12 - 14 September 2022

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Hall Numbers 3 & 4

Show Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

 
 
 

 

The afternoon of 13 May 2022 was suddenly engulfed in silence as the news about the UAE president’s death, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan broke out.

The late president, who died at age 73, was elected by the Federal Supreme Council as the ruler of the UAE on 3 November 2004 and has since contributed to the country’s economy as a major initiator of transformation.

Promoting the growth of a business-friendly environment, diversifying the UAE economy to boost non-oil revenues, and developing the region’s financial and tourism hubs with state-of-the-art infrastructure are only some of the many milestones achieved by Sheikh Khalifa.

After succeeding his father in 2004, Sheikh Khalifa put his extensive experience at senior levels of leadership to use by charting out the modernisation of the UAE’s seven emirates, including relevant growth in the construction and infrastructure industry.

Under the direction of Sheikh Khalifa, the Executive Council oversaw the realisation of extensive development programmes in Abu Dhabi, including the construction of housing, water supply system, roads and general infrastructure that led to the emergence of the city of Abu Dhabi into the modern city that it is today.

Sheikh Khalifa was also in charge of establishing the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in 1976 which manages the financial investments of the emirate to ensure a stable source of income for future generations.

Sheikh Khalifa’s initiatives

During his reign, the late president launched several initiatives and decisions aiming to improve the quality of life and achieve the nation’s highest priorities and development goals.

The initiatives include the Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) in 1999 which aimed to enhance the competitiveness of the business sector in the UAE, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation which focused on health and education on domestic, regional, and global scales, and The Year of Tolerance in 2019, where the president highlighted the importance of communication between peoples of different cultures in a respectful environment that rejects extremism and emphasises on the acceptance of the other.

Infrastructure development In order to provide a better life for the citizens and ensure the highest quality of infrastructure across the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa dedicated $4.3bn in 2005 for development and infrastructure projects in the Northern Emirates.

As of 2013, over 24 ports were completed; one hospital named Sheikh Khalifa Hospital was built in Ras Al Khaimah, 2000 houses were built, and several highways, intersections and tunnels were constructed.

In terms of housing, Sheikh Khalifa regularly issued directives to construct and repair houses of Emiratis.

In 2012, the president ordered the rapid replacement of Emiratis’ houses built before 1990 in the emirates of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.

There were around 12,500 such housing units that met the replacement criteria and construction was estimated to be $2.7bn.

In April 2015, the Follow-up Committee of the Initiatives of the UAE’s President approved a list of 504 eligible citizens whose houses require maintenance or replacement. The projects include maintenance of 105 houses at a total cost of $10.9mn and urgent replacement of 75 houses at a total cost of $17.4mn.

Moreover, under Sheikh Khalifa’s leadership, the UAE also achieved success internationally, one highlight being the decision in 2009 to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Khalifa’s decree in December 2009 establishing the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation as the entity in charge of carrying out the UAE’s nuclear programme represents another milestone for the country.

The establishment of the renewable energy company, Masdar, in Abu Dhabi in 2006, paved the way for the building of solar power plants, further diversifying the energy mix.

Last year, the UAE became the first Middle Eastern country to announce a net-zero by 2050 strategy as the country committed to supporting international efforts on global warming.

Improvements in transportation In addition to the infrastructure projects and development that Sheikh Khalifa initiated, the UAE has also seen major improvements in the transportation and aviation industry.

The local aviation industry’s development over the decades has transformed the nation from a fishing and pearl-diving harbour into a global centre for air transport.

It has developed into a global powerhouse for air connectivity and created best-in-class airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Air Arabia that connect far-flung parts of the globe.

Under Sheikh Khalifa’s leadership, the UAE aviation industry grew into a key pillar of the economy and a driver of business activity, contributing around 13% of the national gross domestic product.

Etihad Rail, which aims to connect the UAE with the rest of the GCC, is another key infrastructure project under development during the reign of Sheikh Khalifa. Phase one of the project is complete and operating along a 264-kilometre route from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais, transporting sulphur.

With infrastructure, transportation, oil and gas, and business development set in stone in the UAE, the road map of success within the next 50 years is on the way.

Propelled by the late Sheikh Khalifa’s vision and leadership, the UAE will continue to see improvements in the tech, renewable energy, sea transport, and artificial intelligence industries.
Improvements in transportation

Source: Construction Week 16/05/2022

We are living in the UAE at the cusp of an exciting and unprecedented year as our homeland marks its golden jubilee and turns 50. Over these past five decades, this nation has shown that it embraces change, is adaptable, looks to the future with confidence and makes the most of exciting new developments and technologies for the betterment of all and the advancement of its society.

It comes as no surprise then that the UAE will launch 50 new national projects this month — and the first of those is scheduled to be unveiled on Sunday, September 5. Each year, after the summer holidays, the Government of the UAE generally sets out its plans for the following 12 months. With the special and significant anniversary on hand, the announcement of the upcoming 50 projects was tweeted by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“We will start the new season of government work in the UAE this year in a different way. After consulting with my brother Mohammed bin Zayed, we will announce 50 national projects during September,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

No other nation has developed and progressed so far and as quickly as the UAE — a march of progressed eluded to by Sheikh Mohammed, who noted that “the UAE makes its future by itself”. The initial programme to be announced on Sep. 5 will just be the beginning. As the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai suggested, the UAE is overcoming the global coronavirus pandemic as it looks to the future and embraces opportunities for progress.

This 50 project initiative will provide an opportunity for everyone to participate and harness their knowledge and creativity in building a better and exciting future.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, tweeted that the 50 new national projects will be announced this month, “extending our development journey for generations to come,” adding that “the people of the UAE are encouraged to take part, harnessing their knowledge, creativity and resourcefulness so our nation can seize the opportunities of the future.”

The projects are described as laying the foundations for a new era of growth for the UAE — both domestically and internationally, as well as ensuring a decent life for all who call this nation home. We can’t wait for the 50 projects to be detailed in full.

Source: Gulf News 13/05/2022

The United Arab Emirates is targeting 550 billion dirhams ($150 billion) of inward foreign investment over the next nine years, the Gulf state’s economy minister said.

The country aims to be among the 10 biggest global investment destinations by 2030, Abdulla bin Touq told a media briefing on Sunday. It will focus on investments from countries including Russia, Australia, China, and the U.K.

Source: Bloomberg 05/09/2021

Dubai based Teknoware Middle East FZCO, the regional office for Finnish vehicle and emergency lighting manufacturer, Teknoware Oy, has announced plans to launch the company’s new-generation Seven Series line of centralized emergency lighting control panels, as well as other state-of-the-art luminaire solutions, in the region. The September 2021 launch will be held at Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa.

The Middle East real estate sector is emerging as a global leader in the adoption of technologies to optimize sustainability, energy efficiency, and digitally enhanced operations and maintenance. The new-generation luminaires, and Cloud-enabled monitoring and control systems, introduced by Teknoware, will play a critical role in driving this transformation further.

Teknoware brings 49 years of specialised expertise in centrally monitored Emergency Lighting and Battery systems, to the regional market. In addition to its well-known legacy products, the company’s new-generation Seven Series Panels, Steel Series Luminaires, Step and Stamina Emergency Lighting Series, are third-party certified and civil-defence approved, bringing unprecedented quality in lighting systems, to the MEA & APAC real estate market.

“The ability to control and monitor the Teknoware Seven Series Panel remotely, over cloud, will revolutionise the functionality of emergency lighting systems, in the region,” said Mohammed Sufiyan, general manager for Teknoware Middle East. “SSL Cyber Security certification, and single window access to globally integrated facilities, ensure secure monitoring and control from anywhere across the world, and we’re excited about bringing this innovative technology to customers in the MEA & APAC regions.”

The secure, remote monitoring and control features, enabled by Teknoware Seven Series Panel, give users access to automatic status reports of luminaires - including error logs and test results; selectable output circuits – with possible parallel connections of up to 6A; as well as universal diagnostics portal which can be used to schedule tests, manage maintenance operations, and streamline several other day-to-day operations using an intuitive, touch-screen interface. The panel load ranges from 1.4 KW to 25.2 KW, and the luminaire circuits range from 4 to 72, giving it the capability to address even the most demanding site-specific needs.

Netherlands based, Netix Global BV, through its ME office, will be the first company to seamlessly integrate Teknoware cloud enabled control panels with building management systems, using the Netix vendor neutral driver. The Teknoware cloud is part of the Niagara Community, a software framework that enables secure device-to-enterprise applications.

"In addition to the Seven Series Panel, we are also launching our EN1838 compliant Steel Series Exit Luminaires, and the Step and Stamina Emergency Lighting series, which, as a unified system, promote and drive energy efficiency and sustainability,” added Sanjeevv Bhatia, managing director & partner of Teknoware Middle East. “Our solutions, approved by all six GCC Civil Defence authorities, have been developed with a focus on enhanced performance, and comprehensive remote monitoring and control features, while also being more energy efficient and sustainable. We are looking forward to bringing these new-generation solutions, to a market that is leading the world in adopting such technologies.”

Source: Facilities Management 28/06/2021

Global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, KONE, has introduced the world's first digital elevator series to the Middle East and Africa.

KONE DX Class elevators feature built-in connectivity, enabling users to enjoy a new and enhanced experience that combines industry-leading design, technology, materials, apps, and services.

For KONE’s customers, such as developers and building owners, where design and differentiation are critical, a key advantage is the ability to adapt and upgrade the elevator experience according to needs now and in the future.

KONE’s flexibility can support any building, no matter its age, in levelling up its infrastructure at any time to become a smart building, regardless of whether the existing equipment is manufactured by KONE.

When stepping inside an elevator, the design is the first thing anyone notices. But beyond aesthetics, there are many invisible ways in which the smart materials and finishes in the new KONE DX Class elevators improve hygiene and add to peace of mind.

Importantly, digital services can be activated remotely as customers need, without having to visit the site to install anything.

With KONE DX class elevators, customers can also take advantage of planning tools, including a virtual car designer, tools for energy modelling, as well as People Flow and consulting services.

These features are joined by a modern suite of functionalities perfectly in tune with such a future-focused region. The new KONE DX Class enables customers to tailor and plug in additional software and services for elevators throughout the entire lifetime of a building.

By using open application programming interfaces (APIs), KONE's approach makes it easy to manage and integrate different devices, apps and services with new and existing systems.

For elevator passengers this brings a host of new, multisensory experiences inside the elevator, combining physical hardware and digital services. 

The KONE DX Class series is available across markets in the region, beginning with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt as focus markets for regional growth.

The KONE DX Class — the DX standing for “digital experience” — recasts the role of elevators in buildings, true to KONE’s 110-year history of innovation and industry leadership. The elevator is no longer merely a way to travel between floors, but an integral and integrated platform that offers intuitive, ambient and connected experiences that extend from the lobby throughout the building.

The regional managing director of KONE Middle East and Africa, Ruban Bilen, said: “The KONE DX Class cleverly caters to the modern demands of our customers in the region, providing added convenience, safety, security, and ease of use; particularly in the wake of COVID-19.

“As we further expand our pioneering smart building solutions, we’re bringing our customers in the Middle East and Africa the ability to mass-customize services for their tenants. The latest introduction of the DX Class gives building developers and managers the ability to upgrade the value of their building, for prospective buyers and tenants respectively, by creating an integrated and easily adaptable building experience.

Bilen added: “In addition, GCC countries are prioritising sustainability now more than ever before where green initiatives, sustainability goals and green building support are a major part of each nation’s development visions. KONE shares the same vision and aims to make the world’s cities better and more sustainable places to live in.

This can be recognised through its latest DX Class which offers design options and innovations, including anti-stain, anti-scratch, and anti-bacterial surfaces and sustainable materials to meet green building criteria. This is our response to the ongoing evolution of the urban world, and we will continue to deliver new experiences to users and — significantly — helping them stay safe and healthy in a region where life is changing at the speed of technology.”

Any elevator can benefit from these upgrades and these solutions are not limited to elevators that utilize KONE equipment. A completely new experience can be introduced to the building and the elevator, if customers require an upgrade.

KONE DX enables existing buildings to become smart while helping to provide the benefits that smart elevators bring. This means any building of any age can be given a facelift, to provide the latest user experience. It means moving from “modernizing because of age or obsolescence” to “modernizing for customer experience and building value”.

KONE has worked closely with customers in the region to develop and define the KONE DX elevators to best meet their fast-changing needs. New technologies can help create integrated and easily adaptable building experiences. As buildings evolve, the elevators can also simultaneously evolve in ways that many people would not otherwise expect.

The managing director of KONE in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, Azzam Messaykeh, said: “KONE is a pioneer of digitalisation and smart solutions in the region, and though its DX Class series it enables any building to transform into a smart building, supporting developers and managers to confidently differentiate themselves in the saturated development industry.

“These upgrades also enable a seamless and efficient flow of people which complements the UAE’s Vision 2030, where the government aims to develop a sufficient and resilient infrastructure that is capable of supporting anticipated economic growth.”

KONE DX Class is also designed to contribute to buildings’ sustainability initiatives and energy efficiency, combining materials that meet internationally recognized green building standards including BREEAM and LEED.

This is in-keeping with the region’s growing eco-consciousness In the UAE this can be reflected in the launch of its Green Economy Initiative in 2012 and its commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN’s 2030 Agenda — a commitment also made by Saudi Arabia’s local leadership.

KONE’s mission to increase efficiency and preserve resources can be traced to when it first introduced 24/7 connectivity to elevators and escalators in 2017. This building solution combines artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) to predict issues and fix them before they occur, which resulted in a 28 per cent decrease in maintenance calls within two years.

Currently, 60% of all issues can be identified and repaired before they occur as the smart solution software can evolve, learn, and grow in intelligence.

Source: Mechanical Electrical & Plumbing 28/06/2021

For companies that have set a Net Zero target by 2030, one of the pressing concerns could be the struggle to achieve their objectives, if they lack a major shift towards sustainable buildings, Knight Frank’s second edition of its (Y)OUR SPACE report has found.

The report, which draws on responses from almost 400 businesses around the world, represents a combined headcount in excess of 10 million, providing unique insight into the workplace strategies and real estate needs of global companies.

Commenting on the current scenario and the findings, Faisal Durrani, Head of Middle East research at Knight Frank explained: “The climate crisis has spawned a global green reawakening and businesses in the Middle East are alive to the climate challenge. Three-quarters of businesses in the Middle East sample of the (Y)our Space global survey, which represent 7,800 staff, say that their real estate choices in the future will be influenced by their net zero targets; however the vast majority say that less than 25% of their global portfolios are green or sustainable.

“The message to landlords is loud and clear: green credentials of buildings will become a key battleground in post-Covid economy, particularly as office footprints are likely to be revised downward as more businesses adopt hybrid working methods, factoring for greater remote working”.

The UAE is currently home to 869 green-rated buildings, the 14th highest national concentration globally and only country in the region in the top 30. Meanwhile, the US leads the league table with almost 81,000 green buildings and at a city level, London ranks first with 3,000 environmentally accredited buildings.

Qatar ranks in 32nd place with 140 green-rated buildings, while Saudi Arabia takes the 54th spot with 38 green-rated buildings. Kuwait and Oman have 12 green-accredited buildings each and rank 69 and 70, respectively.

“The biggest challenge for businesses today is creating a safe and Covid-secure work environment, but one that also goes beyond being an email factory. Offices need to offer opportunities for true collaboration and being ‘greener’ will be a key differentiator as businesses adapt their occupational strategies to encourage more staff back into the workplace.

“For landlords across the region, the big question will be around weighing up the cost-benefits of greenifying their portfolios in order to cater to evolving business expectations. As investors and businesses are increasingly factoring the green credentials of a building in their decision making, it’s clear that the saleability and lettability of non-green-rated buildings will be negatively impacted over the medium to long-term," added Durrani.

The report shows an increasing desire for global businesses to be sustainable, with 40% of firms having set a net zero carbon target and, of those, 77% are aiming to achieve this by 2030. Yet despite real estate accounting for as much as 40% of global carbon emissions, and with growing pressure from the increasingly robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) agendas of investors, over 87% of firms said that less than half of their current global real estate portfolios are either ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’. This suggests a real disconnect between real estate and wider corporate thinking on sustainability.

Almost 60% of global respondents said that there is only a partial recognition from their wider business that occupying and utilising real estate differently will impact their ability to achieve net zero carbon and wider sustainability targets, with a further 15% arguing that there is no recognition at all.

Durrani concluded: “Developers and landlords in the Middle East have made great strides in delivering world-leading green buildings, incorporating stunning technologies, such as the condensation harvesting system on the Burj Khalifa, or the three integrated wind-turbines on the Bahrain World Trade Centre, but such technologies need to be adopted more widely if landlords are to compete on a level playing field for increasingly green conscious businesses.”

