The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has appointed Yousif Ahmed AlMutawa as its new Chief Real Estate Officer. Previously serving as CEO of Sharjah Sustainable City, AlMutawa’s new role expands significantly to cover the strategic development, investor engagement, and sustainable community planning for Shurooq’s real estate portfolio across Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

In his new capacity, AlMutawa will oversee Shurooq’s real estate portfolio with broader responsibilities encompassing strategic development, investor relations, and sustainable community planning across Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. The appointment underscores Shurooq’s commitment to enhancing Sharjah’s position as a cultural investment capital and premier destination for value-driven development.

Under AlMutawa’s leadership, Shurooq will continue to differentiate Sharjah’s real estate offering through its curated approach prioritising livability, heritage preservation, and community-first development. Key initiatives include advancing projects like Ajwan Khorfakkan on the UAE’s East Coast, which exemplifies a human-centric design philosophy integrating leisure, lifestyle, and green spaces.

Having joined Shurooq in 2006, AlMutawa brings nearly two decades of experience across project management, construction, operations, investment strategy, and property oversight. He holds a degree in e-commerce from the Higher Colleges of Technology – Sharjah, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and is a member of the Project Management Institute and the Real Estate Sector Business Group within the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

His academic background, coupled with practical expertise, positions him as a results-oriented leader capable of delivering complex, future-facing projects that align with Sharjah’s broader vision of progress. Al Mutawa’s appointment comes as Sharjah experiences growing momentum in its real estate sector, driven by the emirate’s stable regulatory environment, affordable luxury value proposition, and increasing global demand for culturally rich, well-planned destinations, said a statement.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

FM company Musanadah has unveiled Mserve, a specialised full-service home and property maintenance service. This service aims to cater to the evolving needs of households and businesses across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mserve will operate as a dedicated division of Musanadah, a Saudi enterprise established in 2011. The company boasts over 1,700 skilled professionals, including technicians, tradespeople, cleaners, and maids. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi conglomerate Alturki Holding.

Operating to internationally recognised standards such as BICSc, Institute of Asset Management (IAM), and ISSA, Mserve customers can expect quality services. The company’s commitment to excellence is showcased in its ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications. Mserve strives to provide home and property maintenance services that meet the growing demand for quality services in Saudi Arabia, said a statement.

Muhammad Shahzad, Director of Mserve said, “We are proud to be a 100% Saudi-owned operation, always placing our valued clients at the centre of everything we do. At Mserve, we are especially focused on punctuality. Our promise is to be on time, every time, whether for a routine visit or an urgent call-out and to always keep our clients well informed of the progress on any project. With a CaFM-enabled call centre and client portal, our team is fully committed to delivering consistent, high-quality home and property maintenance services that meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our ultimate objective is to establish Mserve as the go-to operator for dependable, professional maintenance services across the Kingdom.”

Mserve is structured into two specialised arms- Mserve Home and Mserve Business. Mserve Home caters to homeowners and tenants seeking efficient and high-quality home maintenance and daily maid services. On the other hand, Mserve Business focuses on delivering property maintenance and MEP solutions to various clients, including small and medium enterprises, retailers, commercial properties, hospitality venues, educational institutions, and developers of master communities.

Customers have the flexibility to choose between one-time visits or fixed-term plans. Mserve also offers annual maintenance packages in Bronze, Silver, and Platinum tiers, providing homeowners with value-driven options. Mserve Home provides a comprehensive range of home maintenance services, including regular domestic support services, move-in and move out services, air conditioning, plumbing, movers, landscaping, and electrical repairs. All services are delivered by trained professionals using advanced tools and techniques, the statement outlined.

Nigel Wright, Managing Director, Musanadah commented, “Our market research and gap analysis of the Saudi market revealed a clear need in the home and property maintenance sector. On one end, large FM companies were mainly focused on major commercial contracts to effectively serve residential properties or the needs of small to medium businesses. On the other, the market was saturated with fragmented, one-man-band or smaller operators lacking the capacity to deliver consistent, reliable service. Mserve was created to perfectly fill this gap – offering a dependable, professional and high-quality solution. Our goal is simple, to provide the most trusted and comprehensive home and property maintenance services in the Kingdom.”

