Umm Al Qura has announced the unveiling of Masar Gardens, a mixed-use urban destination in Makkah featuring residential, commercial, hospitality, and public-use components backed by extensive infrastructure, green spaces, pedestrian pathways and modern mobility solutions over a 1.2m sqm area.

With an initial infrastructure and land investment of US $1.6bn, the project is designed to contribute to Makkah’s long-term urban development objectives, while enhancing quality of life and strengthening the city’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Set to be developed over a 5-year period, Masar Garden comes as part of Umm Al Qura’s new growth strategy aimed at boosting its transformation from a single-destination developer into a diversified urban destination and investment platform across the kingdom’s Western Region.

The new strategy targets expanding Umm Al Qura’s development portfolio beyond its flagship Masar Destination, with future projects planned across Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah, said a top official.

The company aims to create a diversified portfolio of urban destinations valued at more than US $13.2bn, while attracting new investment opportunities and strategic partnerships, remarked its CEO Yasser Abuateek.

“Umm Al Qura is leveraging its proven development expertise and institutional capabilities to deliver long-term value for investors, communities, and the wider economy,” it stated.

The announcement reflects the company’s broader vision of developing scalable urban destinations that support Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification ambitions and create sustainable growth opportunities for local and international investors, he added.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has commenced work on the Othman Bin Affan Road and King Salman Road development project, which aims to improve traffic flow and enhance the overall mobility experience across the Saudi capital.

Spanning 4.3km, the project includes the construction of 7 new bridges alongside upgrades to existing road lanes. These enhancements will increase the capacity of the corridor to accommodate approximately 500,000 vehicles per day, further strengthening connectivity between key routes in northern Riyadh, RCRC said.

The scope of work involves upgrading major intersections at King Salman Road and Anas bin Malik Road through an integrated network of bridges ranging from 2 to 4 lanes. This will significantly enhance connectivity between the northern and southern sections of King Salman Road, reduce travel times, and improve overall traffic efficiency within the area.

The RCRC has also introduced a temporary traffic diversion on the northern segment of the road as part of a broader traffic management plan carried out in coordination with the relevant authorities to maintain safe and smooth traffic flow during the construction period.

Executed in 2 phases, the diversion plan maintains 3 main lanes in each direction. It also includes comprehensive directional and warning signage, real-time updates across navigation platforms, and the launch of a dedicated webpage to provide continuous updates on project progress.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Dubai Holding Real Estate (DHRE), an integrated master developer in Dubai, has collaborated with Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to introduce a new home financing program for eligible customers who are purchasing properties in Nakheel, Meraas, and Dubai Properties.

This program is open to UAE Nationals and UAE residents, including salaried and self-employed buyers who are purchasing qualified off-plan and completed villas and apartments from Dubai Holding Real Estate’s portfolio. The program aims to simplify and enhance the ownership process, offering preferential rates, attractive fee structures, expedited digital onboarding, dedicated relationship management, and access to selected premium banking benefits.

The programme offers both conventional and Islamic financing solutions, subject to eligibility and approval, broadening customer choice across the UAE. It also includes digital pre-approval supported by automated eligibility assessment, helping customers gain upfront clarity on their borrowing capacity and move through the financing journey more efficiently.

A key feature of the program is access to financing from the 30% construction stage, provided that customers have met the 50% payment threshold. This early visibility of financing options and increased certainty in planning their property purchase benefit eligible buyers.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Holding Real Estate said, “Enabling access to home ownership at the right point in the purchase journey is a priority for Dubai Holding Real Estate. Our partnership with Commercial Bank of Dubai responds directly to that need by unlocking earlier and more structured access to home financing across Nakheel, Meraas and Dubai Properties for UAE Nationals and residents, including salaried and self-employed customers. By leveraging the scale and diversity of our residential portfolio, we are giving buyers greater confidence to plan and move forward, reinforcing Dubai Holding Real Estate’s role in shaping accessible, high-quality communities across Dubai’s leading destinations.”

Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank of Dubai added, “Customers today want more than financing. They want clarity, efficiency and trusted guidance throughout the property ownership journey. Through our partnership with Dubai Holding Real Estate, we are simplifying access to home financing with faster digital pre-approvals, dedicated mortgage expertise and a more efficient onboarding process. This reflects CBD’s commitment to supporting customers while contributing to the sustainable growth of Dubai’s real estate market.”

For salaried customers, digital pre-approval offers enhanced clarity on borrowing capacity and expedited turnaround times. Self-employed buyers, including entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will benefit from simplified documentation requirements and flexible eligibility frameworks that prioritise accessibility. Additionally, eligible customers will gain access to CBD’s premium banking privileges, including its Elite proposition.

The partnership reflects the continued alignment between Dubai’s real estate and banking sectors, as both industries work together to support market resilience, customer confidence and sustainable economic growth.

