EMSTEEL recently released its financial results for the first half of 2025 and said that despite the challenges faced by the global steel industry, the company’s strong performance showcases its resilience and continued progress in solidifying its market leadership in the UAE.

The group demonstrated robust operational performance during the period, witnessing a significant 24% year-on-year (YoY) increase in sales volumes of finished steel products. This growth was primarily driven by the sustained momentum in the UAE’s construction sector and the group’s strong market presence. In the first half of 2025, strong demand and optimised capacity utilisation enabled the complete conversion of semi-finished products into finished goods, enhancing customer satisfaction. Cement and clinker sales volumes experienced a notable 21% YoY increase, reaching 1,613 thousand tonnes, the firm said in its statement.

Despite a 4% YoY decline in average steel prices and a strategic shift towards prioritising the sale of finished products and phasing out the sale of semi-finished products in the first half of 2025, which accounted for 9% of the steel division’s revenue in the first half of 2024, EMSTEEL reported revenues of $1.17bn for the first half of 2025, representing a 9% increase compared to the same period last year.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of EMSTEEL, said: “Our strong H1 2025 performance underscores the resilience and adaptability of EMSTEEL in an evolving global market. The 9% growth in revenue and continued EBITDA strength reflect our strategic focus on value-added products, operational efficiency, and domestic market leadership. We are proud of our team’s ability to convert industry headwinds into opportunities for growth and innovation.”

He added, “As we advance our decarbonisation journey, the launch of our Green Finance Framework and our strategic partnership with Magsort mark important milestones in building a more sustainable, circular steel and cement ecosystem. With a solid financial foundation, strong ESG credentials, and a clear long-term vision, EMSTEEL remains well-positioned to deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders”.

EBITDA reached $147mn, up 6% YoY, with an EBITDA margin of 12.6%, compared to 12.8% in the first half of 2024. Margin pressure from lower prices was mitigated by improved production costs in the second quarter of 2025. Profit after tax for the first half of 2025 amounted to $51.14mn, compared to $47.33mn for the same period last year.

The Emirates Steel division generated $1.06bn in revenue, a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024, and reported an EBITDA of $122.23mn. The Emirates Cement division, on the other hand, recorded $116.42mn in revenue, showcasing a 21% year-over-year growth, and generated an EBITDA of $24.75mn. Within the cement division, the Pipes & Other segment is reported as Assets Held for Sale, reflecting its ongoing divestment process, contributing $24.48mn in revenue during the period.

As of 30 June 2025, the group maintained a net cash position of $101.18mn, an improvement from the $91.66mn recorded as of 31 December 2024. The group’s revenue for Q2 2025 experienced a significant growth of 18%, while EBITDA grew by 27% compared to the same period last year. This strong financial performance was driven by the same factors that contributed to the positive results in the first quarter of 2025, with the addition of a low base effect from Q2 2024, when EMSTEEL’s operations were partially impacted by adverse weather conditions.

EMSTEEL received a provisional ‘AA’ ESG rating from MSCI, positioning the company at the forefront of environmental and social risk management. This rating underscores EMSTEEL’s commitment to responsible carbon reduction efforts and exceptional workforce health and safety practices.

The firm said it has taken a step forward by signing a strategic partnership with Finland’s Magsort. This partnership aims to produce decarbonised cement, following the pilot conducted at its Al Ain plant. During the pilot, 10,000t of materials were used, which reduced carbon emissions. These materials were developed by incorporating steel-slag. This milestone strengthens EMSTEEL’s circular economy model and supports its 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation targets across the steel and cement value chains.

EMSTEEL has also launched its inaugural Green Finance Framework, which facilitates the issuance of green bonds and loans to finance projects that promote low-carbon steel and cement production. This initiative, aligned with global standards, strengthens EMSTEEL’s sustainability strategy and contributes to its long-term Net Zero objectives.

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Developer AUM Development has announced the launch of its new residential project, Veda. The project is billed as an ‘exclusive collection of wellness-inspired homes in the heart of Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)’.

The latest development offers one- and two-bedroom units spread across five levels, including ground floor apartments, and includes a private park. Construction began on 5 July according to AUM Development, with completion planned for the third quarter of 2027.

Drawing inspiration from AUM’s vision for smart residential design, Veda exclusively prioritises well-being. The project brings together efficient layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, and premium finishes for long-term use, along with a suite of wellness-based amenities that reimagine what urban living can be. Every aspect of Veda embodies AUM’s mission to offer thoughtfully designed homes that meet the needs of end-users and discerning investors, the developer said.

