Big 5 Global, COP28, massive project launches, something new at NEOM and more

As we ride through the busy events season and approach the end of the year, there's so much happening — Big 5 Global, the region's largest gathering of construction and construction-adjacent stakeholders, took place this week; the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) opened up to the public at the same time, and a head-spinning number of projects were launched and announced over the past month. We look back at them all in this edition of the newsletter.

We also sat down and rounded up the most anticipated upcoming rail and transit projects in the Middle East — there are quite a few close to home, and some look quite the fun ride.

Read on.

14 upcoming rail projects in the Middle East you need to know about

From the expansion of iconic metro systems to the introduction of high-speed rails and innovative luxury trains, these projects signify a commitment to sustainable, efficient, and interconnected urban mobility.

We delve into the details of major upcoming rail projects across the Middle East, shedding light on their objectives, features, and anticipated impacts. From the bustling streets of Dubai to the historical regions of Al Ula, each project brings a unique dimension to the vision of modern transportation in the Middle East.

Top 20 project launches in the Middle East in November 2023

From luxury residential complexes and mixed-use developments to industrial plants and infrastructure projects, this list brings together a diverse range of initiatives shaping the region’s upcoming projects landscape that were launched during the past month.

Noteworthy mentions include high-profile ventures such as ORLA Infinity by Omniyat, a JW Marriott resort on Al Marjan Island, and the Dubai Metro Blue Line, as well as numerous projects in NEOM and the wider kingdom.

Join us as we explore these transformative projects, each contributing to the dynamic and evolving narrative of the Middle East’s development.

Please note that this list is not comprehensive, nor a ranking.

Big 5 Global 2023: Million-dollar deals signed as need for new construction methods increases

Leaders and prominent speakers at the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, held alongside the 44th edition of Big 5 Global at the Dubai World Trade Centre, reached a consensus on the need for the global construction industry to adapt

They emphasised the importance of prioritising the orientation of future buildings and advocating for the retrofitting of existing assets to reduce emissions — click through to read more about what happened at Big 5 Global here.

KSA, Türkiye sign agreements to strengthen business ties

In regional business news, Saudi and Turkish companies part of the Saudi-Turkish Business Council signed eight trade agreements in Istanbul on Monday as part of efforts to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries.

Turkey is aiming to increase the volume of trade between the two countries to $10 billion in the medium term, and $30 billion in the long term. Meanwhile, Turkish construction companies have pledged to carry out 400 projects, valued at $28 billion, in Saudi Arabia while 1,400 Saudi companies were established in Türkiye.

Masdar City to build region’s first ‘net-zero mosque’

The groundbreaking of the mosque will be next year, with the completion date set to be announced in the coming months.

The 2,349m2 structure will a capacity for 1,300 worshippers and is set to produce at least 100% of the energy it needs over the course of a year using 1,590m2 of on-site PV panels.

The mosque’s total energy requirements were reduced by 35% compared to international baselines using passive design, an architectural approach that responds to environmental conditions.

COP28: DEWA, Dubai Municipality sign project to generate electricity from landfill biogas

Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) signed an agreement on the sidelines of COP28 for a project aimed at generating electricity from landfill biogas. The project is expected to curb approximately 300,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

In Pictures: Siranna, NEOM’s latest luxury tourism destination

NEOM has recently unveiled a new luxury tourism destination named Siranna, located on the Gulf of Aqaba along the Red Sea.

The luxury resort features a 65-key hotel and 35 exclusive residences, uniquely accessible only by boat through a narrow bay in the sea.

Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Siranna offers more than just accommodations — click through to see what's planned. The architecture is stunning.