Construction

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.

Oman is firmly accelerating its national development trajectory by driving forward a comprehensive road infrastructure programme valued at more than RO105 million, equivalent to approximately $273 million.

Oman is firmly accelerating its national development trajectory by driving forward a comprehensive road infrastructure programme valued at more than RO105 million, equivalent to approximately $273 million.

Spearheaded across the North A’Sharqiyah Governorate through 2025 and 2026, these ambitious transport initiatives form a core pillar of the country's long-term economic diversification framework under the overarching Oman Vision 2040 strategy. According to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the extensive scheme involves building brand-new routes, widening the existing transportation grid, and executing the dualisation of crucial highways that tie together residential districts, industrial zones, and major tourist destinations across the governorate’s various wilayats.

Providing a comprehensive update on regional progress, transport officials highlighted that steady, uninterrupted headway is being achieved on several critical fronts. Notably, construction on the 9-kilometre Aqabat Wadi Bani Khalid road has surged past the 85 percent completion mark. Once fully operational, this strategic pathway will tightly connect the commercial centre of Wadi Bani Khalid with key surrounding tourism, commercial, and economic hubs, facilitating smoother transit for both local residents and commercial operators alike.

In tandem with this landmark milestone, the ministry has formally awarded a substantial RO29.1 million contract dedicated to the dualisation of the 15.6-kilometre Al Yahmedi Al Qafisi road situated within the Wilayat of Ibra. Simultaneously, active engineering operations continue unabated on a vital roadway linking the communities of Mahlah, Ghubrat Al Tam, and Ismailiyat Al Khabah located in Dima Wa Al Taaiyin, representing an investment valued at over RO8 million.

Beyond these flagship projects, the ministerial roadmap encompasses several newly awarded contracts designed to close infrastructural gaps and optimise regional accessibility. These essential additions include a RO4.8 million project establishing a direct link between Ibra and Dima Wa Al Taaiyin, a RO13.5 million road construction initiative at Al Jabal Al Abyadh, and a RO12.4 million contract focused on paving local roads throughout Al Qabil.

Furthermore, the expansive regional upgrade initiative features a RO9.2 million modernisation scheme targeting the crucial thoroughfare connecting Sinaw, Mahoot, and Duqm. This is complemented by a RO15.6 million contract directed toward completing all remaining engineering works on the Sultan Turki bin Said Road, an essential transport corridor stretching across both the North and South A’Sharqiyah governorates.

These localized enhancements are part of a much broader nationwide push to expand the country's transport network. Across the Sultanate, the cumulative length of asphalt roads has climbed past 16,680 kilometres, supported by an unprecedented surge in development expenditure aimed at accelerating project delivery and bridging planned budgets with actual on-the-ground implementation. Infrastructure spending has taken centre stage, accounting for a massive share of state capital allocation to ensure that vital economic corridors are completed efficiently.

Reflecting on the broader strategic momentum driving these milestones, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali remarked in an official performance report: "The year 2025 represents a renewed milestone in the journey of work and achievement." This overarching drive towards rapid project execution aligns seamlessly with the nation's wider macroeconomic objectives, strengthening the transport and storage sector's contribution to gross domestic product.

By systematically modernising land transport corridors and enhancing inter-governorate connectivity, Oman is actively reinforcing its foundation as a competitive regional logistics and trade hub. These targeted investments not only streamline domestic mobility and commercial freight movement but also directly support local employment generation, sustainable industrial growth, and long-term economic prosperity across the Sultanate.

DAMAC has just unveiled a landmark achievement for the year: the scheduled handover of 8,800 premium residential units across the emirate.

Dubai’s property market has long been a barometer for the region’s economic vitality, and the sector shows no signs of slowing down.

Leading this charge is DAMAC Properties, the largest private real estate developer across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East. The organisation has just unveiled a landmark achievement for the year: the scheduled handover of 8,800 premium residential units across the emirate.

This monumental delivery is not occurring in a vacuum. It runs parallel to a massive financial injection into the local construction sector. During the first half of 2026 alone, DAMAC has awarded more than AED 10 billion in construction contracts. This immense capital deployment underscores the developer’s robust momentum and unwavering commitment to expanding its diverse portfolio of master-planned communities and high-profile standalone developments.

Expanding Dubai’s Master Communities

For prospective homeowners and investors, the 8,800 handovers represent a significant turning point. The scheduled deliveries span an array of DAMAC’s most prestigious and highly sought-after flagship destinations. Residents will soon be moving into sprawling, family-orientated communities such as DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Hills 2, which have become synonymous with suburban luxury in Dubai.

The highly anticipated DAMAC Lagoons project will also see handovers, bringing its unique, water-inspired lifestyle to fruition. Beyond these sprawling master communities, the 2026 handover programme includes ultra-luxury urban residences, specifically the striking Chic Tower and the sophisticated Elegance Tower.

This sustained progress highlights DAMAC’s ability to advance complex construction activities. The developer has continually strengthened its formidable pipeline by forging strategic partnerships with top-tier contractors, improving operational efficiencies, and implementing cutting-edge, technology-driven building processes.

Leadership and Resilience

Despite broader geopolitical challenges that often create uncertainty in global markets, the developer has remained steadfast in its operational goals. Ali Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, articulated this resilience perfectly, stating: “DAMAC remains fully committed to delivering every promised unit and project to our customers without disruption or delay. Despite the regional tensions earlier this year, our construction activity, operations and handover timelines continue to progress with confidence and consistency. Our priority remains clear, to deliver on our commitments while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency and execution. Dubai continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience as a global real estate and investment destination, and DAMAC remains focused on supporting the emirate’s long-term vision through timely delivery, and continued investment across our developments.”

A Legacy of Global Ambition

To understand the sheer scale of the 2026 handovers, one must look at the historical trajectory of the firm. Founded in 2002 by Hussain Sajwani, DAMAC Properties has meticulously built a robust, industry-leading track record over the past two decades. Prior to this year's handovers, the developer had already successfully delivered 50,000 units to market. The future pipeline is even more substantial, with an astonishing 54,000 additional units currently under construction.

This domestic success has provided a springboard for international recognition. In 2025, DAMAC Properties aggressively expanded its brand presence both locally and on the global stage. This was driven by pioneering global partnerships. By aligning with internationally renowned sporting powerhouses such as Chelsea Football Club and the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, DAMAC successfully elevated its profile from a regional property leader to a globally recognised luxury lifestyle brand. These strategic moves were complemented by a series of iconic project launches that further solidified its market dominance.

The record-breaking AED 10 billion in H1 2026 contracts and the ambitious 8,800-unit handover schedule represent a fundamental dedication to constructing lifestyle-led communities. By maintaining this aggressive pace of development and delivery, DAMAC Properties is playing a pivotal role in supporting Dubai’s overarching real estate growth. The developer continues to meet the sustained demand from homeowners and investors drawn to the emirate, ensuring that Dubai remains a premier destination on the global property map.

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.