Mserve Business, a provider of integrated facilities management and MEP solutions, caters to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with end-to-end property care services. Covering a range of services, including soft and hard services, pest management, HVAC duct cleaning, and more, Mserve also offers specialised services for property developers. These services include snagging and pre-handover services, post-handover and defect liability period (DLP) management, and asset rectification, all aimed at optimising asset performance and extending their lifecycle, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Azizi said that the structure of the development is fully completed, and the blockwork and internal plastering have reached 97% and 95% completion respectively. Tiling has also been completed to 18%, while HVAC and MEP installations are progressing at 64% and 53%.

Group CEO Farhad Azizi said, “We are thrilled with the steady momentum at Azizi Central, our development in the high-growth corridor of Al Furjan. As part of our commitment to timely delivery and exceptional build quality, every phase of construction is being closely supervised to ensure it meets the highest standards. Azizi Central is thoughtfully designed to offer a truly elevated lifestyle, combining modern comfort, everyday convenience, and connectivity. We look forward to welcoming our valued homeowners to their new residences by the end of the year,”

The developer also shared the completion of certain façade works, elevator installation, and overall finishes. Façade works have reached 50% completion, elevator installation stands at 22% completion, and overall finishes are at 37%. To expedite project work, Azizi says it has deployed a total of 414 workers.

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Dubai-based Sweid & Sweid has completed its first phase of apartments at The Nelson, a 370-unit multifamily development nestled in the Austin, Texas submarket. With a presence in both the United Arab Emirates and the United States, Sweid & Sweid continues to serve as a bridge between regional development expertise and investment capital in the US, the firm said.

“Our activity in the US is a long-term strategic diversification play. We currently see great opportunities in both markets, albeit driven by different forces. In the US, the tight supply pipeline driven by high interest rates and low construction starts is predicted to create an acute shortage in the coming years,” said Maher Sweid, Managing Partner of Sweid & Sweid. “In contrast, Dubai is witnessing a significant amount of oncoming supply, but the demand growth has been impressive and unprecedented.”

For Sweid & Sweid, The Nelson represents the latest chapter in a growing portfolio of UAE and U.S. projects. With a track record of identifying opportunities in high-growth, economically diverse markets, the firm continues to expand its footprint across both countries. “Ultimately, we believe that disciplined capital, applied at the right moments in the cycle to the right product, will continue to generate outsized returns,” added Sweid.

Austin’s real estate market is at a critical juncture. After years of rapid development, new construction in the city has slowed down considerably, while demand remains strong. According to CoStar, the first quarter saw the strongest absorption rate ever recorded, with 5,470 units sold. However, new construction starts have dropped to their lowest level since 2011, indicating a significant tightening in the supply pipeline.

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Developer Major Developers said that it has made a significant acquisition by purchasing a prime land parcel in RAK Central, Ras Al Khaimah’s new commercial and administrative hub. This move holds immense importance as it marks a milestone in the company’s expansion strategy, the firm said.

The move also underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the emirate’s ambitious infrastructure-driven goals outlined in RAK Vision 2030. This framework serves as Ras Al Khaimah’s roadmap to achieving sustainable, diversified, and globally competitive growth, the developer said.

“With RAK Central, we’ve created a mega-development that is structurally aligned with regional growth, global investment patterns, and national diversification goals. Major Developers’ decision to invest in this multi-use destination is a testament to Ras Al Khaimah’s growing clout as a durable economic engine driving further progress. We welcome their participation in the evolution of RAK Central and look forward to a landmark addition to its evolving identity,” said Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan.

