A long-delayed railway project to connect Kuwait with other Gulf countries took a step forward today (April 7) when the Minister of Public Works Noura Al Mashaan signed a major contract with Turkish company Proyapi to design the first phase of the plan.

 

The scope of work includes comprehensive study, detailed design, and tender document preparation, reported Reuters.

 

The consultancy contract was awarded to Proyapi in January for approximately KD2.5 million ($8.1 million), with the advisory period set to last about a year. The Kuwaiti part of the project is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

 

The Kuwaiti segment of this ambitious project will feature a 111-km track running from Shadadiya (site of the main Kuwait Railway Station on a 2 million sq m plot) to Nuwaiseeb. 

 

This strategic project aligns with the GCC vision to establish a 2,177-km transnational railway network connecting all member states from Kuwait to Oman, reported Arab Times. 

 

The six Gulf Cooperation Council countries agreed to build the rail network in 2009 and construction has started on railways in the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

 

Once completed, the network will serve both passenger and freight transportation needs across the region.

 

Ministry of Public Works spokesperson Ahmed Al Saleh said the signing signalled the launch of the project in Kuwait.

 

"Once you sign the design contract, you've started and placed the wheels on the right track," Al Saleh told reporters after the contract signing at the ministry.

 

Al Saleh said it was not possible to determine the final cost of the Kuwaiti part of the project until the final design is completed.

ORA Developers, a major real estate group, has established its UAE headquarters at One Central. This strategic move reinforces its regional expansion while directly supporting the UAE’s vision for sustainable, future-ready urban environments.

 

Founded by Engineer Naguib Sawiris, ORA Developers boasts a global portfolio spanning residential, hospitality, commercial, and entertainment. 

 

With an extensive land bank of over 76 million sqm, it has a global portfolio spanning 17 projects across seven countries, with an estimated total sales value of over $45 billion, said the group in a statement.

 

Since entering the UAE in 2023, ORA Developers has rapidly scaled its presence acquiring prime land, obtaining regulatory approvals, and laying the groundwork for transformative developments, it stated. 

 

The company built its UAE team from the ground up-growing to nearly 94 employees, with plans to at least triple by the end of 2025. 

 

By combining local market expertise with a seasoned leadership team, ORA Developers has established a robust foundation for operational continuity and sustained growth, it added.

 

Industry forecasts indicate that the UAE’s real estate market is on a robust growth trajectory, with a projected increase in total market value from $704.25 billion in 2024 to $1.08 trillion by 2030.

 

Sawiris, emphasising the significance of the new headquarters, said: "In a fast-evolving real estate landscape, establishing our regional headquarters is a crucial step that aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision for urban development."

 

"This hub not only strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, future-ready communities but also allows us to integrate global best practices with the UAE’s dynamic market needs. By prioritizing nature, connectivity, and design, we are committed to shaping sustainable, well-balanced developments," he noted. 

 

"Our leadership team’s extensive experience and long-standing commitment to ORA Developers have been instrumental in building our diverse portfolio, driving growth, and ensuring the successful execution of transformative projects," he added.

 

Driving the UAE expansion a leadership team with expertise through development, sales, branding, marketing and finance. Khaled Morgan, Chief Development Officer, ensures delivering unique and innovative urban experiences, while Ahmed Samir, Chief Human Resources Officer, drives talent acquisition in the UAE to support rapid scaling. 

 

Expanding on this foundation, Tamer Fikry, Chief Sales Officer, enhances investor engagement, Mohamed

Sheta, Chief Financial Officer, leads financial strategy, and Lana Sawiris, Chief Brand Officer, alongside Rasha Georgy, Chief Marketing Officer, shapes global positioning, said the statement. 

 

Amr Abdelmoneim, Chief Technical Officer, oversees engineering and execution, maintaining top industry standards.

 

ORA Developers said it will soon unveil details of its key investment in the UAE, a 4.8 million sqm master-planned community in Ghantoot. The project, strategically positioned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, features 1.2km of pristine Arabian Gulf beachfront. 

 

Plans are also afoot to establish customer experience centres in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai to provide a dedicated touchpoint for clients and stakeholders, said the statement.

 

ORA Developers is also a strategic investor in Discovery Dunes, a project by Discovery Land Company. The ultra-luxury community is designed around a championship golf course by Tom Fazio. This project further validates ORA’s strategic investment decisions in the sector and the UAE market, it added.

Al Nakhla Investment Company has announced the completion of the Al Sharq Village, one of the premier luxury residential compounds in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

 

Strategically located in the Qurtuba district, the project features a total of 450 residential units, combining elegance and comfort with meticulous attention to detail in design and infrastructure. 

 

It offers upscale living options for those seeking a high-quality lifestyle. With its integrated living environment and world-class specifications, it presents an ideal destination for families looking for a modern and tranquil way of life.

 

The project, which was completed after two and a half years of construction, is distinguished by its wide green landscapes, enhancing quality of life and offering a peaceful and relaxing environment. 

 

It boasts a comprehensive range of facilities that cater to all residents' needs, including sports, recreational, healthcare as well as educational facilities.

 

 

The project spans over 167,000 sq m, offering a comprehensive residential destination that combines comfort, aesthetic appeal and construction quality, it stated.

 

"Al Sharq Village project continues Al Nakhla Investment Company’s success in real estate development. We have previously developed nearly 3,000 premium residential units, in addition to commercial, office, and hospitality projects," said a company spokesman. 

 

The compound includes a fine-dining restaurant, Costa Coffee, Al Tamimi Supermarket, and various retail outlets offering a wide range of services to meet residents’ needs, he stated.

 

Located in Qurtuba, one of Riyadh’s fast-growing modern districts, the project benefits from proximity to the Riyadh Metro network, allowing easy access to all parts of the capital within minutes. 

 

Its prime location provides convenient access to key business and leisure destinations, including Sabic, King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh Front, Business Gate, and the Fairmont Hotel, said Al Nakhla Investment in a statement.

 

The development is also just 15 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, making it an ideal choice for business professionals and frequent travellers, it added.-TradeArabia News Service