Construction

The first half of 2026 has witnessed a remarkable milestone in the Middle Eastern property sector, with DAMAC Properties firmly establishing its undeniable dominance in the United Arab Emirates.

The first half of 2026 has witnessed a remarkable milestone in the Middle Eastern property sector, with DAMAC Properties firmly establishing its undeniable dominance in the United Arab Emirates.

Recognised widely as the largest private real estate developer in the UAE and the broader Middle East, the organisation has achieved unprecedented commercial success. According to recent performance metrics, DAMAC recorded an impressive 5,706 transactions during the critical H1 2026 period. These robust sales, which are valued at a staggering AED 15.6 billion, have propelled the developer to the very forefront of the industry, ranking it first in Dubai’s highly competitive primary off-plan residential market by sales volume.

To understand the true magnitude of this accomplishment, it is essential to examine the official governmental figures. Based on comprehensive Dubai Land Department data covering the period from January to June 2026, DAMAC comfortably secured the first-place position by sales volume. The nearest competitor trailed behind with 5,316 units sold. Furthermore, DAMAC ranked second overall in terms of total sales value. The wider context of Dubai’s off-plan primary residential market reveals a sector that remains exceptionally active and resilient against global economic headwinds. During this six-month window, the emirate recorded an astounding AED 92.8 billion in total sales across 46,794 apartment units, showcasing intense competition amongst top-tier developers who are continuously offering a broad mix of both luxury apartments and family villas.

Dominating the Off-Plan Villa Segment

However, it is specifically within the highly sought-after off-plan villa segment that DAMAC’s performance has been truly exceptional. Total sales for villas across Dubai touched AED 56.9 billion across 7,730 individual units over the first half of the year. Capturing a monumental portion of this specific demographic, DAMAC successfully sold nearly one out of every two villa units available on the market. This equates to an extraordinary 44.2 per cent share of the off-plan villa segment alone. To put this commanding market lead into perspective, this figure represents almost twice the overall share achieved by the next-ranked developer and ultimately accounted for a full 20 per cent of the total market share.

Reflecting on this period of robust operational performance and subsequent growth, Amira Sajwani, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties, said: “These results reflect investor confidence in Dubai’s resilient real estate sector. Our focus remains on creating distinctive communities, maintaining disciplined growth and delivering homes that respond to the evolving needs of Dubai’s residents and an ever-expanding global investor base. DAMAC’s leadership by unit volume demonstrates the depth of demand across our portfolio and our ability to convert that demand at scale.”

Strategic Transition and Future Deliveries

Looking ahead, DAMAC’s immense sales momentum serves to actively bolster its broader strategic vision, a strategy that relies heavily upon combining innovative product design with sustained construction timelines and reliable physical delivery. The stellar sales performance witnessed throughout 2026 is structurally supported by a consistent, methodical cadence of property handovers. These scheduled handovers span several of the developer's flagship luxury developments across the city, most notably including renowned communities such as DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Hills 2, DAMAC Lagoons, Chic Tower, and Elegance Tower.

This strategic operational alignment is particularly vital as Dubai’s dynamic residential property sector actively transitions from being primarily launch-led to becoming fundamentally delivery-driven. In direct response to this ongoing market maturation, DAMAC is actively strengthening its already extensive development pipeline. The developer boasts a formidable historical track record, having already delivered more than 50,000 homes to buyers to date. Furthermore, another 8,800 properties are strongly anticipated to be delivered across Dubai before the end of 2026. Through these ongoing efforts, DAMAC remains resolutely committed to creating premium, lifestyle-driven communities that successfully elevate everyday living into a truly immersive experience for its modern residents.

Ashghal has recently unveiled a series of remarkable sustainability milestones achieved across its various building projects since 2022.

The construction industry has historically been associated with immense resource consumption and substantial waste generation.

However, a significant environmental paradigm shift is currently underway in the Middle East. At the forefront of this ecological transformation is Qatar's Public Works Authority, widely recognised as Ashghal. By deploying an advanced, integrated system for waste management, Ashghal has recently unveiled a series of remarkable sustainability milestones achieved across its various building projects since 2022. By prioritising the reusing and recycling of construction and demolition materials, the organisation is systematically reducing the environmental footprint of the nation's rapidly expanding infrastructure.

This ambitious environmental strategy is deeply intertwined with the country's long-term developmental blueprints, specifically the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. For Ashghal, the transition towards a circular economy is no longer merely a theoretical aspiration but a highly operational reality. The authority's integrated approach dictates that materials previously condemned to landfills are now rigorously managed, recovered, and treated as highly valuable commodities. This systematic methodology not only enhances overall resource utilisation efficiency but also plays a crucial role in mitigating the sheer volume of waste typically generated by large-scale urban development and building initiatives.

