In March 2021, PMKConsult announced Mark Jamieson as its Head of Saudi Arabia while, in May 2021, the firm acquired cost consultancy ACS.

White was part of the China in-house client team who delivered The Parisian Macau, a 436,00sqm, 3,000 key integrated resort with casino, luxury retail space, theatre, and half scale replica of the Eiffel Tower with a total project value of $2.7bn. She was also a member of the senior leadership at Tenman Project Management and led the fitouts of the Emerald Resort Hotel and Casino in Cebu, Philippines and Inspire Casino outside of Seoul, South Korea. Moreover, as Director of Fit Out, she also was instrumental in delivering the world’s largest IKEA store, located in the Philippines, the statement added.

Keenan Grote, Chief Operating Officer of PMKConsult added, “Kevin and I are extremely energised with this new hire for a number of reasons. Firstly, Jesyka has navigated complex deliveries in challenging markets. Of course, every market has its nuances, but having that proven flexibility and agility in directing the delivery of large-scale work is really a valuable attribute and will continue to foster the culture and quality of PMKConsult’s delivery team in the UAE. Additionally, the appointment enables greater expansion in service delivery regionally, especially in KSA, but also with regard to Kevin’s lead into Africa with our strategic framework covering the continent.”

Previously, White was based in Hong Kong and worked as the Project Director of Global Store Development for DFS Group Ltd. She was responsible for the Asia South, Asia North, North America, and Middle East regions.

In January 2022, PMKConsult inked a deal to extend its service offering across Africa.

She holds a Master of Engineering degree, and a minor in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

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The Abu Dhabi Digital Twin project was launched by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) at GITEX Technology Week 2022. Through the project, the department will be able to use 3D augmented reality to facilitate and support decision-making processes, which is said to be a qualitative leap forward in the emirate’s development of a digital and geographic information system.

The project is said to integrate advanced technology, such as aerial photography, LiDAR scanning and game engines; it intends to promote the foundations and concept of smart cities and initiate and integrate augmented digital reality and metaverses for the emirate in accordance with the highest international standards.

Billed as a first of its kind project in Abu Dhabi, it aims to showcase a comprehensive and accurate representation of the emirate, including the exterior shapes of the buildings. In addition to supporting the real estate market and highlighting landmarks across the emirate, the project provides details of interior structure to enable internal navigation of the buildings to support the speed of response in emergencies and support planning and decision-making processes, the DMT explained.

In July 2022, Lori Hufford, VP of Application Integration at Bentley Systems said that the intersection of digital twins, the metaverse, and the physical world is an ideal place to invest, allowing global teams to collaborate and solve complex infrastructure problems.

“DMT’s participation in GITEX Technology Week 2022 provides insight into the department’s pioneering digital projects that contribute to the improvement of Abu Dhabi’s quality of life, which is in line with the directives of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in making the emirate a global magnet for economic and industrial investments. By creating a complete visualisation of the emirate using 3D modelling, the Abu Dhabi Digital Twin project assists in data analysis, facilitates decision-making, monitors the appearance of the cities in the emirate, and uses virtual reality to highlight the most notable locations for the public,” said His Excellency Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at DMT.

The project will introduce a synchronous representation of the emirate, allowing users, such as planners, engineers, specialists, and public and private sectors, to explore the emirate’s development in 3D and evaluate vast amounts of data. In addition, it will provide decision-makers, experts, and specialists with accurate data and measurements for planning and operations across all critical sectors. It will also offer spatial analysis tools that assist in analysing the effects of various urban planning scenarios for making the appropriate planning decision in each of these scenarios, DMT added.

A complete visual representation of building structures and other assets is developed by integrating the project’s outputs with multiple systems. It also ensures the continuity of updating data, including real estate systems regarding lease contracts, rental indicators, sale and purchase indicators, urban spaces and community facilities, building permits, asset management, addressing, and urban planning, commercial licenses, information about services, community facilities, and inspections, the DMT commented.

Later in July 2022, Omnix Engineering’s Bhaskar Raman told Middle East Construction News (MECN) that in the near future, cloud-based digital twins will serve predominantly as an asset management environment.

The Abu Dhabi government showcased several new initiatives at GITEX 2022 for government services, data, AI, and the digital system across all of its entities. By implementing these measures, the emirate enables, supports, and offers a proactive, specialised, easy-to-use, and secure digital government system that corresponds to international standards. The projects demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s successes in providing a dynamic environment for global investments and regional economic competition, it concluded.

In August 2022, ALEC’s Andy Boutle told MECN that digital construction is critical to sustainable development.

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Etihad Rail has announced that it has completed track-laying works of the main line in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, as part of the last package of Stage Two of the nation’s ongoing rail project.

The developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network said that the network’s main line extends from Ghuweifat on the border of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and passes through the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

Etihad Rail said it will now start laying tracks in Fujairah in the coming weeks, bringing it closer towards the completion of the UAE National Rail Network, which is currently on schedule.

In February 2022, Etihad Rail announced a $542mn finance deal with First Abu Dhabi Bank to develop passenger services.

