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Articles from 2021 In August


Bahrain tenders worth USD 1.6 billion awarded in Q1 2021

Article-Bahrain tenders worth USD 1.6 billion awarded in Q1 2021

Bahrain Bay view

A total of BHD 607 million, or USD 1.6 billion, were awarded in Bahrain tenders during the first quarter of the year.

Data released by procurement regulator Bahrain Tender Board said that the total value of awarded tenders grew 23% from the same time last year. Tenders in the first quarter of 2020 amounted to BHD 492 million, or USD 1.3 billion.

“The volume of economic activity, with 25% more tenders awarded in the first quarter of this year compared to last year, demonstrates the strength of the economy and the size of the opportunity for businesses that are looking to partner with Bahrain,” Chairman of the Tender Board, Shaikh Nayef bin Khalid Al Khalifa, said.

Oil and aviation were the two largest sectors by tender value. The oil sector secured contracts worth BHD 289 million, or USD 767 million in Q1 this year. Meanwhile, contracts in the aviation sector amounted to BHD 144 million, or USD 382 million.

Construction and engineering consultancy also awarded some Bahrain tenders, with BHD 73 million, or USD 194 million, securing tenders. The materials and equipment sector generated contracts worth BHD 45 million, or USD 119 million.

Tatweer Petroleum emerged the biggest spender on Bahrain tenders during the quarter, accounting for nearly a third of the awarded tender volume. The upstream production company spent BHD 192 million, or USD 509 million, on contracts. 

It was followed by Gulf Air, which spent BHD 139 million (USD 369 million), and Bapco with BHD 97 million (USD 257 million). 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning contributed tenders to the value of BHD 84.5 million (USD 224 million). In addition, the Ministry of Health awarded contracts worth BHD 28.5 million (USD 75.6 million) during the quarter.

INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDS FROM 2018 BOOST BAHRAIN TENDERS

Bahrain’s infrastructure spends of USD 32 billion, announced in 2018, was partly attributed for the growth in Bahrain tenders awarded in Q1. For instance, the country has a multi-billion-dollar refinery modernisation project in the works. The project is 70% complete, and is due for completion by the end of next year.

The investment allocation consists of USD 10 billion from government coffers, USD 7.5 billion from the GCC Development Fund, and USD 15 billion committed from the private sector. 

Aimed at diversifying the economy, the investment target focuses on six key verticals. These are tourism and hospitality, retail, real estate, finance and fintech, infrastructure and oil and gas services.

 

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Ain Dubai unveiled: World’s largest and tallest observation wheel

Article-Ain Dubai unveiled: World’s largest and tallest observation wheel

Ain Dubai1

Dubai will soon be opening the doors to the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, according to a recent announcement. 

The attraction is part of several initiatives to boost Dubai’s tourism sector as the UAE diversifies the economy away from oil. Set to open in October this year, Ain Dubai is a part of the entertainment portfolio at Dubai Holding, the company behind other tourist attractions Global Village and Wild Wadi.

AIN DUBAI NEARLY AS TALL AS THE LONDON EYE

Ain Dubai provides a bird's eye view of the city's skyline. Standing at a height of 250 metres, the observation wheel is nearly twice the height of the London Eye. Viewers will be able to access both Bluewaters views as well as night-time entertainment options from the rotating booths at Ain Dubai.

It also offers 19 customisable experiences, including dining in the sky, celebration packages, and corporate and event offerings.

Visitors can access Observation Cabins, Social Cabins and Private Cabins, and spend about 38 minutes in one rotation, or 76 minutes for two rotations.

“Ain Dubai offers unique experiences catering to all audiences, including luxurious special event cabins; nightlife and party occasions; unique dining and culinary options; family friendly cabins and customisable romantic experiences for special moments,” Ronald Drake, General Manager of Ain Dubai, said.

Ain Dubai2

POST-COVID TOURISM CAPITAL

Dubai reopened its borders to international tourists on 7 July 2020. Since then, the emirate has seen an inflow of 3.7 million overnight visitors until May 2021, according to government data. Of these, 1.7 million visitors were received from July to December. The remaining two million visitors were received in the first five months of 2021. 

