Residential property sales in Abu Dhabi were broadly stable across March and April, with transactions rebounding in April to exceed earlier levels in the year, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

More than 3,200 residential units were sold in April, generating over US $3.54bn in value. This compares with around 2,600 transactions in March, following approximately 2,700 and 3,100 deals in January and February, respectively, stated ADREC, the sector’s regulator.

The data reflected typical seasonal variation, with activity easing in March before recovering in April.

Sales of ready residential units – seen as a more immediate gauge of underlying demand – remained broadly in line with recent norms. March’s softer performance was attributed to Ramadan, the Eid Al Fitr holiday period, weather-related disruptions and regional factors, while April saw a return to more consistent activity.

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the custodian and regulator of Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector, has released market insights covering activity over the past 8 weeks, providing greater transparency on recent transaction trends and supporting a clearer understanding of market behaviour.

Residential unit sales transactions are driven by off-plan and ready sales. Residential unit ready sales provide the most immediate views of current market activity and offer a more direct read of buyer demand within the period, said a report.

Over the past 8 weeks, market activity followed a pattern consistent with normal variation, with strong activity in January and February, moderation in March, and April recording activity levels similar to earlier in the year. The moderation observed in March was influenced by a combination of Ramadan, the Eid Al-Fitr holiday period, weather-related disruptions, and regional dynamics.

Off-plan project launches remained active during the 8-week period, with major ones including Modon’s Tara Park, Ohana Development’s Manchester City Yas Residences, Aldar’s Yas Park Place, and Sobha City Abu Dhabi.

ADREC pointed out that these launches reflect ongoing development activity across the market, with new projects continuing to be introduced over the period and continuous monitoring of off-plan sales registration within the ADREC registry in the coming weeks.

In March, the share of listings with price variations increased to approximately 12%, compared to an average of around 8% between October 2025 and January 2026. In April, this varied to approximately 4%, the lowest level recorded since October 2025.

Average across March and April, in line with historical norms, the share of listing prices with no change or that showed price increases was 92%. Only 8% of listings witnessed a variation in asking price, with ~90% of those showing modest asking price variations of less than 10%.

According to ADREC, the residential leasing market continued its upward trajectory, with active leased residential units increasing consistently on a weekly basis since the beginning of the year.

In line with trends observed over the past 2 to 3 years, growth in active leased units continues at a moderating pace, driven by high occupancy levels, it added.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Emirates Stallions Group said that it has delivered double-digit growth across key financial indicators, with a revenue of US $100mn, marking an 11% increase compared to US $90.6mn last year.

Announcing the results for the 3-month period, Emirates Stallions Group said its gross profit rose 32% to US $35.5mn, while net profit increased 29% to US $18.7mn. Operational profit before tax recorded a 32% rise to US $21.5mn, reflecting continued efficiency gains and strong execution across the group’s core verticals.

The group said it maintained a strong financial position, with total assets increasing to US $1.3bn as of 31 March 2026, up 10% compared to year-end 2025. Total equity rose to US $844mn, while book value per share reached US $3.38, highlighting ESG’s continued focus on value creation.

The performance reflects ESG’s diversified operating model and continued execution across its core businesses, with solid contributions from real estate development and manpower and accommodation services.

ESG Chairman Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri said, “ESG’s strong performance in the first quarter of 2026 builds on the momentum achieved in 2025 and reflects the strength of our diversified platform. Our ability to deliver consistent growth across key business lines underscores our disciplined approach to execution and our focus on long-term value creation.”

During the period, ESG continued to advance its real estate platform through Royal Development Holding. The group’s Rotana Residences development on Al Reem Island witnessed a full sell-out ahead of launch, underscoring strong market demand for branded residential offerings and reinforcing the attractiveness of ESG’s real estate platform, it noted.

In parallel, ESG’s manpower and accommodation vertical, Sawaeed Holding, recorded strong growth across key financial indicators, reflecting continued positive performance and operational strength during the period.

On the solid results, CEO Kayed Ali Khorma said, “Our Q1 results demonstrate a solid start to the year, supported by continued revenue growth and improved profitability. The performance of our real estate platform, alongside the strong contribution from Sawaeed Holding, highlights the effectiveness of our strategy and our ability to capture demand across our core sectors.”

“We will continue to build on this momentum as we advance our development activities and operational priorities,” he noted.

Building on its strong full-year 2025 performance, ESG continues to leverage its integrated platform to drive growth, enhance operational efficiencies, and capitalise on opportunities across its core sectors, reinforcing its position as a diversified growth platform, he added.

