Top stories: Dubai's real estate boom in numbers, pop culture-inspired design, Zayed International's Terminal A and more

As another week draws to a close, we round up the top stories of the week. From contract wins to market trends and video game-inspired real estate, here's what you need to stay updated with all things in construction in the region.

Dubai real estate: Q4 2023 saw soaring growth across sectors

The fourth quarter of 2023 witnessed a dynamic and transformative period in Dubai’s real estate landscape, characterised by robust growth and significant shifts across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors.

A comprehensive report, compiled by ValuStrat, delves into key indicators and performance metrics, shedding light on the intricacies of Dubai’s real estate markets during this quarter and the past year.

Read the story here.

Explore the architecture of Zayed International Airport, Terminal A

Get ready to be transported into the future of aviation with the architectural marvel that is Zayed International Airport, Terminal A.

Formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, the reimagined travel hub has been officially renamed following a directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan late last year and opened to passengers in mid-November.

Designed by the renowned Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), Terminal A is not just an airport; it’s a work of art that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with cultural influences.

Explore all the photos — and design layouts — here.

Minecraft Classroom: Kidzink unveils innovative student-designed classrooms in Dubai

In an exciting partnership between a locally-driven educational design firm and a prestigious UAE school, students are taking the reins to craft a cutting-edge classroom experience in the heart of Dubai.

Spearheaded by Kidzink, an esteemed educational design and manufacturing company dedicated to cultivating potential and fueling creativity, alongside Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai), this initiative marks a pioneering step in educational collaboration.

Read more about the classroom and collaboration here.

ISTO reveals luxury Dubai villa inspired by the movie ‘Dune’

Inspired by the Dune movie and ornithopters, as an initial mode of transportation on Arrakis, ISTO architectural and design studio with Ukrainian roots, reveals a new custom-made Dragonfly 2,500m2 villa with the core idea of smoothly and gracefully dividing the living space into two wings.

The movie, primarily set on the desert planet Arrakis, was filmed in four distinct locations including desert areas near Abu Dhabi. Considering how deeply the Dune world is impacted by Middle Eastern cultures (for example, Arabic inspirations surrounding Fremen language and culture), ISTO‘s architects depicted Dune motifs on one of the objects in Dubai within the La Mer area.?

See all the photos here.

Diriyah: Saudico awarded Ritz-Carlton Residences contract

Saudi Constructioneers (Saudico), a leading construction company in the kingdom, announced it has landed a contract to to build the Ritz-Carlton Residences planned at Diriyah, near the capital Riyadh.

The contract was inked by Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo with Saudico CEO Bashir Al Azem on the sidelines of the recently held PIF Private Sector Forum in Riyadh.

More details here.

KAFD awards hospitality project contract to Saudico and ALEC FITOUT

King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC) has awarded a contract for the complete fitout design and implementation for the Riyadh district’s latest hospitality destination to the joint venture between Saudico and ALEC FITOUT.

The new 16-storey hotel will feature 210 rooms and have a built-up area of 26,500m2.

Read more here.

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