AMEA Power in partnership with Cox, a water and energy focused company, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola (MINEA). The deal will see the development of a large seawater desalination plant on the Mussulo Peninsula, which will have a capacity of 100,000m3 per day and will supply water to approximately 800,000 people.

The agreement was signed in the presence of His Excellency Salem Ali Khamis Obaid Al Shamsi, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Angola, by João Baptista Borges, Angola’s Minister of Energy and Water; Ignacio Carreras, Head of PtX at AMEA Power; and Emiliano Agustín Espinoza Labbé, Chief Africa, Middle East & Asia at Cox.

“Our partnership with MINEA represents a transformative step toward securing sustainable and climate-resilient water for Angola. Today marks an important milestone made possible by the strong support of the UAE government. This landmark project showcases the power of public-private collaboration to close critical infrastructure gaps, strengthen communities, and enhance the lives of hundreds of thousands of people for generations to come,” explained Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.

AMEA Power said that it began initial development activities in 2022 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that has advanced, driven by the strengthening of commercial relations between the UAE and Angola and the support of their leadership.

Enrique Riquelme, Executive Chairman of Cox added, “With this contract, we take a fundamental step in our international growth strategy. Angola faces significant challenges and opportunities in the water sector, and together with AMEA Power and the Angolan government, we aim to provide sustainable solutions that ensure access to potable water for citizens.”

The project will be executed through Water Alliance Ventures, a joint venture formed by Cox and AMEA Power, which combines Cox’s technology and innovation with AMEA Power’s local expertise and institutional support.

The collaboration is said to strengthen Cox’s growth in the Middle East and Africa, while minimising risks in these high-demand water and energy markets. The partnership is driving desalination and water treatment projects in these regions exceeding two million m3 per day.

The total project cost is expected to amount to more than US $200mn and will be constructed in two phases of 50,000m3 per day each. Each phase will generate 300 jobs during construction and around 25 permanent positions during operation.

Once operational, the infrastructure project will ensure a reliable supply of potable water to approximately 800,000 residents of the Mussulo Peninsula and the neighboring Futungo district, significantly improving access to water in Luanda, Angola. In addition, the plant will complement public initiatives such as the Bita and Quilonga projects, which are key to addressing the capital’s water infrastructure challenges.

The construction of the first phase is expected to begin following the completion of technical and environmental studies, with commissioning scheduled for Q2 2028.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

UAE-based furniture and interior design brand Al Huzaifa has announced its expansion into real estate development with the launch of Al Huzaifa Properties.

Building on nearly 50 years of design and craftsmanship, The World of Huzaifa has grown far beyond furniture, with flagship showrooms across the UAE, bespoke Design Studios, and as the trusted design partner for globally-renowned brands. As a curator of lifestyle experiences that shape homes with creativity, precision, and individuality, the brand now takes this legacy further through Al Huzaifa Properties — using the full canvas of real estate to craft complete living environments where design, detail, and well-being converge, said a statement from the company.

With the launch of Al Huzaifa Properties, the brand makes a first-of-its-kind advancement in the comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem by expanding its portfolio into property development — a move that capitalises on decades of expertise in designing and curating homes, now translated into holistic living experiences, it added.

“Al Huzaifa Properties is the natural evolution of our group’s DNA. For nearly five decades, Al Huzaifa has been elevating the way people live — from designing furniture and interiors to shaping complete lifestyle experiences. With our debut project on Al Marjan Island, we are bringing that legacy to one of the UAE’s most vibrant real estate markets, creating fully furnished residences that embody craftsmanship, precision, and individuality. Our next chapter will not just be about creating a residence, but to build a destination — a living experience shaped by design and detail,” commented Saif Nensey, CEO of Al Huzaifa Furniture and CEO & Founder of Al Huzaifa Properties.

Al Huzaifa Properties said that it is committed to bringing a pipeline of experiential, luxury developments, and noted its strategy will remain focused on the core brand promise of design excellence, meticulous detail, and exquisite living. It added that it will focus on creating premium, luxury lifestyle-driven communities that reflect the same commitment to quality, design precision, and aesthetic excellence that has made Al Huzaifa a household name across the region.

