Bahrain Marina Development Company (BMDC) has appointed Gagan Suri as CEO, as the development advances into its next phase and prepares for its operational launch.

Suri brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience in large-scale urban development, infrastructure delivery, and real estate investment across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

In his new role, he will lead the strategic delivery, market positioning, and operational transition of Bahrain Marina, one of the Kingdom’s most significant waterfront developments.

Most recently, Suri served as Executive Director and Head of Development at Oxagon, an emerging advanced industrial and port ecosystem on the Red Sea designed to support next-generation manufacturing, logistics, and global supply chains.

In this capacity, he oversaw development planning and infrastructure coordination across a large-scale industrial and urban environment integrating port operations, manufacturing clusters, logistics corridors, and supporting urban infrastructure.

Prior to this Suri served as CEO and Board Member of Bahrain Bay Development, where he led the transformation of Bahrain Bay into one of Manama’s premier mixed-use waterfront districts. The development introduced a dynamic combination of residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail assets that have contributed to reshaping the capital’s skyline and strengthening Bahrain’s position as a regional destination for investment and tourism.

Earlier in his career, Suri held senior leadership roles with Arcapita, Saudi National Bank Capital, Credit Suisse, and Capmark Finance, gaining extensive experience in real estate investment, infrastructure financing, and the delivery of large-scale development projects across international markets.

His appointment comes at an important moment as Bahrain Marina continues to progress through construction and development milestones, positioning the project to become a new waterfront destination in the heart of Manama.

The post BMDC appoints Gagan Suri as CEO appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Developer MERED has announced the progress of main piling operations at Riviera Residences, a waterfront residential tower situated on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.

The milestone marks the completion of 60% of the enabling works, which encompasses essential tasks such as constructing guide walls, shoring, contiguous piling, and ground improvement across both zones.

Abu Dhabi’s residential market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength, as evidenced by this progress. This underscores the emirate’s commitment to delivering off-plan projects that cater to the discerning needs of its residents. Deep foundation works have been completed, further solidifying the project’s foundation.

The development boasts over 400 apartments and 11 exclusive villas, including sky villas, ocean villas, and a penthouse. The promenade features a variety of cafés, boutique retail, and dining options, providing residents with a diverse range of amenities and entertainment.

Construction is progressing despite the ongoing changes in the wider region, the site team has successfully managed to stay on schedule through proactive planning. The project has already achieved over 85,000 safe man-hours without any lost-time incidents, a testament to the safety culture that the team has consistently built and maintained, said the developer.

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED said, “This milestone is a direct result of the quality of the teams we have on the ground, but it is also a testament to the resilience of the UAE’s real estate sector. Abu Dhabi in particular continues to attract serious, long-term investment. This project was always conceived as something that could stand the test of time. That ambition has not changed, and neither has our commitment to delivering it.”

The project’s progress comes at a time when Abu Dhabi is further strengthening its investment environment in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, and its broader focus on sustainable urban growth, transparency, and long-term economic development.

New measures introduced have strengthened Abu Dhabi’s real estate regulatory ecosystem, introducing integrated controls, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring transparency across the market. Together, these reinforce investor confidence and the emirate’s position as a stable, well-regulated residential market.

Riviera Residences is supported by a group of well-regarded delivery and design partners whose combined expertise strengthens every stage of the development. Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron; ground engineering and enabling works specialists, NSCC International; engineering consultants  DAR ALHANDASAH, and Paris-based landscape consultants Michel Desvigne Paysagiste (MDP), are reinforcing MERED’s focus on long-term placemaking, the firm said.

The post MERED advances Riviera Residences to deep foundation works appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Qatar says it is now planning to roll out more than 188 projects and initiatives between 2024 and 2030 to accelerate growth in trade and investment, according to a report by Qatar Television. The country says that it has been steadily strengthening its position as a regional trade and investment hub, backed by long-term economic planning and infrastructure development under its national vision strategy.

The initiatives, led by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, form part of broader efforts to make trade a central pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030. Trade resilience and food security remain central priorities, with ongoing efforts to secure supply chains and expand storage capacity to ensure long-term market stability.

As part of the strategy, Qatar is working to diversify supply routes and expand trade gateways, including strengthening land transport links and regional connectivity. These measures are aimed at improving the flexibility and efficiency of goods movement across borders.

Officials say the initiatives have already contributed to stronger supply chain performance, enabling the country to better respond to both domestic and global market demands, while reinforcing its role as a regional trade hub. Recent figures highlight this momentum, with Qatar recording a merchandise trade surplus of around US $3.32bn in January 2026. China emerged as Qatar’s largest trading partner during this period, with trade valued at $1.43bn.

The broader plan is built around economic diversification, increased competitiveness, and greater openness to international markets. It aims to drive sustainable growth in non-oil sectors at an average annual rate of approximately 3.4% through 2030.

More than half of the planned projects fall under entities affiliated directly with the ministry, while the rest are spread across industrial, trade, and logistics sectors reflecting a coordinated and integrated development approach. Qatar is also targeting up to $100 billion in foreign direct investment inflows by 2030, while continuing to strengthen domestic investments, which have already exceeded $89.55bn.

