Developer MERED has set its sights on real estate investments in Saudi Arabia. The move is said to align with the country’s ambition to transform its real estate landscape through innovation, infrastructure, and international expertise. Backed by its sound financial foundation and experienced local team, the developer is committed into engaging with Saudi youth, adopting knowledge transfer, and unlocking the potential of the next generation, said a statement from the developer.

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED commented: “Saudi Arabia is the next frontier for luxury real estate, and MERED is ready to redefine the market as we continue expanding our portfolio of prime real estate. As both local and foreign investors show a growing appetite for buying property in the country, our experience with high-end developments and international expertise uniquely positions us to increase our exposure in the biggest Gulf economy. We’re bringing bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and a fresh vision that blends innovation with Saudi Arabia’s vibrant future. MERED and the PIF-run Private Sector Forum’s goals go hand in hand to spur growth and prosperity in the nation.”

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is experiencing growth driven by upcoming global events such as Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034, alongside other ongoing efforts under Vision 2030. The sector’s contribution to Saudi GDP is expected to increase from 5.9% in 2024 to 10% by 2030, according to Standard & Poor, while non-oil activities have surpassed 50% of Saudi Arabia’s real GDP, a historic shift in the Kingdom’s economic transformation, said the developer in its statement.

The recent opening of the Two Holy Cities, Mecca and Medina to foreign property investment marks a significant milestone in incentivising the development of a vibrant luxury real estate market, the statement highlighted.

From the 290m ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina in Dubai to a waterfront project in Abu Dhabi, MERED is now prepared to introduce groundbreaking developments in Saudi Arabia, designed for a cosmopolitan, high-net-worth lifestyle.

The developer said its leadership team will engage with government agencies, investors, and developers alike, securing new partnerships and expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia to deliver premium, future-forward projects that meet the evolving needs of the market.

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ACCIONA has launched an Operational Skills Development Program for women, an initiative to empower women from diverse backgrounds with the skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers in the water industry.

The six-month training program aims to introduce participants to the technical and operational aspects of the sector, providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship under the guidance of project managers and operations heads.

The program emphasises three core areas of development: health, safety, and environment (HSE) awareness, technical training that starts from the basics to accommodate those with no prior technical knowledge; and behavior training to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Participants will gain practical knowledge of plant operations and maintenance, covering critical aspects of plant functionality and operational department activities, the company explained.

In addition, the program addresses workplace behavior, equipping both participants and onsite teams with the skills to identify and address inappropriate conduct, such as unlawful discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, victimisation, and vilification to ensure a supportive environment.

ACCIONA highlighted the significant progress made in Qatar in fostering diversity within the industry. Among their water staff in Qatar, women in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team represents more than 30% of the workforce which is said to be a huge achievement in the industry. This reflects not only their commitment to organisational policies promoting inclusion but also Qatar’s dedication to social and economic development through gender diversity, the firm explained.

The company said that it remains committed to increasing these numbers, further strengthening women’s participation in the workforce and contributing to the nation’s long-term vision for a more inclusive and equitable society.

The program is aimed at women who have a strong connection with the local culture and society and demonstrate an eagerness to develop technical skills relevant to the water industry. Following the completion of the six-month training program, ACCIONA will evaluate participants’ performance and consider offering formal employment opportunities based on role availability at the company’s water plants.

Participants will gain experience in projects such as Ras Abu Fontas RO desalination plant and Umm al Houl RO desalination plant, preparing them for a transition into the water industry workforce. The program marks an important step forward in ACCIONA’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the technical workforce. By creating opportunities for women to excel in traditionally underrepresented fields, ACCIONA aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

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AMIS Development has launched Woodland Terraces, a US $35.1mn residential project located in Meydan in Dubai. Located in District 11 of Meydan, Woodland Terraces sets a new standard for luxury living, offering sleek modern architecture that integrates with the surroundings. The building’s glass facade and layered terraces create contemporary aesthetic, offering residents private outdoor spaces with panoramic views, said the developer.

Designed for modern living, the residences include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments featuring open-plan kitchens, expansive living areas, and generous terraces that promote indoor-outdoor living. The units offer features such as en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, and dedicated laundry areas to provide both style and functionality.

Neeraj Mishra, Founder and CEO of AMIS Development stated, “Woodland Terraces represents a bold vision for the future of urban living. Our focus has been to create spaces that not only offer unmatched luxury but also foster a sense of connection—connection with nature, the community, and the lifestyle aspirations of residents. We believe that great design goes beyond aesthetics; it shapes the way people live and thrive. We are steadfast on our mission to set new benchmarks in thoughtful and world-class real estate.”

Residents will have access to a rooftop infinity pool, sports such as padel, fitness centre, a yoga area, and an outdoor theatre, while the ground floor includes a kids play area, a lobby, and signature AMIS Café.

The launch is said to build on the success of Woodland Residences, a $114.75mn development in Meydan’s District 11. Launched in 2024, the project integrates Automobili Lamborghini-branded surfaces through a collaboration with Laminam.

AMIS Development said it recently secured significant investment from First APAC Fund VCC, a Singaporean investment fund, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November 2024 to invest up to $1.35bn in the company. This partnership underscores global confidence in AMIS’ ability to redefine luxury real estate and deliver groundbreaking projects, the statement concluded.

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DAW Construction, in partnership with Qatar German Polymer Company (QGPC), unveiled a solution to redefine infrastructure development: Polymer Resin Concrete (PRC). The material is said to address critical infrastructure challenges with sustainability, durability, and efficiency, setting new standards for urban resilience.

PRC eliminates water use during production, a critical advantage as global water scarcity intensifies. Governments now face mounting pressure to minimise environmental impact, and PRC delivers a solution that combines innovation with environmental responsibility. Beyond its water-saving production process, PRC boasts a lifespan of over 100 years, far surpassing traditional concrete, which often requires costly repairs and maintenance after just a few decades, said a statement.

Tarek Musbah Abdul Rahman, General Manager of DAW Construction said, “Infrastructure today is no longer about simply building structures, it’s about sustainability, speed, and value. With Polymer Resin Concrete, we’ve introduced a material that overcomes the challenges of traditional concrete, such as corrosion and costly maintenance, while drastically reducing construction timelines. This positions the UAE as a global leader in sustainable urban development.”

PRC’s technical properties include compressive strength of up to 120MPa and a near-zero absorption rate of 0.05mm. Its lightweight design allows for easier transportation and faster installation, reducing labor and equipment costs. Additionally, PRC’s resistance to corrosion eliminates the need for reinforcements, making it particularly effective for applications such as sewer systems, drainage channels, and manhole covers.

The flexibility of PRC allows for its use in a wide range of applications, including advanced drainage systems, flood mitigation projects, and urban transport networks. Its adaptability to complex designs further enhances its appeal for infrastructure planners. By enabling faster construction, reduced material waste, and enhanced durability, PRC is positioned as the ultimate material for addressing the dual challenges of climate change and urban population growth.

Rahman commented, “The construction industry is shifting. Developers and governments are not just looking for materials; they’re seeking solutions. PRC offers a comprehensive answer by addressing critical challenges like flooding, rapid urbanisation, and environmental sustainability. By partnering with QGPC, we are bringing a transformative product to the market, ensuring the UAE continues to lead in global infrastructure innovation.”

DAW Construction and QGPC are not merely introducing a product, they are spearheading a movement toward smarter, more sustainable cities. For governments and urban developers, PRC offers not only cost efficiency but also the promise of a more resilient and sustainable future.

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Modular construction specialist, LINQ, has said it has invested in ramping up its production capabilities, and is now capable of delivering nearly 1,900 fully fit-out luxury rooms per year. The move is in response to growing demand for hotel room stock in the GCC, and calls for the construction industry to embrace new and innovative ways to construct hotels in the most rapid, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

LINQ, which is the modular construction arm of UAE-based ALEC, is the first company to have secured a modular construction license from the Dubai Municipality to pioneer G+6 buildings. The firm said it is poised to be the leading modular construction partner to regional resorts, boutique hotels and luxury serviced apartments.

Critically, by producing its ‘plug-and-play’ three- to five-star hotel rooms entirely offsite within the tightly controlled and highly optimised settings of its expansive production facility in the Dubai, the company is able to target a remarkably low material wastage – estimated by the Waste & Resources Action Program (WRAP) to be up to as much as up to 90% less than traditional construction techniques, said a statement from the company.

“When talking about 400,000 new hotel rooms being built over the next six years, every fraction counts. So, the efficiencies made possible by modular construction techniques quickly cascade to offer tremendous benefit. Paired with the potential for enhanced quality, and speed of delivery – made possible by factory-controlled production – this paradigm has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the GCC’s unprecedented demand for hotel room stock,” said Graham Petty, Operations Manager at LINQ.

Through 2024, LINQ demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of modular construction for the hospitality sector by successfully manufacturing and installing 218 serviced apartments at Sindalah, the iconic island destination in the region. Key to the success of this project was the firm’s work in pioneering sustainable materials tailored to enhance efficiency, durability, and sustainability, the statement explained.

Petty continued, “We’re challenging misconceptions around build quality and acoustic performance that relate to dry walling and other traditional techniques. By introducing a lightweight cellular concrete infill to the regional market, we can offer rooms with industry-benchmarked acoustic, thermal and fire performance.”

To further inform the market around this new construction paradigm, LINQ has developed a demo unit for a five-star hotel room that will be showcased at the upcoming Project Control Expo in the UAE. Constructed with a 50mm thick lightweight concrete floor, luxury joinery, and natural marble, this demo unit also includes the DigiValet standalone guest room management system, the company explained.

“We’re demonstrating that modular rooms can be every bit as high-quality, luxurious, and feature packed as their traditionally built counterparts. With global leading hospitality chains now signing on to adopt this approach for their properties in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we’re at a critical inflection point. At LINQ, we’re primed for the opportunity and are excited to see this segment go from strength to strength,” concluded Petty.

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ONE Development has launched ONE/AD as the first musical themed boutique hotel integrating AI, music and wellness. Co-founded by ONE Development and Amr Diab, DO Boutique Hotels is orchestrating a fusion of bold design, wellness, evocative music  and AI, said a statement from the developer.

The launch of the new hotel chain by ONE/AD is seen as another step in support of both the UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 and those of the countries it is operating in, not only contributing to local and regional progress in the industry, but also the economy by facilitating the attraction of increased investment.

“Our partnership with global legend Amr Diab is a bold step towards redefining hospitality Industry. DO Boutique Hotels introduces a completely new disruptive hotel chain in the UAE, seamlessly blending music, design and AI to create spaces where luxury meets inspiration. Music is a universal language and DO Boutique Hotels will redefine hospitality by crafting unique experiences inspired by music enabling guests to connect with their creative rhythms,” said Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE Development.

“Building on its expertise in real estate and AI-driven concepts, ONE Development is once again setting new benchmarks in the industry, offering a harmonious blend of comfort, elegance, and unforgettable moments.” Al Gebely added.

Amr Diab, founder of DO Boutique Hotels said, “Music has always been my way of connecting with people; this vision now reaches into hospitality. DO Boutique Hotels create inspiring spaces where innovation, culture and wellness meet, offering today’s travellers exclusivity, creativity and meaningful connections.”

DO Boutique Hotels, under the slogan “Live the Beat,” offers an holistic lifestyle, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Each venue serves as a hub of creativity and connection, redefining hospitality and a renewed sense of living.

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Charged with revitalising Saudi Arabia’s historic birthplace in Riyadh, Diriyah Company is driving forward its US $63.2bn transformation, and says the year will have major milestones, with new details expected on the recently announced Boulevard District – a cultural hub envisioned as the kingdom’s own Champs-Élysées.

Located just 15 minutes from the heart of Riyadh, ‘The City of Earth’ has already seen the opening of Bujairi Terrace – opposite the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif – which has now become a premium dining and events destination.

The ambitious development has seen progress on key infrastructure over the past year, including the completion in November of the super-basement of Diriyah Square, the setting for six luxury hotels. Over the past year, the developer has also significantly accelerated its overall programme, having signed major contracts for a variety of large-scale projects within the 14sqkm development area.

The three-level underground structure features parking for 10,500 vehicles, 5.7sqkm of tunnels, and two metro tracks. This work involved the excavation to a depth of 40m and the removal of 10m cu/m of rock, which was then reused elsewhere on-site.

Diriyah Company also marked the completion last month of a 1,707MVA-capacity bulk substation and a 200MVA-capacity primary substation. The $181.7mn substations, operated by Saudi Electricity Company and designed in the authentic Najdi architectural style, will power key developments including Diriyah Square, the Qurain Cultural District and Wadi Safar.

Its latest contract awards includes deal signed in November last year, for a joint venture between Nesma & Partners Contracting Company and MAN Enterprise Al Saudia for the development of Qurain Cultural District. There is also a contract with China State Construction Engineering Co-operation (CSCEC) and El Seif Engineering Contracting Company for the design and construction of assets in Diriyah’s Northern District.