The scale of material recovery achieved by Ashghal over the past few years is unprecedented for the region. According to the latest project data, the authority has successfully reused or transferred a staggering 2.5 million cubic metres of excavation materials. Rather than discarding this massive volume of earth and rock, Ashghal strategically redirected it to the specialised recycling yards operated by the Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC). At these dedicated facilities, the excavated matter is processed and readied for integration into future construction endeavours, thereby drastically lowering the sector's dependence on the extraction of virgin raw materials. In addition to the earthworks recovery, Ashghal has completely recycled more than 300,000 tonnes of general construction and demolition waste, further cementing its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Beyond earth and rubble, the organisation has implemented highly granular resource recovery protocols directly at the project sites. Timber, a material frequently discarded after limited use in scaffolding and concrete formwork, has seen an exceptional rate of recovery. Ashghal has managed to repurpose approximately 80,000 tonnes of timber waste within the very perimeters of its active project sites. This localised reuse not only prevents landfill overflow but also cuts down on the logistical emissions associated with transporting waste. The authority has also established strict sorting mechanisms for other common project by-products. Consequently, an impressive 7,000 tonnes of plastic waste, 3,000 tonnes of paper waste, and 1,000 tonnes of scrap metal have been successfully diverted to officially approved recycling facilities.

Perhaps most remarkably, Ashghal’s comprehensive waste diversion efforts extend well beyond conventional construction debris. The authority has also taken responsibility for the everyday biological waste generated across its extensive network of project sites and workforce accommodations. Nearly 8,000 tonnes of food waste have been successfully recovered through this holistic environmental programme. Rather than allowing this organic refuse to decompose in municipal dumps and generate harmful greenhouse gases, Ashghal has ensured it is systematically converted into organic compost or expertly processed at designated treatment facilities. This organic conversion process represents a vital component of the circular economy, transforming discarded meals into agricultural inputs that can support local landscaping and greening projects. Such detailed attention to every waste stream highlights the meticulous nature of the authority's operations.

Through these multifaceted initiatives, Qatar's Public Works Authority is proving that massive infrastructure development does not have to come at the expense of the environment. By carefully managing, reusing, and recycling millions of tonnes of varied waste materials, Ashghal is establishing a robust blueprint for the future of sustainable construction. These achievements highlight how proactive governmental leadership can drive industry-wide change, encouraging private contractors and developers to adopt similar green methodologies. Ultimately, the organisation's unwavering dedication to circular economy principles ensures that Qatar continues to build its physical landscape while simultaneously protecting its natural ecosystem for generations to come.

The Egyptian real estate landscape has witnessed a significant milestone as Jora Developments officially commenced construction on its flagship iXORA Residence project located in Hadayek October City.

The Egyptian real estate landscape has witnessed a significant milestone as Jora Developments officially commenced construction on its flagship iXORA Residence project located in Hadayek October City.

This major development marks the company's formal entry into the integrated residential communities segment, drawing upon more than 15 years of proven experience in the local property market. By breaking ground less than a year after the initial project launch, the organisation has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to streamlining regulatory compliance and protecting prospective buyers' interests.

Atef Morsi, Chairman of JORA Developments, said that the launch of construction represents a key milestone in the company's growth strategy. He further noted that the meticulously planned residential community is being developed on a sprawling 43,000 square metre site. Crucially, more than 75% of the total area has been explicitly allocated to landscaped green spaces, open zones, and modern recreational amenities. This design philosophy is intended to provide residents with expansive open views, enhanced privacy, and a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle environment.

Strategically positioned in the heart of Hadayek October on Ahmed Zewail Road, the compound enjoys close proximity to Al Wahat Road, the Mall of Egypt, and Dreamland. The site benefits from seamless connectivity via three main access roads, placing it within easy reach of top-tier educational, commercial, and recreational destinations. To ensure timely delivery, the developer has already fulfilled nearly 80% of the land value and successfully secured a significant portion of the required construction materials. Consequently, the executive team is targeting a complete handover within an ambitious 30-month timeframe, keeping fully aligned with their projected construction schedule.

Architecturally, the master plan was crafted by renowned engineering consultant Mohamed Hafez, incorporating modern design concepts that prioritise resident wellbeing and functional elegance. The residential apartments range in size from 111 square metres to 173 square metres, offering carefully optimised layouts that maximise natural light and interior ventilation. Additionally, the development features a dedicated 1,500 square metre commercial, administrative, medical, and service area designed to provide comprehensive day-to-day conveniences right at the doorstep of every homeowner.