Source: MEConstructionNews

SAB Invest has joined hands with Retal Urban Development Company for the launch of a CMA-regulated real estate investment fund valued a US $502mn. The project will be developed on a 19,000sqm site in Riyadh’s Almalqa district.

In a statement, the company said the fund is structured to optimise capital efficiency and risk management, with SAB committing financing of up to 50% of the total investment value. This commitment is said to reflect the strength of the underlying asset and the confidence of the partners in the project’s long-term potential.

The CMA-regulated structure is designed to attract institutional and qualified investors seeking exposure to Riyadh’s dynamic real estate market, while generating sustainable and long-term returns, said a statement.

Ali Al Mansour, Managing Director & CEO at SAB Invest said, “The Real Estate Fund for Retal Heights exemplifies our approach to capital efficiency and risk management. By diversifying funding sources and collaborating with trusted partners, we are strengthening investor confidence and delivering long-term value. This project is a testament to SAB Invest’s role as an enabler of innovative, high-impact developments in the Kingdom.”

Yasser Al Barrak, Chief Corporate and Institutional Banking Officer at SAB added, “This fund reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting landmark developments that contribute to the Kingdom’s urban and economic transformation through innovative financing solutions and long-term strategic partnerships. We remain focused on enabling projects that align with Saudi Vision 2030 and strengthen Riyadh’s position as a global destination for investment and business.”

The project will be developed on a 19,000sqm site in Almalqa district – one of northern Riyadh’s most prominent and sought-after locations – along King Fahad Road. The flagship development is designed as a premium mixed-use towers project, addressing Riyadh’s growing demand across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, while making a significant contribution to the city’s evolving skyline.

Retal CEO Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed commented, “We are proud to join forces with SAB Invest and its collaboration with Saudi Awwal Bank. This project will set new benchmarks for quality and scale in Riyadh. Our combined expertise ensures that the development will meet the evolving needs of residents, businesses and visitors, while supporting the city’s vision for a vibrant, globally competitive future.”

The fund is aligned with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s strategic direction to balance the real estate sector and drive sustainable urban growth, directly supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s ambition to enhance Riyadh’s competitiveness as a leading global city, and exemplifies the type of high-quality, large-scale development that will reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a destination for investment, business, and lifestyle.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Reportage Group has broken ground on its premium residential development, Sensi, on Saadiyat Island. The move is a significant milestone in the group’s strategic expansion into one of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious and culturally rich destinations, said a statement.

Sensi introduces a refined residential offering in a destination globally recognised for its unique fusion of culture, nature, luxury hospitality, and premium lifestyle experiences. As Abu Dhabi continues investing in world-class destinations and lifestyle-led communities, Saadiyat remains one of the emirate’s most sought-after investment locations, offering strong long-term value appreciation, sustained demand, and enduring residential appeal, it added.

The project also marks an important chapter in Reportage Group’s Abu Dhabi journey. After shaping communities and launching landmark developments across multiple districts of the capital, the group now expands its footprint into Saadiyat Island – bringing its signature philosophy of delivering some of the market’s most competitive investment propositions, without compromising on design, quality, or lifestyle.

Through SENSI, Reportage combines distinctive architecture, thoughtfully curated living experiences, and strong long-term value, while continuing its mission of making upscale living more accessible to a broader segment of homeowners and investors, it stated.

The groundbreaking ceremony signals the transition of SENSI from vision to reality only 5-months after its official launch, reflecting Reportage Group’s integrated and operationally efficient business model, strong execution capabilities, and ability to rapidly transform ambition into reality. In an industry often characterised by extended development timelines, the accelerated progression of SENSI underscores Reportage Group’s disciplined approach to development and its commitment to delivering projects with speed, confidence, and long-term vision. Inspired by the essence of its name – Sensi, the Italian word for ‘the senses’ – the development introduces a distinctive architectural identity rooted in elegance, intentionality, and emotional connection, the statement explained.

Andrea Nucera, CEO and Group Managing Director said, “The groundbreaking of Sensi only months after its launch reflects the strength of Reportage Group’s integrated and operationally efficient business model – one that enables us to move with speed, precision, and confidence from vision to execution. At Reportage, we manage the full development lifecycle with a disciplined and agile approach, allowing us to consistently deliver value to our investors and customers alike.”

“Our move into Saadiyat Island represents a strategic investment in one of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious and future-forward destinations – a location defined by cultural significance, premium lifestyle appeal, and strong long-term growth potential. We believe Sensi is uniquely positioned to offer an exceptional balance between architectural distinction, lifestyle quality, and compelling investment value, reinforcing our commitment to making upscale living more accessible while continuing to shape communities that stand the test of time,” he concluded.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Source: MEConstructionNews

DHG Properties has commenced work on Helvetia Marine, its premium waterfront residential development on Dubai Islands.

