Shamal Holding has unveiled details of the UAE’s first Baccarat Hotel, and said it is on course to redefine hospitality in the city. The 145-key property promises unparalleled architecture, interiors and dining experiences alongside quality amenities and services.

The hotel aims to offer visitors luxury accommodation, reflective of the brand’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Classic King, Queen and Suite rooms will have a modern luxury ambience, furnished with refined comforts with marble finishings and original artworks, Shamal Holding said in its statement.

Occupying the floors above the hotel are ultra-exclusive branded residences, which are intended to give occupants the ‘Everyday Baccarat’ experience through the same inspirational design as the hotel.

Baccarat Hotel is being developed in collaboration with H&H Development, a Dubai-based real estate investor, developer and asset manager as well as SH Hotels & Resorts, the company behind the Baccarat Hotels & Resorts brand, who will operate the property. The project’s architectural design is by Studio Libeskind, with interiors by 1508 London.

“This remarkable and industry-defining project will set a new standard of ultra-luxury hospitality in the city. We have collaborated with our esteemed partners at Shamal Holding to bring this iconic new masterpiece to the Downtown Dubai skyline and we very much look forward to seeing it come to life,” said Miltos Bossinis, Chief Executive Officer, H&H Development.

Raul Leal, CEO, SH Hotels and Resorts added, “Baccarat Hotel Dubai marks a new chapter in the brand’s legacy, bringing its unparalleled craftsmanship and artistry to a remarkable city. The meticulously crafted spaces embody the Baccarat spirit, where comfort meets sophistication, offering guests and residents access to unforgettable opulence, with every detail designed to reimagine the art of living.”

Commenting on the debut Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer, Shamal Holding said, “We are immensely proud to bring the first Baccarat Hotel to the UAE, offering discerning guests an opportunity to experience a brand that has set the global standard in luxury for over 250 years. Rooted in artistry and unparalleled craftsmanship.”

“The property draws inspiration from Baccarat’s iconic crystal heritage, while the breathtaking setting in Downtown Dubai will complement its regal elegance. This development represents our commitment to offering extraordinary, bespoke experiences, and is perfectly timed to coincide with the global increase in demand for ultra-luxury tourism,” Binhabtoor concluded.

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Serco has launched what’s billed as a unique international advisory business – +impact is said to bring together expert advice and proven delivery experience.

With a commitment to only advise where Serco has operational expertise, +impact will provide practical, sustainable and user-centric solutions designed to support customers from the initial phases of a project right through to implementation and operations, Serco said in a statement.

By combining hands-on knowledge from Serco’s breadth of operational expertise with state-of-the-art technology and global insights, +impact will go beyond the traditional consultancy model, developing solutions that are based on real world experience and the ability to execute them, the statement added.

+impact will be led by Phil Malem, who will also retain his role as the CEO of Serco Middle East. Malem recently oversaw the growth of Serco’s Middle East advisory business unit, which was launched last year. His teams have been supporting Vision 2030 through its work with multiple giga-projects and local government initiatives.

Earlier this year Serco acquired Climatize, solidifying its commitment to delivering sustainability and environmental services. These services are said to form part of the +impact offering.

Phil Malem, CEO of +impact said: “For decades, Serco has brought together the right people, the right technology and the right partners to deliver solutions to some of the world’s most urgent and critical challenges. We manage services delivered to millions of citizens and residents everyday as well as design, operate and maintain critical national infrastructure including passenger experience programmes for some of the world’s busiest airports.”

“It was a logical next step for us to bring this deep international experience together with world class advisory services. Put simply, we know what we are advising our customers about – because we have done it,” he added.

Mark Irwin, Group CEO of Serco remarked, “We are proud to bring this transformational offering to our partnership with government customers as well as businesses delivering essential services to citizens and residents. We hope +impact will help our customers confront the challenges of today with innovative yet practical solutions to impact a better future.”

Malem will now lead the expansion of this advisory capability to a broader international customer base through +impact, the statement concluded.

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Meraas has awarded a US $231.42mn contract to Dutco Construction Co. for the construction of the Bulgari Lighthouse, Jumeirah Bay Island.

With marine works now completed on this section of Jumeirah Bay Island, construction will soon commence on the 27-storey luxury residential tower. Bulgari Lighthouse is designed by architecture firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, and will aim to be one of the island’s most exquisite highlights, the developer stated.

Bulgari Lighthouse comprises four and five-bedroom luxury penthouses. There will also be a one-of-a-kind eight-bedroom Sky Villa crowning the top three levels, surrounded by expansive private rooftop gardens, outdoor living spaces and a private pool.

