Omniyat Properties has launched construction of its landmark development The Octavian, which is being built at Businesss Bay in Dubai at a cost of Dh1.2 billion ($326 million).

A major tower complex at Dubai’s Business Bay is gearing up to be commissioned, while another tower is fast nearing completion, according to Dubai Properties, the master developer behind the Dh110 billion ($27.2 billion) project.

Twin towers ready for handover Two towers within Al Khor Towers freehold development in Ajman are to be handed over by next month, and all their flats have been sold out.

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and Masdar are to jointly develop and implement sustainable energy and water solutions on Sir Bani Yas Island.

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has launched a pioneering urban development benchmark under its Estidama initiative. The initiative was unveiled at last month’s Environment 2009, the region’s premier environment trade show, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jnr has been commissioned by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) to create a unique ‘tidal course’ on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island.

Bulk earthworks at The Tiger Woods Dubai – a 55 million-sq-ft golf community in Dubailand – have been completed on the roads, buildings, residential plots and Al Ruwaya Golf Course.

Master developer Meydan has said that Dubai’s new racecourse will be completed on schedule despite cancelling a $1.3-billion contract with the two firms – Malaysia’s WCT and the local Arabtec Construction – which were building the new venue for the 2010 World Cup, the Middle East’s premier horse race.

Dubai real estate developer Nakheel has halted construction of its kilometre-high tower for a year. Work on the planned mixed-use tower, which is aiming to be the world’s tallest super skyscraper, began late last year as part of Nakheel’s Waterfront development.

Arabtec Construction will postpone work on the Dh2.4 billion ($653.4 million) Atrium project for at least a year after developer Emirates Sunland decided to delay the project, a report said. The project, which is located in the Madinat Al Arab district of Dubai Waterfront, was awarded to Arabtec in September 2008, Meed said.

Enabling works have started on Aquarius Gate, the first third-party development at Nakheel’s Waterfront. The $816-million project is being undertaken by Cirrus Developments and construction has already reached a milestone with 2-m-deep excavations completed and 50,000 cu m of earth shifted from site.

Enabling, piling and shoring work for Celestial Heights at Downtown Jebel Ali has been completed and the Dh1-billion ($272 million) development is now moving into the second phase of construction, according to its developer Cirrus Developments.

More than half of the number of construction projects in the UAE have been put on hold, but despite the negative impact of the global economic crisis, work on projects worth $698 billion continues to move ahead, according to an industry report.

The English edition of Dubai Municipality’s safety code for best practices at construction sites has hit the stands. Issued by the municipality’s building department, the book outlines general and specific safety procedures for all types of construction and demolition works and associated jobs.

Deliveries of the first villas at Victory Heights in Dubai Sports City (DSC) has commenced. The luxury development consists of a community of 964 townhouses and villas over an area of 25 million sq ft.

Work at Dubai’s City of Arabia, the $5-billion retail, residential, commercial and entertainment district in Dubailand, is moving full steam ahead, according to its owners Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) is erecting a new bridge which will connect the exhibition facilities with the new marina zone.

Construction of the luxury island Nurai in Abu Dhabi is being accelerated with the aim of completing the Dh3-billion ($816 million) project ahead of schedule, according to reports.