Ten projects that will shape Dubai’s future
5 September 2023
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Dubai is back with major projects after several years of subdued activity following Expo 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over the past year, plans have emerged for 10 projects across various sectors that will help shape the emirate’s development over the coming decade.
Many of these projects have been planned for years. After stalling during the low-oil-price era of 2015-20, positive economic tailwinds mean many of these schemes are now being revisited by their owners and relaunched.
| 1. Tower at Creek Harbour |
The most recent relaunch announcement came at the end of August, when Emaar Properties founder Mohammad Alabbar revealed plans to redesign and relaunch the Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour.
The design works are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024, and construction slated to begin in the second half of 2024.
Details of the redesigned tower have not been launched, but sources close to the project say it will be tall and feature high-end residential units. This reflects Dubai’s buoyant property market and will stand in sharp contrast to the original design that involved building a 1,000-metre-tall observation tower.
Construction on that project stalled in 2019 after work on the foundations was completed. Two bidders were competing for the estimated $5.5bn contract to build the tower. They were Beijing-based China State Construction Engineering Corporation and a joint venture of the local/Belgian Belhasa Six Construct and Tishman, which US-based Aecom owns.
Belhasa Six Construct completed the raft foundations for the tower in May 2018. France’s Soletanche Bachy finished the piling.
Spanish/Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava Valls was the main consultant on the project, with the local office of Aurecon, supported by the UK’s RMJM and Dubai-based DEC, acting as local engineer and architect of record. The project manager for the tower was US-based Parsons.
| 2. Dubai Metro Blue Line |
The Dubai Creek Harbour development in Ras al-Khor will connect to Dubai’s Metro network via the planned Blue Line, which will serve as an extension to the existing Red and Green lines.
Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is preparing to issue tender documents for the Blue Line.
The Green Line extension will commence from its current terminus at Creek station in the Jadaf area. It will cross over to the Dubai Creek Harbour development and continue through Ras al-Khor, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City, before concluding near the Desert Rose project. The line will have 11 stations.
The Red Line extension will connect its existing terminus in Rashidiya to Mirdif City Centre and continue through Mirdif and Warqaa, before joining the Green Line extension in International City.
The project was put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic and reactivated in early 2022, when UK-based Atkins and Grimshaw, US-based Parsons and France’s Egis restarted design work.
The last metro project to be completed in Dubai was Route 2020, which connected the Red Line to the Dubai Expo site. The AED10.6bn ($2.9bn) contract to design and build the line was awarded to a consortium of Alstom, Spain’s Acciona and Turkiye’s Gulermak.
| 3. Deep Tunnels Portfolio |
Another major infrastructure scheme is the Deep Tunnels Portfolio, which involves developing deep-gravity sewage tunnels and treatment plants across the emirate.
In August, Dubai Municipality began the process of appointing a project management consultant to oversee the scheme, which will be developed as a public-private partnership (PPP).
Two sets of deep tunnels will be constructed, terminating at two terminal pump stations at sewerage treatment plants (STPs) in Warsan and Jebel Ali. A conventional sewage and drainage collection system and STPs will be built in Hatta.
The scheme also includes recycled water distribution systems connected to the STPs.
Dubai’s Executive Council approved the project in June and said it would require an investment of about AED80bn ($22bn). It added that the project has been designed to serve the needs of the Dubai population for the next 100 years in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
| 4. DWTC/Candy tower |
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and UK-based Candy Capital have formed a joint venture to develop three towers in Dubai’s One Central commercial district.
The mixed-use towers will have two branded residences, two hotels and office space. The construction work involves building three towers. The two taller towers will be connected by a sky bridge containing one of the hotels.
Dubai-based Killa Design has been appointed as the architect for the project.
Candy Capital is a privately held family office established by British entrepreneur and businessman Nick Candy. His best-known property development is One Hyde Park in London, which he developed with his brother Christian. It comprises 86 apartments and three retail units and is considered one of the wealthiest residences in the world.
| 5. Al-Maktoum International airport |
Dubai plans to restart the emirate’s largest construction project, the AED120bn ($33bn) expansion of Al-Maktoum International airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC).
The expansion was officially launched in 2014. It involves building the biggest airport in the world by 2050, with the capacity to handle 255 million passengers a year. An initial phase, which was due to be completed in 2030, aims to take the airport’s capacity to 130 million passengers a year.
