Region’s hotel projects pipeline balloons

4 April 2025

 

This package also includes: Beaches and luxury drive regional tourism


Despite a somewhat lackluster 2024 performance in the region for hospitality-linked project award activity, Middle East and North Africa (Mena) contractors are eyeing more than $60bn in projects in design and bid that are set to proceed to market in the near future.

Last year, project awards in the Mena region’s hospitality-linked construction segment declined slightly to $6.2bn, falling below the contract award values in both 2022 and 2023, while remaining above that of the three preceding years and the average for the past five years.

Also positively, the awards value for 2024 was commensurate with the value of projects in the bidding phase this time last year, when $1.3bn-worth of projects had been awarded and $5.2bn-worth of projects were in the bidding phase. This indicates that projects in the segment are delivering and not stalling.

Top projects

Saudi Arabia dominated the overall project activity in the segment with a total contract award value of $4.4bn. This was followed by the UAE at $1bn and a handful of other countries with a combined $700m in value – making for a significantly skewed project activity landscape.

The largest single project to be awarded was the $762m Keturah Creekside Resort, a Ritz-Carlton Residences scheme in Dubai that is being developed by the local Mag Property Development. The main contract was awarded to Cecep Techand Middle East, a Dubai-based contracting subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned enterprise that is generally better known for its involvement in utility projects.

The next largest award was for the $508m Six Senses Falcon’s Nest Hotel in the Wadi Safar area of Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah gigaproject. This contract was awarded by Diriyah Company to a joint venture (JV) of Qatar’s UCC Holding and local construction group Al-Bawani. 

Diriyah Company also let the contracts for four other hotels at Wadi Safar – Aman, Chedi, Faena and Oberoi-branded properties worth a combined $826m – to the same JV. 

Three further Diriyah projects worth a combined $519m were awarded for the building of a Capella hotel, a Raffles hotel and a Ritz-Carlton Residences to a variety of other contractors.

Significant gigaproject-linked contract awards were also made on the Amaala development within Red Sea Global’s project portfolio, and for a hotel complex at Qiddiya, the Riyadh-adjacent entertainment city. 

The largest contract awarded in a third country was a $125m Avani-Tivoli hotel and residences project in Bahrain let to local contractor Cebarco by Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) as part of the Bilaj Al-Jazayer development.

Project pipeline

Looking ahead in 2025, there are $8.6bn-worth of projects in the bidding phase, with $3.9bn at the prequalification stage, $2.2bn in bid submission and $2.5bn in bid evaluation. If all of this value is awarded as expected, alongside the $410m in awards so far this year, then 2025 could turn out to be the best year for hotel project activity since 2015.

There is also a much larger groundswell of projects in the design phase. This time last year, the value of projects in design was $15bn, but that value has swollen by 270% to $56bn in the past 12 months, led by Egypt’s launch of South Med, a 2,300-hectare tourism masterplan valued at $21bn. 

Launched by Talaat Moustafa Group, the South Med project is situated 165 kilometres (km) to the west of Alexandria on Egypt’s northern Mediterranean coastline and 60km east of Ras El-Hekma, an area earmarked for development by Abu Dhabi following a $24bn deal for the land rights.

Between the two masterplans, Egypt’s northern coast promises to generate a significant amount of construction work in the years to come, and developments in the area are also accelerating as the stretch of coastline grows in significance as a source of interest for investors. Local developer Sodic, which in 2021 become a subsidiary of UAE developer Aldar, launched its own plans in September to deliver a $500m Nobu hotel and residences complex just east of the Ras El-Hekma area.

In Saudi Arabia, which accounts for $41.6bn or 50% of the hospitality project pipeline in the Mena region – including $24.4bn-worth of projects in design – the pending work is led in value terms by the $7bn in-design second phase of the Red Sea Project. There are also four packages of work worth a combined $3bn in design for the towers and podiums of the Mukaab project – the cubic centrepiece of the New Murabba development in Riyadh. Meanwhile, a further $3.8bn of projects are in design or bid – split $1.8bn and $2bn, respectively – at the Rua Al-Madinah development.

The next-largest areas of pending hospitality projects in the region are in the UAE and Oman. The UAE’s pipeline is led by Emaar’s $1.5bn Dubai Creek Harbour Tower and a $1.3bn JW Marriott Resort & Residences planned by private developer Wow Resorts for Al-Marjan Island in Ras Al-Khaimah. In Oman, the projects are led by the $500m third phase of the tourism ministry’s Yenkit Hills development and a $500m Trump resort being developed by Omran, the UAE’s Dar Al-Arkan and the US’ Trump Organisation.

