Developer TownX has appointed Ocean Stone as the primary contractor for its upcoming Ashley Hills project. The US $180.23mn development, spanning over 400,000sqft of sellable area is located in Arjan, Dubai. The milestone marks another significant step in TownX’s commitment to delivering high-quality residential communities, said the developer.

Ocean Stone, a construction firm with experience in large-scale residential projects, will oversee the construction of Ashley Hills. The project will feature 616 residential units, designed to provide families and investors with spacious apartments in one of Dubai’s most rapidly developing areas, the developer explained.

Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director of TownX said, “We are excited to have Ocean Stone on board as the main contractor for Ashley Hills. Their proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget makes them the perfect fit for this ambitious development. With the commencement of construction, we are confident that this partnership will ensure the timely and successful delivery of this landmark project.”

As part of its ongoing efforts, TownX has initiated the collection of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from potential buyers and investors. This move underscores the growing demand for residential options in Arjan, particularly with Ashley Hills development.

Ashley Hills is anticipated to be completed in phases, with the handover timelines to be confirmed as the project progresses. Its location in Arjan provides connectivity to major roads and expanding infrastructure.

Since its inception in 2017, TownX has been committed to delivering projects ahead of schedule and with attention to detail. With over 1,774 units delivered and 2,125 apartments currently in development, the company has significantly expanded its presence in Dubai’s real estate market. Ashley Hills stands as another milestone in TownX’s efforts to create residential communities that cater to the needs of modern families while ensuring long-term value, the statement concluded.

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Mira Developments has said it hosted an exclusive three-day mastermind retreat in Salalah, Oman. More than 100 real estate professionals, including brokers, architects, and representatives from luxury lifestyle brands gathered for this high-level event.

A key aspect of the summit was its analytical platform, which fostered innovation and strategic alignment. Participants engaged in intensive roundtable discussions and workshops to define new benchmarks for luxury, lifestyle, and sustainability across the region. The cross-sector dialogue also facilitated by the retreat aimed to integrate cutting-edge architectural design with premium branded living concepts, ensuring a holistic approach to future developments.

The retreat centered around strategic collaboration and the unveiling of Mira Developments’ expansion plans within the GCC region. The highly anticipated master development in Salalah and future landmark projects like Mira Coral Bay were among the expansion plans unveiled during the retreat, the firm stated.

“Our strategic expansion into Oman is an epitome of Mira Developments’ unwavering vision to pioneering luxury real estate across the GCC. We were pleased to be among so many talented experts who share the same vision of identifying and cultivating high-potential markets, and reinforcing our leadership in delivering unparalleled branded living communities that exceed regional benchmarks,” said Tamara Getigezheva, Co-Founder of Mira Developments.

Mira Developments’ commitment to identifying and developing high-potential markets within the GCC is evident in their choice of Salalah, a region renowned for its unique natural attributes. The immersive experience in Salalah’s distinctive environment, particularly during the Khareef season, provided a backdrop for envisioning luxurious developments that harmoniously blend with the region’s climate, the firm said.

This pivotal convening underscores Mira Developments’ proactive approach to market leadership and its dedication to shaping the future of luxury real estate in the GCC. The insights and collaborative strategies developed during this retreat are poised to significantly influence the company’s forthcoming projects, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in branded luxury residences, the statement concluded.

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Developer Dar Global has announced a series of strategic milestones that are said to showcase the strength of its core markets and the scale of its long-term growth strategy. The developer said it has secured a new joint development agreement with Dar Al Arkan and completed land acquisitions for large-scale projects in Riyadh and Jeddah.

These developments will raise the group’s Gross Development Value (GDV) to US $12.5bn. Additionally, the company has strengthened its liquidity position by successfully expanding its Litmus financing facility from $275mn to $440mn.

The new large-scale projects in KSA will expand Dar Global’s development footprint. These projects involve two large-scale communities with a combined GDV of around $4.8bn. In Riyadh, Dar Global has secured development rights through partial land acquisition and a joint development agreement over a major integrated scheme valued at $2.8bn.

