Top 15 project launches in the Middle East in February 2023

As we bid farewell to February, which marks the third month of 2023, the construction industry is looking forward to another month full of potential and promise. The previous month brought exciting news to our feeds, as 15 new projects are set to launch in the Middle East in the upcoming years. The projects introduced by prominent entities in the sector vary in type, making the list this month quite exciting.

Top 15 project launches in the Middle East in February 2023

From the biggest clean energy project in Jordan to the largest modern downtown in Riyadh, the top 15 project launches in the Middle East this month are quite diverse.

Emaar Properties, Jeddah Historical District Program, OMRAN Group, Masdar, New Murabba Development Company, Red Sea Global, and many more companies have caught our attention.

 The Middle East’s top project launches in February 2023 were:

1. Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi

Type: Inter-faith compound

To feature a mosque, church, and synagogue

Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi

Among the notable projects launched in February 2023 is the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, which is the UAE’s first interfaith building. This inter-faith compound features a mosque, church, and synagogue and is dedicated to advancing “mutual respect, comprehension, and diversity.” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared the inauguration of the project on Twitter and added that the UAE remains committed to harnessing the power of mutual respect, understanding, and diversity to achieve shared progress.

2. URB: THE LOOP

Type: Sustainable urban highway

93km-long

URB: THE LOOP

Another exciting project that was launched in February 2023 is URB: THE LOOP, which is a 93km-long sustainable urban highway in Dubai. The Loop is a climate-controlled structure that aims to promote cycling and walking as a primary mode of transport for people in Dubai. The project is in line with Dubai’s ambition of becoming a 20-minute city, where residents are able to access daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle. The project aims to connect more than 3 million residents using a healthy mode of transport to key services and locations by walking and cycling within minutes.

3. Masdar, Taaleri JV:  Baynouna Solar Park

Type: Largest clean energy project in Jordan

200-megawatt (MW) park

Announcing the formal inauguration of the Baynouna Solar Park, the Baynouna Solar Energy Company (BSCE), a joint venture between Masdar, the UAE’s world-leading renewable energy company, and Taaleri, a Finnish investment and asset management group, has unveiled the largest clean energy project in Jordan. This 200-megawatt (MW) project was developed through a power purchase agreement between Masdar and National Electric Power Company, which is Jordan’s state electricity provider. With an annual production of over 560 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy, the Baynouna Solar Park generates enough electricity to power around 160,000 homes. Furthermore, this solar park also plays a crucial role in reducing the country’s carbon footprint by displacing 360,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the equivalent of removing almost 80,000 cars off the road.

4. Al Othaim Investment Company: Konoz (Box of Treasures)

Type: Mixed-used development

50,000m2 area

Al Othaim Investment Company: Konoz (Box of Treasures)

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company has launched the Konoz (Box of Treasures) project, which is worth $1.86 billion. The project, which was designed by Benoy, is a mixed-use development consisting of an entertainment city, a luxury hotel, and residential units, as well as various commercial, food and beverage, and retail outlets. The project draws its name from precious gemstones and intends to depict the visual and architectural essence of gemstones in its diverse zones.

5. UAE National Railway Network

Type: Infrastructure

38 locomotives, 1,000 wagons

UAE National Railway Network

In a momentous occasion, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, launched the UAE National Railway Network – a significant milestone in the development journey of the UAE. This ambitious project features a freight fleet consisting of 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons capable of transporting all types of goods, showcasing the country’s preparation for the future. The UAE National Railway Network was inaugurated at the main center for control and maintenance located in Al Fayah region, Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed, who presided over the ceremony, expressed his admiration and appreciation for the project, emphasizing its importance to the country’s development and growth.

6. New Murabba Development Company: New Murabba

Type: Modern downtown

25 million m2 of floor area

In a bid to contribute to the city’s future development in line with Saudi Vision 2030, HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has launched the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC) – an entity that will oversee the development of New Murabba, envisioned to be the largest modern downtown in Riyadh. The New Murabba project is designed around the concept of sustainability and will boast green areas, walking and cycling paths that promote healthy, active lifestyles, and community activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life. Additionally, the project will feature a host of entertainment and culture venues, including an iconic museum, a technology and design university, a multipurpose immersive theater, and more than 80 other such venues. It is expected that the project will serve as a catalyst for Riyadh’s growth and progress, establishing it as a global destination for culture, entertainment, and tourism.

7. Taraf: Luce

Type: Residential development

Yas Holding’s recently-launched real estate division, Taraf, has unveiled its first prime residential property – Luce – a contemporary luxury living experience and new landmark on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. With waterfront views overlooking the coveted blue waters of Dubai and private beach access to Palm Jumeirah, Luce is an embodiment of modern luxury living. The building’s design is inspired by nature, with cues taken from the fluidity and curves of both the desert and seascapes of Dubai, including the beach and sand. The property offers a mix of luxury units, including exclusive 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units with stunning sea views, along with a duplex and a penthouse. By creating a design that merges seamlessly with the natural surroundings of Palm Jumeirah, Taraf aims to enhance the living experience for its residents, making Luce an exceptional property for those looking for unparalleled comfort and luxury.

