Construction

Shurooq, has officially announced the achievement of several crucial construction milestones across two of the most prominent flagship projects within its extensive real estate portfolio.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, widely known as Shurooq, has officially announced the achievement of several crucial construction milestones across two of the most prominent flagship projects within its extensive real estate portfolio.

Progress is advancing rapidly at both Sharjah Sustainable City and the coastal development of Ajwan Khorfakkan.

These updates are accompanied by the unveiling of a significant new educational partnership. This collaboration will introduce a comprehensive K-12 school, spanning from Kindergarten through to Grade 12, directly into the heart of the Sharjah Sustainable City community, further enhancing the local infrastructure.

Strategic Progress in Sharjah Sustainable City

Construction work regarding additional community facilities across the Sharjah Sustainable City development continues to move forward steadily, with multiple amenities now entering their final stages of completion. A central element of these additions is the community mosque, which covers an impressive 15,224 square feet. Designed to comfortably accommodate up to 650 worshippers at any given time, the construction of this religious facility has successfully reached the 70% completion mark.

In addition to the progress on the mosque, excellent advancements are being recorded on the community’s dedicated sports infrastructure. Both the primary football field and the multi-use games area, frequently referred to as the MUGA courts, are rapidly approaching total completion. The football field features dimensions of 83 by 65 metres, providing a substantial space for sports enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, the specialized MUGA courts span an area of 64 by 19 metres and are fully equipped to host tennis, basketball, and volleyball facilities. These architectural milestones follow the recent opening of the community’s dedicated supermarket, a commercial addition that actively reinforces the overarching vision of Sharjah Sustainable City as a fully connected, self-sustaining lifestyle destination for its residents.

Adding substantial momentum to this sustainable residential project, Shurooq has formally signed a long-term agreement alongside the SANAM Group. This partnership aims to develop a state-of-the-art American curriculum K-12 school inside Sharjah Sustainable City. The ambitious educational project is projected to attract significant capital investments of up to $50 million, which equates to approximately Dh183 million, over the coming years.

Operating under a 35-year agreement, the upcoming campus is designed to comfortably accommodate approximately 2,435 students from their early kindergarten years right through to Grade 12 graduation. The facility will be constructed on a vast 29,275-square-metre plot situated in the Um Fanain/Al Ruqa Al Hamra area.

Plans for the school confirm that it will feature highly modern classrooms, specialized science and robotics laboratories, three independent libraries, creative arts studios, a black box theatre, and an expansive 500-seat multi-purpose hall. These internal learning spaces will be complemented by extensive physical education and sports amenities, including a dedicated indoor sports hall, an outdoor football pitch, and multiple swimming pools.

Waterfront Momentum Continues at Ajwan Khorfakkan

Simultaneously, Ajwan Khorfakkan, which stands as Shurooq's integrated waterfront destination located on the picturesque East Coast of the UAE, continued to gain significant development momentum throughout the month of June, hitting several vital project milestones.

Construction operations continue to advance at a steady pace across the entire coastal development, with notable engineering progress achieved in relation to foundation layout, piling installations, marine works, and waterfront structural works. At the same time, exceptionally strong market demand and sustained sales momentum continue to reinforce the prominent position of Ajwan Khorfakkan as one of the most distinctive and highly sought-after waterfront destinations in the United Arab Emirates.

Reflecting on these dual achievements, Khalid Deemas, Senior Director, Shurooq Real Estate development, said: “The progress across Sharjah Sustainable City and Ajwan Khorfakkan reflects our commitment to delivering vibrant, sustainable communities that meet the evolving needs of residents and investors. From expanding community amenities and education infrastructure to advancing our waterfront developments, each milestone brings us closer to creating destinations that offer long-term value and contribute to Sharjah's continued growth.”

As both of these major developments continue to progress through their respective timelines, Shurooq remains fully committed to delivering integrated communities. These projects successfully combine strict environmental sustainability, high building quality, and lasting financial value for current residents, property investors, and future generations.

ACCIONA has successfully piloted an innovative cement-free concrete pavement.

ACCIONA has successfully piloted an innovative cement-free concrete pavement.

Unveiled in Dubai on the 1st of July, 2026, this pioneering initiative represents a major leap forward for low-carbon transport infrastructure. The newly developed prototype pavement utilises fourteen precast slabs, all of which have been manufactured using a completely novel, cement-free concrete formulation. By replacing traditional clinkers with repurposed industrial by-products that act as a high-performance binder, ACCIONA has marked a decisive step towards the development of infrastructure with a substantially lower environmental footprint. This advancement is particularly timely, as it aligns perfectly with the rapidly growing demand for highly sustainable construction solutions across the Middle East.

The pilot pavement has been strategically installed directly on the access road leading to ACCIONA’s Equipment Park. Spanning a total surface area of 108 square metres, this site was deliberately chosen to serve as a comprehensive, full-scale demonstrator. The primary objective of this demonstrator is to rigorously evaluate the pavement's structural and material performance under exceptionally demanding environmental conditions. Furthermore, it will be tested against the intense wear and tear caused by heavy-vehicle traffic.