In Jeddah, Dar Global said it has secured a further joint development agreement for a landmark mixed-use project on one of the city’s land parcels. This project is estimated to have an estimated GDV of $1.95bn. This scheme is anchored by a $300mn land acquisition (partial portion of the integrated scheme). This acquisition will replace the Riyadh land acquisition announced by the group. Dar Global said it has decided to pursue this development because it offers the potential to deliver greater scale and profitability while reducing development risk.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global said, “These milestones mark an important inflection point for Dar Global.  In Saudi Arabia, we are delivering landmark projects in prime locations and looking to bring in more overseas investment as the Kingdom opens up. The enhanced financing facility reinforces our balance sheet to fuel growth at scale and the establishment of a financial services arm in DIFC enhances our ability to structure capital and unlock global opportunities that previously would not have been available to the group. Together, these initiatives reflect not just confidence in our strategy, but also the unique position we occupy as a bridge between high-growth markets and international investors. We look forward to providing further updates on these exciting initiatives as they progress.”

This expansion capitalises on Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic transformation, which has opened up the Kingdom to foreign ownership and sustained demand for real estate. These significant parcels of land offer the opportunity to develop luxury villas, a golf course, and a luxury hotel. This expansion in Saudi Arabia not only expands Dar Global’s pipeline but also demonstrates the group’s ability to structure transactions that balance investment exposure with long-term profitability.

To accelerate the delivery of Dar Global’s expanding portfolio, the new Litmus Facility will strengthen the company’s liquidity position by $165mn. Underwritten by Emirates NBD and supported by ADCB, FAB, and Zand Bank, the facility is secured by the pledge of shares and backed by corporate guarantees. This enhanced liquidity will accelerate existing projects and enable greater flexibility in pursuing new opportunities across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

In a move that diversifies Dar Global’s operations, the company said it is acquiring a licensed financial services company in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This entity is authorised to provide a wide suite of services, including asset management, investment banking, and advisory activities. Operated as an independent subsidiary with its own governance structure and provides immediate regulatory readiness, avoiding the lengthy process of obtaining a new license. Consequently, Dar Global is positioned as both a developer and a financial platform that is agile and capable of mobilising international capital into real estate opportunities. The company plans to expand its team and diversify its offerings.

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Moro Hub has presented a Green Certificate to Imperium Software Technologies in recognition of the latter’s adoption of sustainable technology solutions hosted on Moro Hub’s Green Cloud. The award was presented by Sultan Al Ali, Director of Digital Business at Moro Hub, to Sanju Sambasivan, Director of Sales at Imperium Software Technologies.

“At Moro Hub, we believe in accelerating digital transformation that aligns with the UAE’s environmental goals. Our Green Cloud is designed to deliver high availability and robust infrastructure and minimise environmental impact. By awarding this Green Certificate to Imperium Software Technologies, we acknowledge their progressive approach toward sustainability and applaud their leadership in integrating eco-conscious practices into their core operations,” said Mohammad Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub.

Sambasivan added, “As a forward-thinking technology provider, sustainability is a fundamental pillar of our long-term growth strategy. Moro Hub gives us the dual advantage of best-in-class hosting services and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Receiving this Green Certificate is a recognition of our environmental efforts, and a testament to the strategic value of choosing the right partners who share our vision for a greener tomorrow.”

Imperium Software Technologies has optimised its data operations and reduced its carbon footprint by utilising Moro Hub’s Green Cloud services. This initiative aligns with the broader industry trend of decarbonising operations without compromising performance or reliability. Through this collaboration, Imperium Software Technologies anticipates saving 43,969kg of CO₂ emissions during the hosting period.

Moro Hub’s Green Cloud, built with the latest energy-efficient technologies, offers enterprises a secure and eco-friendly hosting environment. This collaboration reflects the growing trend among leading enterprises in the UAE and beyond, where sustainability and innovation are intertwined, the firm explained.

This recognition further solidifies Moro Hub’s position as an enabler of sustainable ICT infrastructure in the region. By supporting clients from diverse sectors in their digital maturity journey, Moro Hub ensures compliance with environmental best practices.

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Barco Developers has officially entered the UAE property market. Founded by team of operators with over 25 years of experience in real estate, finance, consulting, F&B, and manufacturing, the company said that it aims to develop over 2m sqft of low- to mid-rise residential communities across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

The developer’s leadership has successfully executed real estate and investment projects across Europe and North America. Now, the company brings this global expertise to the UAE market with a clear vision: to develop value-based communities where comfort meets technology, targeting the under-served end-user segment, said the statement.