India and the UK were the top source markets for the period, joined by Russia, Pakistan and Egypt. However, Dubai also receives some visitor activity from emerging markets, such as Kazakhstan and Ukraine, Ethiopia and Sudan.

Meanwhile, Dubai was named the world’s busiest international airport in May this year, and was in the top 10 busiest international routes as well. In the backdrop of a global decline in tourism by 74%, Dubai’s tourism sector actually registered a positive growth of 0.3%.

A sturdy healthcare response, proactive prevention efforts, and mass vaccination programs have contributed to the city’s popularity as a safe destination for international and domestic tourism

Further, initiatives such as vaccination drives for visiting Chinese nationals and ‘Safe Travels’ stamps provided further support to tourism in the emirate.

Photo credit: www.dubaichronicle.com/2020/02/07/ain-dubai-expo-2020-dubai/, https://blog.musement.com/us/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-ain-dubai/

 

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Revealed: Qatar pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Article-Revealed: Qatar pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

QatarPavilion Dubai expo2020_3

Designs for the Qatar pavilion at Dubai’s Expo 2020 have been made public. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava unveiled the design, which is inspired from the four elements of Qatar’s coat of arms. 

Dubai-based contractor ALEC Fitout will oversee the construction of the Qatar Pavilion, while Aurecon will step in as the Engineer of Record. The pavilion is to be constructed in the next five months.

The elements consist of two crossed and curved swords, a traditional dhow boat, and an island with palm trees. The design closely mirrors these elements, capturing their motto of "movement, mobility, strength and tradition.”

The Qatar pavilion will feature a white, curved, vertical, sail-shaped structure which will be intersected by a second horizontal structure of a lower height. A gold-coloured sculpture of palm trees, with a height of 20 metres, will be placed right beside the Qatar pavilion.

The main building will be 15 metres tall, with the completed Qatar Pavilion spanning 960 square metres, with a built-up area of 620 square metres.

"The architectural gesture and structural form of the pavilion, which houses the entire visitor experience, mirrors the shape of the dhow and its grand sails,” Calatrava International CEO Micael Calatrava said.

"The sculptural monument at the entrance of the pavilion represents an abstract translation and fusion of two intertwined palm trees, while the reflective pools and integrated water features surrounding the pavilion represent the Arabian Gulf which encompasses the nation of Qatar,” he continued.

QatarPavilion Dubai expo2020_1

THE QATAR PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 IS DESIGNED AS A SUSTAINABLE STRUCTURE

The Qatar Pavilion is made of new generation solid surface material KRION. It is made up of two-thirds natural minerals, and also includes high-resistance resins. The ecological material is fully recyclable.

The building itself will be placed in the sustainability district of Expo 2020. It is designed to be a sustainable and functional structure, Dezeen reported. Procurement and construction will be made possible even as the design develops due to a “non-linear, non-traditional design methodology,” the design studio said.

QatarPavilion Dubai expo2020_2

The Qatar Pavilion will provide an experience into Qatar’s history and culture. Two main galleries and exhibition spaces within the pavilion will be designed to offer immersive experiences for visitors.

The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, only recently normalised ties with Qatar. In January this year, the three countries agreed to fully restore diplomatic relations with Qatar through an accord signed in Saudi Arabia’s Al Ula.

Photo credit: www.constructionweekonline.com/gallery/pictures-catch-the-construction-shots-of-the-qatar-pavilion-at-expo-2020-dubai , www.dezeen.com/2021/08/24/santiago-calatrava-qatar-pavilion-expo-2020-dubai/

 

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Six new projects to boost Hatta tourism

Article-Six new projects to boost Hatta tourism

Hatta Development Plan

Six new projects aimed at enhancing Hatta tourism have been announced, according to a recent announcement.

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the new projects as part of the Hatta Development Plan. 

Projects include 5.4 kilometre-long chairlifts, a Dubai mountain peak with an altitude of 1,300 metres, Hatta sustainable waterfalls, a world-class hotel, and hiking trails to Jebel Umm Al Nisour, the highest peak in Dubai.