“For over two decades, we’ve closely monitored the changing customer preferences and market dynamics of Dubai’s ever-competitive real estate ecosystem. With this launch, we are responding to a growing desire for residential spaces that actively contribute to a better quality of life. This is more than just a residential project; for us, it’s about creating an environment where family well-being is the foundation. In the long term, we see ‘Veda’ as a foundation of our vision to elevate lives,” said Deepak Batra, Founder and CEO at AUM Development.

Set in the vibrant, family-friendly community of JVC, Veda is surrounded by lush gardens, schools and local infrastructure. Its proximity to the Circle Mall and a central community park provides residents with connectivity and comfort. Moreover, destinations such as Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai International Airport are all within close reach. Veda further signifies a blend of tranquillity and access, offering an environment where the rhythm of daily life is elevated by its surroundings, the developer said in its statement.

AUM Development’s latest project offers a comprehensive range of amenities. For wellness, the residential space includes a rooftop Zen garden and lounge, a yoga studio, a sauna, and an ice bath. Fitness and recreation facilities feature a swimming pool, both indoor and outdoor gyms, and a covered sky trail. For community and leisure, residents can use an outdoor party deck, a sky cinema, and a children’s play area. It also features smart home technology, digital door access, WiFi-equipped communal spaces, an EV charging station, roof top solar panels and round-the-clock security, the firm explained.

Veda is the latest in a pipeline of active projects for the company, and is said to underscore the company’s strategic growth and commitment to Dubai’s property market.

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Developer TownX has announced that construction of its Luma Park Views in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is now 95% complete. The firm said all major milestones have been achieved, with the structure and internal works completed, while internal finishes, MEP installations and snagging are in advanced stages.

The development comprises 600 apartments, offering one- to three-bedroom units with park views, and is on track for handover ahead of schedule, TownX stated.

The project is said to blend luxury, smart technology and community living, with features including two sky pools, two Technogym-equipped gyms, and a vast internal garden spanning over 32,000sqft. Kitchens are fitted with Siemens appliances and integrated smart home systems, complemented by a grand coffee shop and 24-hour security with face recognition systems in lifts. Residents will also benefit from smart home door locks, plate number recognition for parking access, temperature controlled pools, and EV car charging points, the developer explained.

TownX also said it recently signed an exclusive agreement with global real estate consultancy Knight Frank to lease over 20,000sqft of prime retail space within Luma Park Views.

“Luma Park Views reflects our vision to create premium residential spaces that blend technology, luxury, and community living. At TownX, we are committed to delivering projects ahead of schedule without compromising on quality. This development embodies our dedication to detail and our belief in creating long-term value for residents and investors,” said Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director of TownX.

The firm said that since its inception in 2017, it has focused on delivering projects ahead of schedule with exceptional attention to detail. With over 967 units delivered and 1,774 apartments currently under development, the company continues to expand its footprint in Dubai’s real estate market. Key developments delivered by TownX include Easy18, Easy19, Luma21 and Luma22 in JVC, while ongoing projects include 11 Hills Park at Dubai Science Park and Luma Park Views in JVC, the firm added.

With a focus on family-oriented communities, TownX designs spaces that cater to all generations, prioritising high-end finishes, energy-efficient designs and spacious interiors. Above all, the company is committed to enhancing the daily lives of its residents through exceptional user experiences, the developer concluded.

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Dulsco Group has said that it has appointed Paul Marson as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In his new role he will lead the group’s financial strategy, driving governance excellence, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth across its portfolio of businesses.

A seasoned finance executive, Marson brings more than 20 years of international experience across diverse sectors. His previous leadership roles span major organisations including Emirates Group, Majid Al Futtaim, Saudi Entertainment Ventures and GSK, the firm said.

Over the course of his career, he has successfully managed complex financial operations and led major mergers and acquisitions, from target identification and due diligence to integration and post-investment evaluation, it added.

“We are pleased to welcome Paul to Dulsco Group’s executive leadership team. His broad expertise and strategic insight will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations, invest in innovation, and deliver sustainable impact across the markets we serve,” said David Stockton, Chief Executive Officer of Dulsco Group.

Marson is a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Jumeirah English Speaking School, one of Dubai’s leading not-for-profit educational institutions, said the statement.

Marson commented, “I am honoured to join Dulsco Group at such a dynamic stage in its journey. I look forward to supporting its continued growth and transformation by reinforcing financial discipline and unlocking strategic value.”

As Group CFO, Marson will oversee the financial strategy across all of Dulsco Group’s business verticals, including Dulsco People, Dulsco Environment, Parisima Talent, and Advance Global Recruitment, the statement concluded.

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The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested more than US $82mn in developing the Sharjah Collection, a portfolio of seven luxury eco-retreats offering wellness, heritage and nature-based experiences across the emirate.

Together, the retreats will provide 154 high-end units in diverse landscapes, from coastal mangroves and desert dunes to mountain valleys and heritage villages.

