The ground-breaking ceremony of the UAE pavilion – designed in the shape of a flying falcon, symbolising the country’s leadership and pride – at the Expo 2020 Dubai site was held last month.

Dar Al Arkan (Daar), the largest listed real estate developer in Saudi Arabia, has announced plans to expand to global markets, selecting Dubai as the launchpad for its international business, with a Dh800-million ($218 million) development on the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay.

The Bulgari Resort Dubai, an urban oasis developed by Dubai­-based holding company Meraas, opened its doors last month.

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has boosted its public housing policy with a number of major changes including the creation of a new residential package and a plan to develop a mega housing project – Al Riyadh City – in the emirate, said a Wam report.

The combined value of the 11,755 active construction projects in the UAE has exceeded $818.2 billion (around Dh3 trillion) in November 2017, according to the latest UAE Construction Analytics report issued by BNC Network, a major project research and intelligence provider in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

AccorHotels, a leading travel and lifestyle group, has signed a management agreement with leading Dubai-based master developer Nakheel for the expansion of its renowned luxury brand, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

Leading Abu Dhabi developer Imkan has announced plans to develop ‘Pixel’, the first mixed-use project within its 180,000-sq-m waterfront ‘Makers District’ on Reem Island in the UAE capital.

UAE-based Miral, which oversees the development of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, has appointed BAM International, one of Europe’s largest contracting firms, to build an arena, plaza and the nearby retail and F&B (food and beverage) outlets planned for the upcoming development in the UAE capital.

Geberit, a European leader in the field of sanitary products, last month invited key representatives of the region’s construction community to witness the official opening of its new information centre in Dubai Design District (d3).

The Dh1.5-billion ($408 million) Serenia Residences, which offers resort-style beachfront living in Dubai, was due to be ready for occupation at the end of last month, according to its developer the UAE-based Palma Holding, a specialist in luxury residential and mixed-use complexes.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has completed 82 per cent of Jebel Ali’s M-Station expansion project, the newest and largest electricity generation and water desalination plant in the UAE.

Al Zahya set for mid-year launch Abu Dhabi City Municipality said work on its Dh248-million ($67.4 million) Al Zahya Project, being developed in collaboration with the emirate’s general services company Musanada, is progressing at a steady pace and is due for completion by mid-2018.