In addition, residents of the district will be allowed to construct 200 holiday homes in order to boost Hatta tourism. “The holiday homes will provide an annual income of more than AED 100 million for people living in the district,” Al Maktoum said.

He added that the development project, which was started in 2016, has led to Hatta  tourism doubling visitors, from 60,000 to a million in 2020. Further, new projects that come under the umbrella of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will create 500 jobs for youth in Hatta.

Both the Dubai Mountain Peak and the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project will be implemented by DEWA.

“Hatta is a model for small cities in the region. It has turned within a short period of time into one of the most important tourist destinations in the emirate, thanks to its different lifestyle,” Al Maktoum said. “The development and tourism projects in Hatta will have a significant impact on promoting national tourism and providing a distinctive tourism and cultural experience for visitors and the community.”

The response to the new Hatta tourism projects by hospitality players have largely been positive according to a local report, with one saying that it could lead to Hatta becoming a “bucket-list destination.”

Dubai Mountain Peak

THE HATTA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The AED 1.3 billion (USD 354 million) Hatta Development Plan was put in place to redevelop the region into an ecotourism destination, aimed at supporting economic, social and cultural sectors.

Specifically, the project looked to impact the economy and public services, Hatta tourism and sports, and culture and education. Plans also included a hydroelectric power station with solar-powered water turbines.

The power station aimed to create over 2,000 jobs and 200 permanent administrative and technical positions. A further 300 jobs would come from Hatta tourism and visitor centre, accommodation and other facilities.

Further, the plan entailed 400 homes for Emiratis built over two years, sports tourism initiatives such as green areas for camps and sports venues, and a mountain bike circuit, and preservation efforts by archaeologists and restorers.

Photo credit: www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302649481, www.expatmedia.net/dubai-mountain-peak-upcoming-attraction-hatta/2021/08/

 

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Dubai prime residential properties beat global average: Savills

Article-Dubai prime residential properties beat global average: Savills

Dubai Prime Residential 2

Dubai saw capital values for prime residential properties increase by 4.2% in H1 2021, according to the latest from Savills. The growth beats the global average of 3.9% recorded by a total of 30 cities surveyed in the Savills Prime Index: World Cities – Capital Values report.

Demand for prime residential properties largely stemmed from the city’s handling of the pandemic, and strong policy support for the economy, the report said. Further, availability of good quality stock, low lending rates and affordable real estate prices helped to drive “strong transaction activity” among prime residential properties.

Meanwhile, revitalised international travel may result in an increased supply of buyers for prime residential properties, Swapnil Pillai, Associate Director Research at Savills Middle East, said. 

“Furthermore, the economic recovery and growth led by increasing vaccination rate in the UAE is expected to further support buyer confidence and boost demand. Though a degree of pandemic-related uncertainty remains, the prime residential sector is likely to remain strong through the rest of the year,” Pillai added.

Dubai Prime Residential1.jpg

GLOBAL PRIME RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES REGISTER FASTEST GROWTH IN CAPITAL VALUES

This is the fastest growth rate registered for prime residential global capital values since December 2016, the report said. Between June 2018 to December 2020, average growth in capital values slowed significantly, registering 0.7%, due to changes in tax policies, global volatility, and the pandemic.

The global surge is attributed to record-low interest rates over a period, improved buyer confidence, increased transactions at greater prices, and economic stimulus measures.

Overall, of the 30 surveyed cities, 21 posted positive results.

International travel-dependent cities saw negative capital value growth for prime residential properties due to travel restrictions, the report said. At the same time, the need for space due to the work from home concept bumped up prime capital values in Dubai, Cape Town, Moscow and Lisbon.

Chinese cities registered the highest six-month capital value growth, ranging from 7.9% in Guangzhou, to 13.7% in Shanghai. Tightened financing and local policy changes, alongside lending-driven purchases in recent years, are fuelling a rapid price growth in the country, the report said. 

Elsewhere, London registered an increase in capital values of prime residential properties for the first time after six years of drops and a flat 2020, the report said.

Meanwhile, Paris and Mumbai recorded negative capital value growth due to lower transaction volumes as a result of prolonged lockdowns and oversupply.

