Top 12 Projects for May 2023

As the Middle East’s construction industry continues to flourish, the pace of growth becomes increasingly evident with each passing month.

The month of May, in particular, witnessed a remarkable surge of groundbreaking projects that showcase the region’s ambition to redefine its construction landscape.

From NEOM’s primary northwest seaport to the biggest food court in the Middle East, these game-changing projects exemplify the Middle East’s determination to shape a future marked by unparalleled architectural achievements.

The Middle East’s top project launches in May 2023 were:

1. Zemskiy Group: The Market Island
Type: Food court
70,000 square foot

A new 70,000-square-foot food hall, set to be the largest in the Middle East, will be unveiled at Dubai’s Festival City Mall.

Known as ‘The Market Island,’ this expansive food hall is a collaborative project between Dubai and Russian real estate firm Zemskiy Group. The Market Island marks Zemskiy Group’s first venture in the UAE.

The food hall will be located at the mall’s north end on the ground floor, and will be open for visitors in December.

2. Shurooq and Diamond Developers: Phase 4 of Sharjah Sustainable City
Type: Residential development
324 villas

Sharjah Sustainable City, a meticulously planned residential community developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers, has announced the launch of its fourth and final phase.

This phase includes a collection of 324 residential villas in Sharjah. According to a statement released at the ACRES 2023 event, the developer disclosed that the prices for three-bedroom villas start from 1.7 million UAE dirhams.

Situated in Sharjah’s Al Rahmaniyah area, the project spans over an expansive 7.2 million square feet and is set to accommodate a total of 1,250 sustainable villas upon completion.

3. Orascom, Metito, ADNOC: Water project
Type: Large-scale seawater treatment and water transportation project

A consortium of Orascom Construction and Metito will, together with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company PJSC (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), develop, own, and operate a large-scale seawater treatment and water transportation project worth up to $2.4 billion in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Orascom Construction is the consortium leader.

The greenfield project will be funded through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model for 30 years. ADNOC and TAQA will jointly hold a 51% stake in the SPV, and Orascom Construction and Metito will own 49% (24.5% each).

4. Royal Commission for AlUla: AZULIK AlUla
Type: Eco-luxury resort

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced its plans to create a new resort as part of the Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan, reflecting a harmonious integration with the pristine natural environment and aligning with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, Saudi Green Initiative, and Vision 2030.

The AZULIK AlUla Resort, nestled within the Nabatean Horizon District of the JTT masterplan, will be an eco-luxury property.

Situated near the AlMutadil Equestrian Village development and the upcoming Wadi AlFann, an ancient valley to be adorned with captivating large-scale artworks, the resort is set to captivate visitors.

5. NEOM: Port of NEOM
Type: SeaportNEOM has announced that the primary northwest seaport, previously known as Duba Port, has been officially renamed the Port of NEOM.

Following the transfer of the port from Mawani to NEOM in 2022, significant enhancements have been made to accommodate the increasing volume of cargo entering NEOM, including handling containers and general cargo.

The Port of NEOM is considered a crucial facilitator for NEOM’s development and will serve as a catalyst for broader economic growth in Saudi Arabia. Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO of NEOM, emphasised the port’s importance, stating that it will contribute to the commercial competitiveness, economic diversification, and maritime trade ambitions of the Kingdom.

6. Binghatti Properties: Bugatti Residences
Type: Residential project

Dubai developer Binghatti has revealed its collaboration with supercar manufacturer Bugatti to build the world’s first Bugatti Residences in the city.

The collaboration between Bugatti and Binghatti is a testament to the synergy between the two brands. Through distinctive architecture, characterised by bold and complex designs, Binghatti has brought to real estate the same craftsmanship and artistry that Bugatti has transformed the automotive industry with.

In doing so, Binghatti has displayed continuous design innovation, while simultaneously preserving its heritage and DNA.

7. DAMAC: Canal Crown
Type: Residential development

Dubai mega-developer DAMAC Properties unveil its latest project, Canal Crown. The new project will be located at Dubai Canal, neighbouring a range of new towers launched by the property developer.

With “affluent strokes” and “sophisticated waterfront living ambience”, the tower will showcase the prowess of de GRISOGONO at their finest yet.

Designed with attention to detail, each residence in Canal Crown will feature units boasting expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and Dubai Water Canal.

8. Al Habtoor Group: Habtoor Tower
Type: World’s largest residential

The Al Habtoor Group has announced the launch of one of the world’s largest and most innovative sustainable landmark buildings, the ‘Habtoor Tower’ to be built in the prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The new tower will be built in Al Habtoor City. Home to Dubai’s most luxurious lifestyle destinations, it was officially launched in 2016, with its three internationally branded hotels – The Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts, the V Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, La Perle.

Building on decades of experience acquired from Burj Al Arab, Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3, the Abu Dhabi’s Officers’ Club, and many projects that grace the Dubai Skyline, Al Habtoor Group is proud to announce the Habtoor Tower, using innovative, creative, and selective construction techniques.

9. URB: Dubai Reefs
Type: Marine restoration lab

Design and architecture firm, URB, has revealed the design and concept for its newest project ‘Dubai Reefs.’

Aimed at generating more than 30,000 jobs in the green economy, Dubai Reefs is a floating living lab for marine restoration and ecotourism. The project includes residential, hospitality, retail, educational & research facilities.

The marine institute will be the heart of the project, working towards greater protection of the marine and coastal environment of Dubai. It aims to accelerate the marine science and conservation capacity of Dubai, whilst building the most diverse artificial reef, covering 200 square kilometres. It also aims to create a home to more than 1 billion corals & to more than 100 million mangrove trees.Click here for the full story.

10. Azizi Developments: Azizi Vista
Type: Residential

UAE-based Azizi Developments has just launched Azizi Vista in Dubai Studio City.

The development, which is scheduled to be completed by Q4 2024, will comprise studios, one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom residences, as well as planned social areas, two swimming pools, children’s play areas, yoga areas, BBQ areas, and beautifully landscaped gardens, among a wide range of other health and convenience focused amenities.

11. Dar Global: DG1
Type: Luxury living concept

Luxury real estate developer, Dar Global, launches its inaugural own-brand luxury living concept, DG1.

Located in the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay, DG1 boasts captivating views of the Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa. It offers uninterrupted views from every unit in the building, with architecture unrivalled by any other property on the Dubai Canal.

DG1 embodies a novel lifestyle concept for a community of visionaries transcending borders. It features an exclusive capsule collection of luxury residences meticulously crafted to the highest standards.

12. General Entertainment Authority: VIA Riyadh
Type: Shopping centre

Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has announced that the kingdom’s newest luxury shopping and entertainment hub, VIA Riyadh, will open its doors on May 11 in the capital.

A part of a wider initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to modernise the country and develop its entertainment sector to help diversify the economy, VIA Riyadh will boast the kingdom’s first St. Regis Hotel property in addition to elite shopping outlets, cinemas and international food market, reported SPA.