Construction

Dubai Municipality has convened a high-level workshop aimed at reinforcing the resilience of the emirate’s construction sector, bringing together leading suppliers, contractors and industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges and strengthen coordination.

The session focused on evaluating recent market pressures and identifying practical steps to support business continuity, operational stability and long-term growth. It forms part of the municipality’s broader strategy to engage directly with industry players and gain insights into real-time challenges affecting project delivery.

Held against a backdrop of sustained construction activity in Dubai, the discussions highlighted the sector’s strong performance, underpinned by ongoing development momentum and resilient demand. Participants explored flexible and integrated solutions to maintain efficiency, quality and overall market performance, while ensuring the sector remains adaptable to evolving conditions.

Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, emphasised the importance of collaboration in navigating current market dynamics. “Dubai’s construction sector remains a key pillar of the emirate’s development and a vital contributor to economic growth,” she said. “Through this workshop, we are strengthening engagement with suppliers, contractors and stakeholders to better understand challenges and develop coordinated responses.”

She added that the municipality is committed to enhancing transparency and supporting uninterrupted project execution. “Our focus is on ensuring clarity across the sector while reinforcing its resilience and long-term sustainability through close partnership with industry stakeholders,” she noted.

The workshop also served as a platform to improve alignment across the construction value chain, with representation from key segments including ready-mix concrete, steel reinforcement, aluminium, building materials and MEP services, alongside major contractors.

Industry participants expressed confidence in the sector’s outlook, citing stable market conditions and continued growth in construction activity. Many highlighted the importance of proactive collaboration and data-driven decision-making in maintaining performance levels amid changing economic and operational conditions.

The initiative underscores Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to foster a transparent and resilient construction ecosystem. By strengthening dialogue and coordination across the supply chain, the authority aims to ensure that the sector remains robust, efficient and well-positioned to support the emirate’s long-term development ambitions.

Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) has announced the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS), set to take place from 12-14 May 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Positioned as the emirate’s flagship platform for infrastructure and urban development, the event will return with an expanded agenda, reflecting rising global demand for scalable and sustainable city solutions. Held under the theme ‘Urban evolution: rethinking cities, redefining how we live’, the summit will convene policymakers, industry leaders, investors and developers to explore practical approaches to building resilient, people-focused urban environments.

The event is underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s US$57bn infrastructure pipeline, covering sectors such as transport, housing, education and culture. According to ADPIC, the emirate delivered 100 capital projects in 2025, highlighting its ability to execute large-scale developments efficiently.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the summit goes beyond showcasing future plans. “ADIS is a platform to demonstrate how cities can be designed and delivered with people at their core,” he said. “Through integrated planning and advanced mobility systems, Abu Dhabi continues to create connected, sustainable communities that enhance quality of life.”

He added that global collaboration will be central to addressing urban challenges. “Cities today require coordinated efforts at an unprecedented scale. ADIS 2026 brings together international expertise to develop solutions that support responsible growth while meeting the needs of communities.”

With urban populations expected to account for around 70% of the global total by 2050, the pressure on infrastructure systems is intensifying. Abu Dhabi’s economic performance reflects this momentum, with GDP reaching AED325.7bn in Q3 2025 and construction activity rising by 13.9% year-on-year.

Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, said execution remains at the heart of the emirate’s strategy. “Abu Dhabi has established itself as a benchmark for infrastructure delivery through consistent performance,” he said. “This summit reinforces our commitment to working with global partners to shape how cities are planned, financed and delivered.”

ADIS 2026 will feature a multi-day conference, exhibition and targeted networking sessions, focusing on key themes such as infrastructure delivery, urban wellbeing, smart technologies, sustainability and resilience. The programme will also include dedicated sessions with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, addressing contracting frameworks and project governance.

The summit is expected to attract increased international participation, building on strong engagement from global markets and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for infrastructure innovation and investment.

AlUla Development Company (UDC) has commenced construction on the NUMAJ, Autograph Collection hotel, marking a significant step in advancing its development pipeline and supporting the transformation of AlUla into a global tourism hub.

The milestone was marked by a site visit attended by senior officials, including representatives from Royal Commission for AlUla, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project’s delivery.

The move signals the transition of NUMAJ from planning to execution, reinforcing UDC’s role in delivering key assets aligned with AlUla’s long-term masterplan. The company is positioning the project as part of a broader strategy to create high-quality, investment-ready developments that enhance the destination’s global appeal while supporting community growth.

Scheduled to open in 2027, the 250-room property will be operated by Marriott International under its Autograph Collection brand. The design has been developed by GioForma, drawing on AlUla’s landscape, cultural heritage and historical links to astronomy. The name “NUMAJ” is inspired by the star system Nu Ursae Majoris, reflecting the region’s historic role as a navigational reference point for travellers.

The hotel is intended to offer a blend of resort-style accommodation and culturally immersive experiences. Plans include multiple dining venues, wellness facilities and a mix of business and leisure amenities, all integrated into a design that reflects the character of the surrounding environment.

Sustainability is a central feature of the project. The development is targeting LEED Gold certification, incorporating measures such as greywater recycling for irrigation, the use of locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient systems. Design elements also align with AlUla’s Dark Sky policy, which aims to minimise light pollution and preserve the clarity of the night sky.

NUMAJ forms part of a wider portfolio of projects being delivered by UDC to support AlUla’s evolution as a destination for tourism, investment and residential development. These initiatives contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable tourism and diversifying the Kingdom’s economy.

With construction now under way, the project represents another milestone in the ongoing development of AlUla, as the region continues to attract investment and establish itself on the global tourism map.

Doka has delivered a full suite of formwork and scaffolding systems for Sportz by Danube, a distinctive residential development in Dubai Sports City. The project comprises twin high-rise towers designed around an active living concept, combining extensive leisure facilities with apartments that each feature a private pool.

To keep pace with an ambitious build programme, Danube Properties and HRE Construction engaged Doka to deploy engineered systems aimed at improving productivity while maintaining strict safety standards. Construction began in November 2024 and is scheduled for completion by December 2026, requiring tightly managed workflows across both towers.

A key challenge was sustaining rapid and consistent casting cycles at height without compromising precision. For the vertical cores, Doka implemented its SKE50 plus automatic climbing formwork alongside a large-area beam system, creating a hydraulically driven, crane-independent solution. This approach allowed uninterrupted progress on the core walls, even during peak crane utilisation elsewhere on site. Enclosed working platforms also helped improve site conditions by shielding crews from heat, dust and wind.

On the slab side, Doka introduced its Dokadek 30 panel floor formwork to streamline horizontal construction. The system’s modular design simplified installation and enabled early striking through its drop-head mechanism, reducing material demand and accelerating floor cycles. This efficiency proved critical in keeping the project aligned with its delivery targets.

Beyond system supply, the project highlighted Doka’s focus on service integration and resource optimisation. The company undertook refurbishment of the contractor’s existing formwork inventory, extending its usability while ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards. This reduced the need for additional materials and supported a more cost-effective execution strategy.

Pre-assembled components also played a role in improving site productivity. With Ready-to-Use elements delivered directly for installation, labour requirements were reduced and staging constraints eased, an important factor on a dense high-rise site.

According to project stakeholders, the combination of engineering support and material optimisation contributed to a competitive balance between cost and performance. The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship spanning more than three decades, enabling aligned planning and efficient communication throughout the project lifecycle.

As structural works advance towards completion, Sportz by Danube reflects how industrialised construction methods and integrated service models are reshaping high-rise delivery in Dubai, offering a more controlled, efficient and scalable approach to complex urban developments.