Top 25 biggest projects launched in the Middle East in 2023

Another year has gone by for the bustling construction industry, underscored by major project launches, concepts, and contract wins.

It might be an understatement to say that 2023 was a busy year for the industry. In fact, according to RationalStat, the Middle East’s construction market was valued at $1.9 billion last year and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of over 6.3% from 2023 to 2030.

Looking ahead, the industry is set to continue this trajectory of innovation and sustainability.

To commemorate 2023’s success, Construction Week Middle East rounded up the top 25 projects launched last year. These include projects that have already been launched as well as those still in the pipeline.

Please note that this list is not a ranking and was curated for educational purposes only.

1.?Aldar Properties and Diamond Developers: The Sustainable City – Yas Island

Type: Sustainability-centric community

Value: $1.8 billion

To be handed over by Q4 2025

Aldar Properties, in partnership with Diamond Developers, has launched The Sustainable City – Yas Island, a sustainability-centric community offering a new way of life for Abu Dhabi residents.

The family-friendly development, which builds on the strengths of The Sustainable City – Dubai, is a walkable community in the surrounds of open green spaces, leisurely walkways, and community farming plots.

The project is underpinned by a central green spine that runs the length of the community, featuring parks, lakes, and biodomes where vegetables will be grown and distributed throughout the community.

Click?here?to read more.

5.?OMRAN Group: Zipline project, Oman

Type: Dial zipline project

Features: 1,800 metres-long

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, in the Governorate of Musandam.

This project is part of an integrated adventure centre designed to offer tourists unique experiences that combine adventure and exploration.

The Oman Adventure Centre was designed to accommodate a broad range of facilities, providing visitors with an integrated tourism experience. It has a waiting area and more facilities.?

Click?here?to read more.

7.?Meraas: Design Quarter at Dubai Design District

Type: Premium residential community

Meraas, the Dubai-based master developer of destinations and real estate projects, has launched Design Quarter at d3, the first premium residential community set with the creative hub.

Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group, is a cornerstone of Dubai’s creative economy. The global creative hub is home to some of the world’s leading creative brands, designers, studios, and entrepreneurs.

Click?here?to read more.

17.?Oman: Sultan Haitham City

Type: Megacity

Features: 14.8 million square metres

Oman?has revealed its plans for the establishment of Sultan Haitham City, a new urban development that aims to accommodate 100,000 individuals within 20,000 newly constructed residences. This ambitious project aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040, emphasising the nation’s long-term goals.

Spanning an extensive area of 14.8 million square meters, Sultan Haitham City is meticulously designed to embody principles of robust and sustainable urban planning. With a significant emphasis on the utilisation of green spaces, the city will encompass an impressive 2.9 million square metres dedicated to lush, environmentally friendly landscapes.

Click?here?for more details about the project.

22.?ROSHN: MARAFY

Type: Mixed-use development

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.

Click?here?for the full story.

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