In the digital age, data centres have emerged as an indispensable backbone of our interconnected world. They facilitate the storage, processing, and dissemination of vast amounts of information that power everything from business operations to social interactions. Lewis Wright, Projects Director at PMKConsult, a leading project and commercial consultancy firm, has over 10 years of experience spanning across various sectors in the UAE & UK. He has witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of this critical infrastructure, particularly in the dynamic region of the GCC. “The demand for data ..read more

Arup has been appointed by Azizi Developments for the spatial planning of an opera house within its premium development, Azizi Venice, which is taking shape in Dubai South. Billed as a US $8.16bn mixed-use project, Azizi Venice is expected to feature more than 30,000 residential units across 100 apartment complexes, and over 400 luxury villas and mansions. At the heart of Azizi Venice lies its pedestrian-friendly boulevard, which will be open-air in the winter and glass-covered in the summer to ensure a temperature-controlled space with year-round activity and visitors. Located at the heart o ..read more

Property and construction cost and project management consultancy Thomas & Adamson has been acquired by Egis. According to a statement from Egis, the addition of Edinburgh-Headquartered Thomas & Adamson will significantly enhance its project management and advisory capabilities for its clients across the United Kingdom and the Middle East. “We are excited to have the talented team from Thomas & Adamson join Egis to further elevate our expertise in project management and cost consultancy. They will allow Egis to continue to grow our capabilities. Combining their regional strength i ..read more

The designs for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International (AMI) airport and its overall expansion have been approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The approval came during Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Pri ..read more

Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Company (NHC) has awarded a contract worth US $266mn to Urbas Middle East Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of Spanish development group, Urbas. Work will focus on the construction of 589 residential units in the Al Fursan suburb in the northeast of Riyadh. A major global player with a presence in 20 countries, Urbas has a portfolio of more than 30,000 residential units, and brings a wealth of experience to this project. With the latest contract win, Urbas Middle East aims to further increase its operations in the Saudi Arabian market. The NHC announcement come ..read more

Nominations for the 2024 ME Digital Construction Awards (ME DC Awards) have been extended to 6 May, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team has confirmed. The BPME team said the extension is in response to several requests from construction industry stakeholders for more time to submit nominations. The ME DC Awards were launched in 2023 with the aim of recognising technology-focused excellence in the built environment. Nominations are welcome from government organisations, developers, operators, consultants, contractors, technology companies and other suppliers, the BPME team noted. Nominatio ..read more

SSH has completed the mixed-use development project at Ghala Heights in Muscat, Oman. This integrated mixed-use development spans 146,776 sqm, making a significant mark on Muscat’s skyline. Situated just 5 km from Muscat International Airport, Ghala Heights will serve as the home for the Mövenpick Hotel and Hotel Serviced Apartments, an upscale four-star hotel providing 282 guest rooms and 58 serviced apartments. The hotel boasts four dining options, a spa, a rooftop infinity pool, and a fitness centre, making it an attractive destination for tourists. Three residential apartment blocks, hous ..read more

Raimondi Cranes have appointed Wael Hasan as General Manager, Raimondi Middle East.  Based in Dubai, UAE, Hasan will report directly to Raimondi Group CEO, Luigi Maggioni and aims to fortify Raimondi’s presence in the GCC region by enhancing its operational structure, and caters to the boost in demand for the company’s tower cranes in the MENA region. “Having served as Raimondi’s Commercial Director of the Middle Eastern subsidiary for the past seven years, Wael Hasan brings a wealth of regional experience and expertise to the role. With his exceptional leadership skills and hands-on tea ..read more

UAE authorities have approved a US $540mn aid package to support Emiratis who were affected by the recent storms, which were said to be the worst in the country’s history. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai set out the major relief effort, as he chaired a meeting of the UAE Cabinet at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed said the funds would be used to address damage caused to the homes and property of citizens. He said a committee would be established to assess the damage caused by the ad ..read more

In the wake of the recent severe weather conditions across the UAE, Daikin says it is standing “in solidarity with affected residents and businesses dealing with damaged property, lost furniture, and more” by offering free inspections and special rates for the repair of its air conditioning units in offices, apartments and villas across the UAE. “Daikin recognises the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of every member of the community during times of adversity. Understanding that a comfortable environment is essential for healing and recovery, Daikin steps forward ..read more