Nemetschek Group, a global leader in Construction AI and one of the world’s leading software providers for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AEC/O) and Media industries, has announced the introduction of a new family of premium AI offerings across the Middle East: Archicad Max for architecture, Allplan Max for engineering and Bluebeam Max for construction.

Powered by the Nemetschek Intelligence Platform, the Group’s common AI and data foundation, the three offerings are designed around a shared principle of using AI to reduce repetitive work, make project knowledge and data more accessible, improve quality, and enable professionals to remain in control of key decisions.

The new offerings come as the Middle East continues to advance its ambitious infrastructure, urban development, and smart city programs. By embedding practical AI capabilities within established design, engineering, and construction workflows, the Max offerings can help regional professionals spend less time searching for information, checking models and drawings, and completing routine tasks.

“The Middle East is home to some of the most complex and ambitious infrastructure projects in the world, and the opportunity for AI is not simply to automate more tasks, but to help professionals work with greater clarity, consistency, and confidence,” said Eng. Muayad Simbawa, Managing Director, Middle East, Nemetschek Group. “With the new Max solutions spanning architecture, engineering, and construction, we are bringing practical AI closer to the everyday workflows of the region’s AEC/O community. This can help teams make better use of project information, strengthen collaboration, and focus their expertise where it creates the greatest value.”

One platform, multiple disciplines

Archicad Max, Graphisoft’s new premium Archicad subscription, supports data and AI-driven architectural practices with an agentic AI Assistant that can complete multi-step tasks directly within the Archicad model. Meanwhile, Allplan Max 2027 extends AI across the Nemetschek Group’s engineering portfolio, including Allplan, SCIA, FRILO, RISA and SDS2, supporting connected modelling, analysis and fabrication workflows. And Bluebeam Max, available globally since May 2026, brings AI-powered productivity to construction teams through capabilities such as Smart Review, which helps identify design discrepancies and missing information early; Smart Overlay, which identifies changes across drawing sets; and Magic Markups, which automates repetitive markup and take-off tasks.

“AI in our industry only creates real value when it understands the project, works where professionals work and connects with everything else on the job,” said Julian Geiger, Chief AI Officer of the Nemetschek Group. “With Archicad Max, Allplan Max and Bluebeam Max, we are scaling one AI strategy across design, engineering and construction, built on a shared intelligence platform rather than isolated features. And we are doing it the Nemetschek way: open.”

This openness is central to the Group’s AI strategy. The new offerings are designed to connect across tools, vendors and project partners, drawing on open standards including IFC and supporting interoperability across the building lifecycle. At the same time, professionals retain responsibility for reviewing decisions, reinforcing a human-led approach to AI adoption.

Bluebeam Max and Allplan Max 2027 are available globally, while Archicad Max is available with Archicad 30 and is rolling out by region. Availability, features, subscription packaging and pricing may vary by product and market.

ASUS is bringing its “Design You Can Feel” philosophy to THEA at Dubai Design District from 3–5 November 2026 during Dubai Design Week, transforming the café into an immersive space where visitors can experience ASUS through design, material, colour and lifestyle.

Visit ASUS × THEA during Dubai Design Week to step into the Zenbook experience, explore the latest products hands-on and discover how ASUS is bringing technology into the spaces where people work, create, meet and spend their everyday lives.

Taking centre stage will be the latest ASUS Zenbook 14, showcased in Arctic Blue and Komodo Coral. At the heart of its design is ASUS Ceraluminum™, a signature material that combines the durability of ceramic with the lightweight characteristics of aluminum. The finishes are designed to be seen, touched and experienced, reflecting ASUS’s belief that personal technology should create a more emotional connection with the people who use it.

Beyond Zenbook 14, visitors will also be able to explore the wider ASUS premium line-up and find the right device for their needs — whether they are students looking for everyday portability, creators requiring powerful creative tools, solopreneurs balancing productivity and mobility, or gamers looking for performance on the move.

THEA as part of the experience

Located in the heart of Dubai Design District, THEA brings together contemporary hospitality, French and Mediterranean influences, and a warm café environment. For Dubai Design Week, the venue will become part of the ASUS story itself — combining coffee, hospitality, visual design and hands-on technology in one place.

The activation extends “Design You Can Feel” beyond exhibitions and traditional retail, turning the Zenbook design language into a real-life consumer experience built around discovery, interaction and everyday lifestyle moments.

Visitors who want to continue their ASUS journey can also explore the ASUS UAE eShop, where selected 37th Anniversary offers will be available across the portfolio. The eShop offer complements the physical experience at THEA, giving visitors a simple next step after discovering the products in person.

Holcim, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, has appointed Rozhgar Barzan as Chief Executive Officer for its UAE and Oman operations. Barzan brings 17 years of experience within the Holcim Group to the strategic leadership role.

Having joined Holcim in 2009, Barzan has held key executive positions across the business, accumulating deep expertise in operational management, commercial strategy, and business growth across regional markets. Most recently, he served as General Manager of Ready-Mix Oman, following his tenure as Commercial Director in Iraq. In his new role, Barzan will drive Holcim’s strategic growth and operational portfolio across the UAE and Oman, accelerating the adoption of sustainable construction practices across the region. Amongst his priorities will be delivering holistic building offerings, including low-carbon cement and low-carbon concrete ranges, and scaling circular construction initiatives. Additionally, he will focus on advancing operational transformation by integrating AI and digital technologies under Holcim’s global Plants of Tomorrow program. 

These priorities reinforce Holcim’s commitment to delivering progress for people and the planet by offering innovative, sustainable solutions tailored to the region’s expanding infrastructure and climate targets. Notably, this includes Holcim’s ongoing industrial carbon capture and underground mineralisation pilot in Fujairah, advancing pioneering technologies to eliminate industrial emissions.

Commenting on his appointment, Rozhgar Barzan, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman, said: “I am honored to take on the leadership of Holcim UAE and Oman at such a pivotal moment for the regional building sector. As both markets accelerate their investment in sustainable infrastructure and Net Zero ambitions, Holcim has a strong opportunity to deepen its role as a trusted partner to our clients and communities. By integrating AI across our operations and scaling our holistic, low-carbon building solutions, we remain dedicated to advancing sustainable growth, driving circularity, and delivering progress for people and the planet.”

Barzan succeeds Ali Said, who led Holcim UAE through a period of significant strategic development and key sustainability milestones. This appointment reinforces Holcim’s commitment to operational excellence, continuous innovation, and sustainable development across the Middle East.