Marjan Island promises to be the perfect backdrop for the debut project. The projected growth of the island continues to be an immense draw for buyers and investors. The high-end lifestyle profile of the destination further synchronises beautifully with Al Huzaifa Properties’ offering of a design-led, carefully curated experiential project, the statement explained.

“Al Marjan Island is proud to be the launchpad for Al Huzaifa Properties’ debut real estate venture. Al Huzaifa’s rich tradition of design excellence complements our mission to shape Al Marjan Island into the UAE’s most sophisticated lifestyle destination,” said Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan.

Al Huzaifa Properties said that it will distinguish itself through a comprehensive, integrated approach that combines design, engineering, and delivery under one vision. This methodology ensures cohesion and excellence at every stage of development, from initial concept through to final handover.

“I am proud to be a part of this transformative journey as The World of Huzaifa expands into a new dimension with Al Huzaifa Properties. This milestone unites our decades of design mastery, manufacturing excellence, and project expertise to deliver developments that truly resonate with the UAE’s vibrant and discerning market. It is a milestone we are extremely proud of as we enter a new chapter of building living experiences. These homes are designed to connect deeply with those who choose to live in them, while also offering investors the assurance of fully ready residences with immediate potential for return on investment,” remarked Zaheer Rattonsey, Managing Partner at Al Huzaifa Properties.

The company’s vision extends beyond individual projects with the aim of shaping premium living environments that reflect timeless design and thoughtful planning. In line with the constantly evolving and forward-thinking landscape of the UAE, where the homegrown brand has grown and flourished, Al Huzaifa Properties believes in creating communities that echo the ethos, sensibility, and aesthetics of the brand, the statement concluded.

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The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has announced a new construction milestone at its Al-Rayes-Rabigh Independent Water Pipeline Project site – the project has clocked more than two million safe work hours.

A first-of-its-kind initiative being developed in partnership with the private sector, Al-Rayes-Rabigh will boast an operational capacity of 500,000cu/m per day. The project is set for commercial operations in Q2 2026.

A consortium comprising Spanish group Cobra and Saudi utility major Al Khareef Water and Energy Technology Company is implementing the development under a 35-year concession.

A strategic initiative for the region, the 150km pipeline is being set up at a total investment of US $640mn. It will be operated through the private sector under a ‘build-own-operate’ system.

The project will supply the regions of Makkah and Madinah with drinking water, achieving high levels of continuous supply, in addition to improving the efficiency of water transportation in the two regions.

During a site visit, a team led by SWPC Chief Executive Khaled Al Qureshire viewed the progress of construction work and the project’s progress.

“The project has achieved more than two million safe work hours,” Al Qureshi explained. “With work in full swing, the project is on track for commercial operations by the end of Q2 2026.”

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UAE-based Azizi Developments has announced the launch of Azizi Wares, a freehold residential and retail development located in Downtown Jebel Ali.

Taking shape adjacent to Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Azizi Wares will offers investors and end-users an unparalleled opportunity to live at the heart of Dubai’s global business hub. The project features a mix of studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments, along with a selection of premium retail spaces, the developer said in a statement.

The residences will feature ultra-modern interiors designed for contemporary living, while the project’s wide array of lifestyle-enhancing amenities includes swimming pools for adults and children, separate gyms for men and women, a private cinema, a children’s play area, a gaming lounge, a clubhouse, multipurpose hall, ample parking, and 24/7 security.

“Downtown Jebel Ali has quickly emerged as a prime hub for global business and modern living. With Azizi Wares, we are introducing a development that embodies connectivity and convenience, and that reflects our vision for Downtown Jebel Ali – shaping communities where contemporary living meets opportunity,” said Azizi Group CEO, Farhad Azizi.

With direct connectivity to Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Metro, the development ensures access to Dubai’s major business, retail, and leisure hubs, the developer noted.

Surrounded by more than 100 Fortune Global 500 companies, residents also benefit from close proximity to destinations such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Expo City Dubai, Al Maktoum International Airport, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Downtown Dubai, the statement concluded.

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Dubai Airports has awarded a contract to widen and upgrade the bridge leading to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport.

