< PreviousSTARTING PLOT SIZE OF EACH RESIDENCE 9,000M2 10 AUGUST 2025 THE BIG PICTURE CW_Aug2025_10-11_Big Picture_13655313.indd 1002/08/2025 20:47AUGUST 2025 11 THE BIG PICTURE Set in the heart of Wadi Safar near Diriyah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amansamar is Aman Group’s latest ultra-luxury destination in Saudi Arabia. Rising from the desert escarpment, the resort will feature an 80-key hotel and a limited collection of branded residences designed by Jean-Michel Gathy. Each villa, spanning plots from 9,000m2, blends privacy with panoramic views, offering access to Aman’s signature lifestyle. Rooted in the meanings of “peace” and “gathering,” Amansamar is part of the wider Wadi Safar development, a premier community with golf, polo, and equestrian facilities, all harmoniously woven into the desert’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. [Aman Group] CW_Aug2025_10-11_Big Picture_13655313.indd 1102/08/2025 20:4712 AUGUST 2025 QUOTE OF THE MONTH Dubai’s skyline has long told the story of a city with unrelenting ambition. But a quieter, deeper shift is happening at ground level. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan lays out a future of integrated urban development that prioritises sustainability, inclusivity, and wellbeing. Among its goals: 60% of the emirate allocated to nature reserves and rural areas, a goal to double public green and recreational spaces, and introducing green corridors to enhance connectivity and mobility. This is a visionary blueprint for Dubai where nature is not side-lined by development; it’s central to it. Access to urban green spaces can boost nearby residential property values by 5-20%, making proximity to parks and natural areas a key driver of real estate premiums. With this in mind, the city is prepared to expand and improve the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. In a city projected to reach a population of 5.8 million by 2040, nature should be seen as an essential asset for creating liveable, resilient, and desirable communities. NATURE-INTEGRATED REAL ESTATE Globally, there’s been a decisive pivot in what buyers want. It’s no longer enough to have access to retail and transport. People are seeking a real connection with nature, without compromising on urban convenience. Cities like Singapore, with its lush Gardens by the Bay and green corridors, and London, where developments fringe the London Wetland Centre, show how proximity to nature is shaping real estate. Closer to home, Abu Dhabi’s Jubail Island and Masdar City refl ect this thinking. In Dubai, the appetite for eco-conscious living is clearly growing, 81% of residents now say they support more sustainable lifestyles. Ras Al Khor, a protected wetland surrounded by the city, is one of Dubai’s most distinctive natural assets. And it’s now the focus of a major government initiative. RAS AL KHOR AS AN ANCHOR FOR URBAN IDENTITY The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a mosaic of salt fl ats, lagoons, and mangroves. The ecological infrastructure is home to over 450 species and recognised as a globally important Bird Area; playing a vital role in the region’s biodiversity. Dubai Municipality has launched a $177 million (AED650 million) redevelopment plan to transform the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The project will expand water bodies by 144%, boost carbon absorption by 60%, and introduce new mudfl ats to better support migratory bird species. Visitor experiences are also being reimagined with upgraded walkways, immersive viewing hides, and educational zones aimed at increasing footfall by six times. This shift turns Ras Al Khor from a passive backdrop to an active identity. It’s no longer just about the view. Real value now comes from enabling easy access and interaction. Developers today must design with nature, not around it, to create places that feel connected, considered, and genuinely part of their setting. As Dubai advances its 2040 Urban Master Plan, Abdulla Lahej, Chairman of Amaal, delves into how developments like Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary are transforming from scenic backdrops into central features of urban identity Developers must design with nature, not around it CW_Aug2025_12_Quote of the Month_13655316.indd 1202/08/2025 20:54AUGUST 2025 13 We are gearing up for a dynamic second half of 2025, with a strong lineup of events on the horizon. This includes our fl agship Leaders in Construction Conferences in September and the prestigious Construction Week Awards in November. As always, we look forward to bringing together the industry’s key players to celebrate excellence and innovation. Stay tuned for more updates. EVENTS CALENDAR For more information on our events, contact events@itp.com. For all awards-related inquiries, contact Eleanor Ashton, Head of Events (eleanor.ashton@itp.com). If you would like to be one of our partners and take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities, contact Moutaz Gadelhak, Commercial Director (moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com), or Om Mehta, Commercial Manager (om.mehta@itp.com). *Dates are subject to change at the editorial team’s