Source: Construction Week 27/06/2021

Masdar, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company has signed a strategic agreement with the Republic of Iraq to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the country with a minimum total capacity of two gigawatts (GW).

Heads of Agreement (HOA) were signed at a virtual ceremony by His Excellency Majid A. Hantosh, Minister of Electricity, the Republic of Iraq, Her Excellency Suha Al-Najar, President of the National Investment Commission for the Republic of Iraq, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. The signing took place in the presence of His Excellency Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Minister of Oil for the Republic of Iraq, His Excellency Suhail Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy for the UAE, and His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade for the UAE.

Iraq, the second-largest oil producer in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is looking to increase the percentage of renewables in its total power production capacity by the end of this decade to address supply issues and meet climate objectives. Iraq, which this year ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change, enjoys some of the most attractive solar irradiation levels in the region.

HE Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Minister of Oil for the Republic of Iraq, said: “The government intends to increase and enhance the national production of clean energy. Through this agreement with Masdar, we will generate 2GW of solar power through projects in central and southern Iraq. Iraq is targeting 20 to 25% of energy coming from renewable sources, rather than fossil fuels, equivalent to 10 to 12GW. This agreement with Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy, is an important step in the development of the clean energy investment sector and the exploitation of solar energy in Iraq."

HE Suha Al-Najar, President of the National Investment Commission for the Republic of Iraq, said: “The project is one of the largest renewable photovoltaic solar projects in the Middle East, and falls within the vision of Iraq’s sustainable transition plan 2021- 2030. The project delivers 2GW of green energy for Iraq national network. It opens the way for cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two parties in the field of energy planning and sustainable transition."

“The project ensures clean and sustainable energy production for different areas in Iraq, and displaces carbon dioxide emissions resulting from fossil fuel generation. The project will also provide new jobs in the energy sector, with the manpower for project construction and operation beyond 2,000.”


Source: Construction Week 26/06/2021

Tafawuq Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Eltizam Asset Management Group is the first Facilities Management (FM) Company in the UAE to leverage robotics by deploying self-driving robot cleaning solution "LeoMop" to drive smart and efficient operations in collaboration with Hygiene Tech, a leading provider of environmentally friendly machinery solutions in the UAE.

Innovation in Facilities Management is accelerating through the power of technology. Facility managers are increasingly looking for technological solutions to improve services, and save time. Robotics is the most feasible and innovative solution for creating a healthier environment for customers and employees while also delivering higher operational standards.

Powered by LionsBot, a Singapore-based robotics company, LeoMop is purposefully designed to improve cleaning productivity and consistency while emphasizing on safety and security. The robot is equipped with active AI and can clean for an average of 17 hours per day. The autonomous cleaning robot is able to self-assign role with minimum human intervention and maximum efficiency.

The robot has features such as water-saving technology, which uses 70% less water than other cleaning robots while achieving the same high-cleaning results, and an active-DryTech, which can save up to 40% of water drier floors due to more robust water extraction for safer surroundings. LeoMop is also regarded as the quietest professional cleaning robot, allowing it to operate at any time without causing disruptions. The robot is also programmed with emotional responses such as expressive eyes and voice, and it is capable of informing, entertaining, and exchanging simple conversations activated via QR code.

Mohammed Alsharaf, senior executive vice President, Tafawuq, said: "The Facilities Management industry has seen a significant technological transformation in recent years. With the rise of IoT, AI, big data, machine learning, and robotics, Tafawuq is committed to pioneering tech-enabled solutions to enhance our services, become more data and value-driven for the benefit of our clients, asset owners, and our company to be future-proof.”

Multiple sensors and safety features on the cleaning robot use smart algorithms to navigate the environment, adjust travel speed, work around obstacles, and avoid task interruption. LeoMop was designed specifically to assist the existing cleaning crew while also allowing them to perform supervisory duties and provide greater cleaning consistency.

The robot also includes a mobile app with 24x7 Cloud Service support and real-time performance data derived from predictive analysis to monitor cleaning operations, conditions, and hygiene compliance.

Michael Nicholas, general manager, Tafawuq, said: “Covid-19 has put cleaning and disinfection at the center of facilities management. It is necessary to adapt innovative solutions to our day-to-day operations to manage workforce deployment and support our ultimate goal of providing our clients with a safe and clean environment.”

With an increasing number of robots being integrated into facility operations to provide advanced cleaning and meet the new level of need and expectation following the pandemic, their value has been proven, and their place in the future of facilities management has been established.

The latest deployment of the AI-powered cleaning robot, aligned with Eltizam Group's technology investments, will reinforce Tafawuq's position as the Middle East's leading facilities management company and expand their footprint and influence in the FM technology arena.

Source: Facilities Management 21/06/2021

Time seemingly stood still for much of the world at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

But in the UAE, the landscape continued to evolve with new developments coming to fruition.

Under-construction skyscrapers have grown taller, plots of land have been cleared, and fresh projects have been announced by the government.

This year is very much shaping up to be another filled with mega-project progress – and not just in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but the Northern Emirates as well.

See our list below and slideshow above of what's in the pipeline, and note that original completion dates may have been subject to change:

Reem Mall

Abu Dhabi’s ever-evolving Reem Island has one particular project that has been developed on a large scale – and that is Reem Mall.

The island already boasts Boutik Mall, but this will be on another level and will mean residents won’t necessarily need to island-hop over to Al Maryah, which is home to the well-stocked Galleria Mall.

Reem Mall will have more than 450 stores, a hypermarket, two food courts and a multiplex cinema, plus Snow Abu Dhabi  which is set to be about four times the size of Ski Dubai.

Royal Atlantis Resort

Why have one Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah when you can have two? This one doesn’t have the iconic arch of the long-time hotel at the tip of the island, but is does, according to its website, have “a playful contrast between fire and water”. The architecture is typically eye-catching.

The right wing of the Royal Atlantis will house 231 residences, while the left will be made up of 795 guest suites. The two are linked by an infinity swimming pool that is 90 metres above the ground.

Ain Dubai

Dubai doesn’t do things on a small scale – just look at Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel. It was set to open in time for Expo 2020 in October but on the last update in August was already said to be “shaping up well” having had its first capsule on the wheel installed.

The attraction on Bluewaters Island will stand at a height of 250m and have 48 capsules. 

Midfield Terminal

It may not be welcoming passengers yet, but the hulking Midfield Terminal is very much part of the Abu Dhabi landscape as you reach the outskirts of the city.

It will be able to process 8,500 travellers per hour once open and spans and spans 742,000 square metres. No opening date has been confirmed yet.

Museum of the Future

The eye-catching structure on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road has already provided some fantastic Instagram snaps as it nears completion.

The building's exterior is made up of 1,024 pieces that were manufactured by automated robotic arms and installed over the course of 18 months.

The Dh500 million museum's outer shell extends over more than 17,000 square metres and is covered in Arabic calligraphy illuminated by solar-powered LED bulbs at night.

It combines elements of exhibition, immersive theatre and themed attraction.

The Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 site. Dany Eid / Expo 2020

Expo 2020 site

The show will go on. Dubai’s Expo may have been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s full steam ahead for 2021.

Years in the making, almost 230,000 workers have worked tirelessly on the site which is set to welcome millions of people from 190 nations in October.

There are 192 country pavilions on the 438-hectare site, with some of them requiring up to 200 staff each.

One of the main attractions will be Al Wasl Plaza – a dome filled with fountains, waterfalls, parks and palm-lined courtyards.

Meydan One Mall

Malls are not just about shops and restaurants these days, they are more a living, breathing experience. This one, located between the existing Meydan racecourse site and Al Khail Road, is certainly slated to have a little bit extra – including a 1km-long indoor ski slope and winter village, plus a 400-metre Central Canyon and football and cricket facilities.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 2017. 

Al Qana

Abu Dhabi's new waterfront entertainment complex is slated to open after Ramadan. The 2.6km canal-side development features an aquarium, e-sports academy and adventure activities.

The centrepiece aquarium will be home to more than 300 species and 46,000 creatures.

The Fairmont Marina Residences construction site seen from the observation tower at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National

Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi

Architecturally very similar to Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm, this Accor hotel now dominates Abu Dhabi’s Corniche skyline.

Initially anticipated to open in March 2020, the 39-storey building will offer a private beach, five swimming pools and watersports facilities. There will be 563 guest rooms, with King, Twin, Deluxe, Gold and Signature categories.

Jubail Island

A haven of tranquillity, Jubail sits between Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island and Yas Island and is set to become an upmarket residential community.

The 45 million-square-metre island already contains a large mangrove park and the developer is planning to add restaurants, a beach club, a business centre, sports facilities, schools, clinics, nurseries and a community centre.

Homes for more than 5,000 residents are set to be built. A contract to build the first 300 villas was awarded to Arabian Construction Company in April 2021 and 60 per cent of the site's infrastructure was said to be already complete. The first villas will be ready by the fourth quarter of 2023.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Construction on the tourist attraction has been gathering pace on Yas Island. It was said to be 40 per cent complete in October 2020, with work set to be finished by the end of 2022.

The 183,000-square-metre venue will boast purpose-built habitats and ecosystems housing a variety of species. It will be home to the UAE's first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre.

One Zaabeel

This pair of towers is located next to Dubai’s Trade Centre and connected by a 7,700-tonne bridge.

Once completed, the buildings will feature luxury residences, a hotel, offices and retail spaces.

Tower A is 304 metres high and topped out in April 2021, while the 241m Tower B was topped out earlier.

Yas Bay master plan. Courtesy Miral

Yas Bay

Parts of this project on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, such as the Etihad Arena and Hilton hotel, are already open to the public.

But there’s plenty more to come.

There will be 15,000 residences and the new headquarters of TwoFour54, the media free zone that operates from Khalifa Park, which is expected to be ready this year.

Ciel Dubai

The city already has the world’s tallest hotel – the 356m Gevora Hotel. However, there’s set to be a new record holder, and once again it’s going to be in Dubai.

Construction of Ciel tower in Dubai Marina is under way and it will eventually reach 360m according to developer The First Group

It will have 1,209 luxury hotel suites and serviced residences spread over 82 levels, plus a glass observation deck with 360-degree views.

Dubai CommerCity

The first phase of the Dh3.2 billion e-commerce free zone has just been launched.

It is being built at the project in the Umm Ramool area of the city, close to Dubai International Airport.

The first phase will have a 'business cluster' with more than 95,000 sqm of offices and 50,000 sqm of logistics units and "multi-client warehouses".

Screen grab of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi from March, 2021.

Abu Dhabi Hindu temple

Construction is well under way at the Abu Mureikha site, with the foundations expected to be completed in April 2021 and the outer structure to start taking shape in the following months.

The UAE’s first Hindu temple, it will be the largest centre in the country for people of all faiths to learn about Indian culture and the Hindu religion when it opens in 2023.

It will feature an amphitheatre, prayer halls, library, community centre, play area for children, parks, visitor centre and food court.

Abrahamic Family House

Designed by the renowned British architect Sir David Adjaye, it will be a place for religious tolerance and education, bringing faiths together with a mosque, a church and a synagogue on the same site on Saadiyat Island.

The vision for the Abarahamic Family House originated after the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam Ahmed Al Tayeb in February 2019.

The project’s anticipated completion date is in 2022.

Kalba regeneration

Sharjah’s east coast exclave is the focus of a major revamp, which will see the restoration of one of the emirate’s most historic houses, construction of a clock tower roundabout and the opening of a revamped Corniche.

Then there’s the Kalba Heritage Museum project – a sail-shaped museum will be built on the seashore.

The projects are expected to provide a big boost to tourism in the area.

The Dibba Fujairah Sports Club Stadium project in Al Ras, Dibba Fujairah.

Dibba Fujairah Sports Club Stadium

There’s a new sports stadium taking shape in the UAE.

The stadium in Dibba, Fujairah will be able to host up to 10,000 fans and cost an estimated Dh100 million.

It meets the requirements of the UAE Pro League and the Asian Football Confederation to host regional championships.

Etihad Rail

The development of the railway service has been under way in the UAE for some time with the goal of connecting the country with the rest of the GCC.

Stage one is complete and operating along a 264km route from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais, transporting sulphur.

In January, it was announced that tracks were being laid for the 139-kilometre stretch connecting Ruwais with Ghuweifat on the UAE border with Saudi Arabia.

It will eventually stretch for about 1,000km from Ghuweifat to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast.

Freight is the focus but its mandate included a potential passenger element. 

Source: The National News 21/04/2021