Construction

ICC is set to participate as an exhibitor at the highly anticipated Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026.

The construction landscape across Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented expansion, fundamentally reshaping the region's urban footprint.

With major developments and vital infrastructure projects progressing rapidly across the Kingdom, the built environment is increasing in both sheer scale and structural complexity. As the ambition of these engineering feats reaches new heights, the foundational requirement for rigorous safety, design, and execution standards has never been more critical.

Today, the industry is navigating increasingly sophisticated requirements that span architectural design, complex engineering, strict fire safety protocols, and comprehensive construction compliance. The effective application of established building codes and robust regulations remains the central pillar in delivering safe, resilient, and fully compliant infrastructure that will stand the test of time.

Facilitating Compliance at Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026

Against this backdrop of rapid national development, the International Code Council (ICC) is set to participate as an exhibitor at the highly anticipated Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026. Taking place from the 30th of August to the 2nd of September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, the event serves as a crucial meeting point for industry leaders and decision-makers.

The ICC will use this major regional platform to facilitate vital conversations designed specifically to help construction professionals better understand the local regulatory landscape. The primary objective is to assist practitioners in successfully navigating the practical, day-to-day requirements of the Saudi Building Code (SBC).

To directly address these industry-wide challenges, the ICC is bringing together leading regional experts for a dedicated three-part educational programme. This initiative is heavily focused on the future of code compliance, the core tenets of the Saudi Building Code, and the crucial practical application of these regulations across the Kingdom's active construction sites. Scheduled for the 31st of August at the Big 5 Talks Theatre in Hall 1, the tailored programme aims to move beyond basic theory.

The dedicated ICC schedule includes the following key sessions aimed at standardising safety and quality:

• Opening Keynote Presentation: Dr Fahad Saud Allahaim, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Residential Building Code at the Saudi Building Code National Committee and Assistant Professor at King Saud University, will examine the pivotal role of the SBC in advancing project outcomes, elevating quality, and enforcing national safety standards.

• Practical Compliance Workshop: Titled ‘Navigating the Saudi Building Code: Key Requirements and Compliance Pathways’, this highly focused session will be led by Vortex Fire’s Regional Director, Tom Wood, alongside Senior Fire Engineer, Kareem Morsi. The workshop will offer practical insight into the underlying structure of the SBC, specifically addressing the key requirements of SBC 201 and detailing how to navigate complex compliance pathways.

• Interactive Expert Q&A: The programme will conclude with ‘Applying the Saudi Building Code: Q&A’. This interactive session will give attendees the valuable opportunity to raise specific questions, explore unique project-specific challenges, and gain expert perspectives on applying SBC mandates in real-world practice.

A Commitment to Resilient Regional Construction

The final interactive panel will be moderated by Mohamed Amer, Managing Director – MENA at the International Code Council, alongside Dr Fahad Saud Allahaim and Kareem Morsi.

Highlighting the strategic importance of this engagement, Mohamed Amer, Managing Director – MENA, International Code Council, said: “As Saudi Arabia’s construction sector continues to evolve, ensuring that codes and standards are understood and effectively applied will be critical to supporting safe, high-quality and successful project outcomes. Big 5 Construct Saudi provides an important platform for bringing together the industry’s experts and practitioners to have meaningful conversations around compliance. This three-part program is designed to move beyond the theory of code requirements and give professionals practical insights they can apply to projects across the Kingdom.”

The ICC’s participation at the event strongly reinforces its ongoing commitment to supporting industry professionals with the knowledge, essential resources, and expertise required for building safety. Visitors to Big 5 Construct Saudi are openly invited to meet the ICC team at Stand 2A160 to learn more about the organisation's work and to explore how rigorous building codes and standards can actively support safer, more resilient, and fully compliant construction across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

Object 1 has officially launched SkyLife 1 (also known as SkyLevel 1), a versatile 35-storey residential tower situated in District 11 of the Jumeirah Village Circle area.

Dubai’s mid-market residential sector continues to experience remarkable momentum, driven by high rental yields, sustained urban expansion, and an increasing appetite for technology-enabled living spaces.

Capitalising on this sustained growth, property developer Object1 has officially launched SkyLife 1 (also known as SkyLevel 1), a versatile 35-storey residential tower situated in District 11 of the Jumeirah Village Circle area. Scheduled for handover in the second quarter of 2029, the development brings a sophisticated blend of contemporary architecture, forward-looking amenities, and intelligent living solutions to one of the emirate's most active residential districts.