Altogether, the development will cover an area of 56 square kilometres.
Progress on the project slipped as the region grappled with the impact of lower oil prices and Dubai focused on developing the Expo 2020 site. Tendering for work on the project then stalled with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.
Firms were competing for the estimated $2.7bn substructure contract for Concourse 1 and the West Terminal building – the largest contract tendered for the project.
The contract covers the delivery of more than 1.7 million square metres of connected basement footprint, housing the people-mover tunnels, baggage handling systems, ground services road network and other back-of-house technical and support facilities.
| 6. Palm Jebel Ali |
Dubai released details of the new masterplan for Palm Jebel Ali, an artificial island located south of Jebel Ali Freezone, in June.
Double the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali will have 110 kilometres of shoreline and extensive green spaces. The development will feature over 80 hotels and resorts and a diverse range of entertainment and leisure facilities.
It includes seven connected islands, catering to approximately 35,000 families. The development also emphasises sustainability, with 30 per cent of public facilities powered by renewable energy.
MEED reported in January that local developer Nakheel had approached contractors to complete the reclamation works for Palm Jebel Ali.
As with Palm Jumeirah, it is estimated that it could take around 20 years for Palm Jebel Ali to reach its full development potential. Nakheel has previously secured AED17bn ($4.6bn) in funding to expedite the development of various projects, including the Dubai Islands and other waterfront schemes.
The upcoming dredging contract for Palm Jebel Ali is anticipated to involve 5-6 million cubic metres of material, contributing to the completion of the man-made offshore island.
While reclamation work for Palm Jebel Ali is mostly finished, the project was put on hold in 2009. Nakheel had made some progress with infrastructure development, including the construction of bridges on the island by Samsung C+T.
| 7. The Oasis by Emaar |
Another major masterplanned development was launched by Emaar Properties in June. The $20bn Oasis by Emaar covers a total land area of more than 9.4 million square metres, close to Dubai Investments Park. The project involves building over 7,000 residential units along with water canals, lakes and parks. It will also include the development of a 150,000 sq m retail area.
| 8. The Island |
Another project that has been restarted in recent years is The Island, which Wasl is developing.
Located off the coast of Umm Suqeim, near the Jumeirah public beach, it is expected to feature 1,400 hotel rooms and apartments, in addition to retail, food and beverage and entertainment options. The 10.5-hectare island will include properties featuring the MGM, Bellagio and Aria hotel brands.
The developer is close to appointing a contractor to build the development after bids were submitted earlier this year.
Tender documents for the contract were previously issued in 2020, when the project was being delivered with a consultancy team led by South Africa’s Mirage.
Germany’s Kling Consult is now the project manager.
| 9. Al-Habtoor Tower |
The $1bn Al-Habtoor Tower project is located at Al-Habtoor City, next to Dubai Water Canal, on a 7,500 sq m plot. The tower, which the developer describes as one of the largest buildings in the world, will have three basement levels, a seven-storey podium and 73 floors of residences. The built-up area will be 350,000 sq m.
Its construction is technically challenging because the tower will be built above an existing parking basement that serves the already completed buildings at Al-Habtoor City.
Al-Habtoor had the option of demolishing the basement. Instead, it decided to employ a top-down approach to the construction that involves piling down through the basement, while at the same time starting construction above ground.
The top-down approach is expected to reduce the construction time by about one year, meaning the tower will be completed in 1,000 days or roughly three years.
China Railway 18th Bureau Group was appointed as the main contractor in May.
| 10. Dubai Pearl |
After two aborted attempts, development is expected to start again at the Dubai Pearl site, located north of Dubai Media City close to the Palm Jumeirah.
The structures erected for the previous project have been demolished this year. Dubai Holding, which now owns the land, has held a design competition and is in the final stages of selecting the winning architect.
Local project management firm North 25 is overseeing the design competition.
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Transforming Riyadh into a world-class city25 July 2024
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WTTCO tenders water pipeline and reservoir packages25 July 2024
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Riyadh is changing fast. As the Saudi capital, it is not only located in the country’s geographical centre, but also at the heart of Vision 2030 and the kingdom’s economic transformation, with a wide range of ambitious development projects.
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The vision includes improving quality of life, diversifying the economy, and promoting green and smart urban development
Fahad AlSolaie, Riyadh Region MunicipalityInfrastructure projects
Riyadh Region Municipality is playing a key role in the city’s development. “Riyadh municipality is responsible for a wide array of infrastructure projects that are crucial for the city’s development and sustainability. These include paving, asphalting and road stabilisation projects, which are essential for maintaining and improving the city’s road networks,” says AlSolaie.
