New Murabba Development Company, a unit of Saudi wealth fund PIF, said it has played a major role at the recent Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Dubai as its platinum sponsor.

 

At the three-day event, the New Murabba executive team, led by its CEO Michael Dyke engaged with major stakeholders across the hospitality spectrum, including industry leaders, investors and developers, while sharing the group's ambitious vision for sustainable growth in the sector. 

 

Dyke outlined the company’s roadmap for advancing the hospitality landscape. 

 

As a forward-thinking player in the hospitality industry, New Murabba is committed to seizing opportunities and staying ahead of industry trends, he stated. 

 

New Murabba will incorporate 27 million sq m of premium real estate distributed across 18 communities, with an estimated population exceeding 400,000. This destination will serve as a model for urban planning, boasting seamless transportation and sustainable infrastructure. 

 

Furthermore, it will accommodate over 100,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and 500,000 sq m of retail space. Additionally, it will feature various entertainment venues, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and a 45,000-seat stadium. 

 

"New Murabba is redefining urban living with its "born smart" city concept, offering over 100,000 modern, high-quality homes. With world-class amenities, state-of-the-art schools and healthcare facilities, and seamless integration with the broader Riyadh metropolitan area, it provides unmatched convenience," he stated. 

 

During the event, Dyke presented an ambitious plan focused on the development of infrastructure, the establishment of seamless transportation systems, the improvement of recreational facilities, and the modernisation of lifestyle amenities. 

 

These efforts are central to revitalising key hospitality sectors, including hotels, hospitality centres, and retail destinations, he noted. 

 

On the key sponsorship, Dyke said this reaffirms the group's dedication to becoming a key player in the global tourism and hospitality industry. 

 

"Through active participation in discussions that shape the future of hospitality, New Murabba poised to make a lasting impact on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond, he stated.

 

Dyke pointed out that its goal was to establish New Murabba as a premier destination for tourism and hospitality in the region. 

 

"We are fully committed to pushing boundaries, setting new benchmarks in sustainable urban development, and embracing the ongoing evolution of this dynamic industry," he stated. 

 

"We believe that the hospitality sector plays a crucial role in fostering vibrant communities and boosting the local economy," he added.

 

During the summit, Dyke joined the renowned BBC presenter, Stephen Sackur, for an exclusive television interview, where they discussed New Murabba’s forward-looking vision and its latest developments. 

 

In addition, New Murabba Director of Development, Stephen Rossouw, participated in a panel discussion titled “Branded Residences: A New Era in Real Estate Investment,” delving into how New Murabba plans to transform the hospitality landscape. 

 

One of the major highlights of the event was Mukaab, which is set to become the world's largest and most complex structure. 

 

"Spanning over 2 million sq m of floor space, the Mukaab redefines luxury with immersive shopping, dining, and cultural experiences," explained Rossouw. 

 

"Comprising mixed-use properties that encompass all asset classes, this awe-inspiring cube-shaped structure, standing 400 m in width, height, and depth, is large enough to house 20 Empire State Buildings," he stated. 

 

"It seamlessly integrates modern Najdi architectural design with state-of-the-art digital and holographic technologies, offering visitors a unique fusion of premium hospitality, retail, cultural experiences, and entertainment," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

GS Inima, a global leader in water treatment industry, has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable operations by executing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Barka 5 Photovoltaic (PV) Plant. 

 

Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, GS Inima said this marks a major step forward in the company’s efforts to integrate renewable energy into its desalination projects.

 

The development of the 6.5 MWp PV Plant began from scratch three years ago, in 2022. After meticulous planning and development, GS Inima is now poised to commence construction, with the goal of achieving operational status in the first quarter of 2026, said GS Inima in a statement. 

 

This project will deliver substantial energy savings to the Barka 5 desalination facility, it added.

 

The Spanish utility major said once completed, the PV plant will provide approximately 11% of the electricity needs of the desalination facility until June 30, 2044. 

 

This long-term commitment underscores GS Inima’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing the sustainability of its water treatment operations in Oman, it stated.

 

On the strategic agreement, Juan José Benayas, the CEO of GS Inima at Barka 5 Desalination Company, said: "This PPA for Barka 5 PV Plant is a testament to our ongoing efforts to incorporate renewable energy solutions into our projects, and most importantly, to our commitment to delivering sustainable and cost-effective solutions to our valued client, Nama Power and Water Procurement Co (NPWP)."

 

"We are excited to bring this project to fruition and contribute to a more sustainable future for Oman’s water sector, while also fulfilling our obligations to provide reliable and efficient water services," stated Benayas.

 

"We thank NPWP, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM), the Environmental Authority, Nama Electricity Distribution Co (NEDC) and the Authority for Public Services Regulations (APSR) for their support in this journey," he added.

 

According to him, the Barka 5 plant represents a significant investment in renewable energy and will play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of desalination operations. 

 

"GS Inima continues to lead the way in innovative and sustainable water solutions, demonstrating its commitment to a greener future," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

The Water & Effluent Treatment (WET) business of L&T, along with Lantania of Spain, has signed a contract with ACWA Power, a major developer in the Middle East, to build the Ras Mohaisen Desalination plant in Saudi Arabia. 

 

The WET unit won the order in a joint venture with Lantania of Spain, wherein it happens to be the lead partner, the company said. 

 

L&T has classified it as a 'large' contract with a value between $287.17 million and $574 million.

 

Ras Mohaisen Desalination plant will have a capacity of 300,000 cu m/day. The project’s scope includes design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant. 

 

It encompasses intake and outfall facilities, process units, pumping stations, 600,000 cu m potable water storage facility, electrical special facility and associated works along with state-of-the-art automation and instrumentation systems. A Solar PV plant is also part of the project scope. 

 

The plant will serve as a drinking water source for Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Baha regions, benefiting about one million population. 

 

This is the second desalination order that L&T has received in Saudi Arabia in the recent past and it strengthens WET’s presence in the Middle East region. This large order underscores WET’s resolve to expand its regional footprint across all neighboring and business-conducive geographies, the company said. 

 

Larsen & Toubro is a $27 billion Indian multinational enterprise engaged in EPC projects, hi-tech manufacturing, and services, operating across multiple geographies. -TradeArabia News Service