Scheduled for completion by Q2 2027, the Bulgari Lighthouse is Bulgari’s third collaboration with Meraas.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate said, “Meraas remains steadfast in its commitment to creating and delivering some of Dubai’s most distinctive and luxurious residential offerings, and the Bulgari Lighthouse will soon become a part of this exceptional portfolio. Our partnership with Dutco Construction marks a significant milestone as we advance towards realising this landmark project. Reflecting Bulgari’s values of unrivalled craftsmanship and timeless elegance, our most exclusive new address is set to elevate the standard for luxury beachfront living at Jumeirah Bay Island and maintain Dubai as a destination of choice.”

Offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and the city’s skyline, the Bulgari Lighthouse features a façade inspired by the gentle movement of marine coral, creating a maze of light patterns.

As part of the Bulgari experience, residents will enjoy unlimited access to the exclusive facilities of the neighbouring Bulgari Resort Dubai, complemented by the brand’s well-known standards of impeccable service, it added.

Shaped like a seahorse, Jumeirah Bay Island by Meraas is not only home to Bulgari Resort Dubai, but also serves as a refined and exclusive destination for both residents and visitors to enjoy. The island boasts private beaches, fine dining options and peaceful boulevards that lead to some of the world’s most sought-after residences.

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The Omniyat Group has launched BEYOND, a development company focused on the wider luxury real estate market. As part of this initiative, the group has unveiled an 11m sqft strategic project on the Jumeirah coastline, of which 8m sqft will be dedicated to BEYOND.

The development will create a breathtaking living experience, blending the beauty of verdant landscapes with cutting-edge luxury, set against the stunning backdrop of Dubai’s waterfront, the developer noted.

BEYOND will leverage the company’s extensive network of global talent to drive transformative change in urban living. BEYOND’s goal is to create a community where luxury, nature, and urban living seamlessly coexist, bringing thoughtful design together with exceptional quality and on-time delivery to offer an unparalleled experience to its residents. This approach reflects the evolving demands of today’s affluent buyers, who seek more than just financial returns from their investments, they desire homes that align with their personal values and enhance their quality of life. BEYOND will focus on the wider luxury real estate market, ensuring modern lifestyles are catered to with excellence and innovation, said a statement from Omniyat Group.

The development will combine world-class amenities with interactive technologies aimed at creating a seamless personalisation experience for new property owners. Strategically located on the serene Jumeirah coastline, the master development will showcase an innovative approach to urban planning, where natural beauty and contemporary elegance coexist in perfect harmony, the developer said.

With its carefully curated design, the project will feature extensive lush green spaces complemented by world-class hospitality and high-level amenities. This integration of nature with top-tier services ensures that every convenience and comfort is at the residents’ doorstep, enriching their daily lives and promoting well-being, it explained.

Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of Omniyat Group noted, “Omniyat Group is proud to partner with Dubai Maritime City to bring this visionary development to life. This collaboration has enabled us to create an unparalleled destination within the wider master plan of Maritime City, providing the perfect foundation for us to deliver something truly unique and transformative. With BEYOND leading the way in the wider luxury real estate market, this development will set a new standard for urban living where nature, luxury, and innovation seamlessly come together.”

“BEYOND embodies the OMNIYAT GROUP’s relentless pursuit of excellence and our vision of being best-in-class, in every class. By extending our commitment to creating exceptional living experiences in the wider luxury real estate segment, BEYOND strives to raise standards and curate environments that make life better, making exceptional living more accessible,” added Amjad.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Maritime City commented: “We are proud to announce a new milestone within the Maritime City development, working closely with real estate pioneers to deliver a re-imagined master plan. Omniyat Group’s visionary destination within Maritime City represents the pinnacle of this transformation. Our collaboration with Omniyat has resulted in a unique and remarkable project that will set a new standard for Dubai’s waterfront development.”

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Developer Amaal, which is powered by Ayana Holding, said it had broken ground on its debut development project, Amaal 8, within the Meydan Horizon community. The 48-level mixed-use residential tower is said to combine modern design with sustainability and ultimate comfort.

Amaal 8 is said to offer panoramic views of the Flamingo Sanctuary and green surroundings, and residents will be able to enjoy a peaceful retreat with all the conveniences of city life. Designed with a focus on sustainability, the tower also incorporates eco-friendly technologies to minimise environmental impact while ensuring comfort and elegance, the firm said in a statement.

“We are proud to announce the groundbreaking of our inaugural development project, Amaal 8 – an urban residential tower that embodies our dedication to redefining the real estate market with properties that are distinguished by their innovation, elegance, and enduring value,” said Abdulla Lahej, Chairman of Amaal.

“In partnership with H.E. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, we are set to deliver an iconic residential tower that epitomises Dubai’s reputation for innovation and excellence. Amaal 8 is envisioned as more than just a development—it’s a destination crafted to foster a harmonious ecosystem where comfort and functionality seamlessly blend. It underscores our commitment to create homes that enhance the well-being of our residents and cultivate environments that reflect the pinnacle of excellence and well-being,” Lahej added.

Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim said, “Partnering with Abdulla Lahej and Amaal on this project is an exciting endeavour that will establish a new benchmark for elevated residential standards in Dubai. Abdulla’s leadership and Ayana Holding’s extensive capabilities are pivotal in propelling this project to set new paradigms in residential living. Together, we look forward to delivering an iconic tower that will not only enhance Dubai’s architectural landscape but also offer residents a premier lifestyle.”

Amaal 8 features amenities like fitness centres, swimming pools, children’s play areas, and landscaped gardens, along with retail outlets, entertainment, and dining options. With its commitment to innovative design and sustainability, its set to become the developer’s vision for a thriving for eco-friendly community, the developer noted.

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Saudi Arabia’s substantial investments in infrastructure developments and giga projects continue to drive growth and resilience in the Kingdom’s real estate market, with 27,500 residential units delivered in Riyadh and Jeddah in H1. This increases the total stock to approximately 1.46m units in the capital and 891,000 units in Jeddah. Around 16,000 units each will be added to the stock in the two cities later this year.

JLL’s latest KSA Real Estate Market Dynamics Report states that the residential and hospitality sectors stood out for their strong performance in H1 2024, supported by the government’s efforts to boost home ownership and the introduction of tourist visas, the expansion of entertainment offerings, and the promotion of sports and new experiences to position the Kingdom as a global leisure destination.

Residential sale prices experienced a noteworthy 10% year-on-year increase in H1 in Riyadh and average rents grew by 9% annually. In Jeddah, the pace of growth was slightly slower, with sale prices rising by 5% and rents increasing by 4% year-on-year during the same period. Despite the rising construction costs and other challenges impacting the development of this sector, KSA’s residential market is on a positive trajectory toward further expansion and development, the firm said.

Residential development in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) is shifting towards inland locations, with Khobar witnessing the majority of activity. Average sale prices have remained stable, while rents have seen a modest annual increase of 4%.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome 150m visitors in 2030, the hospitality sector also witnessed impressive growth in H1 2024. Year-on-year in the year to date to June 2024, Saudi Arabia’s average occupancy rate increased by one percentage point and its average daily rate (ADR) increased by 7% – which resulted in its revenue per available room (RevPAR) increasing by 8%.

In the Holy Cities of Makkah and Medina, KPIs have largely trended up year-on-year in the year to June 2024, where RevPARs increased by 4% and 15%, respectively. Over the same period, in Riyadh, due to the centering of corporate events in the capital, there has been an ADR increase of 25%.

Based on insights gathered from industry sources and experts, JLL’s H1 2024 KSA report reveals that the office market remains competitive with landlords driving rental negotiations and new entrants establishing their presence in the kingdom, while existing tenants expand or upgrade their space.

Approximately 52,000sqm of office space was added in the capital city in H1 2024, resulting in a total existing supply of 5.2m sqm, while Jeddah maintained a stable total stock of 1.21m sqm. Significant new supply, around 249,000sqm in Riyadh and 48,000sqm in Jeddah, is expected in the latter half of the year. Office demand in the DMA is primarily being driven by government-related entities, leading to an increase of 10% in average Grade A rents in the year to Q2 2024.

The demand for quality institutional grade properties soared, especially in the northern region of Riyadh, which is less affected by traffic congestion issues, is easily accessible, and has high-quality office options.

Accordingly, average Grade A rents rose by 19% y-o-y to $557 per sqm per annum in the capital, while in Jeddah, an 11% annual increase saw average Grade A rents touch $355 per sqm per annum.

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Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority (RGA) has announced that the Kingdom’s roads are equipped to handle all loads, regardless of weight and dimensions.

It explained that the roads infrastructure is now commensurate with the needs of the nation’s ‘new generation’ projects, which regularly necessitate the transport of exceptionally large or heavy construction components and materials.

The RGA clarifies that while it has set official standards for acceptable dimensions and weights in the regulatory briefing known as Article 23, indivisible loads can nonetheless be transported by obtaining ‘load permit exceptions. These can be applied for, at suitable advanced notice periods, via the RGA’s website.

The RGA stated that these permits enable vital sectors to transport exceptionally large or heavy loads as single items, and therefore help support tourism, commerce and logistics.

Saudi Arabia has the region’s largest road network, which ranks highly in globally listings of infrastructure connectivity. The RGA emphasised that this network will play a crucial role supporting the nation’s comprehensive renaissance under Saudi Vision 2030.

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Bahrain Marina Development Company (BMDC) has announced that 25% of Phase I is now complete. One of the most significant real estate and tourism developments in the kingdom, the Bahrain Marina is designed to provide an integrated and luxurious living experience that blends high-end residential, retail, entertainment, and hospitality offerings.

