< PreviousOPINION 40 AUGUST 2025 As cities evolve, success can no longer be measured by expansion alone. In the UAE and across the region, real estate must now respond to a more complex brief. Growth must be balanced with environmental stewardship, effi ciency with liveability, while technology must keep pace with cultural relevance. This shift is already underway. In Sharjah, real estate transactions in the fi rst quarter of 2025 rose by 32%, reaching $3.6 billion (AED13.2 billion). Investment is being driven not just by economic performance but by clarity of vision, one that is rooted in sustainability and anchored in long-term value. At BEEAH, this vision is central to our work. For over 15 years, we have delivered impact through innovation across waste management, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and environmental services. Entering the real estate sector is a continuation of this journey. It is an opportunity to bring together the systems we have built and apply them at the scale of cities. A BLUEPRINT FOR INTEGRATED LIVING Khalid Bin Sultan City, our fi rst large-scale development in Sharjah, is a tangible expression of this approach. Master planned by Zaha Hadid Architects, the city spans 1.5 kilometres and will feature 1,500 residential units, alongside civic, retail, and cultural amenities. From the outset, the design was conceived as a unifi ed ecosystem, shaped by sustainability, driven by technology, and made for people. This approach builds on the legacy of our LEED Platinum-certifi ed BEEAH Headquarters, a landmark in environmental design and performance. Many of the principles piloted at HQ are now being scaled up in Khalid Bin Sultan City. Waste is segregated at source and integrated with Sharjah’s waste diversion infrastructure. Rooftop solar and waste-to-energy systems DESIGNING THE FUTURE CITY Why integrated, sustainable urban development is the blueprint for tomorrow Words by Nada Taryam, CEO - Real Estate, BEEAH CW_Aug2025_40-41_BEEAH_13667219.indd 4002/08/2025 21:00OPINION AUGUST 2025 41 power decentralised clean energy networks, supported by battery storage. Recycled water and stormwater capture reduce dependence on potable supply and support cooling and irrigation. Mobility is designed around access and wellbeing. A citywide digital twin will oversee the fl ow of energy, water, and transport systems, while residents benefi t from decentralised digital IDs for seamless access to services. Walkable neighbourhoods, shaded cycle paths, and reduced private vehicle use support lower emissions and healthier lifestyles. These systems are not applied retroactively. They are part of the city’s foundation. Khalid Bin Sultan City is not just a place to live, it is a framework for how urban environments can work holistically, with infrastructure that supports people, culture, and the planet from day one. SCALING AMBITION, SHAPING THE FUTURE Across the region, cities are pursuing smarter, more sustainable models. But implementation is the true benchmark of progress. Khalid Bin Sultan City is designed to deliver measurable outcomes, not only for residents, but for Nada Taryam, CEO - Real Estate, BEEAH regulators, investors, and future generations. According to the World Green Building Council, 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions come from buildings, with 28% tied to operational use. The case for high-effi ciency systems and net-zero-ready infrastructure is clear. A recent Gitnux market report found that green buildings can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and cut operating costs by 13% annually. While construction cost premiums for sustainable design range from 0% to 12%, they are typically recovered within fi ve to seven years. This is why sustainability and performance are now central to property value. Developments that anticipate future environmental, economic, and regulatory conditions are better equipped to protect and grow long-term investment. For BEEAH, Khalid Bin Sultan City is a natural step. And it is also a demonstration of how systems thinking, environmental leadership and design excellence can converge to build better communities. As we continue to grow, our aim is to scale this impact, applying the principles of integration, sustainability, and innovation to future developments across the region. Sharjah has long been a hub for education, culture, and innovation. With this city, we are building on that legacy. We are creating a sustainable, inclusive community that meets the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow, creating a future to call home. CW_Aug2025_40-41_BEEAH_13667219.indd 4102/08/2025 21:01ARCHITECTURE 42 AUGUST 2025 At the Qatar World Cup 2022, one building stood tall as a striking symbol of sustainability and innovation. Named Stadium 974 (after Qatar’s international dialling code), the 44,089-capacity building featured a modular steel frame and shipping containers. It was designed to be taken apart and repurposed for another World Cup, with Qatar determined not to follow previous hosts in delivering white elephant venues that would rarely or never be used once the tournament ended. Today, three years since the whistle went on the fi nal match, the stadium remains in position. It is a very public reminder of the need for our built assets to