Nominations for the 2025 edition of the Digital Construction Awards (DC Awards) will close in less than a week, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed. The BPME team confirmed that nominations will close on 21 May.

Formerly known as the ME Digital Construction Awards, the DC Awards gala event will take place this year at the Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai on 26 June, where the full shortlist and winners will be revealed in each category.

The awards comprise 15 distinct categories designed to recognise trailblazers and innovation across individuals, companies and projects. The BPME editorial team has confirmed that all categories are open to nominations from government organisations, developers, consultants, contractors, integrators/specialists as well as suppliers.

“I’m looking forward to closing nominations next week and sitting down with the BPME editorial team to kick off the first round of eliminations. Following that process, the remaining nominations will be sent off to our panel of industry judges for deliberation. The BPME team and I will then sit down with the judges at a later date to vote on the strongest nominations for the shortlist. Nominations with the most first-choice votes will be chosen as the winner,” explained Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The 2025 edition of the awards comprises the following categories: Young Technology Champion of the Year; Digital Visionary of the Year; Digital Team of the Year; Construction Software Provider of the Year; Construction Hardware Provider of the Year; Digital Contractor of the Year; Digital Consultant of the Year; Technology SME of the Year; Digital Government Organisation of the Year; Data Champion of the Year; Digital Construction Innovator of the Year; Net-Zero Technology Champion of the Year; Excellence in Collaboration & Productivity; Digital Construction Project of the Year – Building, and Digital Construction Project of the Year – Infrastructure. Nominations will close on 21 May, read the nomination guidelines by clicking here.

Read more about the Digital Construction Awards here.

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Khazna Data Centers (Khazna) has announced its plans to construct an AI-capable data centre in Türkiye. This data centre will have the potential to handle a capacity of up to 100MW, and it has secured a site in Başkent, OIZ, Ankara. This announcement comes after a surge in interest and investment in AI within the country.

Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Index for 2025 revealed a remarkable 198% increase in AI talent concentration in Türkiye between 2016 and 2024. Moreover, this development follows the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and strategic agreements worth over US $50bn between the UAE and Türkiye in 2023.

With the increasing global expansion of hyperscale data centres, Khazna will serve as the foundation layer for the digital infrastructure by empowering governments, businesses, and societies, Khazna ensures that these entities can thrive in the digital age. Their data centres are designed to handle the high-density computing demands essential for the next-generation AI-powered applications to drive the future economy.

The new data centre in Ankara has been designed with the flexibility to host a variety of workloads, ranging from AI to cloud and other critical applications. While the first phase will constitute a cloud-focused design, the modular facility can be expanded and adapted to meet evolving demands across diverse technological requirements, ensuring robust support for future innovations.

Like Khazna’s other facilities, the new data centre in Ankara will be built to maximise operational efficiency. The design will incorporate features to enhance energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact. These include the use of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants that do not contain Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and the use of low-carbon and recycled materials.

Additionally, the facility will explore the use of solar water heating systems, as well as employ high-efficiency adiabatic chillers that maximise the use of free cooling where possible. The design also incorporates systems for re-using wastewater and generators capable of running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, further reducing the facility’s carbon footprint.

Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers added, “We’re proud to be supporting the efforts being made in Türkiyeto create an advanced economy with AI at its heart, and we hope to be able to provide the foundation layer for this. We believe this data centre will add to the country’s impressive economic growth, encouraging innovation and accelerating digital transformation.”

Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of UAE to Türkiye commented, “Khazna Data Centers’ expansion into Türkiye is a testament to the deepening ties between our countries. Relations with Türkiye are of great importance within the UAE’s strategy to strengthen its partnerships, expand its relations and reinforce bridges of cooperation in all fields.”

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Wilo and Masdar have signed an agreement emphasising the significance of efficient technology and renewable energy. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of North Rhine Westphalia’s Minister President Hendrik Wüst, marking the commencement of a strategic partnership aimed at substantially expanding their collaboration in the Middle East and beyond.