 

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Madayn kicks off USD 23.4 million Ibri Industrial City

Article-Madayn kicks off USD 23.4 million Ibri Industrial City

Ibri Industrial City1

Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) has signed off on infrastructure works for phase one of the Ibri Industrial City, according to a recent announcement.

Located in the Al Dhahirah governorate, the Ibri Industrial City project is aimed at bolstering Oman’s industrial cities across different governorates. It also looks to support the economy, and create jobs for locals in Al Dhahirah.

Announced in 2020, the OMR 9 million (USD 23.4 million) project will span three million square metres, and will be developed over a period of 18 months.

As part of the first phase, Madayn will be investing in several infrastructure development activities at Ibri Industrial City. This includes developing roads, lighting, water and communication, sewage, and landscaping. It also includes electricity networks in coordination with Majan Electricity Company, according to Nasser Al Mabsali. Al Mabsali is the Director General of Ibri Industrial City.

“The strategic location of Ibri Industrial City on the road leading to Saudi Arabia and due to its close proximity to Oman’s oil concession areas,” Al Mabsali said in the statement. “Located about 200 km from Sohar Port and 300 km from Muscat governorate, the industrial city will serve the mining, marble and food investment sectors.”

Ibri Industrial City2

VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES

The Ibri Industrial City will be home to a number of industries, including oil and gas services, food industries, building materials, warehouses, and showrooms. 

Additionally, Al Mabsali noted that the opening of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) would lead to the movement of goods from Saudi Arabia and the Levant countries. This is likely to boost the warehousing and storage sector, as well as the volume of exports in marble, foodstuff and other sectors, he said.

Al Mabsali added that Madayn will be collaborating with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Al Dhahirah branch to help contractors and suppliers in the governorate apply for projects and services implemented by Madayn. Moreover, projects will also be assigned Riyada-registered SMEs from the Al Dhahirah governorate.

Earlier this year, Madayn announced that investors could look forward to incentives and privileges related to investment opportunities in Ibri Industrial City. This included an exemption from rental value for two years for all new projects. 

Following this, investors would also be eligible for a reduction in the rental value for three years by 50% (for contracts concluded from 2021 to 2024). All other fees listed in Annex no. (1) of the Investment Regulations will also be reduced by 50% for all new projects between 2021 to 2024.

Photo credit: www.hmadayn.om/EN/pages/Ibri.aspx, www.constructionweekonline.com

 

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Residential sector sustains Saudi Arabia real estate market

Article-Residential sector sustains Saudi Arabia real estate market

SaudiResidential

The residential market in Saudi Arabia saw significantly positive outcomes in Q2 this year, outperforming other segments of the Saudi Arabia real estate market, according to Knight Frank.

“The government’s efforts to support growth in the residential market are delivering an exceptionally active development market,” Faisal Durrani, partner and head of Middle East research at Knight Frank, said.

“In addition, home values are responding to the buoyancy in demand, with apartment values in the capital accelerating at the fastest rate in the Kingdom, growing by 7.6 percent year on year, the fastest pace of growth since at least 2017,” Durrani added.

HERE'S WHAT THE REPORT HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE SAUDI ARABIA REAL ESTATE MARKET FOR Q2 2021: 

OFFICE MARKET

Office performance in Q2 was subdued. Rental rates saw year-on-year declines across Grade A and B properties in the key markets of Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Dammam metropolitan area. Both occupancy and vacancy rates saw declines of 1-2 percentage points across Grade A and B offices. However, Grade A offices in Riyadh saw a positive change of 1 percentage point year on year. The change can be attributed to an increase in the number of foreign investors receiving licenses to start a business in Riyadh.

RESIDENTIAL MARKET

The residential market saw gains of 26% in residential sales volumes by the end of Q2 this year. The total value of residential transactions in the Saudi Arabia real estate market was bumped up by 2%. Meanwhile, the number of deals saw an increase of about 24%, with 58,000 residential transactions recorded in Q2 this year, compared to 47,000 deals for the same period last year. These positive outcomes were a result of government efforts to widen the mortgage market, and affordable housing schemes, the report said.

