Ellington Properties and RAK Properties have announced the appointment of Nantong Construction Group as the main contractor for Porto Playa, a US $84.32mn waterfront development on Hayat Island. Scheduled for completion in Q4 2026, the project will set a new benchmark for quality and innovation in coastal living.

With a focus on quality in construction with its expertise in delivering large-scale developments, Nantong Construction Group will leverage a variety of construction techniques and engineering standards to ensure Porto Playa is built to the highest quality, said a statement.

Sameh Al Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties stated, “Hayat Island, a key component of our recently unveiled Mina masterplan, represents the future of waterfront living in Ras Al Khaimah. By partnering with Nantong Construction Group, a global leader in construction, and Ellington Properties, renowned for design excellence, Porto Playa will stand as a testament to what collaboration can achieve.”

“This development embodies precision, innovation, and a resident-centric approach, setting new standards in the real estate landscape of the emirate. We are seeing strong demand within Mina, which is at the forefront of our growth and transformation agenda, and with Porto Playa we look forward to continuing our success in delivering homes on, or ahead of, schedule,” Muhtadi added.

Joseph Thomas, Co-Founder of Ellington Properties added, “Porto Playa is not just another development—it’s a statement of excellence and innovation. The appointment of Nantong Construction Group reflects our commitment to delivering superior quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Their expertise ensures that Porto Playa will not only meet but exceed expectations, becoming a landmark that transforms Hayat Island into a premier destination.”

Porto Playa will offer a curated mix of studios, apartments, townhouses, and villas, all optimised using advanced AI technology to provide views of the Arabian Gulf and island landscapes.

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Sobha Realty has announced that its flagship Dubai project, Sobha One, has been awarded the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This achievement makes Sobha One the first building outside Singapore to earn this certification, highlighting Sobha Realty’s commitment to environmentally friendly living experience, said a statement from the developer.

In addition to the SLE certification, Sobha One has also been recognised with the Whole Life Carbon badge in testament to the project’s dedication to low-impact development and eco-conscious design.

The Green Mark certification is a globally recognised benchmark for environmental resourcefulness, assessing projects across five critical categories: Resilience, Whole Life Carbon, Health & Wellbeing, Intelligence, and Maintainability. Sobha One’s innovative design delivers best-in-class energy performance, achieving an impressive 60% energy savings compared to 2005 standards, a testament to Sobha Realty’s ethos of ‘Art of The Detail’, said the statement.

Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty commented, “Sustainability is a commitment woven into every aspect of our work. With Sobha One becoming the first building in the Middle East to achieve the Green Mark Platinum SLE certification, we are proud to set new standards in responsible living and low-carbon development. This milestone reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility; aligning with global sustainability goals and the UAE’s Net Zero vision for 2050.”

This achievement reflects attention to quality, climate-friendly leadership, and design that characterises every Sobha Realty development. Backward Integration model by Sobha Realty maintains complete control over the development process, integrating advanced technologies such as CAFM, Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms, digital twins, and predictive maintenance dashboards.

Sobha One also aligns with climate risk assessments and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework to mitigate and manage climate risks, the developer pointed out. The project’s pre-certification will be verified post-construction to ensure compliance with the international sustainability standards. Sobha Realty’s dedication to environmental stewardship likewise aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and global climate goals, while demonstrating the company’s leadership and clear strategy for emissions reduction through ESG reports, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessments and GRESB benchmarking assessments.

Administered by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Green Mark Scheme sets a global standard for sustainable design and best practices in construction. These innovations drive energy efficiency, resources optimisation, and long-term operational performance.

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European developer Mr. Eight Development has launched its first residential project in the UAE – Villa del DIVOS on Dubai Islands. This is the first of five planned developments on the island. The project will offer residents access to amenities, including private beaches, a golf course, shopping mall and healthcare facilities.

The development is the launch of Mr. Eight’s first branded project; each residence is designed with interior finishes and will feature stone and marble surfaces.