“The cooperation agreement as the beginning of the partnership symbolically shows what the response to the global energy shortage must look like. We need the expansion of renewable energy generation on the one hand and the expansion of energy efficiency initiatives on the other. Only if we think about the supply and demand sides together can the ambitious energy transitions succeed worldwide,” explains Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group.

“The great challenges of our time can only be overcome together. We therefore firmly believe in the power of strong partnerships such as between Wilo and Masdar,” he notes.

“This agreement unites two organisations with complementary strengths, delivering powerful synergies for our customers and communities, and embodying our vision for a cleaner, more efficient world. It promises the advent of innovative, seamlessly integrated solutions, with Masdar supplying our green energy expertise and Wilo leveraging its cutting-edge cooling and heating technologies and manufacturing capabilities. This partnership will also strengthen our links with Germany – a vital market for us and a key focus of our investment strategy,” says Husain Al Meer, Director Global Offshore Wind & UK at Masdar.

“As an international technology company with strong roots in North Rhine-Westphalia, Wilo is an example of the transformation of our industry. Where coal used to be mined, solutions for sustainable water supply and energy-efficient technology are now being developed in Dortmund as well as in Dubai. With the expansion of its location in the UAE, Wilo impressively demonstrates how climate-friendly innovations from North Rhine-Westphalia offer solutions for the future worldwide. We need this strength to make North Rhine-Westphalia the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe,” comments Hendrik Wüst.

The signing took place at the Wilo Group’s recently expanded main production plant in Dubai, which the Minister-President was visiting as part of a four-day delegation trip through Qatar and the UAE. The partnership symbolically shows what the response to the global energy shortage must look like underscoring a shared vision for addressing the global energy crisis through integrated solutions that combine renewable power generation with advanced efficiency technologies.

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In a move hailed as both strategic and symbolic, and the end to years of anticipation for many fans of the house of mouse, The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to build a brand-new Disneyland theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking the seventh global Disney destination — and the first new Disney park in over 15 years.

With construction expected to begin within the next few years and an opening slated for the early 2030s, the project represents a bold new chapter for Disney and a defining moment in Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global cultural and tourism powerhouse.

Source: mediaoffice.abudhabi

Why Abu Dhabi? Why Now?

Speaking to CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, outlined the rationale behind selecting the UAE capital. “This, in many respects, is the crossroads of the world,” said Iger. “About 500 million people who are income qualified to visit our parks live within a four-hour flight of Abu Dhabi.”

That staggering accessibility is supported by projections that 39 million tourists will visit Abu Dhabi by 2030 — many of them passing through its international airport alongside neighbouring Dubai.

Crucially, Abu Dhabi offers more than geography. According to Iger, “They’ve shown a great interest in the arts and creativity… and most importantly, they love Disney.”

The emirate’s cultural ambition is evident in developments like the Saadiyat Cultural District and the successful hosting of global events such as Formula One and the NBA.

Mohammed Al Mubarak, the chairman of Miral — the Abu Dhabi-based developer leading the project alongside Disney — has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape.

“The earliest happy memory I have is visiting Disney World with my mother and siblings,” he told CNN’s Becky Anderson. “That memory didn’t just create a fan — it created an emotional connection with the brand.”

The Vision: A Park for the Next Generation

For Disney, the Abu Dhabi project is more than just an expansion; it’s a testbed for the future of themed entertainment. D’Amaro highlighted that Imagineers and R&D teams are already involved, working on advanced technologies that will “push the envelope on creativity.”

The project will fully integrate Disney’s latest strategies around gamification and immersive digital experiences. Guests may earn points or unlock rewards starting from their hotel booking, with these digital experiences continuing seamlessly into the park.

“We’re thinking about how games and interactivity can interplay with the actual park experience,” said D’Amaro, referencing Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games and the potential of virtual environments like Fortnite. Visitors could, for instance, take part in a Disney multiverse adventure online and then see it brought to life inside the park.