Complementing the residential structures, the project boasts an array of lifestyle amenities, including swimming pools, a mosque, dedicated cycling lanes, well-paved internal roads, and secure underground parking facilities equipped with separate access points. Ahmed Adel, Chief Commercial Director at JORA Developments, said that iXORA Residence was planned to balance product quality with investment value by offering efficient unit layouts and relatively low loading ratios compared with competing developments. These thoughtful inclusions ensure a superior living standard for families seeking long-term value.

Capitalising on the robust market momentum generated by the ground-breaking ceremony, the firm has officially launched the third phase of iXORA Residence. To accommodate diverse financial requirements across different client segments, the newly introduced phase features flexible payment structures designed to ease purchasing pressures. Prospective buyers can secure their units with an initial 5% down payment followed by convenient instalments spread across six years. Alternatively, clients can opt for a 10% down payment with a seven-year repayment tenure, or a 15% down payment extending up to eight years.

Industry experts note that obtaining essential regulatory approvals—such as the land allocation notice, land handover record, ministerial decree, and building permit—prior to commencing construction highlights the firm's rigorous corporate governance. By pairing transparent legal procedures with robust construction schedules and highly attractive payment terms, Jora Developments is setting a remarkable benchmark for residential projects across West Cairo. The initiative successfully caters to modern families and savvy property investors looking for secure, high-yield assets in a thriving urban corridor.

The United States-based engineering giant Fluor Corporation has officially announced its selection by the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) for a vital new contract.

The global petrochemical sector is witnessing a significant transformation as nations in the Middle East diversify their industrial capabilities and expand their downstream production networks.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is making robust strides to enhance its manufacturing infrastructure and economic footprint. In a major development for the region’s energy and petrochemical landscape, the United States-based engineering giant Fluor Corporation has officially announced its selection by the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) for a vital new contract. The Texas-headquartered firm will be responsible for executing the front-end engineering and design (FEED) for an advanced new aromatics facility situated within the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This strategic contract marks a pivotal moment for GPIC, a prominent industry player originally established as a joint venture among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to spearhead the regional manufacture of fertilisers and petrochemicals. The upcoming aromatics project is designed to significantly expand GPIC’s existing industrial complex in Bahrain. At present, the facility is highly regarded for its steady production of core chemical commodities, specifically ammonia, urea, and methanol. By integrating the new aromatics plant into this established footprint, GPIC is poised to elevate its manufacturing capabilities, diversify its product portfolio, and capture a broader segment of the international petrochemical market.

The new aromatics facility will utilise commercially proven process technologies, ensuring maximum efficiency, safety, and output quality to achieve these ambitious targets. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to yield an impressive annual production capacity. Specifically, it will generate 1.2 million metric tonnes of paraxylene, alongside 0.5 million metric tonnes of benzene each year. The selection of these particular chemical compounds is highly strategic. Both paraxylene and benzene serve as critical foundational building blocks for a vast array of modern manufacturing applications. They are essential components in the creation of plastics, polyester fibres, and various vital packaging materials. By bolstering the supply chain of these core materials, the Bahrain-based facility will play a critical role in supporting the ever-growing global demand for high-performance consumer goods and heavy-duty industrial products.

For Fluor Corporation, this contract represents yet another prestigious addition to an already extensive portfolio of global engineering achievements. Recognised globally as a premier provider of comprehensive engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance services, Fluor boasts a diverse expertise that spans multiple critical sectors, including oil and gas, heavy industrial manufacturing, infrastructure development, government projects, and power generation. Securing this front-end engineering and design contract highlights the company’s proven track record in successfully managing large-scale industrial expansions and navigating the complexities inherent in modern petrochemical construction.

The leadership team at Fluor has expressed strong enthusiasm regarding the newly established collaboration with GPIC. Pierre Bechelany, Fluor’s Business Group President of Energy Solutions, articulated the significance of the partnership and the mutual trust established between the two industry heavyweights. Addressing the recent contract acquisition, Bechelany stated, “This award reflects GPIC's confidence in Fluor's ability to deliver complex petrochemical projects with technical excellence and predictable outcomes.”

Highlighting the long-term impact of the aromatics facility on the region’s economic landscape, he further added, “We look forward to supporting GPIC as it advances this important investment for the Kingdom of Bahrain's industrial future.”

The successful execution of this front-end engineering and design phase will lay the essential groundwork for the subsequent stages of construction and commissioning. The expansion of the GPIC complex not only reinforces the Kingdom of Bahrain’s status as a central hub for advanced petrochemical manufacturing but also demonstrates the immense value of strategic international partnerships. By combining Fluor Corporation’s world-class engineering acumen with GPIC’s established regional presence and operational excellence, the new aromatics facility is exceptionally well-positioned to drive robust industrial growth, stimulate economic diversification, and supply the global market with indispensable high-quality petrochemical products for decades to come.