If even a small fraction of the $56bn of hospitality-linked projects in the design phase in the region proceeds to execution in 2025, it could swell the awards total to record levels. After a somewhat sluggish performance in Q1, awards activity could pick up markedly from Q2 onwards, given the $2.5bn in projects that are already in bid evaluation and are set for imminent award.

Beaches and luxury drive regional tourism

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13570689/main.gif
John Bambridge
Related Articles
  • Iraq downstream contract completed

    1 July 2025

     

    Turkiye’s Tekfen has completed a contract as part of the Basra refinery upgrade project, according to industry sources.

    The contract was worth $25m and the scope included upgrading civil structures and underground facilities.

    The contract is part of the wider Basra refinery upgrade project, which is worth several billion dollars.

    Its scope includes installing new facilities, including a vacuum distillation unit and a diesel desulphurisation unit, on land adjacent to the existing Basra refinery.

    The biggest package is focused on upgrading the project’s fluid catalyst cracking (FCC) unit.

    Iraq’s state-owned South Refineries Company (SRC) sent Japan-based JGC a notice of the main contract award for the Basra refinery upgrade project’s FCC package in August 2020.

    The contract awarded to JGC, which uses the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning model, was worth $3.78bn.

    The project site is located about 12 kilometres east of Iraq’s southern city of Basra.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14174441/main.jpg
    Wil Crisp
  • June 2025: Data drives regional projects

    30 June 2025

    Click here to download the PDF

    Includes: Top 10 Global Contractors | Brent Spot Price | Construction output

    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14171168/main.gif
    MEED Editorial
  • UAE-Turkiye financial links strengthen

    30 June 2025

    This package on UAE-Turkiye relations also includes:

    > UAE-Turkiye trade gains momentum
    > Turkiye’s Kalyon goes global


     

    Turkish bank DenizBank is one of Turkiye’s leading private banks and, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Emirates NBD since 2019, it is playing a leading role in developing business links between the UAE and Turkiye.

    Recep Bastug, who was appointed as DenizBank’s CEO in 2024, says there is great potential for trade between the two countries. 

    “Turkiye is a growing country,” he says. “We’ve had volatility over the past five years, but the Turkiye economy and the banking sector have been able to manage those periods successfully.”

    Having spent years with international institutions such as BBVA, Bastug has vast experience in the banking sector. “Turkish banks, especially private ones like DenizBank, are very successful. In terms of capital, balance sheet structure and digital transformation, we are in a strong position,” he says.

    Solid fundamentals

    Turkiye’s fundamentals remain solid with a diversified export-oriented economy, a young and skilled population of 85 million, and relatively low debt levels. “We are not a highly leveraged country. Our household debt-to-GDP ratio is low. With the right policy mix, we offer high potential for foreign investors,” says Bastug.

    That potential is increasingly being realised through growing engagement with the GCC and the UAE. “Turkiye’s connection with the Gulf is going up, and DenizBank is set to play a serious role in these relations. Day by day, Turkish companies are expanding their footprint in the region.”

    GCC projects

    Baştug says that many of these companies approach DenizBank to help facilitate their entry into Gulf markets. “Some of our clients are extremely well capitalised, but others need support for major projects. Just recently, one Turkish company announced a $3bn project in the region. We’re helping them connect with Emirates NBD and navigate the local financial landscape.”

    DenizBank is actively supporting the creation of trilateral partnerships – particularly between Turkiye, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “We see huge opportunity in forming financial strongholds across these markets, leveraging Turkiye’s contractor experience, the UAE’s capital and Saudi Arabia’s scale,” says Baştug.

    DenizBank is already delivering results. “With Emirates NBD, we’ve identified 10 strategic cooperation areas, including trade finance, payments and capital markets. Thanks to this partnership, Emirates NBD has become the number one debt capital markets bank in Turkiye, even ahead of global players.”

    One area of growing activity is initial public offering (IPO) participation. “We’ve launched a mutual fund that allows Turkish private banking clients to participate in IPOs from the region, including from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It’s a diversification strategy and helps retain wealth within the group.”

    Turkiye’s connection with the Gulf is going up, and DenizBank is set to play a serious role in these relations. Day by day, Turkish companies are expanding their footprint in the region
    Recep Bastug, DenizBank

    Inflation ends

    Despite the current inflationary environment, Bastug says there is a clear inflection point ahead. “We expect 2027 to be a turning point. Once we exit the inflationary accounting regime [in Turkiye], DenizBank will become one of the biggest contributors to Emirates NBD’s global balance sheet. Last year, we contributed $1.2bn. In 2027, it will be significantly more.”

    DenizBank is the fifth-largest private bank in Turkiye with about a 5% market share. “The largest private bank is at 13%. It’s not easy to close that gap – but we will do it. Our long-term goal, aligned with our shareholder, is to become the biggest and most successful private bank in the country.”