“Gen Alpha is gathering in digital spaces to play, socialize, and explore,” D’Amaro explained. “We’re building from the ground up with that in mind — where digital and physical storytelling are deeply intertwined.”

Source: mediaoffice.abudhabi

A Partnership Model That Works

This Disney park will be unlike most of its predecessors in terms of structure and financing. Miral will fully fund the development and construction, while Disney will retain full control over creative and operational direction. The agreement is a variation of the successful Tokyo Disney model, where local partners own the property while Disney steers content and brand experience.

“It’s royalty-based,” D’Amaro confirmed. “It gives us access to a new audience, allows us to expand without diverting capital from our $30 billion expansion plans in the US, and lets us maintain creative and operational oversight.”

Iger added that this structure aligns perfectly with Disney’s broader ambitions. “We’ve only superficially reached this region before,” he said. “Now we’ll be putting a Disney park right in the backyard of a whole new consumer base.”

Part of a Bigger Abu Dhabi Strategy

For Abu Dhabi, welcoming Disney is more than a commercial win — it’s a cultural milestone. As Al Mubarak explained, “Disney is the crown jewel of what we are trying to create here at Yas Island.” Yet he was quick to note that it’s not the end of the journey: “We continuously innovate. We’re always going to find ways to bring more people to experience our collective.”

Abu Dhabi’s focus on long-term, sustainable tourism development plays a vital role in its appeal. The emirate offers a strategic geographic hub—within reach of Asia, Europe, and Africa—and an increasingly sophisticated infrastructure. “We’re four hours away from a third of the world’s population,” Al Mubarak emphasised.

What’s more, both Disney and Miral see a strong alignment between their visions of the future. “Abu Dhabi has a lean toward technology and a futuristic view of what society can look like,” said D’Amaro. “That matches Disney’s forward-thinking approach to immersive storytelling.”

A Cultural, Commercial, and Technological Milestone

The Abu Dhabi park is expected to serve as a cultural touchstone and economic engine.

According to Iger, similar expansions in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Paris have significantly boosted brand value and deepened customer engagement across entire regions. The Abu Dhabi project aims to replicate that success in a market previously underserved by Disney’s physical presence.

The resort is still in its design phase, and no final opening date has been confirmed. But D’Amaro assured that the ambition is high: “We’re going to build this big, and we’re going to build it right.”

In a separate interview, D’Amaro told Reuters that a project of this size typically takes 18 months to design, and another four to six years to build. While Iger, in an interview with CNBC’s David Faber on Wednesday, said designing the park had begun, adding that: “We’re not pinning down a date yet. It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build but we’re not making any commitments right now.”

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Arada has acquired the New South Wales arm of Roberts Co, an Australian tier-one commercial construction company known for executing intricate projects across diverse sectors. The strategic move aligns with Arada’s expansion plans in Australia, as the UAE-based master developer accelerates its growth in the Australian market.

The developer said it secured the immediate US $20mn recapitalisation of Roberts Co (NSW), which will provide essential stability to another 600 employees across the construction supply chain in Sydney. This move also ensures the jobs of 120 direct employees. Arada said it is on track to launch sales and construction at its first projects in Australia by the end of 2025.

The acquisition empowers Arada to greater control over the development of its future projects in Australia. Moreover, it paves the way for Roberts Co’s eventual expansion into new international markets, including the UAE. Arada said that is prepared to invest up to $100mn in Roberts Co’s expansion into new sectors and geographies. The ultimate objective is to establish a global presence and achieve annual revenues of $1bn by 2028.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada said, “This acquisition reflects our strong belief in Roberts Co’s people, projects, and performance, and will help us to deliver our future projects in Australia with greater control and cost efficiencies, as well as reduced risk. We will now invest significantly into the company in order to bring it to new markets and sectors, including the UAE, and look forward to delivering on our shared vision for high-quality, community-focused development.”