have detailed consideration given to their entire lifecycle. Only by starting with the end in mind can we maximise their value, optimise how we use our resources, and ensure that our built environment best serves the communities that live in it. One area in which this is particularly pertinent is with so-called ‘smart’ or ‘high-tech’ cities. Today, these fall into two groups. The fi rst comprises existing cities seeking to re-badge themselves DIGITAL URBANISM What French city, Pau, can teach the Middle East about truly smart urban spaces by capturing and acting on huge amounts of data (traffi c fl ow, energy consumption, etc). The second are those designed to be ‘smart from the start’ by adopting an approach, from the outset, using data to improve the effi ciency and sustainability of city operations and create appealing and enjoyable places to live and work. Typically, these cities will: Embrace digitalisation by using technology and data-driven insights, minimise energy consumption through well- designed, effi cient infrastructure and promote effi cient urban mobility through using real-time data analytics to smooth the fl ow of traffi c and through modern transit systems. The ‘smart from the start’ approach is gaining momentum in the Middle East, with megaprojects like NEOM, JCDC, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate set to redefi ne city living and urban design. While designing and delivering mega developments is complex, the bigger challenge is ensuring they remain functional, valuable, and liveable over the long term. This means thinking beyond initial build to long-term maintenance, whole-life value, and creating spaces that truly serve communities—not just impressive tech- driven hubs that fall short of their purpose. Cities are responsible for around 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and produce over 720 billion tonnes of waste annually. Rapid, unsustainable urban growth has caused environmental harm—like the 85% loss of water Words by Olly Thomas CW_Aug2025_42-43_Smart Cities_13667185.indd 4230/07/2025 11:39ARCHITECTURE AUGUST 2025 43 Olly Thomas, Director of Advisory Services (EMEA), Bentley Systems The stadium was designed for the World Cup 2022 bodies in Bengaluru between 2000 and 2014. While ambitious ‘smart’ developments promise to transform city living, some have fallen short, such as Toronto’s Sidewalk Labs project, which aimed to innovate with features like heated sidewalks and autonomous waste collection but was cancelled in 2020 due to economic uncertainty from the pandemic. These examples highlight the challenges of balancing innovation with environmental responsibility. CITY OF PAU: THE BLUEPRINT FOR HOW TO ESTABLISH A TRULY ‘SMART’ CITY But 6,000 kilometres from Toronto, in South West France, sits a thriving example of a smart city. The story of Pau dates back to 2016 when the Communauté d’Agglomération de Pau Béarn Pyrénées (CAPBP), which coordinates policies and actions for regional planning and economic, environmental, cultural, and transportation initiatives for municipalities and cities in the region, launched an ambitious plan to improve quality of life and encourage economic development. Critically, this team started not with the technology, but with their challenges, and what and why they needed to overcome. These included the desire to promote communication and collaboration between city offi cials and community members to avoid dissatisfaction with city planning; to ensure transparency and include citizens in decision processes; the desire to improve the visual appeal of the territory; the desire to ensure “right fi rst time” construction to prevent unnecessary spending. The city aimed to improve asset monitoring and data collection across 31 municipalities covering 370 square kilometres. So far, it has relied on immersive video insights produced by external subcontractors. After examining their options, Pau created a digital twin of the city that could collate their data into a single connected environment and provide accurate, real-time insights for a variety of stakeholders. Analysing and processing that data supports multiple use cases, such as utility development, architectural design, and event planning. Technical, political, and civilian stakeholders gain complete access to the same, accurate, up-to- date information. Using the twin city planners can simulate traffi c scenarios, model architectural projects in a real-world context, track progress towards sustainability goals, and view the city’s utility networks from one platform. The twin helps monitor stormwater, and Pau plans to add capabilities for natural gas, water supply, waste, and electricity. The technology has improved communications, strengthening the relationship between city residents and authorities by engaging the community in decisions about the city’s future. CITIES AND CITIZENS Today, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas and by 2050, that fi gure is expected to rise to 68% according to the UN. With this rapid urbanisation, climate change and a host of other complex issues to manage, those establishing, leading and planning our cities need to follow three basic principles: Start with the end in mind, be led by the challenges and needs of your citizens, not by the technology, and ensure those citizens are a central part of the journey. That way, we can ensure our cities are resilient, sustainable, liveable, and truly smart. 