Source: MEConstructionNews

WSP has strengthened its water sector capabilities in the region with the appointment of Nada Abubakr as Head of Water Advisory for WSP in the Middle East, marking a significant step in the firm’s continued investment in water security, resilience, and sustainability across the region.

With experience across the Middle East and Australia, Abubakr brings deep expertise across the water sector. Her appointment reflects WSP’s commitment to supporting governments, utilities, and major asset owners in addressing some of the region’s most pressing water challenges.

In her role, Abubakr leads the growth and delivery of WSP’s Water Advisory practice in the Middle East, with a strong focus on strengthening how water systems are planned, governed, and managed.

“I’ve worked with public and private sector clients on national and city-scale water strategies, demand-side management, and long-term resilience planning. My focus is on bridging policy, strategy, and implementation, translating complex challenges into practical, high-impact outcomes. I look forward to building on this at WSP and supporting clients in delivering lasting impact,” she stated.

WSP’s strengthened water advisory offering comes at a time of significant investment and transformation across the Middle East, where governments are accelerating efforts to enhance water security, optimise resource use, and embed sustainability into long-term development strategies.

Lauding the appointment, Kathleen McGrail, Global Lead & Middle East Managing Director, Advisory, WSP said, “We continue to expand our water sector presence across the region, combining advisory-led expertise with our established technical capabilities to support clients across the full project lifecycle, from strategy and planning through to design, delivery, and long-term asset performance.”

Source: MEConstructionNews

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence has unveiled ‘Greenz by Danube’, the latest development by Danube Properties. The project marks the debut of Danube’s first large-scale integrated master villa community and Dubai’s first fully furnished master villa project.

The launch took place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and was attended by Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, along with more than 7,000 investors, business leaders, distinguished guests, and media representatives.

Sheikh Nahyan stated that the unveiling of Greenz by Danube Properties represents an important occasion reflecting the continued success achieved by Danube Group in the United Arab Emirates. He noted that the company has built a strong and productive long-term relationship with Dubai and the UAE through its sustained contributions to the building materials sector and related industries, before expanding into real estate development and community building.

He emphasised that the company has grown alongside Dubai itself, adding that companies achieving genuine success in Dubai understand that meaningful development is built upon trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of the needs of residents, investors, families, and communities.

Sheikh Nahyan added that the United Arab Emirates has earned a well-established global reputation as a destination where people from around the world come to build, invest, live, work, and create better futures for themselves and their families. He stressed this remarkable standing has been achieved thanks to the wise leadership and visionary approach of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who continues to emphasise the importance of building a nation that benefits from global progress, encourages innovation, and provides an outstanding environment in which enterprise and human potential can flourish.

He further affirmed that this ambitious national vision is strongly supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, noting that the UAE continues, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to place people at the centre of national development. He explained that cities are judged by the quality of life they offer to their residents, while communities are ultimately judged by the values they nurture, including family cohesion, neighbourly spirit, wellbeing, security, tolerance, and shared responsibility.

He said that the launch of Danube’s latest project represents an occasion to celebrate a vision of modern living shaped by greenery, wellness, family life, comfort, and community spirit. He stressed that real estate development, at its very best, creates places of human connection — places that support families, strengthen communities, and give substance to the promise that the UAE is a country of opportunity, stability, and hope. He also noted that the project reflects confidence in the future of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates and confirmed that Dubai and the UAE are places where businesses can flourish, families can thrive, investors can participate in growth, and residents can enjoy a high quality of life.

He added that he extends his sincere congratulations to Rizwan Sajan, the leadership team, and all employees of Danube Properties, emphasising that their long-standing association with Dubai and the UAE represents a distinguished record of commitment and contribution to economic and urban development. He also expressed appreciation to all partners, consultants, designers, contractors, and professionals involved in the project, commending their dedication and efforts in delivering this integrated development.

He concluded by affirming that the United Arab Emirates has always believed that development must ultimately serve people first, noting that Danube Properties, through projects such as Greenz, has demonstrated this principle in practice. He also extended his best wishes to future residents and investors, expressing his hope that the development will become a place of happiness, security, friendship, and achievement, while adding further beauty and distinction to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. He further expressed confidence that Danube Properties will continue upholding the high standards and principles that have long distinguished its work and achievements.

“If you ask me why someone should invest in Greenz by Danube, I’d summarize the answer in five key reasons: prime location, fully furnished homes with Dolce Vita Italian branded interiors, more than 50 amenities and services, easy access to all major destinations in Dubai, and our flexible 1% monthly payment plan,” said Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group.