RETAIL MARKET

The retail market saw declines across the board for lease and occupancy rates in the retail segment of the Saudi Arabia real estate market. Community malls registered the largest declines of 2.8% in Jeddah and 2.7% in the Dammam metropolitan area.

HOSPITALITY MARKET

Significant gains were seen in Jeddah’s hospitality due to the Umrah pilgrimage, Eid holidays and summer domestic tourism. For the year to May 2021, average daily rates  (ADR) grew by 32.5% year on year, and occupancy by 49%. RevPAR also saw a surge of 60%. Occupancy rates stabilised in T= the Dammam metropolitan area, with ADR growing year on year by 8.3%, and RevPAR by 7.4%. At the same time, average occupancy levels and ADR in Riyadh continued to slip, resulting in a drop in RevPAR by 21% in the year to May 2021.

 

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Mixed outcomes for key Oman tourism projects: Report

Article-Mixed outcomes for key Oman tourism projects: Report

Oman Tourism1

Some of Oman’s major tourism projects under the Oman Tourism Strategy 2040 have been halted, while some others have moved ahead in 2020, according to a latest report.

The annual Economic Diversification Report 2020 by the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation and Follow-up Unit has revealed that key Oman tourism projects have been delayed due to several reasons, while some others have moved ahead, Zawya reported.

The Economic Diversification Report appraises different projects in Oman across manufacturing, logistics, labour, business environment, fisheries, and energy and mining, alongside tourism.

Delays were a result of different reasons, including feasibility issues and government-level changes, the report said.

KEY PROJECTS FALL BEHIND

The report noted that work on Crystal Lagoon and infrastructure for Phase 1(a), design work on Model Villas and design development for Apartment Site 3 have been stalled. Project owners are reassessing plans for a “more feasible and effective approach” towards the three projects, all located at the USD 660 million Al Nakheel Integrated Tourist Complex (ITC).

Oman Tourism2

Elsewhere, work on heritage projects Harat A Sibani and Harat Al Bilad have also seen setbacks due to budget and funding challenges. With investors pulling out from the Harat Al Bilad projects, the team behind the projects are currently looking out for potential investors, the Zawya report said.

Meanwhile, a study on infrastructure and non-infrastructure issues at ITCs, and incentives to resolve the same, was also paused. The report cited changed in government structure as the reason behind the halt. 

Further, financial issues have impeded the progress of the Oman Tourism and Convention Bureau. The bureau is aimed at promoting Oman as a business destination for investors and developers.

OMAN TOURISM CLUSTERS ARE UNDERWAY

Designs for the Marina hotel, a 170-room flagship property of Phase 1A of Yiti Sustainable City, have progressed, as have designs for a public park and resort at Shatti Bassa.

Oman Tourism3

Falcon for Tourism Investment is also finalising masterplans for the Al Ashkarah Beach development, which it has invested in, while Falha Investment has been signed on to develop the Al Kasfah Spring.

Further, fourteen tourism clusters have been identified under the Omani Tourism Strategy. Of these, five are currently in progress, the report said. 

Plans for tourism clusters in Muscat, Ad Dakhliya, and Ash Sharqiya South, were also finalised last year. Meanwhile, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is currently finalising plans for the remaining stages of the Musandam cluster, and has also increased the scope of work for developing Ash Sharqiya Sands.

Photo credit: www.metenders.com/project_cms/project/shatti-beach-resort-project-shatti-al-qurum, www.omran.om/portfolio/destination-management/harat-al-bilad/

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Saudi Arabia proptech startup Mabaat fetches USD 2.4 million seed round

Article-Saudi Arabia proptech startup Mabaat fetches USD 2.4 million seed round

MadaatPlatformHouses

Saudi Arabia proptech company Mabaat has secured USD 2.4 million in a recent seed funding round, according to a recent announcement.

The round was led by Riyadh-based venture capital firm Derayah Ventures, along with participation from Saudi-based early stage venture capital firm SEEDRA Ventures.

The company will use the funds to increase outreach efforts, enhance its technology stack, and strengthen hiring.

Mabaat offers a digital property management platform for short-term rental stays. Accommodation types include mid to high-end private homes and compounds across Saudi Arabia markets. 