The company’s first few projects are set to launch in Dubai South. The first project, a designed residential development will be officially launched soon. The pipeline also includes upcoming launches in Arjan, Dubai Land Residential Complex (DLRC), and Jebel Ali Hills. These projects focus on emerging neighborhoods that offer long-term livability and growth, the developer explained.

“With over 25 years of cross-sector experience, we’ve learned that lasting success lies in understanding real market needs and executing with precision. There’s a clear opportunity to serve the growing number of professionals and families seeking more than just housing, we are here to serve those who want a connected, modern lifestyle at a fair price,” commented Safdar Badami, Director at Barco Developers.

Dubai South’s transformation into a major business and residential hub, supported by its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 legacy infrastructure, has led to the initial focus on this area for projects.

“At Barco, we’re re-imagining residential living in the UAE by bringing high-quality, smart home communities to emerging markets. We’re taking a disciplined, data-driven approach to development, one that prioritises long-term value over short-term gains,” remarked Saadaat Bajwa, Director at Barco Developers. “Each of our projects is backed by rigorous market analysis, efficient design practices, and a commitment to sustainable construction.”

Barco Developers is dedicated to constructing homes that prioritise high utility, contemporary design, and tech-enabled amenities. These homes are designed with end users in mind, rather than short-term investors. By targeting mid-income buyers in key growth areas, the company aims to fill a significant market gap, while ensuring long-term value for residents and stakeholders, the statement concluded.

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Union Properties, through its subsidiary ServeU has made a strategic acquisition of House Keeping and House Keeping Domestic Workers, including their subsidiary. This deal is valued at US $27.2mn.

The acquisition further solidifies ServeU’s position as one of the UAE’s trusted FM service providers. With a workforce exceeding 8,900 employees, ServeU manages a diverse portfolio of residential communities, commercial complexes, government entities, and hospitality facilities, said a statement.

The company remains dedicated to enhancing its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in innovation, sustainability, and service excellence to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.

Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties PJSC said, “This acquisition represents a pivotal step in advancing our long-term growth agenda. Integrating a leading manpower and domestic workforce provider into our portfolio not only strengthens ServeU’s operational breadth, but also reinforces our commitment to delivering integrated, people-centric solutions that meet the evolving demands of our clients across sectors.”

House Keeping is said to be the UAE’s second-largest provider in the housekeeping segment, and boasts a broad portfolio, deep domain expertise, and healthy client network. With a dedicated workforce of 136 active members in housekeeping operations and nearly 8,700 domestic workers, House Keeping has consistently demonstrated strong performance, the statement added.

For the year 2024, the company recorded revenues of $60.15mn and an EBITDA of $5.83mn, these financial results align with ServeU’s strategic priorities, which revolve around delivering value, enhancing service quality, improving operational efficiency, and advancing workforce capabilities.

Under the terms of the acquisition, House Keeping and its affiliated entities will retain their brand identities while operating under the full ownership and strategic oversight of ServeU. This alliance is anticipated to have a positive impact on ServeU’s financial results, starting from August 2025, the statement continued.

It is projected to contribute around 23% to ServeU’s revenue and boost its EBITDA by 33%. This model ensures seamless operational continuity while unlocking synergies through ServeU’s established infrastructure, experienced leadership, and industry partnerships.

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Danube Properties has partnered with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to support the launch of a dedicated First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) initiative, aimed at making home-ownership more accessible in Dubai.

The developer said its program aims to support Emiratis and expatriates in stepping onto the property ladder by offering unmatched flexibility and affordability. As part of the initiative, Danube Properties has allocated 10% of its residential units exclusively for first-time home buyers, the firm explained.

Key features of the FTHB initiative include:

• Exclusive pre-launch access: First-time buyers will receive priority access to select units before public launch, ensuring the best availability and options
• Only 60% payable before handover: Buyers need to pay just 60% of the total property value before receiving the keys, easing upfront financial commitments
• Flexible 1% monthly payment plan: This program complements Danube’s industry-first 1% monthly payment scheme, which has reshaped affordability in Dubai’s real estate sector

By combining these benefits, the initiative removes traditional barriers to property ownership, such as large down payments and rigid financing options, making it easier than ever for residents – especially young professionals and families – to step onto the property ladder. Five top banks have joined hands to make this possible, the developer said in its statement.