Located next to Dubai International Academic City and behind Dubai Silicon Oasis, Greenz by Danube is Dubai’s first fully furnished master villa community offered with a flexible 1% monthly payment plan. The project enjoys a strategic location within one of Dubai’s fastest-growing residential corridors, the developer said.

The surrounding area is home to more than 100,000 residents, professionals, and entrepreneurs, and will benefit from the upcoming District IO technology hub aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The hub is projected to generate more than 70,000 jobs, further enhancing the area’s appeal for investment and residential living, it added.

The developer noted that the project will feature 3- and 4-bedroom townhouses, along with 5-bedroom semi-detached and twin villas. Homes will also include modern façades, Dolce Vita finishes, private lifts, sky gardens, and closed kitchens, with handover scheduled for December 2029.

Residents will enjoy access to more than 50 amenities and services distributed across five themed leisure zones, including sports courts, beach-inspired spaces, wellness facilities, green landscapes, family zones, a dancing fountain, and a 3.75km jogging track. The project will also provide buggy transport within the community, in addition to a dedicated shuttle service to the metro station, the statement concluded.

Source: MEConstructionNews

ALEC Holdings (ALEC) has released its 2025 Sustainability & Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The UAE-headquartered organisation says it made “noteworthy” progress across employee safety and welfare, while setting new benchmarks for value-driven operations conduct and reinforcing the company’s governance framework following its public listing.

In 2025, ALEC achieved the Dubai Chamber ESG Label (Advanced) and the EcoVadis ‘Committed’ badge, accreditations that recognise the Group’s structured approach to sustainability and its alignment with internationally recognised ESG standards. Further reinforcing this commitment, the group achieved LEED Platinum certification at the ALEC Holdings HQ and LEED Gold certification at the ALEMCO Corporate Office and ALEC Dubai Industrial City Yard, it said.

“ALEC’s approach to ESG is grounded in the understanding that responsible business practices and long-term commercial success are fundamentally linked,” said Barry Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at ALEC Holdings. “As we scale and deliver increasingly complex projects across the region, maintaining the highest standards across our expansive operations is essential to sustaining excellence and building lasting confidence among our clients, partners and shareholders.”

The company said that employee safety and wellbeing remain ALEC Holdings’ top material objective. In 2025, the firm said it recorded a 52% improvement in its Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) and a 27% reduction in Lost Time Injuries year-on-year. The company also said that it maintains ISO 45001:2018 certification across all business units.

Through 2025 the company engaged 22,094 workers in health awareness and preventive care programmes, expanded medical coverage to include psychiatric care, congenital conditions, developmental delays and IVF support, and appointed 30+ Engagement and Wellbeing Champions. ALEC also launched the Wellx wellbeing platform, offering health programmes, rewards-based initiatives and unlimited mental health consultations.

The firm added that worker welfare continues to be a core operational priority for ALEC Holdings, supported by a dedicated Worker Welfare Department and on-site welfare inspectors monitoring conditions across projects and worker accommodation. The group reported a 99% close-out rate on worker welfare concerns across its sites in the UAE & KSA in 2025. In parallel, workforce development initiatives saw over 8,000 workers trained and 250 promoted into staff roles, reflecting ALEC’s continued investment in skills development and internal career progression, it outlined.

In terms of business ethics and governance, the group said it continued to strengthen its governance framework in 2025 through expanded ethics controls, reporting mechanisms and supplier oversight. In early 2025, the company said it launched ALEC Alert, a confidential whistle-blowing platform that replaced the previous email-based reporting channel and saw 100% resolution of cases reported. The platform has already contributed to increased awareness and trust in the reporting process, while enabling employees, subcontractors and vendors to confidentially report misconduct or policy violations.

The company also completed the rollout of a Unified Supplier Code of Conduct and enhanced internal governance through mandatory ethics training, conflict-of-interest declarations and risk-based Code of Conduct procedures. These measures reinforce ALEC Holdings’ zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption, while strengthening oversight across its supply chain. The group said it also strengthened ESG governance with an expanded Sustainability Committee, chaired by the CFO, having representation from all entities and core functional departments, ensuring ESG is embedded in strategy, risk, and capital allocation.

With regards to the group’s focus on environmental issues, the firm said it continued to advance environmental performance and operational standards across its business. In 2025, it further expanded its off-site construction capabilities through ALEMCO Modular, TARGET Steel Industries, and LINQ Modular. The firm said these efforts contributed to reduced waste and emissions, lower labour intensity, shorter construction timelines, and enhanced safety and quality outcomes. At the same time, ALEC said it grew its renewable energy footprint, reaching a cumulative installed solar capacity of 6.421MWp across assets and projects.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and hybrid generators were also integrated across sites in the UAE and KSA, supporting more efficient and sustainable operations, it explained.