The milestone marks the project’s transition into its next phase of development, placing Helvetia Marine on track for delivery to homeowners and investors in Q1 2028.

Helvetia Marine is said to be strategically positioned within Dubai Islands, a large-scale coastal destination undergoing significant development as part of Dubai’s long-term urban vision and emerging as the top-performing location for off-plan apartment sales during April.

Spanning a built-up area of 12,938sqm, Helvetia Marine is designed as a low-rise, design-led residential offering. The development features a curated mix of 1-3 bedroom apartments, alongside a limited collection of duplex and garden residences.

With architecture inspired by coral formations and interiors influenced by refined yacht living, the project brings together an understated luxury and functional design. Select residences offer double-height ceilings, private landscaped areas, and enhanced indoor-outdoor living, complemented by amenities including a panoramic rooftop infinity pool, landscaped gardens, fitness facilities, and dedicated social spaces, said a statement.

“Helvetia Marine reflects our continued focus on delivering high-quality developments in locations that are shaping Dubai’s next phase of growth,” said Blagoje Antic, CEO and Founder of DHG Group. “The fact that the project is fully sold out at this stage is a strong indicator of how buyer expectations are evolving, particularly towards waterfront living that combines design, privacy, and long-term investment value. Our approach remains consistent – bringing Swiss precision into markets where we see sustained, fundamentals-driven demand.”

With construction progressing at Helvetia Marine, DHG Properties continues to expand its footprint across Dubai’s key growth districts. The company’s first development, Helvetia Residences in Jumeirah Village Circle, is on track for completion in July 2026, while Helvetia Verde in Meydan Horizon recently broke ground, reflecting approximately US $354mn in combined project value and DHG Properties’ focused strategy to deliver Swiss-quality, future-ready real estate across the emirate, the firm said.

“Dubai Islands is evolving into a destination that appeals to a new generation of buyers looking beyond traditional residential offerings,” remarked Milos Antic, the Executive Vice Chairman of DHG Group.

“What is driving momentum in the area is the scale of long-term planning taking place around it. Buyers today are paying closer attention to how communities will develop over the next decade, and Helvetia Marine was positioned to align with that future-focused demand for well-connected, lifestyle-oriented coastal living, while maintaining the exclusivity and attention to detail that define the Helvetia brand,” he added.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Sweid & Sweid has signed The Executive Centre (TEC) to operate over 53,000sqft of premium flexible workspace at Sweid One, introducing a high-quality serviced office offering in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) within the DMCC freezone.

The agreement marks TEC’s entry into DMCC and further strengthens its footprint across the UAE’s most strategic commercial districts. The new location complements TEC’s existing portfolio in the region, including approximately 96,875sqft at Dubai World Trade Centre, 32,292sqft at One Za’abeel, and 53,820sqft at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

At Sweid One, TEC will occupy 2 full floors to create a premium flexible workspace destination featuring private offices, collaborative work areas, executive meeting suites, boardrooms, and event facilities, all supported by dedicated on-site teams and integrated enterprise infrastructure. Designed to support both immediate occupancy and future expansion, the centre will enable businesses to scale efficiently without the constraints of traditional leasing models. This offering reflects the growing demand for agile, hospitality-led workspaces that combine operational flexibility with a high-quality workplace experience in strategically located business districts.

Sweid One spans approximately 1m sqft of built-up area, including approximately 500,000sqft of Grade A office space. Developed to international architectural and sustainability standards, the project has been designed to support future workplace requirements with large, efficient floor plates, 4m floor-to-floor heights, energy-efficient HVAC systems, premium solar-efficient glazing, and LEED-aligned sustainability specifications.

The development will also feature a strong amenity offering, including Boon Coffee, The Kitchen by Spinneys Food Hall, and a premium restaurant with an outdoor terrace to be announced shortly, providing high-quality dining and convenience on site, said a statement.

Positioned within one of Dubai’s most vibrant business ecosystems, the development offers occupiers direct access to over 600 cafes and restaurants and 300+ retail and convenience stores, creating a highly connected live-work-play environment attractive to both businesses and talent. The location also provides seamless connectivity to Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and 2 metro stations, while benefiting from DMCC’s position as one of the world’s leading freezones and home to over 25,000 registered companies, it added.

TEC’s presence is said to enrich Sweid One’s broader ecosystem, extending its appeal to both established enterprises and fast-growing businesses operating within the DMCC community. Beyond conventional leasing, TEC will provide occupiers access to premium meeting rooms, enterprise event spaces, flexible project offices, and short-term expansion capabilities within the building itself.

