Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Holding, RTA has awarded contracts worth AED786 million ($214 million) for construction of direct access points to Dubai Islands from Bur Dubai side. 

 

The scope of work includes a 1,425-m-long bridge to be built over Dubai Creek, between the Infinity Bridge and Port Rashid Development area. 

 

The bridge will have four lanes in each direction, and boast a total capacity of 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. 

 

It will rise 18.5m above the surface of Dubai Creek, and the navigational channel will be 75m wide, allowing various types of vessels to pass through the Creek.

 

This project aims to support ongoing development, address the demands of urban and demographic growth, improve traffic flow, and facilitate the movement of residents and visitors across the emirate. 

 

It is being implemented as a key phase of Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, one of RTA’s strategic road projects currently in progress. 

 

According to RTA, this massive project involves developing 15 intersections over a 13km stretch, and it has been divided into five phases due to its scale. 

 

The corridor will serve both Deira and Bur Dubai areas, along with several key development projects, including Dubai Islands, Deira Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid. The project is expected to benefit around one million people, it added.

 

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the project involves the construction of a direct entry and exit for the Dubai Islands.

 

"The project also includes constructing a dedicated pedestrian and cycling track connecting both ends of the bridge, with elevators to facilitate the movement of pedestrians and cyclists," he stated. 

 

"Additionally, surface roads extending 2,000m will be constructed to connect the bridge with the existing roads on both sides of Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai areas," he added.

 

Al Tayer pointed out that this was the second contract under the project for setting up entry and exit points for Dubai Islands. 

 

In collaboration with Dubai Holding, RTA had completed a project in 2020 that involved constructing three bridges spanning a total of 1.6km. 

 

It included a two-lane bridge facilitating free-flowing traffic from Dubai Islands to Al Khaleej Street northward, a three-lane bridge enabling smooth traffic from Dubai Islands to Al Khaleej Street southward, and a two-lane bridge allowing seamless traffic from Al Khaleej Street southward to Dubai Islands, he added.

 

Dubai Holding Group CEO Amit Kaushal said: "Our partnership with RTA exemplifies our commitment to advancing Dubai's infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across key developments in the emirate."

 

"This initiative will significantly improve access to Dubai Islands, facilitating smoother mobility for residents and visitors. At Dubai Holding, we are dedicated to supporting the development of integrated, future-ready communities that align with the city's vision for sustainable growth and innovation," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has announced that work is moving at a steady pace on its new headquarters building - Al Shera’a - located in Al Jaddaf.

 

Al Shera’a, which boasts a built-up area of over 2 million sq ft, is being set up at a total investment of AED1.5 billion ($408 million). 

 

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO dubbed the new Dewa HQ as a sustainable architectural masterpiece. "Once operational it will be the tallest, largest and smartest energy-positive government building in the world," stated Al Tayer.

 

"The construction, engineering and procurement works are scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer in the region, has announced an ambitious expansion of its luxury retail portfolio for 2025. 

 

Following a record-breaking 2024, which saw a 26% growth in its lifestyle business, the expansion will be anchored by renowned Italian brands Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, with a series of store openings planned across key locations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

 

As part of its strategic growth agenda, Majid Al Futtaim will launch over 30 new stores, spanning both luxury and High Street brands across the region. 

 

The expansion will include five standalone Eleventy stores, the regional debut of Corneliani, and the first Poltrona Frau store outside the UAE in Saudi Arabia, said a statement from Majid Al Futtaim.

 

The five standalone Eleventy stores are set to open in key locations in 2025, including, Solitaire Mall in Saudi Arabia, Mall of the Emirates, Marsa Al Arab, which all opened this month, with Dubai Mall and The Grove in the UAE to follow later in the year, it stated. 

 

Known for its commitment to sustainable practices, Eleventy reflects the growing consumer demand for quality and subtle sophistication, all under the ‘Made in Italy’ banner.

 

This growth builds on Eleventy’s successful presence in the region, which includes a shop-in-shop at THAT Concept Store, a pop-up at Mall of the Emirates, and its first standalone location in Marina Mall Abu Dhabi opened with Majid Al Futtaim in November 2024, it added.

 

"In a region where customers have an abundance of choice, our ambition is to curate a portfolio of luxury brands that offer something truly distinctive," remarked Fahed Ghanim, the CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle. 

 

"By introducing brands like Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, we are bringing new dimensions to the luxury market - combining timeless craftsmanship with modern sensibilities that resonate with the refined tastes of our customers," stated Ghanim. 

 

Majid Al Futtaim, he stated, was further strengthening its partnership with Poltrona Frau, the iconic Italian luxury furniture brand, by introducing its first store in the region outside the UAE at Centria Mall, Riyadh, in May. 

 

Poltrona Frau, a key brand within Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio,  achieved remarkable success in 2024, with its revenue increasing fivefold following the launch of its second UAE store at Mall of the Emirates.

 

Italian luxury menswear brand Corneliani also made its regional store debut in April at Solitaire Mall, Saudi Arabia. 

 

Founded in 1930, Corneliani is one of Italy’s oldest independent luxury brands, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and presence in over 70 countries. 

 

With the launch of its first standalone store in the Middle East, Majid Al Futtaim brings Corneliani’s timeless suits and sophisticated casualwear to even more customers across the region, said Ghanim.

 

Marco Baldassari, Co-Founder and Menswear Creative Director at Eleventy said: "Eleventy's philosophy of understated elegance and commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with the sophisticated Middle Eastern consumer."

 

"We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, whose visionary approach to luxury retail is shaping a new vision with a growing focus on customer needs. Together, we aim to redefine luxury retail by offering timeless craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and innovative experiences," he added.

 

Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau, said: "Since partnering with Majid Al Futtaim more than two years ago, we have focused on strategic growth and elevating the customer experience across the region."

 

"The revitalisation of our flagship store in Jumeirah and our successful debut at Mall of the Emirates have been key milestones in our journey," noted Coropulis. 

 

"We are now excited to bring this momentum to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with our first store in Riyadh, further solidifying our presence in the GCC and expanding our reach in this dynamic market," he added.-TradeArabia News Service