Nominations for the 2026 Digital Construction Awards are now open, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team has confirmed. The awards program features several different groups of categories focusing on: people, companies, specialists and projects. 21 Awards are up for grabs in the 2026 edition, the BPME team highlighted.

For 2026, the BPME team noted that the awards program has grown and now features several new categories including: AI & Drone Champion of the Year; Modular Construction Champion of the Year; Precast Concrete Specialist of the Year, and several others. The nomination deadline is 15 May. Read about all the categories by clicking here.

The awards gala will take place on 24 June at a 5-star venue in Dubai, a venue will be confirmed soon, the BPME team said.

Companies across the built environment supply chain are welcome to participate by submitting nominations in categories that are of interest including: developers, consultants, contractors, technology companies and other suppliers, and facilities management firms.

“Since its inception in 2023, the Digital Construction Awards has grown steadily to become a significant regional platform to recognise innovation and the growing role of construction in the built environment from project inception through to handover and use. The inaugural event featured 12 categories and following strong participation and suggestions from players in the industry, we’ve added categories steadily to give companies and individuals a powerful platform to demonstrate excellence. We’ll be recognising excellence across 21 distinct categories in 2026 – the biggest program yet,” said Jason Saundalkar, Editorial Director, Built Environment and Heavy Industry Divisions at CPI Trade Media.

“In addition to new categories, we’ve completely changed our website and the process of nominations. With the latter, participants can now submit multiple nominations (up to 5 at a time), and have the ability to view the entire nomination form in advance. For 2026, there is a nominal fee (with a discount structure for multiple nominations) to submit nominations, however this fee is then credited towards your attendance at the awards gala, so there’s no increase in costs to attend the gala evening,” Saundalkar confirmed.

As before, an independent panel of judges will work with the BPME team to judge every nomination, and the results of the voting will enable the BPME team to create a shortlist and pick winners. The BPME team said it expects to announce the shortlist 2 weeks ahead of the gala event.

Read more about the 2026 Digital Construction Awards by clicking here.

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Dubai Precast has secured a full precast building system contract for 93 G+2 townhouses and 2 residential villas at Meydan, Dubai.

The scope of work includes design, supply, delivery and installation services for the project.

The company said it will focus on external sandwich walls, solid walls, columns, beams, stairs, hollow-core and solid slabs, as well as boundary walls.

In total, the order comprises approximately 18,500cu/m of reinforced concrete and 39,000cu/m of hollow-core slabs, it stated.

According to Dubai Precast parent firm, NSL, design works are currently under way with production set to begin soon. The installation work on the Meydan project is targeted for completion by Q4 2026.

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Dubai’s luxury property market continues to show strong momentum, with developer sales of US $2.9bn in March and a 42% YoY increase in transaction volume to 900 deals. A market analysis from the Keturah luxury brand shows that over the first 24 days of March, the US $5.44mn – US $ 13.61mn sector recorded 79 sales transactions worth US $642.6mn, including 6 off-plan villas bought for between US $11.7mn – US $13.6mn.

Data from DXBinteract reveals that 16 sales transactions in the US $13.6mn – US $27.2mn bracket amounted to US $283mn, and included 9 off-plan apartments which were sold for between Us $13.9mn – US $ 25mn.

“In the circumstances, these figures represent a powerful signal of confidence in Dubai’s premium real estate offering,” said Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand. “We’re seeing sustained demand at the top end of the market, even during a period marked by regional geopolitical tension. In addition, real estate activity historically slows during Ramadan, and it’s significant that prime property in Dubai has continued to attract serious capital.”

Al Gaddah says Keturah Reserve is an example of the new generation of luxury Dubai developments built to withstand disruption, and maintain long-term investor confidence.

“The current situation in the region is exactly the kind of short-term volatility we and other developers in Dubai are prepared for. More and more projects are designed to hold their value in uncertain times,” he says.

He adds, “One strategy is to keep supply low and focus on real health and wellbeing benefits. This is the kind of approach which gives developments natural strength during uncertain periods, and positions them well when conditions improve.”

The developer sales in March were topped by a US $114.9mn luxury apartment on the Jumeirah Peninsula, while transactions above US $27.2mn also included 4 plots at Umm Suqeim First, which fetched between US $34mn – US $41.4mn.

In the US $2.7mn – US $5.4mn range, 150 sales worth US $544mn included 2 off-plan villas each for over US $5.2mn, and 3 off-plan apartments between US $4.9mn – US $5.2mn.

The highest volume of activity came in the US $1.4mn – US $2.7mn sector, which saw 650 sales transactions valued at US $1.2bn, including 7 off-plan apartments each selling for over US $2.4mn.

“When you study the data, as we have been doing since the start of the conflict, you see a continued flow of capital into high-value off-plan properties. This reflects a buyer profile that is typically long-term in outlook and less influenced by short-term factors. These people are highly selective and strategic, and their continued activity at this time reinforces Dubai’s position as a global destination for premium real estate investment,” added Al Gaddah.

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Chestertons recently appointed John Stevens as its new CEO. This step in the firm’s growth across the region signals a decisive move to align leadership with a rapidly evolving market and the requirements of modern investors, the firm said.

With over 3-decades of experience across the Middle East and Asia, Stevens steps into the role of Chestertons’ CEO to guide the next chapter of the firm’s 220-year global legacy, said a statement from Chestertons.

Through his career, Stevens has built a reputation for unlocking the potential of high-performing real estate companies and property portfolios, combining strong entrepreneurial instincts with disciplined financial oversight.

Bringing more than 30 years of international real estate experience across the Middle East and Asia, Stevens takes on the position with a clear vision for the next chapter of Chestertons’ MENA journey. His appointment marks a renewed emphasis on integrated service lines and commercial data-driven strategy as regional markets continue to mature.

In his role, he will prioritise deeper client partnerships and smarter deployment of technology to deliver clearer advice, stronger execution and more consistent outcomes for clients across the MENA region.

This approach will also support the continued growth of Chestertons’ brokerage and valuation capabilities, while expanding professional services such as asset management, building consultancy, project management and hospitality advisory to provide a seamless, end-to-end experience for clients throughout the property lifecycle.

Founded in 1805, Chestertons is one of the world’s longest-standing real estate advisory firms, with a presence in the UAE dating back to 2008. Building on this legacy, the firm now enters a new phase with Stevens at the helm, combining global heritage with deep regional expertise and a forward-looking client-centric approach, the statement noted.

“Having worked in the GCC for many years, I have seen the market move through different cycles and each time the region has shown remarkable resilience and come back stronger. That strength and adaptability are key reasons the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to attract investors from around the world, and these attributes have shaped Chestertons over 220 years,” said Stevens.

“At moments like this, our role is to arm our clients with the competitive edge that comes from integrated expertise, and the insight needed to make high-stakes decisions with total confidence. Looking ahead, my focus is on ensuring our regional platform is the most responsive, data-led and value-focused partner delivering meaningful outcomes for investors across the region,” he added.

Salah Mussa, Chairman of Chestertons MENA noted, “The regional real estate landscape continues to evolve, with investors placing greater value on trusted advice, strong governance, and data-led insight. John brings the regional perspective, judgement, and industry expertise needed to guide the firm forward while continuing to champion the long-term success of our clients across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.”

“Looking ahead, Chestertons will continue to grow its footprint and service offering in step with the needs of local markets. John’s regional experience and focus on delivering excellence in every client interaction position the firm to build on its legacy with clarity and purpose across Mena,” he added.

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Parsons has been appointed as the project management consultant for a sports complex in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The project, known as Al Ittihad Sports Village, will be built near King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah’s northern region. It will feature Al Ittihad Club’s headquarters, training facilities, performance centres, and commercial assets.

Saudi football club Al Ittihad has a history of winning the Pro League multiple times. Notably, the club was captained by the former Real Madrid star and French international Karim Benzema until recently, said a statement.

Since June 2023, Al Ittihad has been 75% owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sports privatisation initiative. The remaining 25% of the club’s ownership is held by its non-profit foundation. The Jeddah project award comes amidst mounting funding demands across various mega-projects, prompting a reassessment of spending priorities.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in sports as part of its Vision 2030 diversification strategy and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This has led to a surge in demand for stadiums, training facilities, and related infrastructure. While Al Ittihad Sports Village may not be specifically designated as a tournament venue, it contributes to a broader pipeline of sports-related construction and domestic league development, the statement added.

Since 2024, Riyadh has been reviewing project priorities due to rising costs, execution challenges, and reduced oil revenues. These factors have resulted in substantial budget cuts of up to 60%, causing delays and cancellations for contractors. In recent months, Saudi Arabia has canceled contracts on major projects, including Neom, as capital is redirected towards projects with fixed timelines, such as the World Cup and Expo 2030.

Parsons said it has a track record of working on infrastructure for major events, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The company has been operating in Saudi Arabia since 1958, when it designed and delivered Dhahran Airport, which is now known as King Abdulaziz Air Base.

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Saudi-based Kingdom Holding Company has acquired a stake in US-based Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company and the largest shareholder, for US $68mn.

The transaction aligns with KHC’s investment philosophy of providing shareholders access to investment opportunities not broadly accessible to the market, while acting as an early investor in innovative and transformative technologies, said Kingdom Holding Company in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

Headquartered in Washington, BEV is a company that focuses on investing in clean-energy and sustainability technologies aimed at enabling a low-carbon economy.

A company founded by Bill Gates, BEV has emerged as a major investor in companies that develop breakthrough solutions across agriculture, buildings, electricity, manufacturing, and transportation.

The estimated value of the acquired stake amounts to US $98mn based on BEV’s latest audited financial statements. However, the transaction was executed for a total consideration of US $68mn, reflecting an agreed purchase price at a 30% discount to the estimated value.

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Azizi Developments said that it selected Doka to provide a solution for the Burj Azizi Car Park Building 1 within one of the most space-constrained sites in Dubai.

Doka’s model is said to have delivered pre-assembled components on a coordinated, just-in-time schedule, removing the need for on-site storage. This effectively eliminated logistics-related limitations, ensuring a streamlined process.

The building’s core progressed independently, while floor levels progressed in rapid, repeatable cycles; essential for a structure designed for speed and efficiency, Azizi Developments said in a statement.

Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group said, “Burj Azizi will be the world’s second-tallest tower, and everything connected to it must reflect that distinction. From core structures to supporting infrastructure, precision is non-negotiable. Doka brings the discipline and consistency required to execute at this level.”

Construction commenced in November 2024, the project is part of Azizi’s extensive development pipeline of 150,000 units under construction. The 14-storey parking structure on Sheikh Zayed Road will be an integral part of the experience Azizi Developments is creating with Burj Azizi.

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Acwa Power has announced that 2 of its solar independent power producer (IPP) plants in Saudi Arabia have been subject to temporary dispatch limitations, following instructions from the grid operator, citing concerns over reactive power fluctuations affecting grid stability.

The project firms dispute the allegations and are conducting technical assessments, including independent third-party reviews, while coordinating with authorities to restore full operations, said Acwa Power in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

The 1,425MW Al Kahfah solar plant, which began commercial operations in November last year, has faced dispatch restrictions since 12 December, with partial dispatch allowed since 11 February this year.

The accumulated revenue under dispute with the principal buyer stood at about US $25.3mn as of the end of March.

The 2,000MW Ar Rass 2 solar plant, which received its initial commercial operation certificate in September 2025, has been under dispatch limitations since 16 January, with partial dispatch permitted since 8 March.

The disputed revenue for the project is estimated at around US $19.45mn as of March.

Both project companies have challenged the matter and are currently conducting detailed technical assessments, including independent third-party analysis, and coordinating with the relevant authorities to enable full restoration of plants operations, said the statement.

Both companies have reserved all of their rights under the relevant project agreements and have issued deemed energy invoices in accordance with the terms of those agreements, it added.

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EnergyX, a building energy technology company founded in South Korea, has secured significant investment from Qatari institutions, including Rasmal Ventures and Qatar Development Bank (QDB), to support its global growth and expansion strategy.

Amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East, the closure of this transaction underscores the sustained investor confidence in Qatar and the Gulf region’s long-term role as a hub for technological advancement, industrial prowess, and sustainable growth.

While the backing amount was not disclosed, lead investor Rasmal Ventures described the transaction as one of the largest of its kind in the MENA region and a major milestone for the company’s next phase of growth.

The move is expected to position the country at the centre of EnergyX’s deep-technology, particularly in AI-powered energy intelligence and smart manufacturing. It is also projected to generate more than 100 high-skilled jobs across research, engineering, and business operations.

EnergyX plans to deploy the investment toward an acquisition-led growth strategy across the GCC and Europe, while also accelerating project delivery, expanding its engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and scaling its advanced computational intelligence and geospatial AI systems. These technologies are designed to optimise building energy performance from initial design through to long-term operations.

Alexander Wiedmer, Director and Partner. Rasmal Ventures said, “We were deeply impressed by the quality of EnergyX’s management team, their engineering depth, and their ability to scale their offering. This is exactly the type of globally ambitious company we look to back one addressing an inherently massive market with a differentiated, defensible technology platform.”

“We are delighted to support EnergyX’s international growth strategy and believe Qatar provides an exceptional platform from which the company can scale regionally and globally. This milestone also underscores the vital role of Invest Qatar and QDB, whose commitment to enabling the local venture capital ecosystem has been instrumental in supporting such transformative deals,” he added.

EnergyX has developed first integrated platform for managing building energy outcomes. The system combines proprietary technologies spanning artificial intelligence, advanced materials, building design, fabrication, and lifecycle management into a unified solution aimed at reducing energy consumption, while increasing on-site energy generation without compromising performance or design.

Founder and CEO Sean Park said, “This backing allows us to advance an acquisition-led growth strategy where energy outcomes are modeled, physically realised, and sustained at industrial grade.”

The company currently operates across more than 20,000 buildings worldwide, with over 2,000 projects delivered using its integrated technology stack. It also holds more than 300 intellectual property assets. Its portfolio spans data centres, residential developments, office towers, and industrial projects.

One of its flagship projects, the EnergyX DY-Building, achieved 129.6% energy self-sufficiency over a one-year period, based on 2025 certification data from the Korea Energy Agency. The company says this level of performance can be replicated at scale across future developments.

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Source: MEConstructionNews