The First-Time Home Buyer initiative is said to be in line with Dubai’s broader economic goals, as envisioned by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to make Dubai the best city in the world to live and work in. Encouraging property ownership is a key driver of long-term investment, community stability, and economic resilience, the developer explained.

Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group said, “This initiative is a game-changer for aspiring homeowners who’ve been waiting for the right opportunity. Our flexible plans and on-time project delivery have already made us the preferred brand for smart investors – and now, we’re going one step further by enabling first-time buyers to take that all-important step with confidence.”

With an unmatched reputation for delivering quality homes ahead of schedule, Danube Properties continues to raise the bar in customer-focused real estate development. Its 1% monthly payment plan, over 40 amenities offered within communities, and fully furnished apartment offerings have set industry benchmarks, the statement added.

Danube has also consistently supported government initiatives, including those aimed at attracting foreign investment, retaining talent, and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global destination for living and working, the developer concluded.

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Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) announced the UAE’s inaugural delivery of low-carbon aluminum. This aluminum is generated using electricity produced at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

EGA is marketing this low-carbon aluminum under the brand name MinimAL. The metal will be supplied to CANEX Aluminum, Egypt’s aluminum downstream producer. EGA’s new product positions the UAE as a reliable supplier of low-carbon industrial materials to global markets, expanding EGA’s low-carbon metal portfolio for both local and international customers, said a statement.

Generating the electricity necessary for aluminum smelting and production accounts for 60% of the global aluminum industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. ENEC’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant provides access to abundant, clean electricity 24/7 from nuclear energy, which is crucial for decarbonising the UAE’s industrial sector.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium said, “Global demand for low carbon aluminium is expected to triple by 2040, and EGA aims to play an important role in this growth. MinimAL is our latest low-carbon product, made possible through the UAE’s investment in nuclear power generation. We are glad to be working with ENEC to supply more low carbon aluminium to the world.”

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC added, “This milestone shows how nuclear energy is boosting national energy security and enabling the UAE’s industrial decarbonisation in parallel, reliably powering energy-intensive sectors like aluminium production with clean electricity 24/7. Through the abundant electricity generated at Barakah, we have unlocked the significant, proven and long-term benefits of nuclear energy to power the UAE’s low-carbon economy for decades to come.”

Mutassem Daaboul, Managing Director of CANEX Aluminum commented, “At CANEX, we believe true sustainability is built into every layer of production – from the raw material to the final product. Our upcycling model already transforms waste into value-added products. Now, with MinimAL, we are taking another step forward by reducing embedded emissions at the very beginning of our process. This partnership with EGA reflects our shared commitment to responsible innovation.”

CANEX Aluminum said that it has become the inaugural customer to utilise EGA’s MinimAL technology in the production of advanced products for various applications, including infrastructure, solar energy, transportation, and architectural design.

The clean electricity generated by the Barakah plant is certified through the UAE’s Clean Energy Certification program, adhering to the International REC Standard (I-REC) protocols to ensure traceability and credibility. This power is supplied through Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) via the national grid.

The Barakah plant has the capability to generate a 40 terawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, which accounts for 25% of the UAE’s electricity requirements. This amount of clean electricity is equivalent to the annual total power demand of Switzerland. By producing carbon-free electricity from Barakah, the plant avoids the emission of 22.4m tons of carbon annually, which is equivalent to removing 4.8m cars from the road.

In a groundbreaking achievement, EGA holds the distinction of being the first company globally to produce aluminum using solar power. In 2024, they produced 80 thousand tonnes of CelestiAL, the statement concluded.

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Developer Arada said it recently awarded a US $168.86mn construction contract for Anantara Sharjah Resort and Anantara Sharjah Residences. The project is billed as a luxury seafront destination on Al Heera Beach in Sharjah.

Intermass Engineering & Contracting has been appointed to carry out the works over a 24-month construction period. Preliminary enabling and foundation works are already complete, and construction activity is now progressing on the site. The site will host a luxury Anantara hotel and 128 Anantara branded residences, the developer said.