A key part of the strategy includes the development of free zones and logistics hubs covering around 50sqkm, designed to enhance trade flows and capitalise on Qatar’s strategic geographic position connecting major global markets.

The post Qatar targets US $100bn in investment with 188 new trade projects appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Saudi-based Al Ramz Real Estate Company made an announcement regarding the acquisition of a prime 8,600sqm plot of land in the Al Malqa district of the capital city, Riyadh. This land will be used to develop a residential project that includes 135-apartments, along with premium amenities.

Al Ramz Real Estate stated in its filing to the Saudi bourse Tadawul that the new residential project will be constructed to the highest quality standards and will align with the company’s strategy to develop integrated residential projects.

The US $25.1mn deal was finalised with Mohammed Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Majed and Mohammed Ibrahim Saeed Al Khalifa, as per the statement.

This transaction aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its presence in prime locations. The project is situated in an area with high demand and limited supply, which significantly boosts the project’s chances of success and the achievement of its targeted returns.

Al Ramz Real Estate said that this transaction will be financed using the company’s internal resources. The Saudi company anticipates that this deal will contribute to enhancing the company’s financial performance during the years 2026 to 2028.

The post Alramz secures prime Riyadh land for 135-unit residential development appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has reaffirmed its role as a key enabler of large-scale real estate development through its partnership with Jubail Investment Company.

The Jubail Island project, solely financed by ADIB from inception through to completion, reflects the bank’s integrated approach to supporting landmark developments across the UAE, it said.

The partnership reinforces ADIB’s capability to provide end-to-end financing solutions, combining corporate banking expertise with a market-leading retail home finance proposition. From initial project structuring finance and funding to facilitating home ownership for end buyers, ADIB has acted as a one-stop financial partner, supporting the successful progress and delivery of Jubail Island.

Building on this long‑standing collaboration, ADIB and Jubail Investment Company have signed a MoU to further enhance financial services available to customers financing properties within Jubail Island developments in the UAE.

Under the MoU, ADIB will provide a comprehensive range of Shari’a‑compliant finance including home financing, personal finance, and tailored banking services for JIC customers. In addition, ADIB’s property management arm, MPM Properties, will provide property management services for the Jubail Island project. The collaboration also provides for coordinated customer engagement and joint marketing initiatives.

Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADIB said, “Our partnership with Jubail Investment Company reflects ADIB’s ability to support transformative real estate developments through a fully integrated banking model. By supporting this project from inception through to delivery, we have reinforced our integrated banking model combining corporate financing with home finance, banking solutions, and property management capabilities to support customers and partners across the full real estate lifecycle.”

Mounir Haidar, Managing Director and Board Member for JIC added, “Jubail Island was envisioned as more than a residential development, it is a strategic contribution to Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of building sustainable, future-ready communities that enhance quality of life while preserving the emirate’s natural heritage. Our partnership with ADIB aligns visionary master planning with integrated, Sharia-compliant financial solutions. Together, we are enabling a development that supports economic diversification, attracts investment and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for refined, nature-led living.”

The post ADIB strengthens ties with Jubail for island project appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced the issuance of a package of administrative decisions to implement Law No. (3) of 2015 (as amended by Law 2 of 2025) related to the regulation of the emirate’s real estate sector.

The decisions enhance the effective implementation of the law, further strengthening transparency and governance within the emirate’s real estate market. These are aimed at establishing a more flexible and clearly defined legislative framework that aligns with international best practices. In addition, the decisions respond to the sector’s rapid growth ensuring the law is applied in accordance with well-defined regulatory requirements, DMT noted.

The package comprises 4 administrative decisions addressing key stages across the development, regulation and management cycle of real estate development projects in the emirate. The decisions include: regulating the mechanism and controls for disbursement from real estate project escrow accounts prior to 20% project completion; regulating property ownership rights and the management of jointly owned properties and common facilities; approving the bylaws governing owners’ committees; defining compensation ratios, refund periods, and procedures for purchasers of cancelled units which are resold in accordance with Article (3/17) of Law No. (3) of 2015 (as amended by Law 2 of 2025) concerning the Regulation of the Real Estate Sector in Abu Dhabi.

These decisions form part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as an international investment hub in the real estate sector, by developing a flexible legislative environment that supports real estate developers, protects investors’ rights, and is in line with future growth requirements. This approach ensures effective market governance and safeguards investors’ interests in parallel, reinforcing the markets’ competitiveness at both the regional and international levels.

The decisions enhance the legal and contractual relationships among the various stakeholders in the real estate market by providing a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures a balanced alignment of interests between developers, investors, and owners. It defines the roles and responsibilities of developers, property management companies, and owners’ committees, contributing to the establishment of an integrated and collaborative relationship among the parties that supports the sustainability of real estate projects – particularly with respect to the management of common facilities and the role of Owners’ Committees.

In addition, the decisions enable real estate developers to implement projects, while protecting buyers’ rights and safeguarding their funds. The decisions further introduce a flexible and efficient mechanism aimed at reducing disputes between developers and unit purchasers, enhancing the efficiency and diversity of the real estate market.