Architectural Profile and Key Project Features

SkyLevel 1 draws direct architectural inspiration from the concepts of modern urban living and elevated sky-centric designs. The high-rise project introduces a distinct visual identity to Object 1’s expanding development portfolio within Jumeirah Village Circle. Across its 35 levels, the scheme is engineered to balance functional residential spaces with commercial and recreational infrastructure.

Key details of the development include:

• Residential Inventory: 420 contemporary single-bedroom apartments engineered for modern urban living.

• Structural Scale: A 35-storey tower featuring residential units, commercial office space, retail units, and dedicated parking facilities.

• Rooftop Facilities: An expansive upper rooftop platform housing leisure amenities and panoramic observation spaces.

• Target Delivery: Full project completion scheduled for the second quarter of 2029.

Connectivity and Jumeirah Village Circle Growth

Positioned in District 11, SkyLevel 1 benefits from rapid connectivity to Dubai’s premier commercial, educational, and leisure hubs. The project sits just two minutes from Circle Mall, with straightforward access to major destinations such as Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Palm Jumeirah.

The surrounding area has witnessed significant accessibility enhancements following the completion of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) major road development corridor between Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding arterial highways. This infrastructure upgrade has effectively doubled bidirectional road capacity and slashed transit times to approximately four minutes.

According to the Dubai Rental Market Report 2025 by Homes, Jumeirah Village Circle remains among the most stable and sought-after locations for medium-cost apartments, having recorded an annual average rental price increase of 8.59% compared to 2024. This consistent performance continues to draw robust interest from both institutional investors and end-users seeking family-friendly community infrastructure and reliable capital growth.

Strong Market Dynamics and Leadership Insights

The official introduction of SkyLevel 1 aligns with an unprecedented surge across Dubai’s wider property sector. During the first quarter of 2026, the emirate recorded AED 252 billion in real estate transactions, marking an impressive 31% expansion compared to the same period in 2025.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the launch, Tatiana Tono, CEO of Object 1, stated:

“The SkyLevel 1 project marks our first new launch in 2026, and we continue to work on it with the same disciplined approach we have taken to deliveries and completion this year. In the first half of the year, two of our projects received certificates of completion of construction, while several others are preparing for delivery. These achievements reinforce our confidence in further expanding into the circular village of Jumeirah, an area where accessibility, strong rental demand and long-term value support end users continues."

Next-Generation Digital Amenities and Wellness

Setting a modern benchmark for residential technology, SkyLevel 1 incorporates artificial intelligence and smart living solutions throughout its communal and private spaces. The rooftop platform features the Sky Infinity Pool, sun-lounging areas, and a dedicated Sky observation platform equipped with digital telescopes for real-time observation of stars, planets, and satellites.

Residents will also have access to an AI-supported smart wellness zone featuring interactive smart mirrors that provide real-time movement analysis, posture correction, and tailored workout guidance. For families, the development includes interactive spaces such as a digital colouring wall that transforms children's drawings into dynamic digital experiences, alongside comprehensive smart access systems designed for modern security and convenience.

With handover slated for 2029, SkyLevel 1 underpins Object 1’s strategy of addressing future urban living demands through technologically sophisticated, investor-friendly residential developments in high-performing Dubai submarkets.

Meraas has officially commenced ground works for its latest landmark project, Atélis at d3.

The global pursuit of integrated urban living has redefined how major cities approach property development.

Modern residents are increasingly seeking more than just luxury; they demand a harmonious blend of creativity, connectivity, and natural surroundings.

In Dubai, this shift is particularly evident as districts once synonymous solely with commerce and professional activity are transforming into multifaceted, 24-hour lifestyle destinations. This evolution is central to the city’s long-term vision, where the convergence of design, culture, and community has become a primary driver of high-end real estate demand.

The Dubai Design District (d3) has historically stood as the region’s premier hub for creativity and innovation. However, as the urban landscape matures, the challenge for developers has been to introduce residential infrastructure that respects the district’s unique creative identity while providing the comforts of contemporary waterfront living. The answer lies in master-planned expansions that leverage green corridors, pedestrian-first infrastructure, and architectural designs that echo the local environment. By embedding residential towers into an established commercial ecosystem, developers are creating environments where the lines between work, leisure, and home are seamlessly integrated.

Central to this transformative strategy is Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate. As part of its commitment to advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Meraas has been systematically executing a vision to establish d3 as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living. This progress is underscored by the sustained popularity of its recent residential offerings, which have seen exceptional market performance and rapid absorption by buyers seeking long-term investment opportunities in central locations.

