New GCC railway; Barbie DreamHouse; Porta Jeddah development; Oman’s billion-dollar hospitality plan

In?The Construction Digest?this week, we feature some of the most popular stories revolving around the Middle East’s construction industry. These include the designs for the 150,000m2 Porta Jeddah development in Saudi Arabia, the twin tower project at Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, and Oman’s $11.4 billion plan to grow its hospitality and real estate sector, among others.

Design revealed for 150,000m2 Porta Jeddah development in KSA

Chapman Taylor?has revealed its innovative design for the 150,000m2 GBA Porta Jeddah mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia.

Acting on behalf of Al Akaria, the project is set to become an iconic landmark in the city, featuring a wide variety of retail, F&B and leisure as well as a 150-key lifestyle hotel, branded residences and workplace amenities.

The design draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and includes elements that evoke powerful memories of Jeddah, such as the Makkah gate, the old port, Al Balad and the palace gardens.

IN PICTURES: All-pink Barbie DreamHouse available for rent on Airbnb

Ahead of the release of the Barbie movie on July 20 in the UAE, Airbnb is providing a unique opportunity for Barbie fans.

They are hosting two one-night stays at the newly renovated Malibu DreamHouse, immersing guests in the world of Barbie. The DreamHouse, originally associated with Barbie, has undergone a makeover by Ken, showcasing his personal style and interests.

While Barbie’s iconic pink touches can still be found, Ken has added his own flair, highlighting his passion for rollerblading and beach life.

Ras Al Khaimah launches $408mn twin tower project at Marjan Island

UAE-based Luxe Developers has announced the official launch of its upscale AED1.5 billion ($408.3 million) twin-tower project – Oceano – located on?Al Marjan Island?in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The key?waterfront development?comprises 206 residential units covering 18 storeys and will include one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments as well as six penthouses and two exclusive sky villas that offers its residents access to private pools as well as indoor and outdoor entertaining areas with views across the Arabian Gulf.

Oman approves $11.4bn plan to grow hospitality and real estate sector

Oman Approves 19 Integrated Tourism Licenses and Commits $11.37 billion to Hospitality and Real Estate Investments

In a bid to bolster its economy,?Oman?has given the green light to 19 integrated tourism licenses, signaling its intent to invest a substantial $11.37 billion in the hospitality and real estate sectors.

This ambitious plan will result in the development of major tourism and real estate projects, which will collectively introduce over 16,500 hotel rooms and 42,500 housing units across the country.

The only hotel in UAE to run on 100% renewable electricity

Coinciding with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability, FIVE has become the first and only hotels in the UAE to obtain the International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) to achieve 100% renewable electricity for 2022.

These Certificates were received from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which Dubai Electricity and Water Authority P.J.S.C (DEWA) is implementing.

The solar park is the largest single-site solar park in the world, using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. It will have a production capacity of 5,000MW by 2030 with a total investment of AED 50 billion.

New railway network to link Saudi, Bahrain, and the GCC

Bahraini transport officials met senior officials from GCC Railways Authority and discussed the key developments on the railway line which will first link Bahrain and Saudi Arabia via King Hamad Causeway and then connect to the GCC network, reported?BNA.

On arrival, Hussein Ali Yaqoub, Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications, received the GCC Railways Authority delegation led by Nasser Hamad Al Qahtani and Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Samaani.

That's all for this week. Thank you for reading!

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