The collection, operated by Shurooq, forms part of its $231mn hospitality portfolio and reinforces the emirate’s vision for sustainable development. It aims to deliver experiences that combine cultural authenticity and ecological balance, while also generating employment and protecting the environment through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operations, the company explained.

Among the destinations is Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha’s desert, repurposed from a collection of 1960s buildings and transitioning to become a boutique property of five rooms, all with desert views.

Meanwhile, Kalba’s Kingfisher Retreat, developed with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, offers 40 luxury tents within a mangrove reserve. In Mleiha National Park, the Moon Retreat provides domes and premium tents with activities such as stargazing and yoga.

Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah’s red dunes includes 46 units designed in traditional caravanserai style, while Najd Al Meqsar in Khorfakkan features seven restored heritage homes in Wadi Wishi. The Al Rayaheen Retreat meanwhile offers 19 restored houses in the historic core of Khorfakkan.

Furthermore, Nomad, launching in Q4 2025, will introduce 20 solar-powered trailers in Kalba’s mountain valleys, designed to promote digital disconnection and nature immersion. Environmental protection measures have been adopted to safeguard Kalba’s biodiversity.

Shurooq CEO Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer said these retreats serve as living bridges between the visitor and ‘the place’ – preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form.

“Sharjah’s natural diversity has provided fertile ground for projects that resonate with the spirit of each site. The Sharjah Collection is a strategic expression of this vision, with every retreat designed to echo its surroundings,” said Al Qaseer.

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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the beginning of trials that will export electricity to Dubai from Hatta’s hydroelectric power plant. The final stages of work on the distribution link are now underway, the utility firm said.

The initiative was officially announced during the visit of Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO, DEWA to review the project’s progress. In the final stages of testing, the amount of energy produced by the hydroelectric plant exceeded 17,921 megawatt-hours.

When completed, the plant will have a production capacity of 250MW, a storage capacity of 1,500MWh and a lifespan of up to 80 years. The peak electricity demand in Hatta is approximately 39MW and the surplus will be exported to Dubai, DEWA explained.

The initiative supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of Dubai’s total energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050.

The official visit included a tour and inspection of the upper dam, built by DEWA as part of the project, which has a total water surface area of 210,000sqm. The dam is constructed from two compressed concrete walls: a main wall 72m high and 225m long, and a 37m-high side wall. The upper dam has a storage capacity of around 5.3mn cu/m (1,166m gallons) of water.

The dam plays a crucial role in the project, since the hydroelectric process uses the potential energy of water stored in the upper dam, converting it into kinetic energy as it flows through a 1.2km subterranean tunnel. This kinetic energy rotates the turbines, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be supplied to DEWA’s grid within 90 seconds.

Meanwhile, to store energy, clean power generated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will be used to pump water back to the upper dam, converting electrical power into kinetic energy in the process, DEWA explained.

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AESG has announced the appointment of Adrian Hudson to its growing Environment team. The move underscores AESG’s ambition to lead the market in ecological and biodiversity consultancy, at a time when worsening climate extremes, rapid urbanisation, and large-scale construction projects present an urgent need for integrated, ecologically-sound planning, the firm said.

As Senior Associate Director of the Environment Division with a focus on Ecology, Hudson will spearhead the firm’s growing portfolio of biodiversity and ecology services, helping clients navigate environmental complexities through scientifically defensible data and conservation strategies that minimise disruption to native ecosystems, the firm said.

Drawing on more than three decades of experience across Africa, South America, South Asia, and the Middle East, Hudson brings a rare blend of technical rigour and regional understanding. His work on renewable energy, infrastructure, and power generation projects is particularly aligned with national strategies across the GCC, where governments are investing in long-term infrastructure while seeking to mitigate environmental risk, it added.

Brent Ridgard, Director of Environment at AESG said the firm is ‘doubling down’ on its ecology and biodiversity services. He commented, “Just as our roots in sustainability put us ahead of the curve a decade ago, today we’re pioneering a more scientific and proactive approach to biodiversity. We’re taking the lead in market awareness, introducing global best practices and providing forward-thinking clients with the tools to build resiliently and responsibly. Adrian’s appointment is key to this vision. His experience, credibility and passion are exactly what this region needs.”

AESG said that Hudson’s remit extends beyond project delivery. His appointment signals AESG’s determination to raise the bar for ecological consulting in the region, including through closer engagement with regulators, universities, and industry bodies. His mentoring of young consultants and academic supervision of postgraduate students in the UAE reflects AESG’s broader commitment to growing local capacity in the environmental sciences, the firm explained.

