As summer gave way to the vibrant days of August, the Middle East witnessed a flurry of groundbreaking projects that promise to reshape the region’s landscape and future.
From the world’s largest wind turbine to Saudi Arabia’s first-ever airport hotel, this listicle unveils the top projects that took flight during this transformative month.
These remarkable initiatives not only signify the region’s unwavering commitment to growth but also its determination to stay at the forefront of global development.
Some companies that stood out with their projects in August include Emaar Properties, Danube Properties, ACWA Power, ROSHN, and more.
The Middle East’s top project launches in August 2023 were:
1. Aldar Properties: Gardenia Bay
Type: Waterfront development
Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties has introduced Gardenia Bay, a residential enclave that draws inspiration from nature and waterfront living on Yas Island.
In the initial stage, 210 out of the total 2,434 contemporary residences within the community, including studios and apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, will be offered for purchase starting from September 8, 2023. The pricing commences at AED 805,000 ($219,200) for studios, while three-bedroom apartments have a starting price of AED 3.1 million ($840,000).
The construction of the first phase is set to commence in the first quarter of 2024, with property handovers anticipated in the second quarter of 2027.
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2. ROSHN: MARAFY
Type: Mixed-use development
ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s most trusted multi-asset class real estate developer, and PIF giga-project, today announced MARAFY, a transformative, mixed-use development in north of Jeddah that will accommodate over 130,000 residents with an 11-kilometre-long manmade canal at its centre.
MARAFY will provide a new waterfront around its manmade canal which will add a new destination to the north of Jeddah. The 11-kilometre-long and 100-metre-wide navigable canal will connect to and extend Obhur Creek, will be surrounded by multiple unique districts, it is the first canal ever to be built in Saudi Arabia, and ROSHN’s first fully mixed-use development.
MARAFY’s canal will provide a waterfront comparable in size to those of Chicago, Stockholm, Hamburg, and central London, bringing the marine environment into the heart of a historic city that has been welcoming traders, travellers, and pilgrims for centuries.
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3. DP World: Mega-container terminal in India
DP World has signed a concession agreement with the India’s Deendayal Port Authority to develop, operate and maintain a new 2.19 million TEUs per annum mega-container terminal at Kandla in Gujarat on the country’s western coast. The mega-container terminal will be built at a cost of $510 million.
The project is part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline and will complement initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and National Logistics Policy, the pet projects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The container terminal will be fully compliant with the green port guidelines ensuring sustainability in port operations by adopting best practices of port environment management contributing towards the long-term sustainability goals set out by the Government of India.
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4. Emaar Misr: Address Beach Resort Marassi
Type: Beach resort hotel
Emaar Misr, one of Egypt’s leading real estate companies, has announced the opening of its new Address Beach Resort Marassi, on the country’s north coast, developed at an investment of $161 million.
This marks Egypt’s second hotel and resort under the Address Hotels and Resorts brand which is located in Dubai, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
Located on an 86,100m2 area in Marassi, Sidi Abdelrahman, the resort has been constructed along the breathtaking beach of Marassi, where the guests are offered a private experience through a 160 metre – long private beach.
The hotel comprises 118 rooms and suites designed in a cutting-edge style, 169 serviced apartments in addition to 69 cabanas located a few steps away from the sea and Marassi Marina, said the statement from Emaar Misr.
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5. GJ Properties: Biltmore Sufouh Residence
Type: Residential tower
Biltmore, the esteemed luxury brand, is set to make its highly anticipated debut in the Middle East with its first-ever property in partnership with GJ Properties.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Biltmore has chosen Dubai as the prime location for its prestigious venture, considering it a thriving hub of luxury travel and tourism.
Set to open its doors in 2025, the Biltmore Sufouh Residence will feature 480 one, two, and three-bedroom luxurious apartments across its impressive 44-floor vertical twirl development. The Biltmore Sufouh Residence promises to redefine opulence and sophistication in the heart of Dubai.
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6. ACWA Power: Wind turbine
Type: First turbine at Bash wind farm project
Saudi-based private water desalination company, ACWA Power, has successfully installed the first wind turbine for its 500MW Bash wind farm project, located in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan.
