A $25-million pre-insulated pipe factory, said to be the largest of its kind in the UAE, has been launched in Jebel Ali  as part of the emirate’s drive to diversify its economy to sustain growth.

HH, a Dubai-based boutique property developer, has officially handed over its Dh300 million ($81.67 million) flagship development O14, a 22-storey freehold commercial building at the centre of Business Bay in Dubai.

Insulation materials for buildings, black pigments for reducing surface heat and concrete admixtures that help lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were some of the solutions that BASF displayed at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi last month (January 18 to 21).

Emirates Aluminium (Emal) celebrated the deliveries of the first cast metal to clients across the world, well ahead of previously scheduled dates. Ramp up to full production at Emal began in December with the delivery of the first crucibles of molten metal from the aluminium smelter to the plant casthouse.

Dubai Fountain, considered to be the world’s largest performing fountain, was unveiled last month. Situated prominently in front of the Burj Khalifa, the water feature was created by Wet of the US. The innovative use of projected light allows for the fountain to be visible from more than 20 miles away.

Damac Properties has announced the structural completion of its eighth project over the last one year with the final concrete pour on its Park Towers project at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

UAE-based office furniture giant Bafco has broken ground on a 245,000-sq-ft facility at Dubai Industrial City, which is expected to dramatically improve its production output from 50,000 furniture units to 150,000 units annually.

Twelve leading developers have been conferred the Estidama Excellence Awards by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), which manages the Estidama sustainability programme.

Dubai Properties Group (DPG) has said the prestigious 23.5-million-sq-ft Remraam development has registered another significant milestone with 25 buildings reaching full height as construction rapidly progresses on the five, six and seven-floor residences.

Two of the seven villages that make up the Victory Heights development in Dubai Sports City (DSC) have seen 100 per cent completion, the developers have said.

A pioneering research project on concentrated solar power (CSP) has been launched at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.

International design and engineering consultancy Atkins has signed a major contract with Al Ain Municipality to establish an environment, health and safety (EHS) department for the building and construction sector in the emirate.

Versace has launched the Boutiques in Dubai Mall and announced the structural completion of the Dh2.3-billion ($610 million) Palazzo Versace project that is expected to open at the end of this year. “The Versace Group is 100 per cent committed to this project and we foresee it will be a huge success.