15 Incredible Middle East Projects to Watch

The Middle East is a region brimming with innovation and ambition, and these 15 upcoming projects are a testament to this spirit. From futuristic cities to sustainable developments, these projects are set to transform the landscape of the region, shape its future and create significantly improved tourist attractions, entertainment venues, financial and health centers, and residential areas in the region.

New Murabba

In 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the New Murabba district in Riyadh, spanning 19 sq. km. The New Murabba project will be built around the concept of sustainability by featuring green areas and walking and cycling paths that will enhance the quality of life by promoting healthy lifestyles and community activities.

The project will also include an iconic museum, a technology and design university, a multipurpose immersive theater, and more than 80 entertainment and cultural venues.
It is expected to add around US$50 Bn to the non-oil economy and create 334,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. The project is due to be completed in 2030.

Jeddah Metro

Jeddah Metro is a forward-looking urban masterplan designed to revolutionize the city’s transportation system, fostering sustainable growth through a holistic approach in partnership with Arcadis engineers. Inspired by Jeddah’s infrastructure vision, it unifies transport modes, public spaces, energy, communication, and landscaping for a harmonious and sustainable future.

The Jeddah Metro project was officially approved in March 2013, marking a significant step forward in the city’s development. The project encompasses the construction of three major lines: the Orange Line, the Blue Line, and the Green Line. The Orange Line spanning 84 kilometers, the Blue Line covering 36 kilometers, and the Green Line stretching 32 kilometers. The Jeddah Metro project is currently scheduled for completion in 2025. Once operational, the metro is expected to transform Jeddah’s transportation landscape, providing residents with a convenient, efficient, and sustainable mode of travel.

Ramhan Island

Ramhan Island is a luxury waterfront development in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The project is being developed by Eagle Hills, a real estate company owned by Emaar Properties. The project will feature a range of luxury villas, apartments, and serviced residences, as well as a marina, a golf course, and a number of other amenities.

The project has been designed to be a sustainable development, with a focus on using environmentally friendly materials and technologies. The island will also feature a number of green spaces, including parks, gardens, and a nature reserve. The island will offer a unique blend of luxury and sustainability, and it is sure to be a popular choice for those seeking a high-quality lifestyle. The total value of the project is estimated to be US$3.5 Bn. and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Snow Oman

Majid Al Futtaim is opening Snow Oman the largest snow park in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Set in the heart of the Mall of Oman, Snow Oman covers a sprawling area of 14,830 square metres with a “Desert Blizzard” theme – a reimagined world where Oman’s cityscapes and sand dunes are covered in real snow.

The coolest must-visit destination will feature family-friendly rides such as the Mountain Thriller, Snow Bullet, Slide Winder, Cloud Climber, and Zorb Ball, unique attractions such as Cold Town Muscat, Frozen Shipwreck and Lighthouse, and a 475-square metre ice rink. Like its sister brands Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt, Snow Oman is now home to a colony of king and gentoo penguins who are provided with the best possible care in a custom-built penguinarium.

Viola Egypt

Egypt’s Hassan Group for Trade, Industry, and Contracting launched its very first real estate project, called Viola in New Cairo’s El Banafseg city. The Viola project is meant to serve a real need in the market, with its location being one of its key competitive edges aiming to target areas that lack commercial or administrative buildings. With an initial investment cost of EGP 600 Mn, the Viola project will feature a four-story, multi-purpose building spanning an area of 14,000 square metres.

“The Viola project will feature a four-story, with an initial investment cost of EGP 600 Mn”

Clinique La Prairie (Red Sea)

Clinique La Prairie is a world-renowned longevity clinic and wellness brand that is set to open a high-end health resort in Amaala, Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coastline. The resort will be entirely powered by renewable energy and will offer a comprehensive range of services to help guests achieve optimal health and well-being.

The project will feature 66 ultra-luxury suites and 13 branded residencies, as well as four distinct areas corresponding to the property’s pillars: medical care, nutrition, movement, and wellbeing. The resort will also have a Longevity Plaza, which will be the central hub for guests to explore the various programs and services offered. Is slated to open in 2024 and is expected to become one of the most exclusive and sought-after wellness destinations in the world.

New Alamein City

New Alamein City is a sprawling metropolis located on Egypt’s North Coast, approximately 85 kilometers west of Borg El Arab International Airport built across 50,000 acres, stretching for 60 km south of the coastal line, with an estimated capacity of over 3 million residents.

This ambitious project, conceived by the Egyptian government as a hub for tourism, education, and governance, is still under construction but has already made significant strides in transforming the region. This new coastal city will include a number of global projects, from business and international trade centers to residential towers and luxurious resorts.

Bab Al Nojoum – Bateen Liwa Resort

Modon Properties new desert project, Bab Al Nojoum – Bateen Liwa Resort, is located at its eco-tourism campsite destination in Liwa, Abu Dhabi emirate. The project will help enhance the region’s eco-tourism sector and enrich Al Dhafra’s portfolio of projects and elevate it as a destination on the UAE’s tourism landscape.

The world-class projects and attractions will continue to help build the emirate’s tourism infrastructure while adhering to strict environmental standards through our zero-waste, carbon- and plastic-free policy

Saudi Entertainment Projects

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is allocating a significant investment of US$13.3 Bn (SAR50 Bn) through its entertainment subsidiary, SEVEN, to establish 21 integrated entertainment hubs across 14 cities.

SEVEN will introduce a new concept in the world of entertainment; its destinations will offer various experiences including a wide range of entertainment attractions, a variety of local and international dining outlets and many more – all under one roof. The upcoming projects are located in 14 cities across the Kingdom: Riyadh, Kharj, Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam, Khobar, Al Ahsa, Almadinah, Yanbu, Abha, Jizan, Buraidah, and Tabuk.

Baynouna Solar Park

Located east of Amman, Baynouna is the largest single solar energy project in Jordan. The Baynouna Solar Energy Company (BSCE), a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar, and Finnish investment and asset management group, Taaleri, inaugurated the 200-megawatt (MW) Baynouna Solar Park – the largest clean energy project in Jordan.

The project produces enough energy annually to power 160,000 homes, making it the largest clean energy project in Jordan. The project displaces 360,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to taking nearly 80,000 cars off the road.

Electric Car Factory

The Bahraini business and project development company has formed a partnership with Gauss Auto, an American manufacturing corporation, to deliver a new electric cars factory. The new plant will be located in Salman Industrial City in the American Trade Zone and will operate under the name Gauss Auto Bahrain.

The factory will produce a range of electric vehicles (EVs), including two-wheelers, three-wheel electric tricycles, and passenger vehicles. The products will be marketed primarily in Bahrain, the US and other countries.

Construction and management will be handled by Marson Group, and Gauss Auto will provide technical know-how and practical knowledge based on its experience in the global EV development sector.

Binghatti Tower

Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences is an ultra-luxury residential skyscraper planned to be built in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is designed by architect Jacob & Co and is claimed to be the world’s tallest residential tower. The tower will be located in Dubai’s Business Bay district and will have over 100 floors of lavish two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences.

The tower’s crown will be a “symbol of luxury and exclusivity” and will feature diamond-shaped spires reminiscent of a crown. The project is still in the early stages of development and no completion date has been announced. However, it is expected to be one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai and will set a new standard for luxury living.

The Loop

The Loop is an ambitious project that aims to transform Dubai into the most connected city on earth for pedestrians and cyclists. The project consists of a 93-kilometer (58-mile) climate-controlled pathway that will wrap around the outskirts of the city and connect its various neighborhoods.

The Loop is designed to encourage residents to switch from cars to healthier modes of transportation, and it is expected to play a key role in Dubai’s goal of making 80% of all journeys within the city by walking or cycling by 2040.