Building on this momentum, Meraas has officially commenced ground works for its latest landmark project, Atélis at d3. The company announced that it has awarded the ground works contract for the project to International Foundation Group. According to Meraas, the contract encompasses a comprehensive scope of work, including “comprehensive site preparation, excavation, soil improvement, dewatering, and the design and construction of shoring and piling works.” These essential activities serve as the foundation for the subsequent phases of construction, ensuring the site is fully prepared for the rise of what is set to be a significant addition to the Dubai skyline.

Designed by the internationally-renowned architectural practice Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Atélis at d3 is envisioned as a 45-storey residential landmark. The tower’s design is particularly notable for its “elegant, petal-inspired balconies inspired by flowers native to the UAE desert,” a feature that bridges modern aesthetic values with local heritage. Once completed, the development will provide a collection of one- to four-bedroom apartments, complemented by exclusive penthouses. Residents will enjoy panoramic views of the Dubai Creek and the iconic city skyline, further cementing the tower’s status as a premium residential address.

Beyond its architectural prominence, Atélis is designed to reflect the creative character of its surroundings. A company spokesman noted that “residents will have access to three levels of premium amenities, including wellness facilities, co-working spaces, and communal areas reflecting d3’s creative character.” By offering these curated spaces, the project supports the broader objective of fostering an environment where creativity, entrepreneurship, and luxury living converge.

As work continues on-site, the development stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of the Dubai Design District. By transforming a commercial hub into a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood, Meraas is not only meeting the demand for high-end housing but is also setting a new standard for how professional creative districts can evolve into fully integrated, human-centric communities.

epth has unveiled its new AI-driven operating system for the construction industry, aiming to transform how projects are delivered from design to operations.

The construction industry, despite being one of the largest global economic drivers, has long struggled with a fragmented digital infrastructure.

For decades, developers and contractors have relied on a collection of disparate point solutions—separate software for design, procurement, and project management. This "siloed" approach inevitably leads to communication gaps, administrative bottlenecks, and significant project delays. In a rapidly evolving economic landscape, the complexity of these legacy systems has become a structural liability rather than an asset.

The primary industry challenge lies in the sheer volume of data trapped within these disconnected platforms. When information regarding RFIs, submittals, budgets, and site inspections is stored in isolated "filing cabinets," visibility is compromised. Project managers spend an inordinate amount of time chasing documentation rather than focusing on execution. Furthermore, traditional "Big Tech" solutions, while once pioneering, have failed to adapt to the real-time demands of modern job sites. They remain complex relics of a bygone era, no longer fit for the high-pressure, fast-paced requirements of contemporary construction enterprises.

To bridge this gap, Zepth has unveiled its new AI-driven operating system for the construction industry, aiming to transform how projects are delivered from design to operations. Rather than acting as a mere dashboard or a collection of bolt-on features, Zepth functions as a single, connected intelligence layer. By unifying construction (Core), procurement (Vector), and asset management (Edge) on one record, the platform allows for a seamless flow of data.

At the heart of this "operating system" is a sophisticated AI ecosystem. Unlike generic chatbots, Zepth employs specialised AI agents integrated into every module of the platform. These agents perform the heavy lifting, such as reading complex drawings, reviewing submittals against technical specifications, matching invoices, and flagging potential risks before they impact the critical path. This system maintains human oversight; all consequential decisions require human sign-off, ensuring that the technology serves as a partner to human expertise rather than a replacement.

“Zepth stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, redefining the common-data environment with AGI-driven human-level intelligence,” says Prasoon Shrivastava, Founder of Zepth. “Our platform epitomises intelligence, simplicity, and efficiency, designed for the modern world. Zepth's AI-driven solutions are delivering extraordinary efficiency and precision to clients globally. The traditional Big Tech solutions, while once groundbreaking, now lag in a rapidly changing world. They are complex relics of a bygone era , no longer the best fit for today's dynamic industry needs.

The introduction of this AI-native approach marks a significant shift in the construction sector. By automating routine administrative tasks, Zepth claims it can significantly accelerate project timelines and reduce budget overruns. For stakeholders, ranging from project owners and developers to general contractors—the objective is clear: to transition from a model of reactive "chasing" to one of proactive, data-driven decision-making. As the firm continues to expand its AI ecosystem, it is setting a new benchmark for what a truly integrated digital enterprise looks like in one of the world's least digitised, yet most essential, industries.