Local firm wins next phase of DMCC Uptown project
8 May 2025

Dubai free zone operator Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has appointed local construction firm Ali & Sons as the main contractor to build the estimated AED1bn ($272m) next phase of its Uptown Dubai development.
The second phase includes constructing two 28- and 21-storey mid-rise towers featuring approximately 67,500 square metres (sq m) of commercial space and 5,000 sq m for retail and food and beverage outlets.
The construction work began last year when local enabling contractor Swissboring started the foundation works on the project.
In May last year, DMCC said it had appointed the local Brewer Smith Brewer Group as the lead consultant for the design and executive architecture, interior design and structural engineering for the next two commercial towers at the development.
Uptown Dubai, formerly known as the Burj 2020 District, is being built on a 106,000 sq m site next to Jumeirah Lakes Towers within the DMCC Free Zone. The original masterplan includes seven towers ranging in height from 60 metres to more than 500 metres. The towers will have commercial, residential and hotel space.
DMCC awarded Belgium’s Six Construct the contract to build a mixed-use high-rise tower as part of the first phase of Uptown Dubai in 2019. The 78-storey tower is about 300 metres tall and has a total gross floor area of about 103,650 sq m.
In June, DMCC appointed UK-based Mace to provide building operations management services for its 81-storey Uptown Tower in Dubai. The 340-metre-tall tower will feature a 188-key, five-star hotel, branded residences, commercial office spaces and restaurants.
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Gulf hunkers down as US tariffs let fly; Abu Dhabi looks to secure its long-term economic prosperity; Nesma stays on top as China State moves up in 2025 GCC contractor ranking
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the May 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
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> AGENDA 1: GCC shelters from the trade wars
> AGENDA 2: Gulf markets slide as US tariff shockwaves hit
> GCC CONTRACTORS: Contractors take on more work in 2025
> INTERVIEW: CCED seeks growth in Oman’s hydrocarbons sector
> INTERVIEW: Roshn outlines its procurement strategy
> LEADERSHIP: Rethinking investments for a lower-carbon future
> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects index inches upwards
> CONTRACT AWARDS: Region records $70.3bn of deal signings in Q1 2025
> ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects
> OPINION: Trump’s new world order
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Prequalification begins for Riyadh King Salman Stadium27 November 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ministry has issued a notice inviting companies to prequalify for a contract to design and build the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh.
The notice was issued on 26 November, with a prequalification deadline of 16 February.
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US-based architectural firm Populous is the lead architect for the stadium.
Construction of the stadium is expected to be completed by 2029.
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Saudi Arabia stadium plans
In August last year, MEED reported that Saudi Arabia plans to build 11 new stadiums to host the Fifa World Cup in 2034.
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The kingdom was officially selected to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup through an online convention of Fifa member associations at the Fifa Congress on 11 December 2024.
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Morocco signs $861m deal for polysilicon plant27 November 2025
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Morocco has signed a MD8bn ($861m) investment agreement with GPM Holding to establish the country’s first polysilicon manufacturing plant in the southern province of Tan-Tan.
GPM Holding is a US-based company and a key partner in Green Power Morocco (GPM), which specialises in the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic solar panels.
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Emarat awards contract for Dubai airport jet fuel pipeline26 November 2025
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Dubai’s Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat) has awarded a contract for engineering services for a project to build a new jet-fuel supply pipeline to Al-Maktoum International airport in the emirate.
The contract for end-to-end engineering design services has been won by Bilfinger Middle East, a subsidiary of Germany-headquartered Bilfinger Tebodin.
The expansion of Al-Maktoum International airport is estimated to be valued at $35bn. The government approved the updated designs and timelines for its largest construction project in April 2024.
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The statement added that the project will create housing demand for 1 million people around the airport.
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Arabian Construction Company wins Trump Tower Jeddah26 November 2025
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Abu Dhabi-based contractor Arabian Construction Company has won the main contract to build the Trump Tower Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia-headquartered real estate developer Dar Global is developing the project in collaboration with the US-based Trump Organisation.
The 47-floor tower is expected to be developed at an estimated cost of SR2bn ($532m).
The enabling works have been completed and were undertaken by the local Specialised Italian Foundation Company.
In August, MEED exclusively reported that Dar Global was preparing to award the main construction contract to build the Trump Tower development in Jeddah.
The project is the latest addition to Dar Global’s portfolio, following its announcement of two new projects in Riyadh with the Trump Organisation.
The announcement follows a partnership deal signed by Dar Global in September last year with Geneva-based jeweller Mouawad to develop a residential project in Riyadh.
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The development is expected to be completed by 2026.
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MEED’s December 2025 report on Bahrain includes:
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> TRANSPORT: Air Asia aviation deal boosts connectivityTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15159666/main.gif