The evaluation process will monitor how the novel concrete withstands various extreme stressors that are typical of infrastructure environments situated within arid and semi-arid regions. These operational stressors prominently include prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures and severe surface abrasion.

To successfully produce this advanced geopolymer concrete, ACCIONA utilised a specific blend of industrial by-products. The composition includes fly ash, which was supplied directly from a thermal power plant, alongside steel slag derived from blast-furnace steel production operations. The steel slag was provisioned by CEMCO Cement Trading, highlighting the collaborative nature of this sustainable supply chain. These carefully sourced sustainable materials undergo a sophisticated chemical activation process to form the final concrete product. This critical chemical activation was made entirely possible through a strategic partnership with MC Bauchemie Spain. As a vital project collaborator, MC Bauchemie Spain supplied the essential chemical activator whilst also providing the specialised technical support required to develop and meticulously fine-tune the new concrete formulation.

The environmental benefits of this new concrete are profoundly significant, primarily driven by the total elimination of clinker from the manufacturing process. As a direct result, the cement-free concrete delivers a remarkable 76 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions when compared with conventional reference cement, specifically CEM I.

However, the advantages of this pavement extend far beyond its lowered environmental impact. The solution features a modular precast design, which fundamentally streamlines the entire lifecycle of the infrastructure. This modularity simplifies the initial manufacturing phase, accelerates on-site installation procedures, and drastically reduces ongoing maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the precast slabs actively support circular economy principles by facilitating straightforward reuse and efficient recycling at the end of their operational life.

These modular and sustainable characteristics are considered particularly relevant for the Middle East market. Throughout the region, large-scale infrastructure projects, extensive logistics corridors, expanding industrial zones, and new urban developments are increasingly prevalent. Such vast developments fundamentally require construction solutions that are not only highly durable but also resource-efficient and low-carbon, ensuring they remain aligned with rigorous national sustainability and circular economy agendas.

This specific initiative is intrinsically linked to the broader European LIAISON project. ACCIONA’s participation in this European innovation project aims to expertly design and validate sustainable solutions for developing low-carbon transportation infrastructure. Ultimately, these solutions possess significant potential for widespread applicability across international markets, very much including the Middle East.

The successful deployment of this pavement pilot further cements ACCIONA’s position as a global company and a recognised leader in the provision of regenerative solutions for a decarbonised economy. The organisation's extensive business offering encompasses a wide array of sustainable sectors, including renewable energy generation, water treatment and management, eco-efficient transportation and mobility systems, and resilient infrastructures. Demonstrating a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, the company has successfully maintained a carbon-neutral operational status since 2016. Illustrating the vast scale of its global operations, ACCIONA recorded impressive sales figures of €8.1 billion in the year 2021. Today, the enterprise maintains a robust and active business presence spanning across more than sixty countries worldwide.

EMSTEEL Group and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have announced a pioneering collaboration.

EMSTEEL Group and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have announced a pioneering collaboration.

Signed in Abu Dhabi on the 29th of June 2026, the agreement aims to advance high-strength reinforcement solutions tailored for the protection and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure. This strategic partnership unites the region’s largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturer with Abu Dhabi’s leading applied research centre.

Validating the ES600 High-Strength Rebar

At the core of this partnership is a comprehensive framework established to assess and validate the performance of EMSTEEL’s ES600 high-strength rebar. The testing programme will evaluate these reinforcement solutions under highly demanding impact and protection scenarios to verify their capabilities. By establishing this robust testing environment, both organisations aim to create a definitive pathway for the future development of specialised reinforcement grades. These newly engineered materials will be designed specifically for resilience-critical applications across the UAE's strategic national assets and essential public infrastructure.

Leadership Perspectives

The leadership of both organisations views this collaboration as a pivotal step in achieving national industrial objectives.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, outlined the overarching vision behind the agreement: “This collaboration reflects EMSTEEL’s commitment to advancing innovation that supports the UAE’s long-term infrastructure and industrial priorities. By combining our expertise in advanced steel manufacturing with TII’s world-class research and engineering capabilities, we are creating the foundation for next-generation reinforcement solutions designed for the nation’s most critical and strategically important assets. The partnership strengthens local capability, accelerates knowledge development, and reinforces the role of UAE-made steel in supporting national resilience and sustainable economic growth”.

Similarly, Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of Technology Innovation Institute, emphasised the immense scientific synergy the partnership offers: "This collaboration brings together TII's strengths in material characterization, advanced simulation, and impact-response assessment with EMSTEEL's world-class steelmaking expertise. Together, we are validating high-strength reinforcement for the most demanding protection applications and building the scientific foundation for next-generation solutions-developed in the UAE to safeguard the resilience of the nation's most critical infrastructure".

EMSTEEL’s Industrial and Environmental Impact

The initiative leverages EMSTEEL’s expansive production capabilities and commitment to sustainable practices. As a public joint stock company (ADX: EMSTEEL), the Group is majority-owned by ADQ, an active sovereign investor focusing on critical infrastructure and supply chains. EMSTEEL operates sixteen state-of-the-art plants with an annual production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of steel and 4.6 million tonnes of cement, fuelling the nation’s most iconic projects. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the Group acts as a one-stop shop, supplying the domestic market and over seventy international markets with high-quality finished products.