This was followed early last month by the award of a consultancy contract to Omrania, a subsidiary of Egis Group, for the Boulevard District project. The firm will oversee the multidisciplinary design of buildings in three community zones along the 70m-wide boulevard, encompassing concept and detailed designs, as well as construction supervision. Omrania’s work will integrate with Diriyah’s masterplan, connecting the Boulevard District to cultural, retail, residential, and commercial assets across the development.

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The UAE’s industrial and logistics sector experienced an unprecedented 225% surge in demand in 2024, with Dubai’s new industrial space requirements reaching 40.6m sqft, according to Knight Frank’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi Industrial Markets Review 2024/2025.

The surging demand levels come hot on the heels of the UAE government’s announcement of plans to grow the size of the nation’s logistics sector from US $34.8bn to $54bn in the next seven years, through the establishment of the UAE Logistics Integration Council.

Faisal Durrani, Partner, Head of Research, MENA said, “In 2024, the UAE achieved significant economic milestones, reinforcing its position as a global trade and investment hub. The non-oil PMI reading rose to 55.4 in December from 54.2 in November, marking 48 consecutive months above 50, signaling sustained business expansion, which is translating into escalating levels of demand for industrial and logistics space. Separately, foreign direct investment and international trade also recorded substantial growth last year, further catalysing new space requirements.”

Demand peaked in Q4 2024, accounting for 34% of total requirements during 2024, Knight Frank says, for 2024 as a whole, the manufacturing (19%) and logistics (18%) sectors led demand in Dubai. Retailers & traders (13%), business services (11%), and construction & real estate (11%) then followed. The sharp increase in demand is underpinning a market-wide supply shortage, with new market entrants and expansion efforts continuing to fuel rental growth.

Adam Wynne, Partner – Head of Commercial Agency, Dubai explained, “Rents and capital values have maintained an upward trajectory. Industrial & logistics rents in Dubai surged by 33% year-on-year, with vacancy rates at just 3%. While developers are working quickly to respond to the rising level of requirements, the city’s 2040 Urban Master Plan promises to deliver a new wave of industrial and logistics demand. The 2040 masterplan emphasises the development of a world-class logistics network, for instance. This includes the expansion of existing ports and airports, the creation of new transport corridors, and the implementation of cutting-edge logistics technologies.”

Dubai’s industrial areas recorded significant rental growth in 2024, Al Quoz (Grade A): +45%, Dubai Investments Park (DIP): +48%, Dubai Industrial City: +38%, Dubai South: +26%. In Abu Dhabi, KEZAD Mussafah (ICAD) led rental growth, with rates surging 57% while Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) recorded the highest rents.

During H2 2024, new large-scale industrial and logistics projects were announced in the Al Falah area, east of Zayed International Airport. Spanning 8.3sqkm, Al Falah is emerging as a key logistics hub for the capital. The new rail network will enhance supply chain efficiency, lower transportation costs, and offer a sustainable alternative to road freight, further boosting the appeal of underutilised industrial areas, as per Knight Frank.

One of the key milestones in 2024 was the completion of the Etihad Rail network, first announced in 2008. The rail network has established a cargo link between the emirates, driving increased demand around rail hubs. Knight Frank expects Etihad Rail to enhance the UAE’s industrial landscape by creating connectivity between industrial zones nationwide. This infrastructure is likely to increase demand in lower-rent areas, reducing price disparities across various industrial zones.

Wynne added, “Another game-changer will be the planned relocation of the city’s primary airport to Al Maktoum International in Dubai South by 2034. This includes the expected transfer of all Emirates Airlines operations which is already impacting on the availability of land for industrial and logistics use. This move, while hugely positive for the future of the city and its economy, will put further upward pressure on rents and values as Dubai continues to grapple with a shortage of prime land and high-quality warehousing.”

Maxim Talmatchi, Associate Partner, Head of Industrial & Logistics, UAE, said, “Land availability remains critically constrained, with most industrial parks operating at full capacity. The limited remaining plots are prioritising end-users, restricting speculative development opportunities. New supply is anticipated in late 2025 and beyond but is unlikely to disrupt the supply-demand balance. We expect rapid absorption of the 3.65m sqft of new space currently being developed across Dubai and Abu Dhabi which is due for delivery over the next two years.”

Rents are projected to rise by 2% per month throughout 2025 in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, driven by tight supply and strong demand, reflecting market confidence. In the investment market, further yield compression is likely, Knight Frank says, with prime net initial yields projected to fall below 8%, signalling sustained investor confidence in the sector.

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