8. Emirati Relief Field Hospital, Turkiye

Type: Field hospital to receive earthquake victims

40,000m2, 50 beds

Following the arrival of medical, technical, and administrative teams, the Emirati Relief Field hospital in Gaziantep promptly commenced its humanitarian mission by accepting victims of the recent earthquake in Turkey. The hospital, covering an expansive area of 40,000m2, is equipped with 50 beds, including four ICU beds. As the first (Level III) field hospital in Turkey, the facility is playing a crucial role in supporting local relief efforts and providing much-needed medical assistance to those impacted by the earthquake. The hospital’s swift and efficient response is a testament to the UAE’s unwavering commitment to providing aid and support to countries facing humanitarian crises.

9. Marson Group: Electric car factory

To be located in Salman Industrial City

Marson Group, a Bahraini business and project development company, has recently unveiled its ambitious plans to establish a state-of-the-art factory dedicated to the production of electric cars in the country. The company has entered into a strategic partnership with Gauss Auto, a renowned American manufacturing corporation, to execute the project. The new factory, operating under the name Gauss Auto Bahrain, will be situated in Salman Industrial City in the American Trade Zone and is expected to be operational within a tight timeline of 10 months, from construction to full operation. The project represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable mobility and driving economic growth in Bahrain.

10. Majid Al Futtaim: Snow Oman

Type: Indoor Snow Park

14,830m2

Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, a leading entertainment provider in the Middle East, has achieved another significant milestone in its investment strategy in Oman with the official opening of Snow Oman, the company’s third indoor snow park in the region. The sprawling 14,830m2 park is strategically located in the Mall of Oman and is the largest indoor snow park in the MENA region. Ignace Lahoud, CEO of MAF, proudly announced at the launch that Snow Oman is the first and only indoor snow destination in the sultanate, marking a significant achievement for both MAF and Oman’s tourism industry.

11. Emaar Properties: Ramhan Island

Type: Island development

1,800 beach villas, 1,000 residences, 1 hotel

According to a report by Arabian Business, Mohamed Alabbar, who is known for founding Dubai’s top developer, Emaar Properties, has announced plans to initiate a new island project worth $3.5 billion in Abu Dhabi. The project, which will go by the name ‘Ramhan Island,’ will comprise 1,800 beach villas, 1,000 branded residences, a hotel, and a marina. Mr. Alabbar has confirmed that he will develop the project through his privately-owned company, Eagle Hills Development, marking a significant investment in the region.

12. Emirates: New training facility

Type: Training facility for Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X

5,882m2

In a recent development, it has been reported that a sum of $135 million has been earmarked for the establishment of a brand new Emirates training facility in Dubai, specifically designed to train pilots for future Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. The facility is slated to be completed by March 2024 and will cover an impressive area of 5,882 square meters. The Emirates training facility will be equipped with six full flight simulator bays (FFS) to cater to the requirements of both Airbus and Boeing jets. To further enhance convenience and facilitate better integration, the new training facility will be located adjacent to the existing Emirates Training Facilities in Dubai, providing a seamless experience for all pilots undergoing training.

13. Jeddah Historic District Program (JHD): Waterfront Project

Type: Waterfront development

The Jeddah Historical Rejuvenation Project is a large-scale initiative launched by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in September 2021. This project aims to preserve, restore, and rejuvenate historic sites, and is a testament to HRH the Crown Prince’s unwavering support for such efforts. The project is set to last for two years and will play a crucial role in reconnecting the Red Sea with Al Balad, which is often referred to as downtown Jeddah. HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, the Minister of Culture, expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation for HRH the Crown Prince’s consistent support in revitalizing the historic Al Bunt Port and its surrounding area.

14. Red Sea Global: Clinique La Prairie

Type: Exclusive health resort

13 villas, 52 rooms

Red Sea Global (RSG) has recently unveiled an exciting partnership with Clinique La Prairie, the world-renowned longevity clinic and wellness brand, to develop a luxurious and expansive health resort spanning over 36,115 square meters in the pristine Amaala, situated on Saudi Arabia’s north-western coastline. The exclusive resort will boast a wide range of lavish accommodations, including 13 opulent villas, as well as 52 plush rooms and suites, all designed to provide guests with the utmost comfort and relaxation. Along with the sumptuous living spaces, the resort will feature an impressive range of amenities and facilities, including a diagnostics lab, museum, beach club, workshop and training rooms, private dining space, and even a cooking school, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and unparalleled journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery.

15. OMRAN Group: Zipline project, Oman

Type: Dual zipline project

1,800m-long

OMRAN Group: Zipline project, Oman

In the Governorate of Musandam, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has announced the soft opening for the 1,800-metre dual zipline project in the Wilayat of Khasab, which is part of an integrated adventure centre designed to offer tourists unique experiences that combine adventure and exploration. The Oman Adventure Centre was specifically designed to accommodate a broad range of facilities, thereby providing visitors with an integrated tourism experience, which includes a waiting area and other facilities.