An all-new event has been unveiled by the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team. The 2025 Fire Security Summit will focus on themes including fire & life safety design and engineering, building codes, building site safety, the importance of fire-rated materials as well as prevention strategies and cutting edge early detection systems.

The BPME team said that the day-long event is scheduled to take place on 8 October in Dubai, and confirmed that a venue will be announced in the coming weeks.

The event aims to bring together stakeholders from across the industry to discuss topics and highlight key issues via panel discussions and presentations. Registration for the event is complementary but mandatory, click here to register.

“Fire & life safety is an important issue, and one that the BPME team has touched upon several times via its print, digital and live platforms over the past few years. Considering the incredible pace of construction in multiple markets across the Middle East region, surging populations and the rising occurrences of extreme temperatures and extended periods of dryness, we thought the time was right for an event dedicated to this crucial issue,” explained Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

Saundalkar confirmed that the event will feature high-profile speakers from public sector entities, in addition to stakeholders from across the built environment. He also noted that the detailed agenda for the event and speakers will be shared on the summit’s website in the coming weeks.

To learn more about the Fire Security Summit, click here.

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India-based real estate firm Casagrand has made a strategic move into the United Arab Emirates, and their first premium residential project on Dubai Islands is expected to be officially unveiled soon. The expansion into the international market aligns with Casagrand’s long-term vision to explore high-potential real estate destinations, paving the way for innovative and lifestyle-focused developments beyond India.

Established in 2003, Casagrand has grown into the real estate market with their presence in South India. With over 160 landmark projects, spanning 53m sqft of living spaces, and a customer base of over 55,000 families, Casagrand has consistently pushed the boundaries of urban living. Their projects provide amenities, layouts, green spaces, and adherence to international standards. Casagrand also offers post-possession services and more, said a statement.

Casagrand has transformed the residential landscape in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad. Now, they are setting their sights on the UAE, a region celebrated for its bold vision, architectural prowess, and insatiable demand for high-quality real estate. The company is committed to the region, exploring key growth communities and masterplans. Over the next three years, Casagrand aims to develop over 6m sqft of premium residential and mixed-use developments in the UAE, the company said.

Casagrand’s debut project, launched in Dubai Islands, a destination known for its waterfronts, tourism potential, and connectivity, aims to capitalise Dubai’s growth corridors. The development aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy of attracting long-term foreign investment and city’s livability through infrastructure and urban planning. As part of its global expansion, Casagrand continues to identify high-potential markets, and Dubai Islands, supported by government initiatives such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

“Our entry into the UAE is a proud and exciting moment for all of us at Casagrand,” said Arun MN, Founder and Managing Director of Casagrand. “Over the last 22 years, Casagrand has built a track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and with precision. We want to bring this experience and approach to this market, which is one of the leading real estate destinations in the world. We believe the UAE’s visionary leadership, investor-friendly policies, and vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle present the perfect environment for our next phase of growth. We are here for the long haul and our aim is to deliver differentiated lifestyle experiences that blend architectural brilliance, value-driven design, and exceptional community living – reflecting the hallmarks of the Casagrand promise.”

Casagrand’s upcoming projects in the UAE will offer resort-style living, layouts, and amenities tailored to the discerning modern buyer, whether they are end-users seeking a luxurious lifestyle or investors seeking high returns in the real estate market.

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Mace Group has announced a significant investment in Mace Consult, a program management consulting firm. This investment, facilitated by Goldman Sachs Alternatives through a carve-out from Mace Group, aims to support Mace Consult’s goal of becoming independent program management consultant. Mace Consult plays a crucial role as a delivery partner for some of the complex infrastructure and built environment projects, including the Hudson Tunnel Project in New York, Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia, and the New Hospitals Programme in the UK, said a statement.

In 2024, Mace Consult generated substantial revenues of US $926mn and employs over 5,200 people across four global hubs, Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. In addition to the investment, several Mace Group shareholders, including Executive Chair Mark Reynolds and Mace Group CEO Jason Millett, will retain a minority stake in Mace Consult. They will actively collaborate with Goldman Sachs Alternatives as members of the newly formed Mace Consult Board, with Mark Reynolds being appointed as the Chair.

Building on over a decade of consistent double-digit organic growth and a strategic expansion into delivering major programs across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa, the new partnership will enable Mace Consult to further strengthen its presence in key growth markets.

Mark Reynolds, Mace Group’s Executive Chair said, “This transaction is a key milestone in securing the long-term future of Mace Consult, enabling the next phase of growth for our global consultancy practice. The shareholders, the board and I are extremely proud of the progress we’ve made collectively to achieve this outcome. Since 1990, and accelerating since the success of the London 2012 Olympics, Mace Consult has transformed the industries it serves, delivering to exceptional standards and redefining the boundaries of ambition. We have established a foundation to enable the business to flourish for decades to come.”

Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives added, “We are delighted to invest in Mace Consult and accelerate its growth trajectory as an independent business both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Through the global Goldman Sachs network and value acceleration resources, we see the potential to support Mace in delivering critical client outcomes during this period of heightened uncertainty and transformation.”

Davendra Dabasia, Mace Consult’s CEO commented, “I am excited to lead Mace Consult on this next stage in our journey, working in close partnership with Goldman Sachs Alternatives. Our teams around the world have delivered exceptional growth over the past few years, and our new partnership will enable us to build on that to become the world’s leading delivery consultant. As a standalone business, we will be positioned to further support our global infrastructure and built environment clients by scaling up at pace in North America and enhancing our digital solution delivery for clients.”

Alex Mass, Managing Director within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, added, “The long-dated trends of climate change, technological disruption, demographic shifts and urbanisation represent one of the fundamental project delivery challenges in history, requiring innovative management approaches, as demonstrated by Mace Consult over the years. As an independent business, Mace Consult is distinctly positioned to support clients in unlocking the full potential of every project around the world – and we are proud to support the employees of Mace Consult in this journey.”

Mace Group was advised by UBS (M&A) and Linklaters (Legal). Goldman Sachs Alternatives was advised by Lazard (M&A and Financing), Jefferies International Limited (M&A) and White & Case (Legal). The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals (amongst other conditions) and is expected to close in 2025.

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Qatar-based developer Msheireb Properties has partnered with global multi-disciplinary consultancy Cundall to decarbonise its entire portfolio in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The initiative is said to be the first of its kind at this scale in Qatar, reinforcing Msheireb Properties position in sustainable urban development and supports the goals set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030.

As part of the project, Cundall said that it conducted a detailed carbon footprint analysis across the full asset portfolio which includes over 100 buildings, 800+ residential units, and 300+ retail spaces. The decarbonisation strategy targets emissions reductions across all three GHG Protocol carbon accounting scopes (1, 2 and 3) and aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a globally recognised benchmark for decarbonisation.

“This is more than a sustainability initiative – it’s a pivotal step in redefining the future of urban living in Qatar,” said Fatima Mohamed Fawzy, Senior Manager – Education & Sustainability, Doha Design District, Msheireb Properties. “By embedding science-based decarbonisation across our entire portfolio, we are not only setting a bold new benchmark for climate leadership in the region, but also demonstrating what is possible when innovation, transparency, and collaboration come together. This milestone reflects our long-term commitment to driving measurable climate action in the built environment and highlights the impact of working with forward-thinking partners like Cundall.”

Gary Dodds, Partner and Country Director, Qatar added, “We are proud to support Msheireb Properties on this pioneering journey. This is not just about upgrading buildings, it’s about reshaping what sustainable development looks like in Qatar. By taking a portfolio-wide view, we’re helping deliver meaningful change that aligns with both local goals and global expectations.”

Mario Saab, Director of Sustainability MENA commented, “By taking a data-led, science-aligned approach to portfolio decarbonisation, Msheireb Properties is setting a new standard for sustainable development in the region – one that others can learn from and follow.”

Carbon accounting marks the first step in Msheireb Properties decarbonisation roadmap, that accounts for direct building and indirect emissions. Each building has been assessed against Cundall’s Seven Steps to Net Zero Carbon, with detailed action plans developed to reduce operational energy consumption through priority upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, Cundall explained.

Comprehensive energy audits were conducted across all building typologies to evaluate current performance and identify high-impact, cost-effective energy-saving opportunities. The wider decarbonisation plan also addresses elements such as sustainable procurement, supply chain engagement, waste management, and policy enhancement. Each asset received a performance rating and had measures identified as part of their tailored pathway to Net Zero carbon.

As part of its leadership in carbon transparency, Msheireb Properties will now be able to provide granular emissions data to tenants – supporting their own decarbonisation goals and enabling alignment with international sustainability frameworks.

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Truck & Fleet Middle East has officially announced the launch of Truck & Fleet Confex 2025, a new conference and exhibition platform dedicated to the future of commercial transportation and fleet operations in the region.

The one-day event will take place on 16 September 2025 in Dubai, continuing the popular Truck and Fleet Middle East’s series of events, the new Truck and Fleet Confex 2025 brings together government authorities, fleet operators, technology providers, OEMs, and logistics leaders to share insights, tackle industry challenges, and showcase the latest commercial vehicles and fleet solutions.