Maher Sweid, Managing Partner of Sweid & Sweid added, “Across our portfolio, we have worked closely with a broad range of occupiers, giving us a clear view of how commercial real estate requirements are changing. Businesses today want high-quality assets that can support different stages of growth, with the flexibility to expand and adapt without unnecessary complexity. This has directly informed Sweid One’s positioning. Alongside its Grade A office space and fully fitted units, the addition of The Executive Centre introduces a premium flexible workspace layer, giving occupiers access to a wider range of additional workplace solutions within the same building. This further establishes Sweid One’s as one of JLT’s most compelling new commercial addresses.”

Ketan Trehan, Regional Director – Middle East, The Executive Centre added, “Our expansion into Sweid One is one of our most significant commitments to the UAE market to date – and a reflection of the confidence we have in DMCC as a destination for the region’s most ambitious organisations. Our expansion into DMCC complements our positioning across the UAE’s key markets from DWTC to ADGM. Partnering with Sweid & Sweid was a straightforward decision, when values align on design, quality, and the conviction that workspace should elevate the people within it, everything else follows. We are proud to be the first truly premium flexible operator in DMCC.”

Source: MEConstructionNews

FRM Urban is expanding its presence across the Middle East; the growth is driven by the increasing demand for holistic, human-centred approaches to urban development.

As cities in the region continue to evolve rapidly, FRM is positioning itself to contribute to the next phase of urban transformation. This phase emphasises the functionality, connectivity, and support of cities for their residents, said a statement.

The firm said that it leverages its expertise in architecture, urban design, and development strategy to create cohesive, forward-thinking environments that address both current needs and long-term aspirations.

Urban development in the region is becoming increasingly interconnected. Stakeholders are moving beyond standalone developments to adopt more comprehensive urban frameworks that integrate various aspects such as mobility, public realm, land use, and community experience.

The firm is led by three partners whose combined experience spans landmark projects across the MEA, Europe, the United States and Australia. Hannah Fisher brings expertise in design strategy and architecture, Bernhard Rettig contributes more than 25 years of international experience in urban design , sustainability and placemaking, while Wagdy Moussa specialises in urban regeneration and complex development projects across international markets, the statement noted.

Hannah Fisher, Partner, FRM Urban said, “Across the region, there is a clear shift towards more connected ways of thinking about cities. It’s no longer just about delivering individual developments, but about how different elements come together to create environments that function well, feel cohesive, and respond to the needs of the people who use them. At FRM, we approach each project through that wider lens, balancing long-term vision with the realities of delivery to ensure that what is designed can genuinely be realised.”

Bernhard Rettig, Partner, FRM Urban added, “As cities continue to grow and evolve, the quality of the spaces between buildings becomes just as important as the buildings themselves. Successful urban environments are those that create a strong sense of place, encourage interaction, and support long-term sustainability. Thoughtful urban design has an important role to play in shaping communities that are both resilient and meaningful.”

Wagdy Moussa, Partner, FRM Urban stated, “Today’s urban challenges require multidisciplinary thinking that connects architecture, culture, environment and community needs from the outset. We are seeing increasing demand for places that are adaptable, distinctive and capable of creating lasting value for both residents and stakeholders.”

Operating across a diverse portfolio, FRM’s work spans large scale masterplans, mixed-use developments, urban revitalisation initiatives, residential projects, and site-specific installations. The practice is defined by its ability to bridge strategy and design, ensuring that each project is grounded in both vision and practical implementation.

FRM continues to collaborate with stakeholders from the public and private sectors across the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and beyond to deliver projects that support sustainable growth, resilience, and improved quality of life, the statement concluded.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA received Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and his delegation at Al Shera’a, DEWA’s new headquarters in Al Jaddaf. The building is said to be the world’s tallest, largest and smartest net-positive government building.

In a report from WAM, the Masdar delegation toured Al Shera’a and learned about DEWA’s key global performance indicators and the building’s prominent features. Al Shera’a introduces a concept for sustainable buildings based on the integration of smart solutions within a comprehensive cognitive system that senses, analyses and responds. This approach positions it as the world’s smartest government building, enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data (BD) analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The delegation was briefed on the building’s integrated system, which connects all operational functions. More than 110,000 smart sensors monitor environmental and operational data in real time, supported by over 1,500 wireless access points and more than 3,200 network devices working in sync. Together, these systems generate more than 1.9m automated control commands daily, strengthening operational alignment and improving performance efficiency, said a statement.

Al Shera’a aims to establish a new global benchmark for net-positive buildings that produce more clean energy than they consume, while offering a smart and sustainable work environment that places people at its core. The building reflects DEWA’s commitment to supporting the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 by improving resource efficiency, reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to a green, innovation-led economy.

The building comprises 19 floors, along with a ground floor and basement, and has a built-up area of more than 2m sqft. It was designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification and WELL Gold certification, the leading global standard for healthy and people-centric buildings. Al Shera’a stands as a global model for future buildings, blending AI, resource efficiency, sustainability and quality of life.

Source: MEConstructionNews