“Villa del DIVOS represents the culmination of years of meticulous planning and design,” said Emils Daujats, Director at Mr. Eight Development. “We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional project to the Dubai market and offer discerning residents a unique blend of modern design, world-class amenities and serene waterfront views. With a private, secluded feel, residents will enjoy the best of both worlds – proximity to the vibrant heart of Dubai while living in a tranquil coastal retreat.”

“With great respect for Dubai’s beauty, we are inspired to create architecture that enhances its iconic skyline. We believe every project should be more than just a building, it should be a statement of innovation and excellence. We aim to design distinctive landmarks that add value, character and lasting beauty to this extraordinary city,” he added.

The development features floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting the coastal surroundings and interiors crafted with materials including Italian Silver Travertine Stone Romano, Italian Calacatta Viola marble and premium fixtures by Tom Dixon, Antonio Lupi, Zonda Lighting and SMEG kitchen appliances.

Villa del DIVOS residents will enjoy amenities including two infinity pools overlooking the coastline, a Technogym fitness centre, a private beach club and a wellness centre featuring a spa, sauna and cryotherapy facilities. The project also offers private gardens, a children’s play zone and leisure spaces such as the Sunset Terrace for yoga and meditation.

All residents of Mr. Eight Developments on Dubai Islands will become part of a Members Club which will give them access to a number of privileges. Residents will have access to in-house Rolls-Royce cars, with professional chauffeurs, available on-demand for personal use. Similarly, a motorboat with a captain will be made available for residents to take in Dubai’s sunsets. Other privileges residents will enjoy include an on-site bell boy, beach club access, valet parking and in-house spa services.

The development includes a total of 108 suites, including 12 duplex apartments with private pools. The highlight of the development is the five-bedroom Sky Mansion, a penthouse offering ocean views and premium finishes.  Construction of the project will commence in Q1 2025, with handover scheduled for Q1 2027.

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SEE Holding has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), marking a step towards advancing sustainable construction practices in the region. The partnership will prioritise the integration of low carbon steel in future projects, reinforcing SEE Holding’s commitment to selecting sustainable materials to achieve its Net Zero ambitions. Additionally, both entities will explore opportunities to promote circular economy practices, focusing on recycling and repurposing steel products to minimise waste and environmental impact.

Faris Saeed, Chairman & CEO of SEE Holding stated: “Achieving Net Zero emissions requires a holistic commitment to reducing both embodied and operational emissions across every facet of the built environment. Our partnership with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries reaffirms our dedication to selecting materials that align with our Net Zero strategy, while driving innovation in sustainable cities and communities. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire transformative change in Net Zero construction practices across the region, redefining how sustainable infrastructure and cities are designed and built.”

The collaboration extends beyond material selection, focusing on research and development (R&D) to innovate and refine techniques that enhance the adoption of low carbon steel in construction processes. Both parties will work together to develop new methodologies that optimise energy efficiency and reduce embodied emissions in building projects.

Asam Hussain, AGSI’s Chief Executive Officer said, “The partnership with SEE Holding represents a significant step forward by driving sustainable transformation in construction practices in the UAE. Our collaboration will ensure that we structurally embed demand for low-carbon materials to seize the opportunity of accelerating decarbonisation of the hard-to-abate sector. Together, we are advancing environmental sustainability and driving positive economic and social impact.”

AGSI is the first Carbon Neutral Steel Plant and Low Carbon Steel Manufacturing Facility based in the UAE. The company is pioneering low carbon products to play a critical role in decarbonising not only the steel industry but also the built environment. By incorporating 100% recycled low carbon steel SEE Holding aims to reduce embodied emissions, while maintaining the highest standards of durability and strength required for modern construction. AGSI’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to minimise waste and energy consumption, aligning seamlessly with SEE Holding’s ethos of responsible urban development.

Both companies will work together to introduce training programs targeted at architects, engineers, and construction professionals to raise awareness of low carbon steel benefits and foster its adoption across the sector. The partnership will also prioritise performance monitoring, implementing reporting mechanisms to track environmental impact, measure emission reductions, and enhance project transparency.