    The bank is especially focused on agriculture, SMEs, and export financing – sectors that are deeply relevant to
    Turkiye’s economic growth and to regional demand. “We are the leading agricultural bank in Turkiye, and we believe strongly in the sector’s future – both for local consumption and exports.”

    Regional opportunities

    Bastug also sees potential for engagement beyond the GCC, including in post-conflict reconstruction. “In the past, Turkiye had strong trade volumes with Syria. Even during wartime, commercial links remained. Once a stable environment emerges, there will be opportunities – especially in infrastructure.”

    While a physical branch presence is not currently being considered, DenizBank is prepared to support Turkish contractors operating in neighbouring countries. “We have the relationships and expertise to facilitate this growth. And culturally, we’re well aligned with the region – it helps make business smoother.”

    As Turkiye re-establishes economic momentum and Gulf economies look to deliver on long-term visions, DenizBank is positioning itself for a more active role in the region in the future. “We are preparing the bank for the next stage, and with the backing of Emirates NBD, we’re confident in our ability to lead.” 

    READ MORE
    > UAE-Turkiye trade gains momentum
    > Turkiye’s Kalyon goes global

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14170372/main.gif
    Colin Foreman
  • Multiply agrees to sell Pal Cooling to Tabreed and CVC

    30 June 2025

    Abu Dhabi-based investment company Multiply Group has agreed to sell all of its shares in its district cooling subsidiary Pal Cooling Holding (PCH) for AED3.8bn ($1bn) to a consortium comprising Engie-backed National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) and CVC DIF.

    The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals.

    MEED exclusively reported in May that a team comprising Tabreed and CVC was holding exclusive discussions to acquire PCH.

    Multiply Group initially acquired a 100% stake in PCH and its subsidiaries in July 2021.

    Multiply Group has been advised by Standard Chartered and Clifford Chance. Tabreed and CVC DIF have been advised by Citi, Synergy Consulting and White & Case.

    The transaction brings together two of the UAE’s leading district cooling players. PCH was founded in 2006 and operates five active district cooling plants across the UAE. The company maintains eight long-term concessions and strategic partnerships with some of the UAE’s leading real estate developers, servicing key residential, commercial and mixed-use developments – most notably on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island.

    Tabreed owns and operates 92 plants, including 76 in the UAE, five in Saudi Arabia, eight in Oman, one in Bahrain, one in India and one in Egypt, in addition to other international projects and operations.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14170511/main.jpg
    Colin Foreman
  • Iraq approves Basra housing project

    30 June 2025

    Iraq has approved plans to build a housing project in Basra that will offer about 5,000 homes in the first phase to tackle the country’s rising housing shortage.

    The project, which is endorsed by Iraq’s National Investment Commission (NIC), will cover an area of about 3 square kilometres.

    According to local media reports, Basra province governor Asaad Al-Idani said the project has already been awarded to a developer.

    Iraq has been gradually recovering since the war. The government initially prioritised infrastructure and public housing to stimulate economic growth, improve living standards and attract foreign investment.

    More recently, benefitting from higher oil prices and a period of relatively stable governance, Baghdad has expanded its focus to reconstructing and modernising the country’s deteriorating infrastructure.

    The Iraqi construction market has also seen significant investments from private real estate developers from the region. In May, Egyptian real estate developer Ora Developers announced that it had started construction on the Al-Wardi residential city project, which consists of more than 100,000 residential units covering about 61 million square metres (sq m) on the southeastern side of Baghdad.

    The move is the latest sign of international investors’ growing appetite for developing real estate in Iraq as part of the country’s post-war building initiatives.

    Also in May, another Egyptian firm, Talaat Moustafa Group Holding, said it was in negotiations with the NIC to develop a mixed-use project. The project, which will cover an area of about 14 million sq m and will be located in the southwest of Baghdad, is expected to contain about 45,000 residential units.

    The positive sentiment has been particularly buoyed by a robust 2024 budget, which allocated nearly $42bn to transport, social infrastructure and housing initiatives.

    Looking ahead, Iraq’s construction industry is expected to register an annual average growth rate of 4.9% in 2025-28, supported by further investments in energy, infrastructure and housing projects, according to UK analytics firm GlobalData.


    MEED’s June 2025 report on Iraq includes:

    > COMMENT: Iraq maintains its pace, for now
    > GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY: Iraq’s economy faces brewing storm

    > OIL & GAS: Iraqi energy project value hits decade-high level
    > PIPELINES: Revival of Syrian oil export route could benefit Iraq
    > POWER: Iraq power sector turns a page
    > CONSTRUCTION: Iraq pours billions into housing and infrastructure projects

    > DATABANK: Iraq forecast dips on lower oil prices

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14170011/main.png
    Yasir Iqbal