The project features a selection of luxury residential units, including themed apartments offering panoramic views of the Gulf. A cluster of five-star hotels provide premium hospitality services, the developer noted.

BMDC explains that a state-of-the-art yacht marina is also part of the development, offering world-class facilities for marine enthusiasts. In addition, there will be a high-end shopping mall featuring a diverse range of international and local retailers. Features of the Marina’s design include family-friendly recreational facilities, green spaces, parks, pristine beaches, and a spectrum of modern sports facilities.

“We are extremely proud of the tremendous progress achieved over the past year. Reaching 25% completion is a remarkable accomplishment that underscores our commitment to delivering a world-class project,” said BMDC Chairman, Khalid Najibi.

Najibi added, “Achieving this while maintaining a strong safety record demonstrates the dedication and diligence of our entire team. This achievement strengthens our confidence in completing Bahrain Marina on time and to the highest quality standards. We are determined to deliver a project that sets new benchmarks for luxury and quality, enhancing Bahrain’s reputation as a premier investment and tourism destination. As we move forward, we remain committed to contributing to the Kingdom’s economic vision and setting the bar for future developments.”

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AMEA Power has signed a Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to develop the largest solar PV project in Africa and first utility-scale battery energy storage system in Egypt. Following the development of the 500MW Abydos Solar PV Project, AMEA Power has been awarded two new landmark renewable energy projects in Egypt.

The first project, a new 1,000MW solar PV power plant with a 600MWh BESS in the Benban area, Aswan Governorate, will mark as the largest Solar PV and BESS project in Africa, the firm noted. The second project, a 300MWh BESS, is an expansion of the company’s existing 500MW Abydos solar PV power plant currently under construction in Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate. The project will pioneer the first-ever use of a utility-scale BESS solution in Egypt.

AMEA power has signed PPAs with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for both projects. With a combined investment of US $800mn, these projects emphasise AMEA Power’s commitment in supporting Egypt’s clean energy transition.

The projects are expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs during peak construction and will provide clean, renewable energy to over 769,800 homes, offsetting more than 2,347,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.

Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power commented, “As the developer of the largest solar PV project in Africa and the first developer to undertake BESS in Egypt, our projects not only set a new benchmark in the renewable energy sector in Egypt and on the continent, but also demonstrates our leadership and innovative spirit in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are honored to play such a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy in Egypt and on the Continent.”

Nowais added, “This investment is a testament to AMEA Power’s commitment to deliver large-scale renewable energy solutions. These projects are not just about generating power, they are catalysts for economic growth, job creation, and community empowerment. By investing in Egypt’s energy future, we are reinforcing our dedication to driving positive change and supporting socio-economic development across the regions we serve.”

AMEA Power’s projects in Egypt now includes the 500MW + 300MWh Abydos Solar PV Project, the solar PV project is due to be commissioned by October 2024, and the 500MW Amunet Wind Project, the project is under construction and due to be commissioned by Q3 2025. An additional 1,000MW Solar PV project, with 600MWh BESS is also underway.

The investment in renewable energy will not only increase Egypt’s energy security and diversification but also contribute to the country’s ambitious clean energy goals. Once commissioned, both the projects will contribute to supporting the country, given the recent prolonged power outages in Egypt.

AMEA Power plays a vital role in supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable future. AMEA Power will continue to work closely with the local communities as part of its commitment to socio-economic development, and will undertake key social initiatives under its ‘Community Investment and Development Programs’, the firm noted.

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Currie & Brown has provided contract management services for Abu Dhabi’s first public-private partnership (PPP) schools project – which has now been successfully completed, the firm said.

Three of the state-of-the-art schools under the programme were inaugurated on 11 September in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and a multinational consortium led by Plenary Group and Besix Group.

The development is the first school PPP project in Abu Dhabi to be delivered through the ADIO PPP procurement framework. The project will provide 5,360 school places in Zayed City, across new school campuses for boys and girls from kindergarten to cycle three.

Currie & Brown acted as the contract manager for ADEK. It also partnered with a fellow member of the Sidara Collaborative, Dar, to act as a technical adviser, ensuring the highest standards of design and construction, the firm noted.

Craig McInnes, Currie & Brown’s Abu Dhabi Lead Senior Director said, “Through our UK and UAE teams working together, we were able to bring our global expertise to this project to deliver a fantastic learning environment for more than 5,000 children. We’re excited to play a major part in Abu Dhabi Investment Offices’ first schools PPP project, and we hope to see more developments in the region using this delivery model.”

The company’s work spans the design and construction phases. Its team in the UAE worked in close collaboration with their UK colleagues, who are said to have decades of experience in contract management. This regional contract management expertise allowed Currie & Brown to successfully execute project completion on time, meeting the unique challenges of a PPP.

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