Owned and developed by Arada and operated by Minor Hotels, the Anantara Sharjah Residences and Anantara Sharjah Resort will feature striking architecture including a signature gateway that is designed to show the path of the sun. The complex is located on the north-eastern edge of Al Heerah Beach, a popular tourist destination in its own right with 3.5km of beachfront containing jogging and cycling tracks and a wide variety of dining options, the statement noted.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada said, “This contract will bring one of Sharjah’s most distinctive luxury destinations to life on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. With its exceptional architecture and beachfront setting, the Anantara Sharjah complex will elevate the emirate’s appeal to international travellers and discerning homeowners.”

The project marks the debut of the Anantara brand in Sharjah, and offers a range of branded residences from one-to-four bedroom units, including duplex penthouses with rooftop pools and private balconies. Each unit boasts quality flooring, work surfaces, premium white goods, generous living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to balconies furnished with views, the developer explained.

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HITEK AI has partnered with SoftBank Robotics UK (SBR) to launch its Robot as a Service (RaaS) offering. The service integrates SoftBank’s advanced robotic cleaning solutions with HITEK AI’s CAFMTEK platform, providing a comprehensive automated facilities management (FM) solution. This solution aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve operational performance across various industries.

The new RaaS solution is designed to empower businesses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with robotic technologies. These technologies can be integrated into their existing FM operations, streamlining processes and overall efficiency. HITEK AI combines SoftBank Robotics’ robots with its CAFMTEK platform, offering a unified service that integrates robotic automation with traditional FM. This service is managed through a single, intuitive interface, providing businesses with a streamlined and efficient management solution.

“Our partnership with SoftBank Robotics aims to bring the future of automated FM to businesses across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This integration will empower organisations to operate more efficiently, reduce operational costs, and ensure high standards of service, all while contributing to government goals for digital transformation and innovation. By combining SoftBank Robotics’ cutting-edge robotic solutions with HITEK AI’s advanced CAFMTEK platform, this launch marks a significant step forward in the digital transformation of facilities management. With a focus on efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making, HITEK AI’s Robot as a Service offering is poised to redefine the facilities management landscape in the UAE,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK AI.

SoftBank will be providing two robot types. Whiz, is a commercial collaborative robot vacuum, powered by BrainOS, the advanced commercial operating system from robotics industry leader Brain Corp. This determines the best route given the surrounding environment, continuous operation for up to three hours and can cover up to 1,500sqm. Whiz is also equipped with sensors and mechanisms that enable obstacle detection, fall prevention and anomaly impact detection.

Another robot, Phantas, aims to help human teams clean better, faster, and more cost-effectively, vacuuming, sweeping, scrubbing, and dust mopping, up to 5,000sqm per hour. HITEK AI’s CAFMTEK system also tracks the service performance of robots, including uptime, task completion rates, and service requirements.

Once integrated with HITEK AI’s CAFMTEK platform, facility managers will have the ability to schedule and monitor routine and ad-hoc cleaning tasks performed by SoftBank’s robots. Each robot is uniquely identified with a new project site ID and mapped to specific zones and locations within the facility.

Clients can track performance metrics such as the sqm cleaned using the CAFMTEK platform, ensuring cleanliness standards with minimal human intervention. The robots are also capable of handling maintenance tasks like water replenishment and dust bag replacement, reducing operational disruptions and enhancing efficiency.

With CAFMTEK’s analytics dashboard, SoftBank robots provide real-time data on cleaning performance, including task completion times, battery levels, and maintenance needs. Facility managers can utilise this data to monitor a robot’s performance, identify potential issues, and make data-driven decisions to optimise resource allocation and maintenance schedules. The system can automatically generate service requests when the robots require assistance, ensuring seamless operation with minimal downtime. This allows facility managers to monitor performance alongside traditional assets, ensuring that all resources are operating at peak efficiency. Performance data from robots will be visible in both CAFMTEK’s mobile app and web interface, providing real-time insights for facility management teams.

This integrated solution is designed to be managed entirely through the CAFMTEK mobile app and web platform. Facility managers can easily activate, monitor, and schedule robots for specific tasks, while also viewing real-time performance data and maintenance alerts, all within a single platform. This user-friendly approach ensures that businesses can fully leverage the potential of robotic technology without complex system re-configurations.

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Source: MEConstructionNews