The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested more than US $82mn in developing the Sharjah Collection, a portfolio of seven luxury eco-retreats offering wellness, heritage and nature-based experiences across the emirate.

Together, the retreats will provide 154 high-end units in diverse landscapes, from coastal mangroves and desert dunes to mountain valleys and heritage villages.

The collection, operated by Shurooq, forms part of its $231mn hospitality portfolio and reinforces the emirate’s vision for sustainable development. It aims to deliver experiences that combine cultural authenticity and ecological balance, while also generating employment and protecting the environment through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operations, the company explained.

Among the destinations is Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha’s desert, repurposed from a collection of 1960s buildings and transitioning to become a boutique property of five rooms, all with desert views.

Meanwhile, Kalba’s Kingfisher Retreat, developed with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, offers 40 luxury tents within a mangrove reserve. In Mleiha National Park, the Moon Retreat provides domes and premium tents with activities such as stargazing and yoga.

Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah’s red dunes includes 46 units designed in traditional caravanserai style, while Najd Al Meqsar in Khorfakkan features seven restored heritage homes in Wadi Wishi. The Al Rayaheen Retreat meanwhile offers 19 restored houses in the historic core of Khorfakkan.

Furthermore, Nomad, launching in Q4 2025, will introduce 20 solar-powered trailers in Kalba’s mountain valleys, designed to promote digital disconnection and nature immersion. Environmental protection measures have been adopted to safeguard Kalba’s biodiversity.

Shurooq CEO Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer said these retreats serve as living bridges between the visitor and ‘the place’ – preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form.

“Sharjah’s natural diversity has provided fertile ground for projects that resonate with the spirit of each site. The Sharjah Collection is a strategic expression of this vision, with every retreat designed to echo its surroundings,” said Al Qaseer.

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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the beginning of trials that will export electricity to Dubai from Hatta’s hydroelectric power plant. The final stages of work on the distribution link are now underway, the utility firm said.

The initiative was officially announced during the visit of Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO, DEWA to review the project’s progress. In the final stages of testing, the amount of energy produced by the hydroelectric plant exceeded 17,921 megawatt-hours.

When completed, the plant will have a production capacity of 250MW, a storage capacity of 1,500MWh and a lifespan of up to 80 years. The peak electricity demand in Hatta is approximately 39MW and the surplus will be exported to Dubai, DEWA explained.

The initiative supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of Dubai’s total energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050.

The official visit included a tour and inspection of the upper dam, built by DEWA as part of the project, which has a total water surface area of 210,000sqm. The dam is constructed from two compressed concrete walls: a main wall 72m high and 225m long, and a 37m-high side wall. The upper dam has a storage capacity of around 5.3mn cu/m (1,166m gallons) of water.

The dam plays a crucial role in the project, since the hydroelectric process uses the potential energy of water stored in the upper dam, converting it into kinetic energy as it flows through a 1.2km subterranean tunnel. This kinetic energy rotates the turbines, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be supplied to DEWA’s grid within 90 seconds.

Meanwhile, to store energy, clean power generated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will be used to pump water back to the upper dam, converting electrical power into kinetic energy in the process, DEWA explained.

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AESG has announced the appointment of Adrian Hudson to its growing Environment team. The move underscores AESG’s ambition to lead the market in ecological and biodiversity consultancy, at a time when worsening climate extremes, rapid urbanisation, and large-scale construction projects present an urgent need for integrated, ecologically-sound planning, the firm said.

As Senior Associate Director of the Environment Division with a focus on Ecology, Hudson will spearhead the firm’s growing portfolio of biodiversity and ecology services, helping clients navigate environmental complexities through scientifically defensible data and conservation strategies that minimise disruption to native ecosystems, the firm said.

Drawing on more than three decades of experience across Africa, South America, South Asia, and the Middle East, Hudson brings a rare blend of technical rigour and regional understanding. His work on renewable energy, infrastructure, and power generation projects is particularly aligned with national strategies across the GCC, where governments are investing in long-term infrastructure while seeking to mitigate environmental risk, it added.

Brent Ridgard, Director of Environment at AESG said the firm is ‘doubling down’ on its ecology and biodiversity services. He commented, “Just as our roots in sustainability put us ahead of the curve a decade ago, today we’re pioneering a more scientific and proactive approach to biodiversity. We’re taking the lead in market awareness, introducing global best practices and providing forward-thinking clients with the tools to build resiliently and responsibly. Adrian’s appointment is key to this vision. His experience, credibility and passion are exactly what this region needs.”

AESG said that Hudson’s remit extends beyond project delivery. His appointment signals AESG’s determination to raise the bar for ecological consulting in the region, including through closer engagement with regulators, universities, and industry bodies. His mentoring of young consultants and academic supervision of postgraduate students in the UAE reflects AESG’s broader commitment to growing local capacity in the environmental sciences, the firm explained.