The wind turbine generator (WTG) manufactured by Envision is the largest of its kind in Central Asia with a capacity of 6.5MW. The installation of the wind turbine and generator was carried out by engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC).
CEEC was awarded the EPC contract for each of the 500MW wind farms in Bash and Dzhankeldy on 7 December 2022.
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7. Hilton: Hilton Dammam Aiport
Type: Saudi Arabia’s first airport hotel
Hilton is continuing its expansion across Saudi Arabia with the signing of Hilton Dammam Airport, its first airport hotel in the country. The 273-key property will be completed in partnership with Al Musbah Group and Damman Airports Company (DACO).
Hilton Dammam Airport will offer guests spacious and contemporary accommodation with direct skywalk access to the terminal building at King Fahd International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia which welcomes approximately 10 million passengers per year. The property is also ideally located for Dammam City Centre, as well as Dharan, Khobar, and nearby Bahrain.
King Fahd International Airport serves as a hub for Saudia Airlines, Aramco Aviation, and FlyNas, with flights to over 70 international destinations by over 50 airlines. It also operates a dedicated Saudi Aramco terminal and Oxford-authorised training centre, an aviation academy, and a large-scale cargo village.
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8. DAMAC Properties: DAMAC Coral Reef
Type: Waterfront residential development
Leading UAE developer DAMAC Properties has announced the launch of its latest project, DAMAC Coral Reef, to be developed within the picturesque Dubai Maritime City.
This exclusive waterfront development promises to redefine luxury living with a captivating blend of artistic expression and exceptional coastal charm.
The new property offers a luxurious seaside waterfront haven and marks a spectacular collaboration with acclaimed artist Vincent Faudemer, celebrated globally for his captivating Babolex collection.
Collaborating with the artist, known as the “Little Prince of Contemporary Art,” Damac Coral Reef is set to introduce an unparalleled fusion of artistry and luxury living.
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9. NEOM: IMG golfcourse
Type: Beachfront golfcourse in Sindalah
NEOM, the Saudi Arabian mega-city project, is collaborating with IMG Golf Course Services to unveil a groundbreaking 9-hole golf course along the opulent shores of Sindalah island.
Tasked with supervising activities before the grand opening, handling marketing, and providing operational management for the Golf Club at Sindalah, IMG Golf Course Services is poised to enhance the golfing landscape in the Middle East.
Situated on the exquisite Sindalah island, this prestigious, all-season destination is set to revolutionise the golfing experience with its exceptional characteristics.
Sindalah will be home to the first island golf course of its kind within the GCC, and is poised to cater to a diverse range of golf enthusiasts.
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10. Danube Properties: Elitz 3
Type: Residential development
Danube Properties has just announced the launch of Elitz 3 at the Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), with a development value exceeding $218 million at a star-studded event at Danube Sports World.
The project will be in the same area as Elitz and Elitz 2 towers – which are currently under construction at the JVC – and help meet the growing demand for quality homes.
When completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, the twin-tower project Elitz 3 will rise 40 and 46 floors high and deliver 750 residential units including studio apartments, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments, and a few retail stores. Like most other Danube projects, homes at Elitz 3 also come with more than 40 community, health, and lifestyle amenities including a health club, swimming pools, sports arena, tennis court, barbecue area, and jogging track, among other facilities.
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11. Emaar Properties: The Oasis
Type: $20 billion waterfront development
In June, Emaar unveiled its latest opulent undertaking named The Oasis, a grandeur waterfront development project situated on the periphery of Dubai, with an estimated value of $20 billion.
Encompassing an impressive assortment of 7,000 residential units, encompassing opulent mansions and villas, the development assures prospective inhabitants unparalleled panoramas overlooking canals, lakes, and expansive parklands.
The Oasis is strategically positioned a mere 18 minutes away from Al Maktoum International Airport. Moreover, it enjoys close proximity to esteemed Dubai landmarks such as Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Mall, and downtown Dubai, rendering it an exceptionally well-connected and coveted locale.
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