Meraas Unveils Dubai Design District Waterfront Residential Masterplan
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has unveiled an expanded residential masterplan for Dubai Design District (d3), transforming the district into one of Dubai’s most desirable creative-led waterfront neighbourhoods.
The development will introduce contemporary canal-front living, cultural quarters, public green spaces and walkable urban streets, creating a fully integrated community where global talent can live, work and innovate.
Located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the enhanced masterplan spans 18 million sq ft of land. Designed and delivered by Meraas, the neighbourhood blends residential, cultural, retail and hospitality experiences, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global centre for design, innovation and culture in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The residential expansion also responds to increasing market demand, following the strong performance of recent launches and growing interest from both local and international buyers seeking design-led, well-connected waterfront communities.
A defining feature of the new masterplan is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine that seamlessly connects the entire district. Activated through public art, creative installations, community spaces and landscaped green corridors, it will support walkable, human-centric living while strengthening d3’s identity as one of Dubai’s most design-forward urban neighbourhoods. The masterplan is also targeting LEED Silver community certification, with sustainable mobility, enhanced connectivity, energy-efficient design and integration with natural landscapes, including visual links to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Five distinct areas will shape the character of the new neighbourhood. Along the canal, the first will introduce contemporary residences and boutique hospitality set against an activated waterfront promenade. The urban core will unite residential offerings with curated retail and dining, integrated with d3’s established global creative ecosystem. A third area will become the cultural heart of the community, featuring performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the d3 Bowl. Another will offer a wellness-focused residential setting defined by parks, sports facilities and a mangrove-inspired landscape. The final area will become a centre for creativity, with galleries, studios and loft-style spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity and artistic production.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “Expanding the Dubai Design District masterplan into a fully integrated creative neighbourhood is a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This development strengthens Dubai Design District’s position as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living and reaffirms Dubai’s status as a destination of choice for long-term investment, talent and innovation.”
Momentum around the district continues to accelerate. Meraas’ recent residential releases at d3 have attracted exceptional demand, including the rapid sell-out of Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower, and the successful launch of The Edit, a three-tower development offering 557 design-led homes, a statement said.
08/01/2026
UAE's DEWA Unveils Smart Solution to Boost Electricity Network Efficiency, Speed Up Projects
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has developed an innovative smart solution for designing electricity distribution networks to support the effective planning of 11kV networks, improve design efficiency and reduce time and costs, thereby enhancing the reliability and sustainability of Dubai’s electricity distribution system. The solution supports DEWA’s efforts to promote innovation and advanced digital applications in the energy sector, and is currently being implemented within the power and water planning division.
“In line with the vision of the wise leadership to strengthen the integration of advanced technologies across key sectors to boost productivity and improve service efficiency, we have developed this smart solution, which reflects DEWA’s approach to embedding digital innovation as a core pillar in the development of planning and operations in the energy sector. By transforming multiple data sources into practical tools, the solution supports decision-making and improves performance efficiency. Designing electricity distribution networks using advanced software solutions reduces the time required to prepare plans, lowers costs and enhances design accuracy and flexibility. This, in turn, strengthens the readiness of the electricity network to keep pace with rapid urban and economic growth. These efforts support DEWA’s vision to build smart and sustainable infrastructure that contributes to Dubai’s long-term strategic goals in sustainability, innovation and operational excellence,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.
The innovative solution comprises advanced software that creates two databases linked to network design software, enabling end users to design 11kV networks more efficiently. The network design software collects data from multiple sources, including peak load sheets, the SAP system and master single-line diagrams, then analyses and consolidates the data into a unified format that supports the preparation of accurate and clear designs.
The implementation of this smart solution has delivered tangible results, including reduced planning and design costs, shorter processing times and more streamlined and efficient electricity distribution network designs. This has enhanced the quality of engineering output and supported service continuity in line with the highest standards.
Abdulla Al Aghbari, Acting Executive Vice President of Power and Water Planning at DEWA, said, “This advanced software solution provides an effective tool for planning teams by integrating data from multiple sources into a single platform. It accelerates and improves design processes, and supports more efficient planning decisions. This innovation reflects the division’s commitment to adopting smart solutions that enhance the resilience of the electricity grid and support Dubai’s future growth requirements.”
This achievement underscores DEWA’s commitment to invest in organisational innovation and develop practical digital solutions led by its employees, reinforcing its energy sector leadership and supporting the development of a smart, reliable and sustainable electricity distribution network aligned with Dubai’s future ambitions.
08/01/2026
New Shatt al-Arab Marina Nears Completion in Basra
A new river taxi terminal / marina on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab has reached 96 percent completion, with the facility expected to open in early 2026. The project comprises a three-storey building designed in the shape of a ship, featuring a glass frontage. The structure has a total built area of 3,000 square metres, with a 100-metre riverside frontage and an extension of 30 metres into the Shatt al-Arab, without affecting the navigational channel. Each floor covers around 1,850 square metres and includes service facilities and meeting halls.