55% Percentage of the world’s population living in urban areas by 2050 CW_Aug2025_42-43_Smart Cities_13667185.indd 4330/07/2025 11:39COST CONSULTING 44 AUGUST 2025 The construction landscape across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE has never been more dynamic or more challenging. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda is driving over $1 trillion in construction investment, while the UAE construction industry is anticipated to grow by 6.2% annually to reach a value of $51.7mn (AED189.6 bn) in 2025. Yet beneath these impressive growth fi gures lies a complex web of cost pressures that are fundamentally reshaping how developers approach project delivery. The sudden spike in building material prices in 2025, fuelled by supply chain disruptions and infl ation, has imposed fi scal strain on developers, compelling them to revisit project budgets and timelines. This reality revealed a critical shift in the industry: traditional cost management approaches, focused on rigid control mechanisms, are proving inadequate for today’s volatile market conditions. THE EVOLUTION OF COST MANAGEMENT The concept of cost certainty has evolved dramatically from simply managing budgets during construction to infl uencing fundamental design decisions at the earliest project phases. COST CERTAINTY IN AN UNCERTAIN MARKET Francisco Batista, Regional Director of Cost and Commercial at Compass Project Consulting, examines how the Gulf’s construction sector is adapting cost management strategies to navigate unprecedented market volatility This transformation is particularly evident here in the Gulf region, where megaprojects compete for fi nite resources while private developers face increasingly stringent capital controls. At Compass, we’ve observed that successful cost management now requires a three-pronged approach: proactive risk identifi cation, strategic procurement frameworks, and real-time market intelligence. The foundation of this approach lies in comprehensive risk-adjusted budgeting. Rather than relying on optimistic base-case scenarios, experienced cost consultants now develop budgets that acknowledge the full spectrum of potential outcomes. This enables developers to allocate contingency funds with precision and make informed strategic decisions even when facing unexpected challenges. STRATEGIC PROCUREMENT IN A COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE With major gigaprojects and private developers vying for the same resources, procurement timing and strategy have become critical success determinants. The most eff ective frameworks now incorporate several key elements: $1 TRN Value of construction investment in Saudi Arabia CW_Aug2025_44-45_Compass Cost Consulting_13668872.indd 4402/08/2025 20:48COST CONSULTING AUGUST 2025 45 Francisco Batista, Regional Director of Cost and Commercial, Compass Project Consulting • Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) reduces risk and cost by engaging contractors early. Especially useful when contractor availability is tight. • Vendor Pre-Qualifi cation now focuses more on supplier capacity and stability, key for managing large-scale projects in a volatile market. • Local Sourcing cuts lead times and costs, while also supporting sustainability. Crucial amid ongoing global supply chain issues. • Bulk Procurement locks in material prices, protecting against volatility and improving cost control over long project timelines. THE POWER OF REAL-TIME INTELLIGENCE Traditional cost advice based on static estimates is no longer suffi cient in today’s rapidly changing market. Modern cost management requires continuous market monitoring and the ability to respond quickly to emerging trends. This shift toward dynamic cost intelligence is evident in the increasing sophistication of pricing tools and regional benchmarks. Cost consultants are now leveraging real-time data feeds to track everything from steel and concrete prices to global shipping indices that impact supply chains. The importance of this approach is highlighted by recent market movements. In the UAE, upper- mid-market villas cost between $1,769 to $2,683 per m² (AED6,495 – AED9,850), while similar Saudi villas range from $1,388 to 2,136 per m² (SAR5,200 – SAR8,000). These fi gures represent signifi cant regional variations that static pricing models would struggle to capture eff ectively. COLLABORATIVE DELIVERY MODELS Perhaps the most signifi cant shift in cost management philosophy is the move from confrontational to collaborative approaches. Rather than serving as project gatekeepers, cost consultants are increasingly positioned as value-driven partners who align all stakeholders toward common objectives. This methodology involves regular cost review workshops where key stakeholders assess project fi nancial health and address potential issues before they become obstacles. The benefi ts of this approach are particularly evident in today’s market conditions, where project complexity and delivery pressures require all parties to work together eff ectively. By encouraging open dialogue and creating environments where concerns can be raised without hesitation, projects achieve better outcomes with fewer disputes and greater budget control. MARKET REALITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK The numbers tell a compelling story about the region’s construction trajectory. The Saudi government’s investments in infrastructure are expected to boost the construction sector’s market size to $91.36 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 5.37%. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is set to grow by 4.4% in 2025, driven by investments in housing, energy, transport, and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. These growth projections, however, must be viewed against the backdrop of ongoing cost pressures and market volatility. The challenge for developers and their advisors is to harness this growth while maintaining fi nancial discipline and project viability. OPPORTUNITY IN UNCERTAINTY Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s construction markets are evolving fast. To succeed, developers need more than growth, they need smart, adaptable cost strategies. The most eff ective projects use real-time insights, strategic procurement, and collaboration to turn cost control into value creation. In a market full of change, it’s not about predicting every challenge, it’s about staying agile enough to respond to them. Rather than relying on optimistic base- case scenarios, experienced cost consultants now develop budgets that acknowledge the full spectrum of potential outcomes” CW_Aug2025_44-45_Compass Cost Consulting_13668872.indd 4502/08/2025 20:49PARTNER CONTENT 46 AUGUST 2025 The 27th edition of the China (Guangzhou) International Building Decoration Fair, widely known as CBD Guangzhou wrapped up on July 11, reinforcing its reputation as the world’s largest and most infl uential event for the building decoration and interior architecture industries. Spanning four days, from July 8 to 11, and co- located with the Guangzhou International Bath & Sanitary Ware Fair (CBS), this year’s CBD Guangzhou was nothing short of remarkable. Held at the vast Canton Fair Complex, the 2024 edition attracted 205,621 professional visitors from 145 countries and regions and hosted nearly 2,000 exhibitors across 300,000 square metres of exhibition space. What’s more, international attendance surged by 47.22% compared to the previous year, solidifying the event’s global draw and infl uence. INSIDE CBD GUANGZHOU 2024 Held across 300,000m2 and surging in global participation, the 27th edition of CBD Guangzhou delivered four days of cross-sector innovation, sustainable design, and strategic partnerships In a challenging global economic landscape, CBD Guangzhou has emerged as a platform not just for products and innovations but for the transformation of business models, collaborations, and markets. A GLOBAL PLATFORM BEYOND A TRADE SHOW Over the years, CBD Guangzhou has evolved beyond a conventional exhibition. Today, it functions as an integrated, year-round service platform for international operators looking to engage with one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic construction markets. This shift has allowed the fair to expand its relevance and A vibrant showcase of textured cladding panels CW_Aug2025_46-47_CBD Fair_13666542.indd 4602/08/2025 20:50PARTNER CONTENT AUGUST 2025 47 The exhibition showcased a range of products including bathroom vanities and shower rooms, among others Buyers explore smart wardrobe solutions at the exhibition Modern craftsmanship on display at CBD Guangzhou infl uence across the entire value chain of building, interiors, and material technology. This year’s fair showcased three synergistic zones; Interior, Exterior, and Matech, off ering an immersive and structured environment for design innovation, material advancements, and integrated building solutions. The aim? To create real value for global participants navigating rapidly shifting design and construction priorities. CBD Guangzhou’s six core market channels; Pro Dealers, Designers, Home Decorators, Foreign Traders, Commercial Decoration, and New Media served as the backbone of engagement at the event. These were further strengthened by targeted matchmaking and knowledge-sharing programmes, including Dealer-Link, Design- Link, and CBD World-Connect, all designed to foster meaningful partnerships and unlock new commercial opportunities. INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY TAKE CENTRE STAGE This year’s edition put innovation and sustainability front and centre, echoing global construction trends that prioritise environmental performance, digital transformation, and resilient design strategies. More than 70 high-level forums and events were held throughout the four-day fair, exploring forward-looking themes such as AI-driven design, sustainable construction, and international expansion strategies. These forums served as a vital knowledge hub for professionals seeking to align with best practices and next-gen building trends. Notably, the collaboration between CBD and CBS created cross-sector opportunities, bringing together players from the bathroom, sanitary ware, and wider construction ecosystem to discuss integrated solutions for the challenges facing modern construction and refurbishment. Exhibitors also took the opportunity to showcase their latest technologies and innovations. Many focused on sustainable building systems, locally sourced materials, and digital planning tools that are becoming essential in both commercial and residential development. A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE CBD Guangzhou 2024 wasn’t just an exhibition; it was a statement of direction for the global construction and interiors sector. With this year’s success, the event has reinforced its position as the go-to platform for global operators, manufacturers, designers, and developers aiming to stay ahead in an industry defi ned by rapid change. Looking ahead, organisers have already set the stage for an even more ambitious 2026 edition. Plans are underway to expand strategic partnerships and introduce next-generation solutions that meet evolving market demands, ensuring the fair continues to set industry benchmarks. With its mix of business, innovation, and cross- border collaboration, CBD Guangzhou is no longer just a fair; it’s where the future of the built environment is imagined, launched, and scaled. 2,000 exhibitors across 300,000m2 of exhibition space CW_Aug2025_46-47_CBD Fair_13666542.indd 4702/08/2025 21:03OPINION 48 AUGUST 2025 While Dubai’s real estate sector continues to grab global headlines, an interesting market shift is boldly underway, positioning Ras Al Khaimah’s property landscape as the UAE’s next big investment hub. As a property expert with over two decades of industry experience, I’ve had a front-row seat to this transformation, and I strongly believe that we will continue to witness exceptional growth. According to a recent report by investment experts at CBRE Middle East, Ras Al Khaimah’s property prices surged an astonishing 39% year-on-year in the fi rst quarter of 2025. This wasn’t just a fl eeting spike; the rental market mirrored this upward trajectory with apartment rents rising by 20.8% and villas by 5.3%. Industry experts also noted over 1,300 off -plan residential sales transactions recorded in the same period, amounting to a remarkable $654 million (AED2.4 billion). What truly sets Ras Al Khaimah apart is the WHY SAVVY INVESTORS ARE FLOCKING TO RAS AL KHAIMAH Ras Al Khaimah recorded a 39% year-on-year rise in property prices in Q1 2025, outpacing expectations and attracting global investors Words by Mohammed Miqdadi sheer quality of its upcoming developments: most new hotel projects are fi ve-star establishments. There’s a strategic push towards ultra-luxury experiences, which is clearly boosting the emirate’s global appeal. For the last decade, investor attention Ras Al Khaimah’s property prices rose 39% year-on-year CW_Aug2025_48-49_RAK Property Prices_13655212.indd 4828/07/2025 19:50OPINION AUGUST 2025 49 What sets Ras Al Khaimah apart is the sheer quality of its upcoming projects: most new hotel projects are fi ve-star establishments” Mohammed Miqdadi, CEO, DURAR Group Apartment rental prices in Ras Al Khaimah are seeing a 20.8% rise has naturally gravitated towards Dubai. Today, however, we are witnessing a welcome diversifi cation in investor preferences. The market now off ers the compelling choice between city-centric investments in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and serene, beach-facing homes in Ras Al Khaimah, in some cases at a more accessible price point. There’s a noticeable shift, with investors increasingly looking to branch out and end-users prioritising projects that off er a unique blend of quality of life, peace of mind, and a sense of disconnection from the urban bustle. This collective need to recharge, paired with the allure of a holiday-like destination off ering high returns, is an undeniably powerful draw. The future of Ras Al Khaimah looks incredibly bright. The ongoing Etihad Rail project, set to link the emirate to the national railway network will dramatically enhance connectivity, cutting travel times and making movement seamless for both residents and tourists. The expansion of the emirate’s International Airport is set to further boost international accessibility, attracting a fl urry of global investors and visitors directly to its shores. It’s worth noting, though, that the rise of Ras Al Khaimah is bolstered by the UAE’s broader economic success. The country’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) have played a crucial role, increasing trade beyond $817.4 billion (AED3 trillion) in 2025, according to industry reports. This thriving na tional economy provides a strong foundation, making every emirate an attractive proposition for investment. What’s particularly interesting is that Ras Al Khaimah is appealing to fi rst-time European investors, a trend so signifi cant that overseas consultancies are actively setting up shop there. This really signals strong international confi dence in its long-term potential. Of course, the attractiveness of any emirate will ultimately depend on individual investment goals. That said, I believe that we are witnessing the emergence of another leading investment powerhouse in the UAE. For those with a keen eye for opportunity, getting in now may off er a compelling proposition for a successful investment with truly high returns. Ras Al Khaimah is no longer just a holiday destination; it’s a strategically positioned investment hub. CW_Aug2025_48-49_RAK Property Prices_13655212.indd 4928/07/2025 19:50Next >