Hudson says that he sees conservation not as a nice-to-have sustainability gesture, but as a fundamental risk management tool. He stated, “Whether it’s the loss of desert biodiversity or the vulnerability of infrastructure to flash flooding and heatwaves, nature-based solutions can no longer be an afterthought. Biodiversity and climate change are interconnected risks. Through early planning and education, we can equip the construction sector to better withstand both.”

According to AESG, Hudson’s project track record includes some of the region’s highest-profile developments, such as NEOM’s The Line and Oxagon in Saudi Arabia. The projects required innovative ecological thinking and set new benchmarks for biodiversity integration in large-scale urban planning. His local achievements also include the translocation of the Persian Wonder Gecko for Etihad Rail and a behaviour monitoring initiative for the threatened spiny-tailed lizard with Abu Dhabi Ports, projects that advanced both scientific understanding and regulatory compliance, the firm said.

“I’m excited to be joining AESG at such a pivotal time. This region is on the cusp of transformative development. To get it right we must embed biodiversity early in the process, raise awareness and strengthen our scientific base,” noted Hudson.

Hudson’s appointment follows last year’s onboarding of Brent Ridgard as Regional Director of Environment – the move is said to have enhanced AESG’s technical depth in the Middle East.

The company says that it is continuing to expand its environmental services, which include strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, environmental and social impact assessment, environmental compliance, environmental monitoring, due diligence and compliance auditing, environmental risk assessment, and waste management.

Now, with Hudson’s appointment, AESG intends to expand and strengthen its existing ecological restoration and remediation, ecosystem services assessments, biodiversity sustainability, and nature-based solutions services, as it works to leverage its position as a leading, full-services environmental consultancy in the region, the firm concluded.

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The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed that the 2026 edition of the annual Big Project Middle East Awards (BPME Awards) will take place on 11 February 2026. Nominations are now open, with 31 awards up for grabs.

The 16^th edition of the awards will recognise excellence from across the construction supply chain, including government organisations, developers, construction companies, and suppliers. The event has its 31 Awards split across several categories: Individual Awards; Sustainability Awards; Developer Awards; Contractor Awards, and Project Awards. Organisations with offices in the Middle East and North Africa are welcome to nominate.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on 30 November 2025. No extensions will be offered, the BPME team confirmed.

The BPME team has confirmed that nominations are open and pointed out that a new step-by-step nomination video is now on the website, thus enabling those new to the nomination process to source relevant information and testimonials ahead of submitting the nominations. Read about all the categories here.

“The BPME team and I are excited to launch nominations for the 16^th edition of the highly regarded BPME Awards. This year, in particular, the team has built up relationships with multiple developers who have recently entered the region, and expects significant nominations – and competition – in the developer specific categories,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

“The team has also put together a video guide that explains the nomination form in detail in a bid to make it easier for new companies to compile information and submit the strongest nominations possible. The step-by-step guide works hand-in-hand with the nomination guidelines, so I encourage first time participants to pay close attention to both,” Saundalkar added.

Read the nominations guidelines for the BPME Awards by clicking here. Watch the step-by-step guide by clicking here.

Following the close of nominations, the BPME editorial team will go through the first round of eliminations, and will then send the remaining nominations to a panel of expert judges from the industry. The shortlist for the BPME Awards will be revealed in January 2026, following which the full shortlist and winners will be recognised at the gala dinner event on 11 February 2026.

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Supply chain management firm JD.com – also known as Jingdong – has announced the opening of its new warehouse in Dubai. Located at Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the warehouse has a floor area of more than 10,000sqm.

The firm says it provides world-class procurement and down-the-line supply services in sectors as diverse as construction and electronics. The facility represents the company’s first asset investment in the country, made through its infrastructure investment and management platform, Jingdong Property, and is operated by Jingdong Logistics.

The new launch comes as part of JD.com’s strategy to build its logistics business across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, thereby enhancing inter-market movement and operational synergy. The warehouse, which will provide storage for nearly one million items for a major electronics manufacturer, aims to achieve an outbound ‘in-time’ rate exceeding 99.9%.

Jingdong Logistics’ supply chain service, JoyLogistics, supports a tailored approach that improves space utilisation and inventory control, while helping customers to manage seasonal fluctuations and category-specific complexities more effectively, the firm said.

JoyLogistics offers end-to-end logistics services, integrating international freight (sea, air, express) with last-mile delivery and bonded warehousing, supporting B2B and B2C operations in the Middle East.

Feng Guo, General Manager of Middle East, JD.com said, “The investment marks a strategic milestone in our long-term investment and growth in the Middle East, enhancing the existing operational footprint to support greater regional scalability and trade. We are investing not just in physical infrastructure, but in the long-term digital transformation of the region’s logistics landscape, empowering cross-border trade and supply chain transformation.”

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Developer Diriyah Company has announced the launch of the Aman Residences, as part of Amansamar, in Wadi Safar. The move adds to the firm’s portfolio of branded residential opportunities.

The limited collection of the Aman-branded residences comprise ultra-luxury villas and private estates, each appointed with five or six-bedrooms, which have been developed as part of the integrated Amansamar community within the Wadi Safar master plan, said a statement.