“RAK Central represents a high-potential economic zone, and we see it as a natural extension of our growth strategy. Every square foot we develop is driven by precision, performance, and investor confidence. This project enables us to deploy our design-led construction, financial foresight, and value-oriented execution in a district that reflects these very principles. Ras Al Khaimah’s infrastructure-first vision aligns seamlessly with our commitment to long-term capital appreciation, global partnerships, and regionally impactful development,” added Andrei Charapenak, CEO, Major Developers.

RAK Central will be offering 100% foreign ownership, low corporate taxation, and a future-ready master plan. Anchored in a ‘Work–Live–Play’ philosophy, the district is designed to attract regional headquarters, business expansions, and commercial operations through its integrated infrastructure and investor-friendly ecosystem.

The RAK Central master plan includes 3m sqft of rentable office space, 4,000 residential apartments, four hotels offering over 1,000 keys, parks, green spaces, pedestrian zones, retail and entertainment, and over 1,000 visitor parking spaces across interconnected buildings. Development is already underway on RAK Central HQ, which will serve as the district’s primary business complex and anchor the wider commercial offering, said the statement.

Major Developers said that it identifies RAK Central as a focal point for investors seeking credible returns within a stable, growth-oriented ecosystem. All aspects of Major Developers’ upcoming project in RAK Central will be guided by its founding principles- uncompromising quality, data-informed execution, and outcomes measured by long-term asset performance. From architectural identity to operational delivery, the project aims to raise the standard for real estate in the emirate.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Al-Futtaim Technologies, a subsidiary of Al-Futtaim Contracting, has partnered with Johnson Controls to introduce global smart building platform OpenBlue to the UAE market. The collaboration represents a step forward in providing businesses and government entities across the region with intelligent infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions, said a statement.

The announcement was made during an event hosted by Al-Futtaim Technologies, which offered clients and industry stakeholders an exclusive opportunity to explore the OpenBlue platform and Johnson Controls’ Facility Explorer FX. The event showcased how these technologies can facilitate organisations’ transition towards smart, data-driven building management. As smart city development accelerates in the Middle East, this partnership positions Al-Futtaim Technologies and Johnson Controls as key enablers of next-generation digital buildings. Together, they aim to drive operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and future-ready infrastructure across the region, a statement from Al-Futtaim Technologies explained.

The OpenBlue platform empowers businesses to gain real time operational insights, predict maintenance issues, and enhance occupant experiences. Moreover, it aligns with sustainability goals by integrating digital intelligence with energy optimisation. This approach addresses the growing demand in the GCC for smarter, more efficient, and future-ready infrastructure.

Razi Hamada, General Manager of Al-Futtaim Technologies, expressed excitement about their partnership with Johnson Controls stating, “It represents a significant milestone in their mission to create smarter, more efficient, and sustainable buildings throughout the region. Our partnership with Johnson Controls marks a major step forward in our mission to deliver smarter, more efficient, and sustainable buildings across the region. With the launch of OpenBlue, we are empowering our clients to embrace digital transformation through real-time intelligence, energy optimisation, and seamless occupant experiences. This collaboration reinforces Al-Futtaim Technologies’ commitment to shaping the future of intelligent infrastructure in the UAE.”

Evgenia Ostrovskaya, Digital Region Leader EMEALA at Johnson Controls added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Al-Futtaim Technologies in bringing OpenBlue to the region. Together, we’re defining the future of smart buildings with real-time analytics, energy efficiency, and seamless occupant experience.”

The partnership builds upon Al-Futtaim Technologies’ existing portfolio, which includes infrastructure, ELV systems, AV solutions, and managed services. The company serves sectors such as real estate, education, finance, and government across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

We are delighted to announce the latest edition of the Women in Construction/ED&I Summit & Awards, taking place in Dubai on 1 October 2025.

This year’s event combines the Summit and Awards in a single day, creating a powerful, comprehensive forum that is both a tribute to progressive gender reforms and a celebration of the companies and personalities delivering lasting change. It’s a flagship occasion for everyone committed to gender equality and reform in the construction sector.