The project aims to enhance traffic flow to the terminal, reduce journey times, and improve customers’ experience, while accommodating the continuous growth in passenger numbers at Dubai International Airport, which exceeded 92m in 2024.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority said, “The project involves widening the existing bridge from three to four lanes by constructing a new bridge using an innovative system of steel box girders integrated with a composite concrete slab. This engineering solution was selected for its high structural efficiency, enabling delivery within a short time-frame, without the need for traffic diversions on Airport Street or temporary supports beneath the bridge, thereby ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and the highest safety standards.”

He added, “The total length of the bridge, including its ramps, is 171m, with the main span extending nearly 70m. The project also includes road pavement improvements, upgrades to infrastructure services, and landscaping works to integrate with the surrounding infrastructure, in addition to new street lighting to enhance safety and visibility.”

The expansion will increase the bridge’s capacity from 4,200 to 5,600 vehicles per hour, a 33% increase.

Al Tayer reaffirmed the RTA’s commitment to developing Dubai’s road and transport infrastructure, enhancing the efficiency of key corridors, and providing sustainable, flexible mobility solutions that not only improve overall quality of life, but also strengthen Dubai’s global competitiveness as a premier hub for international events.

“The bridge expansion is part of the RTA’s continuous efforts to improve traffic flow and strengthen connectivity between major corridors and vital facilities, most notably Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. The expansion will boost street capacity, improve safety, and shorten journey times during peak hours,” he concluded.

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Facilities management (FM) consultancy, OPTIMA, has partnered with Saudi-based FM provider FMTECH. The collaboration will focus on delivering fully integrated, technology-enabled FM solutions across the Kingdom in support of Vision 2030.

FMTECH was established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2023 and offers a comprehensive range of services, including utilities management, energy management, waste management, maintenance, housekeeping, security, and landscaping services.

The partnership is said to bring together OPTIMA’s global expertise in FM strategy, digital planning, and data-driven operations with FMTECH’s national delivery footprint and ISO-certified systems. Together, the firms will redefine how facilities in the region are managed, combining strategy, execution, and innovation to drive measurable value for clients and communities, said a statement.

“OPTIMA brings the strategic planning, digital insight, and data-driven FM expertise needed to help scale and elevate delivery across the Kingdom. Partnering with FMTECH, a highly successful organisation with significant operational reach, enables us, as a combined team, to offer truly integrated solutions that align with the ambitions of Vision 2030,” said Dani Ghandour, Managing Director at OPTIMA.

The partnership will play a critical role in supporting KSA’s national infrastructure through comprehensive service offerings, including operations and maintenance, energy and utility management, waste management, and consulting. As a combined team, OPTIMA and FMTECH are uniquely positioned to contribute to the Kingdom’s transformation through sustainable and efficient FM models.

Eng. Marwan Bouez, Acting CEO of FMTECH concluded, “This partnership represents a significant step towards building a global facilities management ecosystem that aligns with local market requirements. It leverages distinguished international expertise along with national implementation capabilities. We are committed to establishing an integrated platform capable of addressing current project challenges and future aspirations, which are in line with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.”

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TAQA Transmission has appointed Turner & Townsend to provide programme management consultancy services to support the retirement of a power generating plant in Abu Dhabi. Located in the east of Abu Dhabi, the power generating plant has a capacity of 1640MW and 1200MVAr, and will be decommissioned in 2029, according to Turner & Townsend.

Taking its place will be an upgraded energy efficient plant that will be developed with a focus on integrating solar and nuclear power into the network, further aiding decarbonisation of the UAE’s energy sector.

“In our role as programme management consultant, we are thrilled to be helping TAQA Transmission in delivering its future-fit energy infrastructure,” said Tarek Hamade, Regional Lead, Natural Resources, Middle East at Turner & Townsend.

He added, “Following the pending retirement of the plant, a large-scale project such as this demands innovative delivery models to achieve optimal performance.”

Turner & Townsend says that it will establish a Programme Management Office (PMO) and provide strategic support to expand and facilitate a comprehensive and sustainable upgrade of the power transmission and distribution infrastructure in the region. This will enable the construction of new grid and switching stations and substations, cable corridors and cable works, capacitor banks and high voltage overhead lines.