Hudson says that he sees conservation not as a nice-to-have sustainability gesture, but as a fundamental risk management tool. He stated, “Whether it’s the loss of desert biodiversity or the vulnerability of infrastructure to flash flooding and heatwaves, nature-based solutions can no longer be an afterthought. Biodiversity and climate change are interconnected risks. Through early planning and education, we can equip the construction sector to better withstand both.”

According to AESG, Hudson’s project track record includes some of the region’s highest-profile developments, such as NEOM’s The Line and Oxagon in Saudi Arabia. The projects required innovative ecological thinking and set new benchmarks for biodiversity integration in large-scale urban planning. His local achievements also include the translocation of the Persian Wonder Gecko for Etihad Rail and a behaviour monitoring initiative for the threatened spiny-tailed lizard with Abu Dhabi Ports, projects that advanced both scientific understanding and regulatory compliance, the firm said.

“I’m excited to be joining AESG at such a pivotal time. This region is on the cusp of transformative development. To get it right we must embed biodiversity early in the process, raise awareness and strengthen our scientific base,” noted Hudson.

Hudson’s appointment follows last year’s onboarding of Brent Ridgard as Regional Director of Environment – the move is said to have enhanced AESG’s technical depth in the Middle East.

The company says that it is continuing to expand its environmental services, which include strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, environmental and social impact assessment, environmental compliance, environmental monitoring, due diligence and compliance auditing, environmental risk assessment, and waste management.

Now, with Hudson’s appointment, AESG intends to expand and strengthen its existing ecological restoration and remediation, ecosystem services assessments, biodiversity sustainability, and nature-based solutions services, as it works to leverage its position as a leading, full-services environmental consultancy in the region, the firm concluded.

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The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed that the 2026 edition of the annual Big Project Middle East Awards (BPME Awards) will take place on 11 February 2026. Nominations are now open, with 31 awards up for grabs.

The 16^th edition of the awards will recognise excellence from across the construction supply chain, including government organisations, developers, construction companies, and suppliers. The event has its 31 Awards split across several categories: Individual Awards; Sustainability Awards; Developer Awards; Contractor Awards, and Project Awards. Organisations with offices in the Middle East and North Africa are welcome to nominate.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on 30 November 2025. No extensions will be offered, the BPME team confirmed.

The BPME team has confirmed that nominations are open and pointed out that a new step-by-step nomination video is now on the website, thus enabling those new to the nomination process to source relevant information and testimonials ahead of submitting the nominations. Read about all the categories here.

“The BPME team and I are excited to launch nominations for the 16^th edition of the highly regarded BPME Awards. This year, in particular, the team has built up relationships with multiple developers who have recently entered the region, and expects significant nominations – and competition – in the developer specific categories,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

“The team has also put together a video guide that explains the nomination form in detail in a bid to make it easier for new companies to compile information and submit the strongest nominations possible. The step-by-step guide works hand-in-hand with the nomination guidelines, so I encourage first time participants to pay close attention to both,” Saundalkar added.

Read the nominations guidelines for the BPME Awards by clicking here. Watch the step-by-step guide by clicking here.

Following the close of nominations, the BPME editorial team will go through the first round of eliminations, and will then send the remaining nominations to a panel of expert judges from the industry. The shortlist for the BPME Awards will be revealed in January 2026, following which the full shortlist and winners will be recognised at the gala dinner event on 11 February 2026.

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Supply chain management firm JD.com – also known as Jingdong – has announced the opening of its new warehouse in Dubai. Located at Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the warehouse has a floor area of more than 10,000sqm.

The firm says it provides world-class procurement and down-the-line supply services in sectors as diverse as construction and electronics. The facility represents the company’s first asset investment in the country, made through its infrastructure investment and management platform, Jingdong Property, and is operated by Jingdong Logistics.

The new launch comes as part of JD.com’s strategy to build its logistics business across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, thereby enhancing inter-market movement and operational synergy. The warehouse, which will provide storage for nearly one million items for a major electronics manufacturer, aims to achieve an outbound ‘in-time’ rate exceeding 99.9%.

Jingdong Logistics’ supply chain service, JoyLogistics, supports a tailored approach that improves space utilisation and inventory control, while helping customers to manage seasonal fluctuations and category-specific complexities more effectively, the firm said.

JoyLogistics offers end-to-end logistics services, integrating international freight (sea, air, express) with last-mile delivery and bonded warehousing, supporting B2B and B2C operations in the Middle East.

Feng Guo, General Manager of Middle East, JD.com said, “The investment marks a strategic milestone in our long-term investment and growth in the Middle East, enhancing the existing operational footprint to support greater regional scalability and trade. We are investing not just in physical infrastructure, but in the long-term digital transformation of the region’s logistics landscape, empowering cross-border trade and supply chain transformation.”

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