The group maintained its ISO 14001:2015 certification across 100% of its operations in the UAE & KSA, while diverting 69% of operational waste from landfills across its sites and assets. In parallel, the deployment of Pulse, ALEC Technologies’ real-time energy and water monitoring platform, reduced electricity consumption by 122,294kWh across three offices. The platform is now being piloted on select project sites and offered to clients as part of ALEC’s broader sustainability solutions.

“Operating in complex, high-risk sectors means sustainability and governance are fundamental to how we compete,” explained John Deeb, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at ALEC Holdings.

“Stakeholders increasingly see strong ESG performance as a prerequisite for major projects. Over the past year, we have strengthened that foundation by further embedding climate, supply chain, and human capital risks into our enterprise risk management framework. As a result, ESG is becoming a clear differentiator in tenders and a key driver of long-term resilience, he concluded.

Source: MEConstructionNews

ADNOC Drilling has made an acquisition that significantly expands its regional rig count. Through joint ventures, ADNOC Drilling has increased its total rig count to 30 across Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

This acquisition involves an 80% stake in MB Petroleum Services (MBPS). MBPS is a drilling and oilfield services joint venture with Muscat-based MB Holding Company, with operations in Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

In a statement to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the ADNOC subsidiary stated its total fleet now comprises 170 rigs, including those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and globally.

The portfolio comprises 22 drilling and workover rigs, production service units, pre-qualifications, subsidiaries, and a well-established presence in 4 crucial Gulf geographies. Parent company ADNOC had confirmed that it is accelerating growth and delivery of its strategy with $55bn in new project awards for 2026-2028.

The joint venture has an enterprise value of US $204mn. In January, MBPS secured contract awards for 4 additional rigs with deployment expected from the second half of 2026 into the first half of 2027, including 3 in Kuwait and 1 in Oman, the statement said.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Developer Majid Al Futtaim has awarded the primary construction contract for Distrikt Ghaf Woods to Al Sahel Contracting, a subsidiary of the Al Nabooda Group. Valued at over US $191mn, this contract marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress.

Distrikt Ghaf Woods, Majid Al Futtaim’s latest residential community in Dubai, is designed with the principles of nature-integrated living, well-being, and long-term value creation in mind. Inspired by the resilience of the Ghaf tree, the development offers a unique lifestyle characterised by its design, expansive green spaces, and connectivity to essential urban amenities.

Construction of the project began last month, with ongoing work currently taking place at the Distrikt Ghaf Woods site. This award expedites project delivery and demonstrates Majid Al Futtaim Development’s confidence in Dubai’s resilient long-term real estate fundamentals, said a statement.

Majid Al Futtaim Development, CEO Ahmed El Shamy said, “The award of the main construction contract for Distrikt Ghaf Woods represents an important step in advancing this community and reaffirms our commitment to delivering on our development plans. It underscores the trust our customers place in us and reflects the resilience and determination that define the UAE. We remain focused on delivering a project that meets the highest standards of quality and design, in line with the nation’s aspirations.”

Al Sahel Contracting General Manager Moustafa Ali Moustafa Hasan remarked, “Distrikt Ghaf Woods is a project that speaks to the scale and ambition we look for as a contractor. We bring the full depth of Al Nabooda Group’s expertise and resources to this partnership, and we are determined to deliver a community that sets a new standard for residential construction in the UAE.”

The decision to appoint Al Sahel Contracting was made after a rigorous competitive tender process, where the selection criteria included robust technical expertise, exceptional delivery excellence, and alignment with Majid Al Futtaim’s stringent quality standards.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has announced a new global achievement, marking a milestone in the transformation led by the Kingdom in the water sector from operational excellence in production to redefining efficiency itself.

The achievement was recorded in the Guinness World Record through a mobile unit within the Yanbu production plant, which achieved the lowest energy consumption level globally at 1.55kWh per cubic metre.

The SWA said this figure reflects the outcome of a research, engineering and operational pathway aimed at addressing one of the most complex challenges in the desalination industry, reducing energy consumption without compromising reliability or production quality.

Through an integrated design combining advanced reverse osmosis technologies with precise operational engineering enhancements, energy consumption was reduced from 1.7kWh to 1.5kWh, reaching an unprecedented level of efficiency recognised internationally by Guinness.

SWA noted that this unit represents a strategic solution rather than a temporary alternative, as an operational model was developed that integrates environmentally friendly technologies and advanced filtration systems, making it a scalable and replicable model across different operating environments.