The development also includes a 1,000-square-metre car park and is intended to serve as the largest river taxi station in Iraq, supporting tourism and passenger transport in Basra. The facility is being developed by the General Company for Maritime Transport, which plans to support operations with 15 VIP boats, each with a capacity of 20 passengers, expected to arrive in Basra within a month. Two additional ferries, each with a capacity of 200 passengers and a length of 32 metres, are also set to be deployed.
08/01/2026
Gulf of Suez Operators Hold Workshop to Boost Drilling Efficiency
Operating companies in the Gulf of Suez region held a workshop at the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO) headquarters to discuss strategies for improving performance and reducing well drilling costs.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ (MoPMR) strategy and directives from Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
During a recent inspection of the Belayim offshore 133 well in the Gulf of Suez, the minister emphasized the necessity of enhancing drilling efficiency and lowering expenditures, according to a statement by MoPMR.
Salah Abdel Kerim, CEO of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), highlighted that optimizing well costs is a key pillar for achieving economic sustainability and increasing production.
The workshop addressed the development of well drilling and completion mechanisms, showcasing technologies designed to enhance performance while maintaining strict compliance with health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards.
Abdel Kerim called for greater integration among companies, including the optimal utilization of equipment and intensified knowledge sharing. He further underscored that EGPC will conduct monthly reviews of drilling performance across the Western and Eastern Deserts, the Gulf of Suez, the Nile Delta, and Sinai regions.
Participants in the workshop included GUPCO, Belayim Petroleum Company (Petrobel), PetroGulf, EGPC, and Amal Petroleum Company (AMAPETCO). Other attendees included South Abu Zenima Petroleum Co. (PetroZenima), Suez Oil Company (SUCO), and Offshore Shukeir Oil Company (OSOCO), as part of a framework to exchange technical expertise.
08/01/2026
Kurdistan Completes 172 Road Projects in 2025
The Kurdistan Regional Government has said it completed 172 road projects in 2025, strengthening transport infrastructure across the Kurdistan Region with a total investment of IQD 92,463,000,000 (approximately US$63.4 million).
The works comprised new road construction, as well as rehabilitation and asphalting of existing routes, spanning all governorates and self-administration districts. Funding was provided through the investment budget, the regular budget and revenues from weighing stations.
The distribution of completed projects by governorate and self-administration district is as follows:
Slemani: 61 projects
Erbil: 41 projects
Duhok: 21 projects
Soran: 14 projects
Garmian: 12 projects
Raparin: 11 projects
Halabja: 7 projects
Zakho: 5 projects
Several major strategic road projects remain under development, with completion expected in 2026.
08/01/2026
Oman’s Energy Ministry Launches Efficiency Excellence Award
Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals launched the energy efficiency excellence award, in support of the transition toward environmental and economic sustainability, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This step aims at stimulating innovation and enhancing energy-use efficiency across both the public and private sectors, reported ONA.
The Ministry affirmed that the award aims to encourage government and private entities to adopt innovative and effective solutions in the field of energy efficiency. Government entities include all ministries, authorities, institutions, and municipalities, in addition to public hospitals and government universities, while private entities include universities, companies, and establishments across various industrial, commercial, residential, and service sectors.
The award is presented under two main categories: Best Project in the Government Sector and Best Project in the Private Sector, in recognition of initiatives that contribute to excellence and innovation in the field of energy efficiency.
The award requires participating projects to align with the national directions of Oman Vision 2040 in sustainable development and to contribute to achieving net zero. In addition, the project must have been fully implemented in previous years or have been in operation for a minimum of six months, with verified actual performance data available.
The Ministry explained that submitted projects undergo a comprehensive technical and environmental evaluation focusing on the efficiency and sustainability of the implemented solutions. This includes air-conditioning systems, building thermal insulation, energy-efficient lighting systems, and the use of environmentally friendly appliances and equipment. The assessment also covers the integration of renewable energy sources, smart control systems, water-use efficiency measures, and the attainment of local or international environmental certifications and accreditations.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals invites all eligible entities to participate in the award, affirming that this initiative serves as a national platform to support innovation in energy efficiency and strengthen partnerships across sectors, toward a more sustainable future.
08/01/2026
Yemenia Airways to Launch Direct Socotra-Jeddah Service
Yemenia Airways has resumed direct flights between Socotra Island and Jeddah, marking the first service of its kind in years, Al-Arabiya reported on Tuesday.
According to a press statement, the first direct flight is scheduled for Jan. 7 and will evacuate foreign tourists who have been stranded on the island after the president of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership, Rashad Al-Alimi, declared a 90-day state of emergency on Dec. 30, and also imposed a three-day closure on all ports and border crossings.
Hundreds of tourists have been trapped on Socotra after flights were suspended due to recent military escalation in the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahra.
Government forces, supported by aircraft from the Saudi-led coalition, regained control of all areas in Hadramout and Al-Mahra following limited clashes with forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council.
Mohsen Haida, deputy director for commercial affairs at Yemenia Airways, said the company plans to operate regular weekly flights between Jeddah and Socotra, according to German news agency dpa.
He added that the initiative is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance air connectivity with key destinations, facilitate passenger movement, support the local economy, and strengthen Socotra’s position on the international tourism map.
08/01/2026