Ridwaan Jadwat, Australia’s Ambassador to the UAE added, “This acquisition highlights the growing depth of the Australia-UAE relationship, underpinned by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. It is a strong example of how closer ties between our two nations are delivering tangible benefits to our communities, supporting sustainable development and fostering long-term economic growth.”

Dr Fahad Obaid Altaffag, UAE Ambassador to Australia said, “The acquisition of Roberts Co’s New South Wales business by Arada demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Australia, which aligns with the opportunities created through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This strategic move not only reinforces the strong economic partnership between our countries but also reflects our shared vision for enhancing people-to-people ties as well as for innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on local infrastructure, jobs, and the broader Australian economy.”

The acquisition ensures uninterrupted progress across four major construction projects in Sydney,  two schools, a residential project, and a children’s hospital. These projects are crucial to the state’s infrastructure. As part of the transition, key members of the Roberts Co leadership team, including Executive Chairman George Kostas, who previously served as CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, will remain in their roles to maintain continuity and stability after the transaction, the statement explained.

Founded in 2017 with a mission to ‘build a better way’, Roberts Co has delivered some of New South Wales’ most important recent construction projects and has experience across the health, education, commercial, residential, hospitality, industrial, life sciences and defence sectors.

Arada, a company that established its first international office in Sydney in 2024, has announced plans for a $2.5bn development project in Australia. This project aims to create major new communities in Sydney’s inner-west, southwest, and Hills Shire suburbs. Together, these communities will provide 2,500 much needed homes to the Sydney market.

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Fakhruddin Properties unveiled its “innovative 90:90 Waste Management Initiative” at Trafalgar Central in Dubai International City. The system aims to divert up to 90% of building waste from landfills, marking a milestone in the UAE’s environmental journey. The initiative introduces the city’s first in-building composting and sorting facilities in a residential development, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, said a statement from the firm.

The initiative, focused on sustainable innovation, presents an end-to-end framework for high rise buildings. It offers source segregation, reporting, and zero-cost implementation for residents. This model redefines waste handling within residential and commercial complexes and aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 agenda, Dubai Municipality’s plan to close landfills by 2027, and the Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031.

Residents will be empowered with color coded garbage bags, one for organic waste and another for general waste. This initiative will be reinforced through ongoing educational campaigns and visual signage. The on site segregation system ensures efficient and clean collection, resulting in only 10% of waste reaching landfills. This resident centric approach eliminates any additional operational or infrastructure costs for tenants or homeowners, the firm explained.

Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO and Managing Partner of Fakhruddin Properties stated, “Our objective was clear to create an adaptable, scalable, and zero-cost waste management model that has measurable environmental, social, and economic impact. With this initiative, we are demonstrating that sustainability is not an afterthought, but an essential aspect how modern cities must evolve.”

“Our in-building composting solution proves that advanced waste infrastructure can be integrated into residential life without disrupting it. In fact, it enhances it by improving air quality, promoting responsible living, and contributing to a greener economy. We are not merely managing waste; we are redefining what it means to live sustainably in Dubai,” he added.

As part of the launch, attendees witnessed live demonstrations of the system’s full lifecycle from waste disposal by residents to compost generation. The event also featured discussions led by urban sustainability experts, exploring how cities can adopt similar plug and play models to meet climate targets and reduce environmental harm.

Dr. Samiullah Khan, Chief Sustainability Officer of Fakhruddin Holdings said, “The 90:90 standard represents a paradigm shift in how we tackle waste no longer as a liability, but as a resource. Our commitment goes far beyond compliance; it’s a moral obligation to future generations. We have created a blueprint that integrates sustainability into the core fabric of urban living, scalable across the real estate sector. This is not a pilot; it is the future. We connect citizen participation, cutting-edge technology, and transparent governance to drive real-time impact and build climate-resilient cities.”

With the growing regional and global urgency to re evaluate environmental strategies, Fakhruddin Properties’ initiative emerges as a timely and transformative solution. The 90:90 Waste Management Initiative seeks to become a benchmark in urban sustainability, paving the way for the development of greener, cleaner, and more intelligent communities across Dubai and beyond, the statement concluded.