TAQA Transmission said that it aims to meet the UAE’s rapidly growing and evolving energy demands by embracing innovation and new technologies to ensure the region’s networks remain sustainable and fit for the future.

“We look forward to working with TAQA Tranmission on this groundbreaking clean energy transmission project, creating a more sustainable environment for all and ensuring a reliable and efficient supply of power across Abu Dhabi and its surroundings,” Hamade concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

UAE-based Azizi Developments has announced that 70% of the work has now been completed on its premium Beachfront 1 project in Riviera, the French Mediterranean-inspired residential waterfront community that is being developed in MBR City, Dubai.

Giving a project update, Azizi said the development’s overall structure is fully ready, with blockwork and internal plastering currently 98% complete. Tiling works have reached 50% while HVAC and MEP installations stand at 83% and 68% respectively.

Supported by a workforce of 3,200, construction remains firmly on track for completion in Q4 2025, the developer said.

Group CEO Farhad Azizi commented, “Beachfront in Riviera is rapidly taking shape, showcasing our dedication to delivering communities that perfectly blend sophistication with functionality. As we move closer to completion, our focus remains on surpassing the expectations of our valued investors and end-users, while further enriching Dubai’s skyline with developments that will stand the test of time.”

The Riviera Beachfront will feature three 20-storey developments offering 555 units across split across studios, one- and two-bedroom units, and retail spaces.

Each building, set on the shores of Azizi’s 2.7km swimmable crystal lagoon, will feature direct beach access, swimming pools, landscaped surroundings, fully equipped gyms, barbeque areas, children’s playgrounds and games, and yoga spaces.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Red Sea Global’s (RSG) CEO, John Pagano, has said that the regenerative and sustainable developer is currently considering a range of alternative financing options. This includes the possibility of launching an initial public offering (IPO), or converting assets into real estate investment trusts (REITs).

This comes at a time when the company is fully focused on leveraging current momentum, with resorts such as Amaala set to be fully operational by year-end and a raft of further hotel openings slated for Q3 & Q4.

Shoura Island, the flagship of the Red Sea destination, will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts operated by global hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Edition and Raffles.

Six resorts have opened under the Red Sea destination so far, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which are fully owned and operated by RSG. The exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat has also been unveiled as the company’s third destination.

RSG has also launched residential offerings on Shoura and Ummhat islands, in addition to announcing Lahak Island earlier this year, which drew strong local and international attention, said a report.

Amaala will feature wellness and hospitality brands such as Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood, Equinox, and Clinique La Prairie.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Developer Major Developments has promoted Salih Elalo to Chief Projects Officer (CPO) in recognition of his exceptional leadership, proven delivery track record, and expertise in shaping landmark developments across the UAE.

With over two decades of experience in project development and management, Elalo has played a pivotal role in delivering high-profile residential, hospitality, mixed-use, and large-scale infrastructure projects, the firm said.

Since joining Major Developments as Projects Director in 2023, he has been instrumental in overseeing complex developments such as Manta Bay – a signature world’s first Sky Beach project in Ras Al Khaimah – ensuring it met the highest standards of design, functionality and innovation.

“It is an honour to take on the role of Chief Projects Officer at such an exciting time for Major Developments. I look forward to building on our momentum, advancing architectural excellence, and ensuring our projects continue to set benchmarks in quality and innovation for our clients and communities,” commented Elalo.

Elalo’s career spans senior roles with leading developers, consultants, and government entities, where he has consistently demonstrated an ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with global design firms, and deliver projects on time, within budget, and to exceptional quality standards. His deep expertise covers architectural coordination, structural and infrastructure design integration, cost control, and stakeholder management, earning him a reputation as a credible and trusted leader in the industry, the firm said.

CEO Andrei Charapenak added, “Salih’s promotion reflects his outstanding leadership, technical depth and relentless commitment to project delivery. His strategic vision and hands-on expertise will be vital as we accelerate our development pipeline and reinforce our position as a leader in the UAE’s luxury real estate sector.”

The appointment comes as Major Developments continues to expand its footprint in prime locations, aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s broader vision for world-class urban environments.

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Source: MEConstructionNews