Furthermore, this collaboration underscores EMSTEEL’s dedication to the UAE's ‘Operation 300 billion’ industrial strategy. The organisation aims to deliver market-leading products that support local industries while creating valuable job opportunities for UAE Nationals and enhancing sustainable practices. As a global leader in low-carbon steel production, EMSTEEL is strictly aligned with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

TII’s Role in Advancing Global Innovation

The Technology Innovation Institute brings unparalleled scientific capabilities to the collaboration. Serving as the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), TII operates as a pioneering global research and development centre. The Institute features nine dedicated research centres, covering domains such as advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, and renewable and sustainable energy. By engaging with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners worldwide, TII connects an intellectual community. This network actively contributes to building a robust research ecosystem that reinforces Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a premier global hub for innovation.

Building a Competent Future

Through continued investment in advanced manufacturing, targeted product development, and strategic long-term partnerships, EMSTEEL is systematically expanding the role of its high-performance steel solutions. Ultimately, by applying these materials across increasingly sophisticated applications, both EMSTEEL and TII are actively supporting the broader UAE vision to build a globally competitive and innovation-driven industrial economy.

HD Construction Equipment launches a 20-tonne DEVELON excavator tailored for emerging markets.

HD Construction Equipment has strategically launched a new excavator tailored specifically for the rigorous demands and distinct price sensitivities of emerging markets.

On the 24th of June 2026, the company hosted a highly anticipated launch event for its 20-tonne DEVELON excavator. This pivotal event took place at the company’s dedicated production subsidiary located in Pune, India. It signals a robust, calculated effort to strengthen regional logistics and sales networks by effectively leveraging India's prominent, rapidly growing position as a global export hub for heavy machinery.

The launch programme was exclusively targeted at major dealers operating across the Middle East. Representatives and key stakeholders from influential Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, were in attendance to witness the official unveiling of this specialised construction equipment.

The primary product introduced to these delegates is a 20-tonne excavator, a crucial size classification that currently represents the largest single segment among all heavy equipment supplied to emerging markets today. The overarching commercial strategy behind this new machine is directly aimed at maximising the overall value-to-cost ratio. It has been deliberately engineered to meet the stringent demands of regional customers who are demonstrably highly price-sensitive at the initial purchasing stage, yet who still require uncompromised operational reliability.

To achieve this fine balance of high performance and budget-friendly pricing, HD Construction Equipment has deeply integrated the highly efficient and systematic production lines of its Indian manufacturing facility. By carefully leveraging economies of scale, the organisation has successfully lowered the standard procurement costs of both key components and essential functional parts. Consequently, the firm has secured substantial price competitiveness. Furthermore, the company has thoroughly optimised the technological functions and the physical durability of its existing equipment line to ensure it performs flawlessly within the specific, and frequently harsh, local working environments of these emerging economies.

Through the targeted introduction of this 20-tonne model, HD Construction Equipment is executing a clear plan to aggressively respond to the influx of cost-reduction products that other major global construction equipment makers have recently been supplying. In particular, the organisation expects to effectively compete with various Chinese products that have aggressively entered these emerging markets using low prices as their primary competitive weapon. Following the formal introduction of the new product and comprehensive equipment demonstrations on the day of the launch, the company deliberately showcased the robust production competitiveness and superior quality assurance capabilities of the Pune plant to the visiting Middle Eastern dealers.

The Indian production plant remains at the very heart of this strategic global expansion. In direct response to the noticeably growing product demand across emerging markets, the facility has recently expanded its baseline annual production capacity to approximately 9,000 units. Alongside its well-established roster of existing HYUNDAI brand products, the Pune facility is now actively producing DEVELON equipment. Looking toward the future, the company has formally announced ambitious plans to build an extensive production system capable of delivering up to 12,000 units per year by 2030.

This strategic corporate pivot aligns perfectly with independent market forecasts. According to Off-Highway Research, a highly respected, United Kingdom-based construction equipment research firm, the commercial excavator market across the Middle East and Africa is showing a consistent, gradual annual growth trajectory. The research firm projects that the total market demand for such equipment will steadily expand, ultimately reaching approximately 23,000 units by the year 2030.

To complement this long-term outlook, HD Construction Equipment is already experiencing substantial current success within the region. In May 2026, the company recorded an impressive 20.5 per cent share of the Indian excavator market. This remarkable commercial achievement allowed the organisation to rise to the top position in monthly market share, successfully overtaking prominent international competitors such as Japan’s Hitachi and the United Kingdom’s JCB.

Concluding the launch event, an official from the organisation provided a definitive statement on their forward-looking commercial strategy, summarising the core intent behind the new product.

"The 20-ton DEVELON excavator will compete with low-cost equipment through 'value-for-cost' that goes beyond cost-effectiveness, with core performance optimized for the working environment, robust quality, and differentiated service," an HD Construction Equipment official said. "Using our Indian plant, which has grown into a global export hub, as a base, we will expand our sales channels in emerging markets where market share competition is fierce."