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DMCC has appointed Ali & Sons Contracting Company to oversee the second phase of Uptown Dubai’s development. As a regional urban development contractor, Ali & Sons Contracting has been awarded the primary construction contract for this next phase, following the completion of the enabling works, a statement explained.

Connected to Uptown Tower by a new link bridge, the development will see two new commercial towers offering a combined 62,000sqm of Grade A commercial and retail space, delivering amenities and accessibility in line with DMCC’s dynamic urban destination. The new towers will showcase architectural design, as per LEED Gold standards for both structures. This commitment to energy efficiency ensures the use of environmentally responsible materials and technologies, aligning with Dubai’s sustainability agenda and DMCC’s dedication to sustainable urban development.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC said, “The next phase of Uptown Dubai marks a defining moment in the district’s evolution. With 62,000sqm of premium Grade A office and retail space across two landmark towers, we are responding proactively to the growing demand from global businesses seeking a world-class destination in Dubai.”

“Seamlessly connected by a new link bridge and elevated by exceptional F&B and retail offerings, this development will deliver an integrated, future-ready environment for work, leisure, and lifestyle. Our collaboration with Ali & Sons Contracting underscores DMCC’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable urban development setting a new benchmark not only for Dubai, but for the region as a whole,” he added.

Shamis Ali bin Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman and Group Managing Director, Ali & Sons Holding commented, “We are proud to have been awarded the contract for the next phase of Uptown Dubai, a landmark development that is shaping the future of urban living in the region. This partnership with DMCC reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. We look forward to bringing our expertise to this ambitious project, delivering on DMCC’s vision and creating a world-class destination.”

Ali & Sons Contracting will deliver the project adhering to industry standards for health, safety, and well-being. They will utilise technology and innovation, such as drone surveying, off-site prefabrication, and 3D planning software, to ensure the quality of construction.

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EMSTEEL has announced the launch of its inaugural Green Finance Framework, which aims to align the company’s financial strategy with its long-term sustainability and decarbonisation objectives.

The framework enables EMSTEEL and its subsidiaries to issue a diverse range of green finance instruments, including green bonds, loans, commercial papers, and medium-term notes (MTNs), across multiple currencies. The proceeds generated from these instruments will be exclusively allocated to finance or refinance eligible green projects that follow stringent environmental criteria, said a statement.

These projects encompass different initiatives, such as, production of low carbon steel and cement, installation of renewable energy systems like solar photovoltaic systems, the adoption of energy efficient technologies, and innovative solutions that drive decarbonisation.

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL said, “Our Green Finance Framework is more than a financial tool,  it is a strategic lever to accelerate our transition towards a low-carbon future. It reflects our commitment to aligning our fund raising activities with internationally recognised market standards for green financing and channeling funds toward environmentally responsible projects. Through this initiative, we aim to support the decarbonisation of our operations, foster innovation in low-carbon steelmaking and create long-term value for our shareholders, society, and the planet.”

Mark Tonkens, Group Chief Financial Officer added, “The launch of our Green Finance Framework marks a pivotal step in reinforcing EMSTEEL’s commitment to sustainability. Aligning our financial strategy with global green finance standards enables us to secure funding for high-impact projects and positions us as a leader in the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Developed in accordance with internationally recognised best practices, the framework ensures transparent approach to the issuance, management, and reporting of green finance instruments. Moody’s Ratings has provided a Second Party Opinion (SPO), awarding the Framework a Sustainability Quality Score of SQS2 (Very Good), enhancing investor confidence in EMSTEEL’s sustainability-focused capital strategy.

The framework’s development was supported by key partners, including ING as the Lead Sustainability Structuring Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as the Sustainability Structuring Bank. This collaboration underscores the regional commitment to advancing sustainable finance. The Green Finance Framework is an important component of EMSTEEL’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. It supports ambitious targets aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in steel production and 30% in cement production by 2030.

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