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Arada announced the sales launch of Safa, a new cluster of apartment buildings located within the Aljada megaproject in Sharjah. In total, the five buildings in the Safa complex will contain 660 premium apartments, all characterised by contemporary design, facilities and direct access to Aljada’s main sports complex.

Ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments, each home contains smart home features and white goods, while owners will also benefit from the presence of an indoor gym and a shared swimming pool. In addition, residents have direct access to West Boulevard, which is two minutes walk from Raffles Aljada, an American curriculum international school with capacity for 2,000 students that is set to open in 2026.

Located right next to the Safa buildings is a set of outdoor sports facilities, spread across a 400,000sqft landscaped park. The complex includes a full-size football pitch, smaller five-a-side football pitches, basketball, padel tennis, volleyball, squash and badminton courts, cycling and jogging tracks and adventure play areas for children.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada said: “The Safa community is superbly placed within the Aljada master plan, offering an exceptional range of amenities within just a few minutes’ walk. With well over 10,000 homes sold at Aljada so far, this progressive destination is already setting the bar for urban living throughout the UAE, and we’re looking forward to delivering another 1,400 homes in Aljada this year.”

Homes in Safa are being launched for sale during the Acres real estate exhibition in Sharjah Expo Centre. Investors wishing to purchase a home during the period of the exhibition will benefit from a 50% reduction in property registration fees.

Spread over a 24m sqft area and featuring 25,000 homes in total, Aljada contains numerous residential districts, retail, hospitality, entertainment, sporting, educational, healthcare components and a business park, all within a green urban plan. Over 7,500 homes in Aljada have already been handed over, with a further 2,000 currently under construction.

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Roshn Group is making significant strides with its raft of high-profile projects in the capital, including Sedra, its flagship integrated community, and the upcoming Warefa development. As part of its expanded portfolio, Roshn is also pushing ahead with plans for a stadium that will host several of the FIFA World Cup 2034 matches.

Sedra, spanning over 20m sqm is adjacent to Riyadh’s main airport and the Riyadh Expo 2030 site, and will feature 30,000 homes and 400 amenities across eight phases. The integrated community is also situated next to the retail and commercial area of Roshn Front.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed company says it has completed infrastructure for Sedra 1A and is in the process of handing over approximately 3,000 homes to owners in this part of the development, with the majority having been handed over in 2024.

Next door in Sedra is 1B, which features over 1,000 multi-family units and apartment buildings that are being built by AlKifah Contracting. Roshn has also signed an agreement with the National Water Company to jointly plan for the development of water utility services for each of its residential projects.

Further phases are under way; China Harbour Engineering Company is developing infrastructure for Sedra 2, which will include several thousand family villas being constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji.

Meanwhile, Sedra 3 and Sedra 4 will feature 3,400 and 2,500 units respectively, with the latter also housing the community’s first Saudi Sports for All Federation Dome. Other phases are in the design stage, with construction expected to begin soon.

In terms of services at Sedra, Roshn has signed an agreement with the Riyadh Region Municipality that covers the management, operation and maintenance of all municipal assets and infrastructure at Sedra’s first phase.

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AD Ports Group has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and Transport to explore joint development and operations in an integrated logistics Park in Alexandria. The signing took place in Cairo.

The firm will pursue a collaboration with HCMLT to explore developing, managing and operating 1.1sqkm of an Integrated Logistics Area, set to be one of the key logistics hubs on the Mediterranean Sea, at Alexandria Port. The port accounts for about 60% of Egypt’s foreign trade, according to government figures.

Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group said, “AD Ports Group partners with governments for the long-term development of their economies, inspired by the vision of our wise leadership. We are working with the Egyptian government to bring growth, jobs and prosperity to the people of Egypt. Today’s signing could lead to strategic infrastructure projects in the Mediterranean Sea region that would leverage Egypt’s global trade flows, driving economic growth and advancing the Group’s portfolio of value-added investments.”

Over the last three years, AD Ports Group has entered the Egyptian market with the acquisition of Egyptian maritime companies Transmar, TCI, and Safina B.V. The group has also signed long-term concessions to develop and operate cruise terminals at the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada, Al Sokhna and Sharm El-Sheikh, and to build and operate a multipurpose port in Safaga and a Ro-Ro terminal in Al Sokhna.

The UAE is Egypt’s second-largest trading partner and its biggest international investor, according to the Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS), with US $9.6bn invested in the country in 2023. The UAE has a trade volume of $6.9bn with Egypt in 2023, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Over 1,600 Emirati companies are present in Egypt. In February 2024, the two countries signed a landmark agreement that will see the UAE invest $35bn to develop the Ras El-Hekma coastal region, 350 km northwest of Cairo.

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Yellow Door Energy announced its 2024 results, highlighting project milestones and sustainability progress. In 2024, the company added 32.7-megawatts-peak (MWp) to its portfolio, which includes its acquisition of five operating projects in Oman.

Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy said, “In 2024, Yellow Door Energy commissioned 27 solar power projects across the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and South Africa. Our swift project execution reflects the exceptional collaboration amongst our teams and contractors, and aligns with the Net Zero ambitions of governments in the region. I extend my gratitude to all who contributed to accelerating the Just Energy Transition. We look forward to unveiling even more projects and reaching new milestones in 2025.”

Yellow Door Energy’s team conducted seven educational workshops for students across the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and South Africa. Notable initiatives include – Project Daw in Jordan – co-funded by Actis Acts, this program delivered free training to 20 Jordanian youths on solar power system design, installation and maintenance. It also provided a solar power system to a community centre in Mafraq free of charge. INJAZ Solar Plant Tour in Bahrain – Yellow Door Energy hosted 20 secondary-level school students for an educational tour at its solar power plant at City Centre Bahrain.

The company’s projects are developed through innovative solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), enabling business owners to transition to solar power and reduce electricity costs without incurring any upfront capital expenditure, said a statement from the firm.

The newly commissioned solar power plants feature 61,500 solar panels, utilising rooftop solar, ground-mounted solar and carport solar applications. More than 550,000 person-hours were dedicated to building the solar power plants, all completed with zero recordable incidents. This highlights the company’s commitment to quality, health, safety, security and environmental (QHSSE) practices and their strict implementation across all its projects.

Yellow Door Energy’s operational projects in the region have generated 842,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 328,000 metric tons. This achievement supports the Net Zero and clean energy ambitions of governments in the countries where the company operates.

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BNW Developments launched its latest project ‘Pelagia’ at Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The residential development promises a blend of elegance and investment potential, offering one-to-four-bedroom luxury apartments and premium retail spaces at a prime waterfront location.

The launch event was held at the sales office of BNW’s Dubai headquarters unveiling by BNW Developments’ Founder and Chairman, Ankur Aggarwal, alongside Co-Founder and Managing Director, Vivek Anand Oberoi.

Presenting the model of the project, Aggarwal said, “Pelagia is a serene paradise and a game changer for both investors and homeowners the project is a strategic choice for those looking to elevate their real estate portfolios.”

The 160-unit comes along amenities which can be cherished by residents of every age group, a rooftop infinity pool with a pool bar, jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms, indoor and outdoor kids’ play areas, a kids’ swimming pool and splash pad, dedicated yoga and meditation spaces, all the apartments come fully furnished, and the project is set for completion by December 2027.

BNW Developments has a vision to redefine opulent living. The company has 8-10 projects in the pipeline, including collaborations with global brands in lifestyle, luxury, hospitality, and fashion delivering five-star lifestyle at competitive price points.

This includes upcoming projects across the UAE. With Pelagia, BNW Developments continues to push boundaries, offering a blend of sophistication, comfort, and investment opportunities. Branded residences are revolutionising the market by blending luxury with affordability, drawing strong interest from both local and international buyers, said a statement.

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