“The municipality develops public parks, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to provide recreational spaces. Bridge and tunnel construction and ongoing enhancements are also a significant focus, aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity across the city. Furthermore, Riyadh is committed to extensive lighting projects and the maintenance of these systems, with the city one of the largest globally in terms of the number of streetlight poles.”
A key responsibility of the municipality is to maintain the city’s cleanliness and environmental health, adds AlSolaie. “This involves regular street cleaning, waste management and pollution control measures to keep the city clean and environmentally sustainable. These efforts are integral to quality of life, contributing to the vision of making Riyadh a more livable and accessible urban environment.”
Signature schemesThe municipality is also involved in the delivery of a series of signature projects in and around Riyadh. “The King Abdullah Global Gardens project aims to create a vast green space that combines natural landscapes with high-tech interactive exhibits, promoting environmental education and sustainability,” says AlSolaie.
The Wadi Al-Sulay development, meanwhile, is focused on transforming Wadi Al-Sulay into a recreational and cultural destination, featuring amenities that encourage outdoor activities and community gatherings.
The municipality collaborates extensively with other government agencies and private sector partners to ensure cohesive and integrated development. This includes coordinating efforts on large-scale projects, urban planning and infrastructure improvements to support the city’s growth.
“The municipality ensures alignment with master developers and major projects through regulatory frameworks, strategic planning sessions and collaborative platforms that facilitate integration of infrastructure projects and urban development efforts across the city,” says AlSolaie.
With aspirations to become one of the world’s most advanced cities, digital transformation is helping Riyadh achieve its goals. “Digital transformation is vital for Riyadh Municipality for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it enhances service efficiency by adopting digital technologies, streamlining operations, reducing manual processes, minimising errors and speeding up response times. This not only improves service delivery, but also cuts operational costs, allowing for better resource allocation.
“Secondly, it improves citizen engagement through digital platforms that enable interactive and responsive communication. Citizens can easily access information, request services and provide feedback, enhancing transparency and building trust.
“Thirdly, digital transformation fosters innovation in urban management using technologies such as the Internet of Things , artificial intelligence and big data analytics to optimise urban functionalities like smart waste monitor manholes and public safety.
“Additionally, it supports economic diversification by modernising infrastructure and services, thus attracting new businesses, especially in the technology sector, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” says AlSolaie.
Online services
Riyadh Region Municipality is moving its services online as part of the digital transformation. “Riyadh municipality is progressively digitising its services by offering e-services platforms where residents can access various municipal services such as mobile applications, geoportal web application and service requests online, thus increasing accessibility and convenience,” says AlSolaie.
The drive to digitise will enable Riyadh to become a smart city. “By implementing advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and geographic information systems, Riyadh Municipality is optimising key city functions such as reducing and monitoring visual pollution, enhancing public safety and conducting environmental monitoring,” he says.
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WTTCO tenders water pipeline and reservoir packages
25 July 2024
State-owned Saudi water transmission and storage operator Water Transmission & Technologies Company (WTTCO) has issued two tenders involving a contract to build a water transmission pipeline in Dammam City and an engineering design services contract for water reservoir stations.
The first contract is for the supply and installation of a water transmission system for the Second Industrial City in Dammam.
WTTCO expects to receive proposals for this contract by 1 August.
The second request for proposals involves a contract to provide engineering and design services for phases 2 and 3 of WTTCO’s strategic water reservoir station projects.
The two phases cover reservoir stations in 150 locations and about 750 kilometres of water transmission pipeline.
WTTCO expects to receive proposals from engineering consultancy firms for this contract by 4 August.
The company has embarked on one of the world’s largest water conveyance and storage programmes as it seeks to increase potable water supply capacity across the kingdom.
The expenditure programme, which WTTCO estimates is worth up to SR140bn ($38bn) by 2030, covers 396 individual projects, MEED reported in May.
WTTCO’s objectives by 2027 are to have a total network size of 15,000km, 9.5 million cubic-metres-a-day transmission capacity, 118 pumping stations and more than 900 storage tanks.
The capital expenditure programme was outlined in a WTTCO presentation at the Future Projects Forum in Riyadh on 20 May.
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