Aldar Investment has acquired warehousing and light industrial assets from Waha Capital for Dhs530m, adding 182,500 square metres of net leasable area (NLA) to its growing logistics portfolio.

The freehold assets are located within ALMARKAZ Industrial Park in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.

The acquisition strengthens Aldar’s presence in the UAE’s logistics sector, with the newly added assets benefiting from near-full occupancy and a diverse mix of international, regional, and government-related tenants.

ALMARKAZ, a six million square metre industrial and business park developed by Waha Land — a wholly owned subsidiary of Waha Capital — enjoys special economic zone status and is equipped with high-quality infrastructure.

Move is part of Aldar Investment’s strategy to scale

Jassem Salah Busaibe, CEO of Aldar Investment, said the transaction aligns with the company’s strategy to scale and diversify its recurring income streams. “Our logistics platform continues to grow across Abu Dhabi and Dubai – capitalising on demand for well-located premium logistics and industrial space – and the assets at ALMARKAZ provide well-established and high-quality warehousing with strong fundamentals and growth potential,” Busaibe said.

The buildings acquired offer modular flexibility in unit sizes and heights, catering to a broad tenant base.

The deal complements Aldar’s expanding logistics footprint, which includes Abu Dhabi Business Hub, 7 Central in Dubai Investments Park, upcoming developments at Dubai South, and a 146,000 sqm logistics park being developed with DP World at National Industries Park in Jebel Ali.

For Waha Capital, the transaction marks a strategic milestone following over a decade of investment in transforming the ALMARKAZ site from a greenfield project into a major logistics and industrial hub.

“Waha Capital is proud to have supported Waha Land’s transformation of ALMARKAZ into a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s logistics and industrial landscape,” said Mohamed Hussain Al Nowais, managing director of Waha Capital. “This transaction is a testament to the strength and scalability of the platform we have built, and to our commitment to long-term value creation across our portfolio.”

Both parties signalled interest in exploring future collaboration at the site, which still offers significant development potential amid growing demand driven by e-commerce, intra-regional trade, and population growth.

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Dubai Holding has entered into a strategic agreement with Select Group and its joint venture partner Emirates Strategic Investments Company (ESIC) to develop large-scale projects at Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Design District (d3), marking a milestone in the emirate’s ongoing urban expansion.

The deal represents Dubai Holding’s first strategic land sale at Palm Jebel Ali to a third-party developer. The agreement reflects a shared ambition to transform two of Dubai’s key locations into prominent residential and mixed-use destinations, enhancing the city’s global positioning as a lifestyle and investment hub.

Select Group will lead the development of upscale residential and hospitality offerings at Palm Jebel Ali, aimed at setting new standards in luxury waterfront living. At Dubai Design District, the company plans to deliver a dynamic mixed-use community that integrates culture, innovation and contemporary urban design.

Dubai Holding-Select Group partnership key to leadership’s vision

“Palm Jebel Ali is an iconic development poised to elevate Dubai’s global reputation as a premier waterfront destination,” said Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate. “By joining forces with Select Group, we are delivering on the leadership’s vision of creating a world-class coastal destination.”

Select Group chairman Rahail Aslam said the projects reflect the company’s long-term strategy. “This acquisition represents an important step in our ongoing strategy to deliver exceptional developments in key growth corridors,” he said. “We are incredibly excited about what we will be bringing to market in both Palm Jebel Ali and d3.”

The agreement aligns with Dubai Holding’s broader objective of unlocking long-term value across its master-planned developments and with the emirate’s Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Economic Agenda D33.

Palm Jebel Ali comprises seven islands, 16 fronds, and more than 90 kilometres of waterfront, and is seen as a key growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area. Meanwhile, d3 has emerged as a global creative hub and is part of Dubai’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Design.

Design and planning for both projects are currently underway, with additional details on project scope and timelines to follow.

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, has announced the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus, beginning July 10, 2025.

The airline will operate the route with double daily flights, providing direct connectivity between Sharjah International Airport and Damascus International Airport, according to a report by WAM.

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The move underscores Air Arabia’s continued commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and offering value-driven travel options between the UAE and Syria.

“We are pleased to resume flights between Sharjah and Damascus after many years, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to enhancing regional air connectivity,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia.

“This route holds particular significance in serving the Syrian diaspora in the region and meeting the growing travel demand between the UAE and Syria. By introducing a double daily service, we aim to offer greater convenience and flexibility for both business and leisure travellers, while also supporting the growth of trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations,” Al Ali added.

The world’s largest fountain is undergoing maintenance, and part of the extensive work includes the installation of a gleaming new floor. No matter where you sit around the lake, the upgraded flooring reflects light, giving the entire area a glowing effect. Unlike the previous surface, which was prone to cracking, the new flooring offers improved insulation and durability.

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Every concrete block has been treated, primed, and sealed with a waterproofing layer to ensure long-term protection. The lake itself spans an area equivalent to 18 football fields and holds water up to 1.3 meters deep.

A common question is how the fountain’s elaborate water displays synchronise so precisely with music. Engineers explain that each song is pre-programmed over the course of several weeks. Robots choreograph the water movements and lighting effects, working in tandem with fixed jets to create the fountain’s signature “dancing” performance.

Hundreds of workers are on-site around the clock to carry out the maintenance, ensuring the systems remain in top condition. Cleaning the massive lake is also a high-tech process. Robots roam the lakebed, while water samples are regularly collected from various points to monitor quality. The new flooring also helps make the cleaning process more efficient.

In addition to the fountain display, a light show plays across screens surrounding the lake. While the area is currently closed for maintenance, the show is known for beautifully complementing the nearby Burj Khalifa’s iconic illuminations.

Renovation project: Final performance staged

The Dubai Fountain, one of the city’s most iconic attractions, staged its final performance on April 19, 2025, ahead of a major renovation project led by Emaar.

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the world-renowned fountain closed temporarily in May for a comprehensive upgrade expected to last five months.The project aimed to preserve the fountain’s legacy while incorporating advanced technology, improved choreography, and enhanced sound and lighting systems.

Since its debut, the Dubai Fountain had become a symbol of Dubai’s creative ambition, captivating millions with its synchronised displays of water, light, and music.

“Dubai Fountain stood as a reflection of Dubai’s bold vision and its ability to captivate and inspire on a global scale,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar. “This restoration underscored our commitment to maintaining its legacy as a beacon of creativity and excellence.”

Announcement of renovation plans

Emaar had announced the renovation plans in February 2025. The enhancements were designed to elevate the visitor experience and ensure the fountain continued to deliver breathtaking performances for years to come.

During the renovation period, Downtown Dubai remained a vibrant destination, offering visitors world-class shopping and dining at Dubai Mall and stunning views of Burj Khalifa.

“The Dubai Fountain was more than a spectacle—it was a reflection of Dubai’s soul, where art, innovation, and emotion came together in perfect harmony,” Alabbar added.

Emaar said it remained committed to unveiling an even more spectacular Dubai Fountain upon completion of the upgrades, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most celebrated water features.

Dubai Municipality has awarded the contract for the first phase of the Dhs650m Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project, with initial works valued at Dhs100m and slated for completion by the end of 2026.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, is part of efforts to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global destination for sustainable eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.

The project supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to place the city among the world’s top three tourism hubs.

Phase one of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project

Phase one of the project will cover 6.4 square kilometres of the sanctuary.

Key environmental features include rehabilitating mangrove habitats, increasing mangrove coverage by 60 per cent to 65 hectares, expanding water bodies by 144 per cent to 74 hectares, and adding 10 hectares of mudflats. A Green Spine will also be developed, alongside mangrove lakes, reed ponds and new irrigation channels.

“The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project is one of the most prominent environmental infrastructure initiatives being undertaken by Dubai Municipality,” said Engineer Marwan bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality. “It supports the goals of the eco-tourism sector and reinforces Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit.”

Dubai Municipality said the development will help multiply annual visitors to the sanctuary six-fold, from current levels to between 250,000 and 300,000, and aims to boost public awareness around biodiversity and environmental protection.

Phase two details

The second phase of the project will focus on infrastructure and recreational services, including a visitor centre, birdwatching towers, restaurants, kiosks, and educational spaces.

It will also feature 5.6 kilometres of cycling tracks, 3 kilometres of walking trails and 23 hectares of landscaping.

The design of the project has won seven international and regional awards and was developed in collaboration with Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 6.4 square kilometres, was the UAE’s first Ramsar-listed site and hosts around 20,000 migratory birds each year.

It is home to nearly 450 species of flora and fauna, including the iconic flamingo.