Set on plots starting at 9,000sqm, the villas offer privacy, expansive living, and access to world-class amenities such as the Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, an Aman Spa with a hammam and banya, a Racquet Club, pools and curated dining, it added.

The Amansamar community is designed to reflect age-old regional traditions: blending Aman’s ethos of peace with ‘Samar’, the Arabic tradition of storytelling at dusk. The community is said to reflect the surrounding desert’s cultural and natural heritage.

Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects, the hotel and residences will offer panoramic views, the brand’s signature minimalist design, and a sense of immersive tranquility.

Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said, “This sales launch marks another significant milestone in our ongoing development of the Wadi Safar master plan, and we are enormously proud to be partnering with Aman Group, a truly exceptional developer of unique places to stay and to live in. Amansamar will be an outstanding addition to our growing hospitality portfolio, and we anticipate significant demand for these wonderful branded residences and the luxurious lifestyle they will offer.”

Aman Group Chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin added, “The launch of Aman Residences, Amansamar, marks a defining moment for Aman in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Reflecting our deep respect for the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and traditions, Aman Residences, Amansamar will introduce an unmatched standard of privacy, design, and service that is synonymous with the Aman lifestyle.”

“Positioned in the prestigious and historic Wadi Safar, just moments from the Unesco World Heritage Site of Diriyah, this development offers our loyal followers a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in an extraordinary setting, surrounded by history while enjoying the very best of Aman,” he concluded.

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Chedi Hospitality has entered the Japanese market with the Chedi Niseko, a boutique hotel that will take shape in the heart of Hirafu, Niseko. The alpine development is set to open in June 2029. The announcement marks Chedi Hospitality’s return to Asia and solidifies its growing influence in the world’s most exceptional alpine destinations, the firm said.

Nestled within one of Japan’s key ski and nature regions, the Chedi Niseko will provide guests with access to ski slopes, a culinary scene, and year-round outdoor adventures. The development will cater to the growing international demand for elevated, experience-driven stays in Japan, aligning with Chedi Hospitality’s signature approach to crafting design-led, culturally attuned destinations, the statement explained.

“Niseko presents a rare convergence of natural beauty, international appeal, and all-season relevance,” said Stephan Schupbach, CEO of Chedi Hospitality. “Our expansion into Japan speaks to our long-term commitment to cultivating meaningful hospitality experiences in destinations that share our values of authenticity, sophistication, and global connectivity.”

Chedi Hospitality, as part of its pre-opening strategy, will unveil a series of seasonal culinary activations over the next three winters. These curated experiences will offer early glimpses into the brand’s gastronomic vision and offer an elegant fusion of global culinary excellence and Japanese hospitality traditions.

“Together with our partners, we’re shaping a destination that will elevate Niseko’s offering while remaining deeply respectful of its setting,” said Shania Zhang, President at Ryowha Group. “The Chedi Niseko is a long-term investment in excellence, one that will resonate with discerning travellers and investors alike.”

Building on its alpine legacy established in Andermatt and its upcoming presence in Trojena, The Chedi Niseko further solidifies its position as a provider of mountain experiences. Like every Chedi property, this project embodies the group’s commitment to expansion, prioritising substance over scale and ensuring that its offerings deliver timeless value in the world’s most captivating destinations, the statement concluded.

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Park Properties has entered the UAE real estate market with a commitment to delivering exceptional value, quality, and trust to buyers and investors. As part of its expansion strategy, Park Properties said it is actively expanding its presence across key emirates, targeting both prime waterfront and urban residential locations.

Beyond its debut flagship project, the company is advancing several developments, including Park Beach Residence 1 and 2, premium beachfront properties that are said to combine contemporary design with coastal views. These projects, along with other upcoming ventures, demonstrate the company’s aspiration to establish itself as a leading force in the region’s competitive property sector, said a statement.

Park Properties is honored to be the exclusive sales partner for GJ Properties for its flagship waterfront project, Ajman Creek Towers. This partnership leverages GJ Properties’ reputation for delivering high-quality developments in Ajman with Park Properties’ expertise in sales, marketing, and client relationship management. This collaboration ensures buyers receive transparent purchase experience.

“Our mission at Park Properties is to provide more than just homes, we deliver security, value, and lifestyle experiences that our clients can trust. Ajman Creek Towers reflects this vision, offering high-quality waterfront living at an accessible price point, without compromising on design, amenities, or location. Our exclusive partnership with GJ Properties ensures the highest level of trust, transparency, and delivery for our clients,” said Saeed Mirza COO, Park Group.

Ajman Creek Towers stands out as the most affordable waterfront property in the UAE, offering the lowest price per square foot for a waterfront property in the country, and an accessible 1% monthly post-handover payment plan. This makes it an opportunity for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors.

Residents can enjoy luxurious living with scenic creek views, modern architecture, premium finishes, and a range of amenities designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and leisure, the statement concluded.

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