“After five mainline Truck & Fleet conferences, Truck & Fleet Confex 2025 reflects the huge momentum across commercial mobility in the Gulf right now,” said Stephen White, Head of Content at Truck & Fleet Middle East.

“This is more than just another industry event — it’s a chance for fleet professionals, regulators, and suppliers to collaborate on the key challenges and opportunities shaping our sector. Whether it’s getting more out of your existing operation, exploring the potential of NEVs, digital fleet tools, or smarter logistics planning, this is where the real conversations will happen.”

Attendees can expect a comprehensive thought-leadership programme exploring topics such as fleet electrification, emissions reduction, digitalisation, supply chain sustainability, and future-ready fleet strategies.

The conference will host keynote presentations, deep-dive panel discussions, and case studies from leading transport innovators and regional government representatives.

In addition to the conference content, the event will feature a unique on-site exhibition showcasing the latest in trucks, trailers, EV solutions, telematics platforms, fleet services, and aftermarket innovations.

Attendees will also be able to engage with live product demos and participate in test drives of next-generation commercial vehicles.

Networking is a core component of the Confex experience. The event will offer curated opportunities for attendees to connect, including structured networking breaks, roundtable sessions, and meet-the-expert engagements. Key themes include OEM innovation, connected fleet technology, EV infrastructure rollout, and efficient procurement and fleet management strategies.

Truck & Fleet Confex 2025 is targeted at a wide audience across the commercial transport ecosystem — from fleet and logistics managers, vehicle manufacturers, and government authorities, to engineers, contractors, and service providers.

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Developer TownX has unveiled its latest residential project, Ashley Hills. Situated on one of Arjan’s land plots, the US $180.26mn development will boast over 400,000sqft of sellable area and promises to be a significant addition to the Dubai real estate market.

Ashley Hills will cater to families and investors seeking high-quality living spaces with its 616 residential units. Each apartment type is designed with spacious interiors and modern amenities, making it an option for a diverse range of buyers, the firm said.

Arjan offers connectivity to major roads such as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The area’s growing infrastructure, including schools, retail centers, parks, and recreational facilities, ensures residents have access to convenience and a lifestyle, the developer stated.

Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director of TownX said, “The launch of Ashley Hills represents our ongoing commitment to developing high-quality, accessible communities in emerging neighbourhoods like Arjan. With its strategic location and focus on modern design and sustainable building practices, this project will offer a solid investment opportunity while meeting the growing demand for residential options in this area.”

With over 1,774 units delivered and 2,125 apartments currently in development, the developer said that Ashley Hills is another milestone in its efforts to create vibrant and functional residential communities. In addition to Ashley Hills, TownX has delivered several other developments in JVC. Ongoing projects include 11 Hills Park at Dubai Science Park and Luma Park Views in JVC, further expanding TownX’s footprint in the region.

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Innovo has forged a strategic partnership with Quantavist, a safety intelligence company specialising in complex environments. The collaboration aims to improve and change risk detection and mitigation across high-density construction sites, setting a new standard for workplace safety.

The firm said its commitment to embedding real-time and adaptive intelligence throughout its operations is further strengthened by this partnership. As the innovation partner in the construction sector, Innovo will play a pivotal role in shaping the development and refinement of Quantavist’s safety intelligence platform. The partnership will commence with a live pilot on one of Innovo’s flagship projects, said a statement.

Quantavist utilises computer vision and advanced real-time analytics to synthesise billions of data points on worker behavior and environmental conditions each month. This data enables adaptive AI to deliver targeted safety interventions proactively, preventing incidents from occurring, it added.

Roger Wahl, CTO, Innovo commented on what this partnership means for the industry, “This partnership reflects our belief that safety should never be left to chance. By working closely with Quantavist, we are digitising and applying practical innovation to one of the most critical challenges in our industry. We are using technology to protect our teams and raise the standards for how the entire sector approaches safety.”

Jordan Kettle, Co-Founder, Quantavist added, “With over eight million man-hours managed per month, Innovo’s scale and operational expertise in high-stakes construction environments will be invaluable, as we refine our solution to meet the precise needs of the industry and accelerate the shift towards intelligent prevention.”

As Innovo continues to operate at the intersection of innovation and impact, this partnership reflects its ongoing mission to shape the next era of construction through intelligent, human-centric solutions.

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AI71 has announced ‘SuperHive’, which is said to be a ‘groundbreaking end-to-end platform designed to optimise every stage of the construction lifecycle – from design and permitting to execution and operation’.