The line in Sharjah extends over 45km and is part of the last package of the project, which is 145km in length. Connecting the emirate to the main line accounted for more than 11.7m work hours over 25 months and employed 2,900 workers and engineers, it noted.

Meanwhile, the shorter line in Ras Al Khaimah, which extends over 5.7 km and connects the emirate to the main line, recorded more than 1.3m work hours in 25 months, involving 350 workers and engineers.

Deputy Project Manager Khuloud Al Mazrouei said: “Etihad Rail has made remarkable strides by completing the main works for the UAE National Rail Network and connecting it to the main lines in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, thus bringing us closer than ever to completing the network on schedule and achieving our objective of providing an efficient and sustainable transport network that links the country’s emirates, and connects the UAE with the region.”

In May 2022, Etihad Rail said work on its rail network was 75% complete and, in June 2022, it signed a $326.7mn deal for passenger trains with CAF.

Al Mazrouei concluded, “This plays a key role in opening up new prospects in the logistics and transport industry, driving social development, and providing promising economic opportunities in the UAE and the region across a range of sectors.”

In September 2022, Etihad Rail said it had completed the connection between the ICAD railway freight terminal and UAE National Rail Network.

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Developer Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC) said that work on its master development in Makkah is progressing at a steady pace, with completion of Phase Two and Three targeted for the year-end, while Phase Four will be finished by Q4 2024.

In a statement, JODC said that the three phases, once complete, will comprise 15 towers, including five- and four-star luxury hotels, with 5,000 keys that will be operated by internationally renowned hotel operators, including Jumeriah International Hotel Group, Archipelago International (The Alana Makkah and The Royal Alana Makkah), H Hotels & Resorts (H Hotel) and Emaar Hospitality (The Address Hotel).

“As part of the company’s strategic transformation plan, we have started executing on the vital initiatives within JODC’s comprehensive financial, organisational and operational strategic optimisation plan. This has enabled us to set clear targets for all the project’s existing phases as we continue to strive towards increasing delivery rates,” said Khaled Al Amoudi, CEO of JODC, while speaking at the signing ceremony held in Makkah to mark the key milestone and landmark moment.

In June 2022, developer Umm Alqura for Development & Construction announced a 71,000sqm mall in western Makkah.

Al Amoudi pointed out that despite the significant achievements, the challenges the JODC encountered to reach this stage could not be ignored. He noted, “Despite the numerous challenges we overcame during the pandemic in the last two years, our continued perseverance allowed us to attain the accomplishments we have achieved. This reflects strongly on the wise and insightful vision and stewardship of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, and the relentless efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.”

Jabal Omar said that with a clear roadmap of increasing delivery rates and commitment to utilising all resources available to the company, it will continue to support and contribute to the Kingdom’s Saudi’s Vision 2030 goal of hosting 30m pilgrims by 2030, as well as raising the level and quality of services provided to the pilgrims in order to enrich their experience.

With a land area of over 235,000sqm, the Jabal Omar master project is being implemented in several phases. On completion, it will have a built-up area of over 2.5m million sqm with a total of 46 towers which include hospitality, commercial and residential developments. To date, Phase 1 has been fully completed (in Q1 2017) with a total land area and built-up area of 27,000 sqm and over 523,000 sqm respectively.

In July 2022, BATIC Real Estate Company and Al Mqr Development Company launched a residential neighbourhood community project near the Prophet’s Mosque in the Holy City, while developer Thakher Development Company said the first phase of its $7bn Thakher Makkah project was nearly complete.

During the event, JODC’s Saeed Mohammed Alghamdi, Chairman of the Board and Saad bin Aiban, the Chief Development & Projects Manager, also addressed their partners and commented on the significant milestone. Bin Aiban stated: “We have partnered with renowned experts to complete all the project’s existing phases and the infrastructure as per the revised target launch, which is testament to the entire team at JODC and an achievement we are proud of, especially given the delays in the construction work as a result of the global pandemic, and other challenges that the Kingdom’s real estate sector faced.”

He continued, “From now on, we will work to harness all required resources – from financial to human capital, to ensure timely and on-budget completion of the project, while ensuring we continue to adhere to the highest quality and safety standards that JODC is known for. We look forward to updating the market on a regular basis with our progress as we shape and add vitality to the urban landscape of the Holy City of Makkah with our iconic developments.”

Bin Aiban pointed out that JODC’s focus was firmly on developing Phases 2, 3, and 4, which have completion rates of 88%, 93%, and 63% respectively.

SNC-Lavalin said it won a FM services contract for a PPP schools project in Medina in July 2022.

“Each of the phases are mixed-use developments comprising hospitality, commercial, luxury residential units, and parking lots, with a combined land area of over 68,000sqm. Jabal Omar’s strategic, accessible, and prime location in close proximity to the Grand Mosque as well its deep knowledge and expertise of Makkah’s unique real estate sector, makes it a key enabler and beneficiary of the strategic Hajj and Umrah sector,” he concluded.

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