MERED, the award-winning developer, has announced that main piling operations are now progressing at Riviera Residences, a waterfront residential tower in Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island. The milestone follows the completion of 60% of enabling works, including guide walls, shoring, contiguous piling, and ground improvement across both zones, as well as deep foundation works. The progress underscores the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s premium residential market and the strength of the emirate’s off-plan delivery.

Riviera Residences is one of the capital’s most distinctive waterfront addresses, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron and located within Abu Dhabi Global Market. Conceived as a resort-style residence, the development will offer more than 400 apartments and 11 exclusive villas, including sky villas, ocean villas, and a penthouse, set within landscaped gardens and a vibrant waterfront promenade with cafés, boutique retail, and dining.

Construction is ongoing without interruption amid a period of change across the wider region. The site team has stayed on schedule through proactive planning and close collaboration between the contractor (NSCC) and the consultant team (DAR ALHANDASAH). The project has recorded more than 85,000 safe man-hours to date with no lost-time incidents, a reflection of the safety culture the team has built and maintained throughout.

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, said: “This milestone is a direct result of the quality of the teams we have on the ground, but it is also a testament to the resilience of the UAE’s real estate sector. Abu Dhabi in particular continues to attract serious, long-term investment. This project was always conceived as something that could stand the test of time. That ambition has not changed, and neither has our commitment to delivering it.”

The project’s progress comes at a time when Abu Dhabi is further strengthening its investment environment in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and its broader focus on sustainable urban growth, transparency, and long-term economic development. New measures introduced have strengthened Abu Dhabi’s real estate regulatory ecosystem, introducing integrated controls, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring transparency across the market. Together, these reinforce investor confidence and the emirate’s position as a stable, well-regulated residential market.

Riviera Residences is supported by a group of highly regarded delivery and design partners whose combined expertise strengthens every stage of the development. Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron; one of the region’s most experienced ground engineering and enabling works specialists, NSCC International Ltd.; internationally recognised engineering consultants  DAR ALHANDASAH, and Paris-based landscape consultants Michel Desvigne Paysagiste (MDP), are reinforcing MERED’s focus on long-term placemaking.

As construction moves forward, all stakeholders remain committed to delivering a high-quality development that contributes to the emirate’s vision for modern, sustainable urban living.

Almal Real Estate Development, a Dubai-based, award-winning investment and real estate development company, today announced that construction is already 23% completed, at its record-breaking, sold-out project, The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences in Ras Al Khaimah. Following launch, the project sold out faster than was anticipated, achieving the highest price point per square meter on the island at AED 6.300 PSF, receiving numerous accolades and business milestones from Marjan.

The construction is progressing on schedule and without delay towards its 2027 handover. This once again reinforces ALMAL’s commitment to its buyers as well as reinstating  the sustained market value of premium developments on Al Marjan Island.

The milestone follows regular site visits by Founder of Almal Real Estate Development, Dmitriy Starovoitov, who confirmed that construction activity remains fully on track, with no delays or disruption, as cranes move continuously and development milestones are met. Amid global economic uncertainty, the uninterrupted pace of construction signals supply chain reliability, workforce stability, and sustained investor confidence, highlighting the consistency of project delivery in the UAE.

“Reaching this milestone at The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences reflects disciplined execution and strong alignment across our partners,” said Starovoitov. “This sold-out project has been strongly received in the market, and the consistency of progress on site reflects the UAE’s stable and resilient economic environment, supported by reliable supply chains and sustained investor confidence. Our focus remains on delivering a high-quality, world-class project that aligns with market demand and contributes to the continued growth of Ras Al Khaimah.”

Located on the pristine shores of Al Marjan Island, the project is managed by the globally renowned Palladium Hotel Group, and comprises 422 five-star hotel rooms and branded residential units. Inspired by the vibrant energy of Ibiza, the development blends architectural elegance with a dynamic hospitality concept, offering direct proximity to the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, the UAE’s first integrated destination, set to open in 2027. Designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the project delivers a refined beachfront experience defined by elevated amenities, world-class service, and a distinctive lifestyle offering that sets it apart within the region.

Al Marjan Island continues to gain momentum as one of the UAE’s most compelling investment destinations, positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a rising luxury and tourism hub with strong long-term fundamentals. Less saturated than Dubai, yet supported by increasingly mature infrastructure, the emirate has quietly established itself as a strategic growth market attracting international capital and developer interest.

Tourism figures reached 1.35 million visitors in 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, with projections indicating growth to nearly 5.5 million visitors by 2030. The highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is expected to further accelerate demand in the surrounding area, reinforcing the island’s status as a focused investment zone with strong projected returns and long-term growth potential.

Almal Real Estate Development continues to expand its global portfolio across high-growth markets, delivering premium residential, hospitality, and mixed-use developments in partnership with internationally recognised operators in Bali, Cyprus and UAE.

Dubai Investments breaks ground on Al Vista, its landmark mixed‑use development in Meydan Horizon. Developed through its wholly‑owned real estate subsidiary, Dubai Investment Real Estate (DIR), Al Vista is a large‑scale mixed‑use development comprising residential, commercial and retail components within a unified masterplan.

The ground‑breaking ceremony was held in the presence of Khalid bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Investments, Obaid Salami, General Manager, Dubai Investment Real Estate along with other senior representatives and the contractor for the project.

As part of the milestone, DIR also signed the main construction contract with JV Hourie Paramount appointing the contractor to deliver the project in line with the approved execution plan.

Commenting on the ground-breaking, Obaid Salami, General Manager of Dubai Investment Real Estate, said: “Al Vista represents an important addition to DIR’s portfolio and reflects a disciplined approach to development, anchored in quality, execution certainty and long‑term value creation. With main construction now underway, DIR is committed to delivering well‑planned, high‑quality developments in key growth locations across Dubai, positioning Al Vista to emerge as a defining mixed‑use destination upon completion.”

Located within Meydan Horizon, one of Dubai’s most sought‑after mixed‑use districts, Al Vista comprises a 39‑storey residential tower featuring 312 apartments, including one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units, alongside a 19‑storey commercial tower offering approximately 120,000 sq. ft. of shell‑and‑core office space, complemented by integrated retail components. The development is designed to support a connected urban environment, with a comprehensive range of lifestyle and recreational amenities serving both residents and commercial occupiers. Construction is advancing as scheduled, with planned completion targeted for Q1 2028