The platform provides information in real time, helping to streamline operations such as booking, payment, sterilisation and cleaning, and maintenance.

The Saudi Arabia proptech startup was founded in October 2019 by Talal Al Sorayai, CEO of Mabaat.

“Mabaat’s innovative platform is unique as it offers property partners higher occupancy levels at attractive rates. With this direct support that we have received from the Saudi government and our partnership with the Ministry of Investment and Tourism, Mabaat is now well-positioned to disrupt the alternate accommodations market throughout the Kingdom,” Al Sorayai said.

NEOM PROVIDES A BOOST FOR SAUDI ARABIA PROPTECH

Planned zero-carbon city NEOM is expected to spur the Saudi Arabia proptech sector forward. The city banks heavily on clean energy and smart technologies, and has received government funding commitments to the tune of USD 500 billion.

Along with NEOM, entertainment hub Qiddiya city, and ecotourism mega project Red Sea Project are also expected to increase digitisation in the construction industry in Saudi Arabia.

NEOMProject

More recently, Saudi Arabia-based investment management and financial advisory company Watheeq Financial Services launched a SAR 100 million (USD 26.7 million) closed-ended proptech fund. The Watheeq Proptech VC Fund is expected to make its first close in Q3 this year.

Some of the top technologies receiving attention in the Saudi Arabia proptech space include blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, drones, Internet of Things, robotics, digital twins, and 3D printing.

In H1 this year, VC funding reached ‘record-breaking growth’, especially amongst early stage deals. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Saudi startup backers were also Saudi-based. Ticket sizes of USD 3 million or less accounted for 73% of all deals. 

Ecommerce and fintech are two other startup sectors receiving attention in Saudi Arabia. Some of the biggest funding rounds include a USD 30.5 million Series B round by B2B marketplace startup Sary, and a USD 110 million Series A round by Tamara.

Photo credit: www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-crown-princes-vision-for-neom-a-desert-city-state-tests-his-builders-11619870401, 

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New phase of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park launched

Article-New phase of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park launched

Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park1

A 300 MW first stage of the fifth production phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has been initiated, according to a recent statement.

The fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will provide clean energy to over 270,000 residences in Dubai, including 90,000 residences from the first stage. It will also reduce annual carbon emissions by over a million tonnes, the statement said. 

VP and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the first stage of the 900 MW production phase. 

Overall, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is estimated to have a planned capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, and will be the largest single-site solar park in the world. Investment costs for the solar park amounted to over AED 2 billion.

DEWA CHARGED WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM SOLAR PARK

The fifth phase utilises solar photovoltaic bifacial technologies with Single Axis Tracking to increase energy production. It will be commissioned in stages until 2023.

The project is being implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), through joint venture company Shuaa Energy 3 with a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and Kuwait’s Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC). ACWA Power and GIC won a bid to build and operate the fifth phase in late 2019. 

DEWA owns 60% of the venture. It was also able to reach a global record for the lowest bid per kilowatt hour (Levelised Cost of Energy), at USD 1.69 cents, for this phase.

The 300 MW first stage takes clean energy capacity in Dubai’s energy mix to 10%. It is expected to increase to 13.3% by the end of the year.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park2.jpg

PROJECT IS IN LINE WITH THE DUBAI CLEAN ENERGY STRATEGY 2050

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park aligns with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, where 75% of Dubai’s power capacity is expected to come from clean energy sources.

Meanwhile, a feasibility study into wind power-generated electricity at Hatta has also been launched. Wind speed for a full year is currently being measured onsite for a 28 MW wind farm.

“The project to generate electricity using wind power is part of our efforts to diversify clean and renewable energy sources in Dubai,” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said. “These include photovoltaic solar panels technology, Concentrated Solar Power, green hydrogen production using renewable energy, and pumped-storage technology in the hydroelectric power station in Hatta.”

Photo credit: www.menaherald.com/en/economy/energy/mohammed-bin-rashid-al-maktoum-solar-park-%E2%80%93-clean-energy-brighter-future-generations, www.dewa.gov.ae/en/about-us/media-publications/latest-news/2019/03/mohammed-bin-rashid-al-maktoum-solar-park

 

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