This year’s summit focuses on three key themes discussing – and aimed to empower – gender equality:

• Aligning businesses with the existing legislation regarding women at work and giving a practical toolkit whereby employees can effectively lobby for change
• Women’s inclusiveness in company team-building activities; the critical role of women in client liaison and project delivery
• Women in leadership: how to ensure that gender representation doesn’t falter at the crucial stages of promotion and seniority

The Women in Construction/ED&I Awards – now comprises 20 categories!

In 2025, the Women in Construction/ED&I Awards have expanded substantially, and feature 20 categories highly relevant to the GCC’s construction narratives. Spanning key issues rooted in the quest for women’s workplace equality – as well as a raft of crucial ED&I agendas – they ensure that there’s a relevant category for every niche and style of business.

The awards feature categories for both individuals and organisations; they benchmark every style of activism, from women’s team-building initiatives, women’s representation on the C-Suite, and a commitment to ease of access for people of determination.

Nominations for the Awards can be made via the event website: https://2025.wicsummitandawards.com/

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed (formerly HS1) are collaborating on plans to double station capacity at St. Pancras International. A study commissioned by London St Pancras Highspeed predicts that traffic is expected to triple by 2040, increasing from 11m to 35m passengers annually. In response, Eurostar recently announced plans to expand its destinations from London to include Geneva and Frankfurt.

Other operators are also looking to enter the cross-channel rail market in the UK. London St Pancras Highspeed and Eurostar have signed a letter of intent, signifying their shared ambition to take significant steps to expand capacity. Originally designed by William Henry Barlow and opened in 1868, the Grade I-listed station underwent a refurbishment in 2007. However, changing travel patterns, post-Brexit border checks, and growing international rail demand have led to capacity constraints.

Architects HawkinsBrown have been appointed to undertake and deliver a comprehensive design and feasibility study. The study aims to assess how the ground floor layout for the international zone of the station can be reconfigured to accommodate more passengers and enhance operational efficiency. Ramboll will provide various services, including structural engineering, building services engineering, sustainability consultancy, border control consultancy, and historic structures expertise.

Richard Thorp, Chief Operating Officer at London St Pancras Highspeed said, “We’re delighted to be working with Eurostar to expand capacity at St. Pancras International. With growing passenger demand for international train travel, it is important that St Pancras International station is future-proofed and optimised to accommodate this. With a shared ambition and collaborative approach, we can ensure our iconic station is ready to support this demand, and we’re looking forward to getting started on a new era of connectivity between London and Europe.”

HawkinsBrown Partner Andrew Davies said, “We are very excited to be leading a hand-picked multi-disciplinary team to unlock this constrained site and enable millions of people to enjoy affordable, high-speed, and sustainable journeys to and from Europe. Our challenge is to create a welcoming new landmark for London, with minimal disruption to the travelling public in the process.”

The team of sub-consultants also includes Momentum Transport Consultancy, Gardiner & Theobald, Montagu Evans, OFR and Wilmott Dixon. Together, the group will take the project through RIBA Stage 2, focusing on feasibility and concept design for a re-configured international departures area. The concept design and feasibility study is due to be finished towards the end of 2025, when formal design and construction plans are to be developed.

ELEVATE and Ennismore have signed an agreement to introduce the region’s first beachfront Mondrian residences in the UAE. The US $500mn project will be situated on Al Marjan Island, with the opening anticipated to be in Q4 2028. With this project, ELEVATE said it is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the UAE, supported by a $1bn development pipeline scheduled for the next 12 months.

As the newly launched lifestyle real estate brand from One Group, ELEVATE is setting out to redefine living with its philosophy of living centred around five core pillars of health, wellness, tribe, purpose and flow that resonate with both modern residents and global investors.

Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan said, “We are delighted to welcome the Mondrian Residences to Al Marjan Island as part of our ongoing commitment to elevating Marjan’s global stature, which is increasingly being famed as a lifestyle-led development. This collaboration between ELEVATE and Ennismore adds a new layer of depth and creativity to our growing portfolio of branded residences on the island. We are proud to welcome Mondrian Beach Residences to Al Marjan Island, which is slated to mark a global expansion for the hospitality giant, showcasing the draw and relevance of Marjan today.”

Zeeshaan Shah, Chairman of One Group and Founder & CEO of ELEVATE added, “We’re very proud to be bringing the first-ever beachfront Mondrian residences to the UAE in collaboration with Ennismore. We carefully selected Mondrian for this location as the brand is the epitome of what Marjan Island is becoming. Renowned for being at the forefront of lifestyle, art and culture, Mondrian projects are icons in every city they’re in whether it’s Los Angeles, Cannes or Ibiza and this will undoubtedly be the icon of Marjan Island. This partnership marks our development debut in the region, and we are proud to start by setting a new benchmark in branded beachfront living. I’m deeply grateful to the trusted partners and supporters who stood by this vision from the start – your belief and commitment have been paramount in bringing it to life.”

The Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences will deliver a five star hospitality-infused residential experience, featuring private beach access, signature design elements, wellness-centric amenities, and curated cultural programming. Residents can expect hotel services with the privacy and ownership benefits of a home, making it an investment for both lifestyle buyers and investors. Backed by a global real estate transaction record exceeding $2.5bn, One Group’s expansion into the UAE through ELEVATE is not just strategic – it’s personal, said the statement.

Known for its avant-garde design and cultural relevance, Mondrian is one of Ennismore’s iconic brands, celebrated for its edge in art, fashion, and urban living, with flagship properties in different cities Mondrian’s branded residential arrival in the UAE signals a new era for luxury beachfront living.

Louis Abboud, Regional Head of Lifestyle Collective IMEAT at Ennismore added, “We are excited to introduce this new and exciting Mondrian residential project to the UAE in collaboration with ELEVATE. Mondrian is a symbol of creative expression, and Al Marjan Island provides the perfect canvas. This development will bring our signature energy to a thriving new destination and redefine what modern beachfront living can feel like.”

To ensure every detail of the project reflects its vision, a team of consultants has been curated. Leading the architectural narrative is Gensler which brings global expertise and innovative design-thinking to the forefront. Complementing this is Bergman Interiors which will add a layer of sophistication to the interiors.

Ennismore’s branded residential properties, including Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, are supported by Accor One Living, which is said to be an industry-first 360-degrees platform focused on developing, designing, and operating mixed-use projects and branded homeowner communities. Through Accor One Living, homeowners, guests, and partners are connected to Accor’s diverse ecosystem of brands, expertise, and solutions, creating a constant flow of new opportunities to live, work, and play.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has said that the 2025 edition of the popular Digital Construction Summit (DC Summit) will take place on 25 September at the Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR, Dubai.

The BPME team revealed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a key theme at this year’s day-long event. The team said that the event’s agenda will also have a significant focus on automation and robotics, in addition to digital twins and the rising digital skills gap.

Like last year’s event, the 2025 DC Summit will feature several panel discussions and presentations from regional experts and thought leaders, and will boast a prominent exhibition and demonstration component.

Registration is complementary but mandatory for construction professionals – click here to register.

“The Digital Construction Summit is one of the most highly anticipated regional construction technology events, and the 2025 edition is on track to be the biggest and most successful edition yet. We’ll be focusing on several key topics that have come up in conversation over the last year, including AI, automation and robotics, the opportunities and challenges associated with digital twins in the region, and the growing digital skills gap in the region,” explained Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The event’s agenda and speakers will be unveiled in the coming weeks, Saundalkar confirmed.

The 2025 Digital Construction Summit is sponsored by:

Gold Sponsor: RIB
Strategic Partner: KEO International Consultants
Supporting Partners: ECC and RICS

To learn more about the Digital Construction Summit, click here.

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Source: MEConstructionNews