Decision No. (24) of 2025 on the mechanism and controls for disbursements from real estate project escrow accounts prior to achieving 20% project completion, focuses on regulating withdrawals from escrow accounts before the completion threshold stipulated under the Real Estate Sector Regulation Law. This is achieved by introducing clear controls linked to the submission of bank guarantees and approved cost estimates, with the aim of safeguarding purchasers’ funds and preventing any unregulated use of monies deposited in project escrow accounts.

While Decision No. (25) of 2025 addresses the regulation of jointly owned property by establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the management of real estate assets, common parts and shared facilities. The decision defines the respective roles and responsibilities of owners, developers, and property management companies.

Rashed Al Omaira, DG of ADREC said, “The issuance of this package of executive and regulatory decisions represents an important step in advancing the mechanisms for implementing Law No. (3) of 2015 (as amended by Law 2 of 2025) governing the real estate sector through the adoption of flexible executive tools that can be adapted to market dynamics.”

“These decisions enhance the efficiency of sector regulation and reinforce the principles of transparency and governance, supporting investor confidence and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading real estate destination,” he stated.

He added, “They establish a clear executive framework ensuring balanced contractual relationships, strengthening the protection of all parties’ rights, and supporting the speed and efficiency of procedures applied across the market.”

The post Abu Dhabi’s DMT announces new decisions to boost real estate transparency appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Muzinich & Co has opened an office in ADGM marking the next step in its investment journey in the Middle East. The office will be led by Filomena Cocco, Managing Director, Global Business Development.

Justin Muzinich, CEO, Muzinich & Co commented, “Our presence in the ADGM reflects our belief in the region’s long-term future. As a privately-owned firm, we are committed to building lasting partnerships and see a natural alignment with the UAE’s vision for growth. We are proud to be part of the ADGM’s continued development and the broader evolution of the region.”

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer, ADGM said, “We are pleased to welcome Muzinich & Co. to ADGM. Their decision to establish a presence here reflects the depth, maturity and global connectivity of ADGM’s financial ecosystem, underpinned by a robust regulatory framework and a strong community of global financial institutions. Muzinich’s expansion also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international hub for capital and long‑term investment, offering global firms a stable and well‑connected platform to serve regional and international markets.”

Filomena Cocco, Managing Director, Global Business Development remarked, “We have been consistently impressed by the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of investors in the region. There is a strong willingness to think ahead and back innovation particularly in areas such as AI where vision and long-term ambition are key.”

Muzinich has been active in the region for several years, building relationships across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The ADGM office formalises this presence and reflects its established approach of working alongside local partners and developing its network within a region’s financial ecosystem. The new office positions Muzinich to support investors increasing allocations to fixed income and private credit.

The post Muzinich & Co. expands Middle East footprint with new ADGM office appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Nesma Infrastructure & Technology has announced that it has secured a new contract from Saudi Energy for the construction of a 132/33 kV substation in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

The project work involves modernisation of the existing substation mainly designed to enhance network reliability and support the growing power demand in the region.

As per the contract worth US $34.6mn, Nesma will provide engineering, procurement and construction services as well commissioning of the new substation.

The entirety of the work will be completed within a  2 year period, it added.

The post Nesma bags contract for Saudi substation appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Following seasonal rainfall in the UAE, LEAD Development showcased its advanced water management system at Jubail Island. The system is said to demonstrate how thoughtfully designed infrastructure can transform natural conditions into long-term environmental and community value.

The island’s integrated water system, designed as part of LEAD’s commitment to sustainable and future-ready development, works closely with its natural environment. Instead of relying solely on traditional drainage networks, the system captures rainwater through strategically placed retention ponds throughout the landscape.

These ponds, thoughtfully incorporated into parks and public spaces, collect runoff during heavy rain. This helps minimise surface flooding and reduces strain on conventional drainage systems. Over time, the stored water gradually seeps into the ground, aiding groundwater recharge and supporting the growth of native vegetation across the island, the firm said.

This approach reflects a broader shift in Abu Dhabi’s development strategy. Infrastructure is increasingly being designed to enhance environmental resilience, while improving quality of life. At Jubail Island, this vision translates into a nature-led lifestyle. Residents are closely connected to their surroundings and experience the environment as a living ecosystem, it added.

Beyond its role in flood management, the system offers tangible environmental advantages. By reducing dependence on treated water for irrigation and supporting the island’s mangrove habitats, it promotes resource efficiency and ecological conservation. Additionally, the integration of water features into public spaces enhances the visual appeal and overall experience of the community.

The water system is said to be a crucial component of Jubail Island’s comprehensive sustainability framework. This framework encompasses low-density planning, the preservation of natural habitats, and wellness-oriented design principles. These elements collectively establish a harmonious and resilient living environment.

As climate-conscious development gains prominence in the real estate sector, Jubail Island emerges as a remarkable example of how infrastructure can be re-imagined to provide immediate functionality, while ensuring long-term sustainability. This aligns with LEAD Development’s vision of constructing communities that are designed to thrive for generations.

The post LEAD Development highlights nature-driven water management appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The post Cenomi signs lease agreement with Saudi Downtown appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews