AtkinsRéalis and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has launched a lecture series aimed at sharing knowledge and fostering an active community of industry professionals and academia in the Middle East. The first lecture, ‘Engineering Excellence 2025: Navigating Challenges, Creating Opportunities’, featured a panel discussion and hosted a diverse group of industry leaders, subject matter experts, and early career professionals.

The lecture series, ‘Beyond Engineering’, will consist of four lectures and focuses on market-specific insights, highlighting solutions and best practices that advance the engineering industry. From digitisation to artificial intelligence, decarbonisation and sustainability, the series will also address key industry challenges and opportunities in the region, while examining how skill development can help shape the future of more resilient infrastructure across the built environment, transportation, and energy sectors.

“As the engineering industry in the Middle East strives to achieve sustainable growth, meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, and address the pressing risks of climate change, key challenges will arise. By launching this initiative with the ICE, we can leverage collective expertise to tackle these challenges head-on and provide invaluable opportunities to future talents for learning and growth, fostering innovation and delivering value to communities across the region,” said Campbell Gray, CEO of MEA at AtkinsRéalis.

ICE director general, Dr Janet Young, said, “As a 207-year-old organisation, the ICE has rich engineering heritage and has remained relevant by constantly questioning what future challenges will be. Our will to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow, is underpinned by our deep commitment to ethics and ensuring the competence of our members. This Beyond Engineering lecture series, where the best minds in the region will come together to discuss and debate pressing issues like digitisation, is a great example of how international knowledge sharing will help the ICE’s members and wider civil engineering community shape the world.”

AtkinsRéalis said that it is committed to nurturing local talent in the Middle East through various initiatives, including training programs, internships, and community outreach projects. Since 2022, more than 130 graduates have joined the program. The lecture series will focus on the importance of local talent development and community engagement.

The firm’s Graduate Development Program in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia aims to support the two countries’ nationalisation efforts and continuous growth. The 12-month program is for graduates to gain on-the-job learning exposure to various projects, with structured personal and professional development plans, mentoring, and career guidance.

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Bloom Holding has launched ‘Carmona’, the eighth phase of Bloom Living, its fully integrated and all-inclusive community in Abu Dhabi. The project offers premium townhouses ranging from two-to-three bedrooms.

The eighth phase of Bloom Living offers a selection of villas, townhouses, and apartments, for residents of all generations, and is scheduled to be completed in Q2 2028. It has been designated as an investment zone allowing buyers of all nationalities to purchase residential units in the development with post-handover payment plans. The townhouses at Carmona are designed to welcome indoor-outdoor living with high ceilings and large windows. The communal areas within Carmona offer courtyards as well as access to amenities, providing residents with community living experience.

“Bloom Living is a testament to Bloom Holding’s dedication to re-imagining community living and delivering outstanding results. The exceptional sales results we are witnessing with each launch at this fully integrated and all-inclusive community signifies our ability to offer best-in-class customer experiences and our proven track record in delivering thoughtfully designed projects,” said the CEO of Bloom Holding, Carlos Wakim.

“The launch of Carmona builds on our legacy of introducing high-quality residential projects that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are confident that this phase will see the same strong demand from investors and end users as our previously launched phases, which is a direct result of the distinctive appeal of Bloom Living,” Wakim added.

“Our commitment to delivering excellence within the market is further exemplified by the early handover of Cordoba, the first phase of Bloom Living, which underscores Bloom Holding’s dedication to providing exceptional value and exceeding customer expectations. The success we have observed over the years highlights the strength of Bloom Living’s proposition as a premium community living destination. We take pride in maintaining these high standards as we reach new milestones, driven by a deep understanding of market dynamics,” Wakim concluded.

Those living within Carmona can benefit from a range of facilities available at Bloom Living. Residents can explore nature at the development’s multiple interconnected parks, and relax at the community’s main Clubhouse, providing easy access to pools, sports, and recreational facilities.

Bloom Living also features a Town Center, a community destination that offers restaurants and cafés for both residents and visitors, as well as a variety of retail options and services such as a medical clinic, a wellness centre and a supermarket, to ensure residents can obtain all their daily necessities without the need to leave Bloom Living.

The focal point at Bloom Living will be a large lake around which residents can walk, run, and cycle on designated trails. For gatherings and leisure activities, the community features multi-purpose amphitheaters and Sunset and Sunrise Plazas. Moreover, Bloom Living comprises places of worship and two international schools, the statement noted.

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Meraas awarded a contract worth US $540mn to Arabian Construction Company for the construction of the Design Quarter at the Dubai Design District (d3), which includes the first residential community.

Scheduled for completion by mid-2027, Design Quarter will create a creative living environment in d3’s masterplan. Residents will enjoy views of the Dubai Canal and Downtown skyline, providing an unparalleled backdrop. To ensure a car-free and pedestrian-friendly environment, car parking will be provided for the residential area through controlled access podium levels, said a statement from Meraas.

Unveiled earlier, Design Quarter comprises a collection of 558 designed one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. These are spread across three buildings, one low rise and two skyscrapers, within a landscaped podium. This elevated podium serves as a communal area, linking the residential towers to form a social hub for the residents. This will include co-working spaces, an indoor-outdoor gym, pool facilities, barbecue areas and fun-filled zones for children’s activities.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate said, “We are delighted to partner with Arabian Construction Company on this inaugural residential venture. This project not only encapsulates the spirit of artistic living but also contributes significantly to the long-term economic growth of the city in line with Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the 2040 Urban Master Plan. The construction of Design Quarter at d3, is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation as crucial drivers for sustainable economic progress.”

Hamed Mikati, Chief Operation Officer, Arabian Construction Company LLC added, “We are thrilled to contribute to this extraordinary development, a project that aligns with the exciting future of Dubai. Our collaboration with Meraas goes beyond construction, it’s about fostering an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and innovation and contributes to Dubai’s transformation into a dynamic, creative metropolis.”

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Developer Innovate Living has secured a collection of prime waterfront plots on Dubai Islands, laying the foundation for a long-term US $400mn development pipeline. This move underscores the company’s commitment to shaping Dubai’s residential landscape and being at the forefront of the city’s luxury developments.

As Dubai continues to evolve as a global destination, it is attracting investors and high-net-worth individuals, fueling demand for exclusive, boutique waterfront properties that reflect effortless sophistication and innovation. Dubai Islands is a one-of-a-kind destination where golf meets island living. Spanning 17sqkm across five islands, the planned enclave offers over 20km of pristine beaches, lush parks and premium golf courses overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Kareem Fahmy, Founder and CEO of Innovate Living said, “Dubai Islands is an extraordinary opportunity for us to bring ultra-luxury waterfront living to life in a way that reflects our core values of being intentional, curated and design-led in everything we do. This destination offers the rare combination of both beachside serenity and golf courses, making it an exceptional setting for our developments.”

“We have been particularly impressed by the extensive infrastructure efforts, especially the work being done by the master developer and RTA to enhance connectivity, including bridges that will provide direct access to the heart of the city. Our goal is to create beautiful homes that prioritise residents’ well-being and convenience while ensuring long-term value. This acquisition is the next step forward in our journey to elevate residential excellence, delivering unparalleled exclusivity and sophistication,” Fahmy added.

Dubai’s real estate transactions reached a 36.5% increase from the previous year. The ultra-luxury segment experienced significant appreciation, with prime residential capital values rising by 6.8% in 2024 and projections indicating growth up to 9.9% in 2025. Dubai Islands, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, is poised for substantial land value appreciation, making it an attractive investment for high-net-worth buyers seeking exclusivity and long-term returns.

Investors have seen substantial capital appreciation, reinforcing Innovate Living’s ability to deliver not just high-end living, but also high-value investments. The acquisition of prime plots on Dubai Islands is an extension of this vision, solidifying the developer’s position as a leader in curating extraordinary residential experiences.

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American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) Engineering Al Nukhba Program welcomed AMANA as its newest industry partner. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties will offer students professional training, career development and research opportunities.

The program is designed for industry partnerships, giving students a competitive advantage by connecting them with firms across multiple disciplines. Through hands-on training, mentorship and research collaboration, the program ensures students are equipped with the practical skills needed in a job.

Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering said, “Building meaningful partnerships with industry is key to equipping our students with the tools to excel in an increasingly complex and competitive global market. Our collaboration with Group AMANA aligns with our vision to produce engineering graduates who are future-ready—combining technical expertise with practical industry insights and leadership capabilities. Together, we are preparing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of construction and engineering.”

Joe Labaki, Chief Operating Officer at Group AMANA said, “I would like to thank American University of Sharjah for this opportunity to collaborate with the next generation of leaders. This MoU marks a significant step in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange and a shared commitment to shaping the future of engineering. This partnership will help empower these future leaders with real-world insights and hands-on experience. We are excited to welcome them to our sites across the UAE, where they will have the chance to witness the impact of cutting-edge engineering solutions that are transforming the industry.”

Group AMANA will recruit and train AUS students through internships, graduate recruitment and AMANA’s Graduate Program. Beyond employment, they will work closely with AUS faculty to co-supervise senior projects and support research initiatives, enabling students to apply their academic knowledge to industry challenges. The partnership will also sponsor industry competitions, student-led projects and skills-focused workshops and seminars.

The collaboration will advance research in areas such as sustainability in construction, advanced construction materials, modular construction, automation and robotics. Students will also gain practical exposure to off-site construction methods through site visits and research activities with Group AMANA’s subsidiaries, DuBox and DuPod, which specialise in modular construction to deliver building solutions.

Group AMANA’s professionals will contribute to curriculum development through guest lectures, the design of customised training programs tailored to the company’s workforce development needs. The partnership will further foster innovation through the establishment of innovation hubs, design-build collaborations and research into digital twin technology and smart buildings.

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JLL has been appointed by Pure Data Centres Group, a provider of hyperscale data centre solutions, to provide integrated facilities management services at its brand-new Yas Island data centre in Abu Dhabi.

Pure’s new campus, its first facility in the UAE, transitioned into live operations at the end of February, when fully complete it will provide 45MW of capability. The appointment will reinforce JLL’s growing reputation as a leading consultant and operator across existing and new hyperscale data centre locations within the EMEA region, said a statement.

JLL’s FM and engineering services will comprise ongoing maintenance and support for Yas Island’s low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems, including its uninterruptible power supplies, switchgear and HVO-powered generators, as well as its hybrid air and liquid cooling systems. Additionally, JLL will be responsible for network and ICT management, alongside delivering front-of-house FM services, such as cleaning and landscaping.

“We are delighted to have been appointed by Pure DC on the management and operation of Yas Island after working collaboratively with them to ensure that we align our service delivery model with their expectations,” said Jonathan Kinsey, EMEA Lead and Global Chair, Data Centre Solutions, JLL. “Our team’s relentless focus on innovation and performance ensures that we are well-equipped to meet Pure DC’s needs and it is a testament to the growth of our offering that we have been trusted to take this flagship campus on and manage it.”

Kinsey added, “Data centre activity continued to swell as the world moves toward a more digital future. This rapidly rising demand for stable and efficient digital infrastructure has also highlighted the need for data centre efficiency and greener solutions which will play a bigger role in the evolution of data centre operations.”

Dame Dawn Childs, CEO at Pure Data Centres Group commented, “The opening of our Abu Dhabi campus is a very important moment in the growth of Pure DC and also for our customers in the UAE. We have appointed JLL to provide FM at Yas Island because it is a company which shares our values, approach and attitude to always meet the required highest standards. This partnership with such a global supplier is something we hope to grow and develop in the future. Together with our partners, Pure DC continues to grow its presence and influence in the data centre sector to meet the soaring demand for AI-driven and cloud-based services.”

The agreement follows JLL’s decision to strengthen its data centre services offering with the addition of three senior hires in its EMEA team after identifying a 742MW hyperscale construction boom in the region, highlighting the sector’s expansion potential.

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In preparation for the introduction of updated Saudi Building Code (SBC) and Saudi Fire Code (SFC) regulations in mid-2025, which are being introduced as the Kingdom deepens its focus on fire and life safety (FLS) standards, AESG has strengthened its Fire & Life Safety division.

The company says that it has expanded its Saudi-based team with a number of new hires, including fire protection engineers, senior fire protection engineers, and principal fire protection engineers. This strategic expansion enhances the firm’s ability to support complex projects with advanced mechanical and electrical fire protection expertise, it said in a statement.

“Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion of mega and giga projects has significantly increased the demand for specialised Fire & Life Safety expertise. These large-scale developments require meticulous and complex fire safety planning, both from a design and regulatory standpoint. The complexity of Saudi projects necessitates both robust local knowledge as well as international expertise to develop equivalencies and alternative solutions, allowing AESG to go beyond standard code compliance and deliver high-value, performance-based fire safety solutions,” said Saeed al Abbar, CEO at AESG.

AESG is among the select few Fire & Life Safety firms actively operating in Saudi Arabia and is one of only two International Consultancy firms certified by Civil Defense as an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) representative and reviewer, reaffirming the firm’s deep commitment to Vision 2030, the statement highlighted.

In 2024, AESG played a critical role in upgrading fire and life safety codes and systems for some of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic developments, including critical infrastructure, healthcare facilities and luxury hospitality projects, the company explained. It is said to have also collaborated with developers on major new projects, ensuring state-of-the-art fire safety systems were integrated at these developments from the outset. Collectively, AESG’s efforts have helped safeguard over US $7.99bn worth of built assets in Saudi Arabia.

Looking ahead, AESG is set to further expand its Fire & Life Safety division in Saudi Arabia in 2025, the firm said.

“We are strengthening our advisory services in policy, procedures, and governance, leveraging expertise gained from giga-projects. Additionally, we will introduce specialised solutions for industrial projects, further enhancing our service offerings in the Kingdom. Our goal is to grow our team by over 25% while continuing to elevate service quality, client experience, and governance advisory. With the upcoming Saudi Building Code (SBC-201) and Saudi Fire Code (SBC-801) changes, AESG remains committed to guiding clients through compliance with practical, high-impact Fire & Life Safety solutions—designed to be simple, effective, and achievable,” commented Abdullah Faza, Director – Fire and Life Safety, Middle East at AESG.

AESG said that it is also expanding its regional footprint in other markets, the firm revealed that it recently established a dedicated Fire & Life Safety team in Cairo and is set to expand its teams in the Asia Pacific market with hires in Sydney and Singapore.

The expansion includes the appointment of Samer Mehran as Senior FLS Consultant for the company’s Egypt office. With over 15 years of industry experience, Mehran brings deep technical expertise and leadership to support AESG’s continued growth across the Middle East.

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Dubai-based ALEC Engineering & Contracting (ALEC) has said it recorded 29% revenue growth, scaled its workforce by 46%, and established new facilities in Ras Al Khaimah in 2024. The firm said its workforce has now reached nearly 40,000 people.

AJI Rentals, the company’s heavy equipment rental arm, also established its presence in Saudi Arabia in 2024, while expanding its UAE footprint with the opening of a new facility in Dubai.

The investments bolster ALEC’s continued sectoral diversification, and expansion in Saudi Arabia — two pillars of its strategy over the last five years, the firm said.

“Over the years, our construction-adjacent lines of business — spanning fit-out, modular construction, and even data centres — have become market leaders in their own right and now contribute significantly to our overall business,” said Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC.

ALEC’s acquisition of TARGET Engineering has also proved to be a strategic success, the firm revealed. “Last year, TARGET won multiple large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction projects, including MMBD, Borouge, and the Dalma Gas Development,” Lewis stated.

Commenting on the company’s 29% year-on-year revenue growth in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Lewis said, “Having established a robust ecosystem of talent, production facilities, supply chains, and logistics in the UAE, replicating this success in Saudi Arabia was the next logical step. In just two years, we have grown to be recognised as one of the most trusted construction firms in the Kingdom. This success has been driven not by volume but by a portfolio of complex, high-value developments.”

Among the projects ALEC has been awarded in Saudi Arabia are the Qiddiya Waterpark and Qiddiya Speedpark, the firm stated.

Going forward, ALEC said that it aims to pioneer new paradigms and technologies in the region. One such area is the modularisation of construction and MEP works, wherein the company has established large-scale production facilities in the UAE. In line with its recently unveiled Robotics Strategy, ALEC aims to have 5% of its construction activities automated through advanced robotic solutions by 2030. Through its subsidiary, Advanced Engineered Solutions (AES), which specialises in turnkey building envelope solutions, the company is targeting large-scale developments in the cultural, hospitality, and leisure sectors, where visionary architects are pushing the boundaries of conventional design.

“We will continue to challenge perceptions of our industry with our advancements in technology utilisation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. As a number of the large contracts we have been awarded move into the phase of significant activity, 2025 will be a year of consolidation. We will focus on streamlining operations and further enhancing outcomes for our clients and stakeholders,” remarked John Deeb, COO and CFO of ALEC.

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Asheil Versatile Lighting Technologies (Asheil) has secured land in Shaqraa Industrial City, 180km northwest of Riyadh, to establish a lighting manufacturing and technology hub. The milestone strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional leader in advanced lighting production, reducing the Kingdom’s dependence on imports while driving industrial growth, supply chain resilience, and job creation, said a statement.

The facility will not only produce high-performance lighting solutions for Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, large-scale urban developments, and commercial infrastructure but will also generate significant local employment opportunities. By investing in localised manufacturing, Asheil is ensuring that Saudi talent plays a direct role in the Kingdom’s industrial transformation, equipping the workforce with expertise in advanced manufacturing and energy-efficient lighting technologies, the statement added.

The facility will integrate production techniques, energy-efficient LED technologies, and precision engineering, addressing both market demand and the need for a skilled, future-ready workforce. By providing high-value job opportunities, Asheil will support the Kingdom’s long-term economic diversification strategy while advancing technological self-sufficiency in the lighting sector.

“Asheil is proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a hub for advanced lighting technology. This facility will not only provide international standard, high-quality, locally manufactured lighting solutions but will also create skilled jobs and provide new career pathways for Saudi professionals in manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management. We sincerely thank the Saudi government and our partners for their support in making this vision a reality,” said Marco Fahd, Chairman & CEO of Versatile International.

Saudi Arabia’s LED lighting market was valued at US $2.3bn in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.8bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.9%. The Kingdom currently imports significant volumes of lighting and signalling equipment, with China accounting for over 40% of its lighting imports. By manufacturing locally, Asheil will help reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, enhance supply chain stability, and ensure customized, region-specific solutions for developers and infrastructure planners.

“With Versatile’s extensive project management experience and Haneco’s deep expertise in LED manufacturing, Asheil is set to become a transformative player in Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape. Our integrated approach – spanning design, manufacturing, and after-sales support – will not only deliver high-performance lighting solutions but will also empower local talent with the skills and expertise needed to sustain and expand Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector,” said Nicho Teng, Founder & Managing Director of Haneco Lighting and Co-founder of Asheil.

Asheil is a joint venture between Versatile International and Haneco Lighting, combining project management expertise with LED manufacturing to deliver high-performance, energy-efficient lighting solutions. By localising production, the partnership aims to enhance supply chain stability, reduce costs and provide faster, more customised solutions for Saudi Arabia’s major infrastructure projects.

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