The SWA added that this achievement strengthens the Kingdom’s position not only as the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, but also as a driving force behind a qualitative transformation in the future of desalination, led by national capabilities advancing progress in this sector.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Dubai’s RTA has opened a new 500m bridge under the World Trade Centre roundabout development project, as part of its ongoing efforts to advance road infrastructure.

The bridge is aimed to facilitate outbound traffic from Al Bada’ towards 2nd December Street, with onward access to Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mustaqbal Street. It will help accommodate growing traffic volumes in the area, in line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership to make Dubai the best city to live in and move around.

This step further reflects RTA’s commitment to developing infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of Dubai’s road network to meet the demands of population growth and urban expansion across the emirate, particularly in the Trade Centre area. The area holds strategic importance due to its vital location near Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s main traffic corridors. The project improves connectivity with this key arterial route, distributes traffic more efficiently, and reduces congestion in surrounding areas, the RTA explained.

Extending approximately 500m, the new bridge adds to 3 bridges already opened under the World Trade Centre roundabout development project. This single-lane bridge has a capacity of up to 1,200 vehicles per hour. It reduces journey time from 8-minutes to 2-minutes, improving traffic flow for motorists travelling from Al Bada’ towards Sheikh Rashid and Al Mustaqbal Streets.

The project also involves converting the signalised intersection on 2nd December Street, serving traffic towards Sheikh Rashid and Al Mustaqbal Streets, into a free-flow intersection. This will further improve traffic movement and enhance mobility efficiency across the surrounding area.

The World Trade Centre roundabout development project includes the construction of 6 bridges with a total length of 5,000m, enabling free-flow traffic movement in multiple directions. The RTA previously opened a bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street in February 2026. It also opened 2 bridges in December 2025, serving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street, leading to Al Mustaqbal Street. The two bridges have a combined length of 2,000m and an estimated capacity of around 6,000 vehicles per hour.

The project also includes the construction of 2 bridges with 2 lanes in each direction, extending from Al Majlis Street and Sheikh Rashid Road towards 2nd December Street, to link Al Mustaqbal Street with 2nd December Street. The 2 bridges have a combined length of 2,000m and an estimated capacity of around 6,000 vehicles per hour. The project also covers converting the existing World Trade Centre roundabout into a signalised at-grade intersection.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Grovy Developers has partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to launch Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands. USsquare is the development partner for the project.

The agreement was formally signed at an event attended by senior leadership from all 3 organisations, including Abhishek Jalan, CEO of Grovy Developers; Dimitris Manikis, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, along with Ubaid Ur Rehman Shaikh and Muhammad Umeed, founders of USquare Luxe Properties.

The event saw interest from investors and brokers, with attendance exceeding capacity and Expressions of Interest registered on-site — reflecting strong demand for the project even amid evolving global market conditions, said Grovy Developers.

Jalan said, “Branded residences are reshaping real estate investment in Dubai. This partnership is strategically significant for Grovy, as we will leverage the world-class recognition of Wyndham to enhance the overall value of our projects. By implementing Wyndham’s global asset management and operational standards, we can ensure that buyers will receive professionally managed residences with an ongoing consistent level of service. The result is an island address backed by globally recognised hospitality standards, setting a new benchmark for how people live and invest in Dubai.”

Manikis added, “This project reflects our continued confidence in Dubai’s long-term fundamentals and the ongoing demand for high-quality branded residential offerings, even against a challenging environment. By combining Grovy’s local development expertise with Ramada’s globally recognised standards, we are focused on delivering a property that supports sustainable, long-term value for residents and investors. Through Ramada Residences Dubai Islands, Wyndham is actively opening up the branded residences category to a broader audience through a more accessible offering . We remain committed to working closely with our partners to support thoughtful growth across the region.”

Scheduled for handover in Q3 2027, the property will feature a boutique collection of fully furnished residences and penthouses.

Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands comprises 1-to-3 bedroom apartments, and 4-bedroom penthouses.  The residence applies hotel-grade services and operations underpinned by the quality assurance of a world-leading international hospitality brand. Residents will enjoy more than 20 leisure amenities, including an aqua gym, golf simulator, open theatre, and temperature-controlled infinity pool, the statement outlined.

Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands is among a select number of residences approved for short-term leasing on Dubai Islands, the firm said.

Located in the cultural district of Dubai Islands, a master-planned coastal destination designed for leisure, connectivity and long-term growth, the development benefits from open beaches, expansive green spaces and direct access to the city in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan, the statement concluded.

Source: MEConstructionNews