The solution features embedded AI, real-time intelligence, and advanced automation, and is said to offer stakeholders across the ecosystem the ability to accelerate project delivery, reduce risk, and enhance long-term asset performance.

“Construction underpins economic growth, yet it has seen limited disruption from modern technologies. With SuperHive, we’re embedding intelligence across the entire infrastructure lifecycle — transforming how nations build and operate. This is not just about digital transformation — it’s about rethinking how we approach scale, speed, and resilience in infrastructure delivery,” said H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of AI71.

The project features a broad array of modules and capabilities including augmented design and planning, advanced construction monitoring, Digital Twins, asset management and AI-enabled monitoring.

The firm noted that one of SuperHive’s most transformative features is its AI-powered compliance automation. Currently, compliance validation for construction permits remains a manual, error-prone, and time-consuming process — especially in rapidly growing urban regions. SuperHive’s AiComply Studio reduces human dependency, minimises costly errors, and empowers both consultants and municipal authorities to accelerate the approval process through AI-assisted regulation mapping and validation, the firm explained.

“By digitising and automating compliance, municipalities save cost, consultants gain speed, and developers reduce risk. It’s a win across the board,” outlined Klemensas Mecejus, VP of Advisory at AI71.

SuperHive is said to support a vision where infrastructure projects can go from idea to asset with intelligence at every stage. Whether for public housing, urban development, or smart cities, SuperHive offers a robust, integrated ecosystem – ready to be deployed at national scale, the statement added.

“With this intelligence we boost productivity across the entire construction lifecycle – enabling up to 50% faster decision-making, reducing manual documentation by 70%, and cutting on-site rework by half. With full AI coverage across all sub-stages, it transforms how teams plan, build, and deliver at scale,” concludes Chiara Marcati, Chief AI Advisory and Business Officer at AI71.

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Sizewell C, a new nuclear power station under development on the Suffolk coast in England, has received its final investment decision from the British government. The move is said to mark a significant milestone in the UK’s energy sector. The decision unlocks the investment in clean, homegrown energy in a generation, paving the way for the delivery of secure, affordable, and low-carbon electricity to the nation.

The UK has not had a new nuclear plant since 1995, and all existing nuclear plants, except for Sizewell B, are expected to be phased out by the early 2030s. This decision is a world-first for the industry, as it also enables financing for British nuclear energy by adopting the Regulated Asset Base model. This model combines public investment and private capital to support the project, said a report.

Once operational, Sizewell C will provide electricity to six million homes for at least 60 years. It is projected to generate electricity system savings of US $2.70bn annually once operational. The project’s capital cost is estimated to be around $51.38bn (2024 prices). Around 70% of the project’s spend is expected to go to UK companies.

The agreement includes incentives for investors, contractors, and project managers to deliver the project on time and at the lowest possible cost. The figure includes contingencies and excludes potential cost offsets from asset sales or other opportunities. Sizewell C also benefits from the experience gained from its sister plant, Hinkley Point C, where construction of elements of the second unit has been running 50% faster than the first. The lessons learned from Hinkley will be directly applied to Sizewell C.

The government has confirmed its commitment to becoming the single largest equity shareholder in the project, taking an initial 44.9% stake. This means the British people will directly benefit from the government’s investment in Sizewell C. The new shareholders include La Caisse with 20%, Centrica with 15%, and Amber Infrastructure with an initial 7.6%. EDF has taken a 12.5% stake in the project, as announced earlier this month.

Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C said, “Sizewell C will cost consumers around $1.35 per month as an average over the duration of construction. Once operational, the project could lead to savings of $2.70bn a year across the electricity system. Our plan is to deliver Sizewell C at a capital cost of around $51.50bn. Our estimate is the result of very detailed scrutiny of costs at Hinkley Point C and long negotiations with our suppliers. It has been subject to third-party peer review and has been scrutinised by investors and lenders and has been subject to extensive due diligence as part of the financing process. A capital cost of $51.50bn represents around 20% saving compared with Hinkley Point C and demonstrates the value of the UK’s fleet approach.”

Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C added, “Any infrastructure project of this scale will face risks and potentially disruptive events outside of its control, as well as opportunities to reduce costs. Our supply chain is strongly incentivised to keep costs down and our investors will lose potential revenue if there are overruns.”

Construction is already underway on the site in Suffolk, with over $446mn in contracts signed with local businesses. At its peak, the project will directly support 10,000 jobs with up to 60,000 more in the supply chain, and it will create 1,500 apprenticeships. Sizewell C marks a significant step in building a fleet of large and small nuclear plants across the country, and complements Britain’s growing portfolio of renewables and clean energy technologies.

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Source: MEConstructionNews