discretion* EVENTS 2025 CALENDAR NOVEMBER 20NOVEMBER 5 CONFERENCE AWARDSAWARDS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 18SEPTEMBER 11 CW_Aug2025_13_Events_13655314.indd 1328/07/2025 19:3114 AUGUST 2025 STAT OF THE MONTH PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS SAUDI’S GLOBAL GAMING HUB INVESTMENT MIDDLE EAST SPORTS MARKET GROWTH RATE BOOST IN FEMALE SPORTS PARTICIPATION 2030 GLOBAL SPORTS MARKET VALUE $38 billion8.7% 150%$600 billion+ THE MIDDLE EAST FUELS A $600 BILLION GLOBAL SPORTS MARKET SURGE The Middle East is emerging as one of the most powerful players in the global sports industry, according to a new report by global management consultancy Kearney. Titled ‘From Passion to Profi t: Unlocking Value in Sports’, the report highlights how the region is combining world-class infrastructure, progressive policy, and digital innovation to redefi ne the sector. With the global sports market projected to exceed $600 billion by 2030, the region’s role as a growth engine is clear. From major tournaments to grassroots programmes, Middle Eastern countries are leveraging sport not just as entertainment, but as a strategic pillar of economic diversifi cation and youth engagement. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda has allocated billions toward building next-gen stadiums, elite training facilities, and immersive digital platforms, all aimed at fostering a high- performance sports ecosystem. From the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Bahrain Grand Prix to the Dubai Tennis Championships and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh, the Middle East has become a go-to destination for marquee global events. Dubai, in particular, will strengthen its infl uence with the debut of the World Sports Summit in December 2025, announced recently by the Crown Prince of Dubai. The report also spotlights the region’s aggressive pivot toward esports and youth engagement. Saudi Arabia’s $38 billion investment into becoming a global gaming hub illustrates a wider ambition to connect with younger audiences through immersive content. Women’s sports are also seeing a surge. Professional leagues for women’s football have launched in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, complemented by school and community-level initiatives. Since the inception of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a 150% increase in female sports participation. The region is reshaping the global sports landscape through major investments, tech innovation, and youth-focused strategies CW_Aug2025_14 _Stat of the Month_13655324.indd 1428/07/2025 19:34Untitled-4 128/07/2025 16:27ADVERTORIAL 16 AUGUST 2025 BEYOND has fast become one of Dubai’s most closely watched real estate players, not by volume, but by vision. With a bold philosophy that blends architectural artistry with emotional design, the brand is curating places that speak to the future of urban living. Rooted in a belief that architecture should connect with people on a deeper level, BEYOND has carved out a unique space in the market: one where form, feeling, and function align. Each development is shaped around fi ve core pillars: exceptional locations, architectural fl uidity, people-centric communities, inclusive excellence, and nature as infrastructure. Last month, that vision has come to life across every BEYOND project, from Saria, Orise, Sensia, to The Mural, and most recently, with the unveiling of the region’s fi rst Forest District by the Sea, a nature-integrated waterfront neighbourhood within BEYOND’s eight million square foot masterplan in Dubai Maritime City. At its heart is an expansive green ecosystem: REDEFINING DUBAI’S SKYLINE, ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME From the region’s first Forest District by the Sea to a landmark debut on Palm Jumeirah, BEYOND Developments, a real estate brand under the OMNIYAT Group, is reshaping lifestyle-driven and emotionally resonant communities in Dubai SENSIA birdseye view CW_Aug2025_16-17_Beyond Advertorial_13669577.indd 1602/08/2025 20:55ADVERTORIAL AUGUST 2025 17 Pool rooftop view 65,000 square metres of parks and woodland, including 55,000 square metres of native forest. With up to 75% tree canopy coverage, passive cooling strategies, and wellness-driven landscaping, the district exemplifi es what sustainable coastal living can look like in the UAE. “This is more than a design statement,” says Adil Taqi, CEO of BEYOND Developments. “The Forest District embodies our belief that cities must be shaped around nature, not apart from it. We see this as a new model for sustainable urban living, one where ecology, architecture, and everyday life exist in deliberate balance.” From that forest edge, BEYOND is now moving seaward to the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah with the launch of PASSO, its fi rst fl agship development outside Dubai Maritime City. The move signals a decisive chapter in BEYOND’s expansion, anchoring the brand within one of Dubai’s most prestigious addresses and extending its lifestyle-fi rst philosophy to a global icon of waterfront living. PASSO features two sculptural towers, Bella and Vista, off ering 625 refi ned residences across a curated range of layouts, from one- bedroom sanctuaries and two-bedroom+ apartments to fi ve-bedroom penthouses and six-bedroom standalone beach mansions. Each home is designed with spatial fl uidity, understated elegance, and a deep focus on connection, privacy, and comfort. Architecturally inspired by coastal contours and marine movement, PASSO integrates biophilic design, wellness-led planning, and natural textures to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Residences are fi nished with warm materials, panoramic glazing, and hospitality-inspired details that foster emotional balance and elevated daily experiences. But PASSO isn’t defi ned by design alone. Its lifestyle proposition is equally comprehensive. The project features wellness collection amenities, including private garden units, rooftop-access sky apartments, and a limited number of penthouses and Beach Mansions, each shaped by artistry and panoramic views of the sea, skyline, and island. This lifestyle-fi rst approach is not limited to real estate. BEYOND’s presence extends to global cultural platforms, from the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards to Royal Ascot and the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to aligning with iconic experiences that celebrate performance, design, and excellence. These strategic partnerships amplify BEYOND’s international visibility while connecting the brand with a network of HNWIs who value both sophistication and substance. This human-fi rst approach is central to BEYOND’s brand identity. The company believes in exceeding expectations through neighbourhoods that are vibrant, emotionally intelligent, and built to elevate everyday moments, from a morning run beneath tree-lined boulevards to a sunset swim overlooking the Gulf. Every BEYOND project is also intentionally aligned with national goals. From supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan to contributing to the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the brand sees itself as a collaborator in the country’s vision, delivering destinations that are as sustainable and inclusive as they are aspirational. 75% Percentage of tree canopy coverage at BEYOND’s Forest District by the Sea CW_Aug2025_16-17_Beyond Advertorial_13669577.indd 1702/08/2025 20:5518 AUGUST 2025 A DAY IN THE LIFE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LEILA SOBEK FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, BMA STUDIO 6AM: In theory, I start my day quietly and intentionally with sunlight streaming into my room, and a quiet walk around the community. This is my personal form of meditation. In reality, some days begin with a construction-site emergency and a phone call that starts with, “Don’t panic, but…”. But when the stars align, a full breakfast and nature do wonders to mentally prepare me for the day ahead. 8AM: This is supposed to be my golden hour of uninterrupted creativity with design reviews, deep thinking, and ideas flowing like poetry. But often, I’m pulled into unexpected site issues, last-minute rescheduling, or playing architectural therapist. The dream is to do some deep work, but often the reality is deep troubleshooting. 10AM: Mid-mornings, I usually mentor designers, review materials, or translate clients’ visions into designs. My calendar looks like a game of Tetris, and I’m often squeezing in some business development between everything else. Sometimes, I find five quiet minutes to sip my now-cold coffee. 12PM: Noon usually brings conversations that are filled with both strategy and magic with clients, consultants, and collaborators. When possible, I schedule lunch with a friend or a potential partner, because sometimes the best ideas (and deals) happen over a nice meal. 2PM: The afternoon can go anywhere from a dusty site visit, a brainstorm in our studio or a call that starts with, “We might need to redesign the entire ground floor.” I enjoy this part because even though it’s unpredictable, it’s hands-on and keeps me connected to every project. 4PM: This is my ‘review and recalibration’ window. I touch base with team leads, polish deliverables, and gently realign every moving part. Sometimes, it’s more like speed- round problem-solving and firefighting with site emergencies. 6PM: By 6, I try to wind down, which means either battling it out with my trainer or a quiet evening with a good book and family time. I fiercely protect this space because creativity needs oxygen, and burnout is not a badge of honour. Every day is a wild blend of surprises, strategy, and spontaneity. It may not be routine, but it’s never boring. 6AM: In the start my day intentionally streaming int walk around personal for some days emergency a “Don’t panic, a full breakfa prepare me f 8AM: This is uninterrupted thinking, and I’m pulled i rescheduling is to do som troubleshoo 10AM: Mid-m materials, or t looks like a g business de Sometimes 12PM: N with bo and co a frie bes 2 po movin round emerge 6PM: B either b evening I fierce creativit not a ba wild blen spontane but it’s n CW_Aug2025_18_A Day in the Life_13663686.indd 1828/07/2025 19:35NAVIGATE THE LANDSCAPE OF BUILDING BRILLIANCE, WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITYNext >