Drake & Scull enters real estate development with first Dubai project
A strategic shift in business focus
This new venture signals a pivotal evolution in DSI's business model, transitioning from its traditional role as a contractor to that of a full-fledged developer. The project reflects DSI's intent to broaden its revenue base and establish a presence in Dubai's vibrant real estate sector by owning and developing high-value assets.
'For years, DSI has been synonymous with engineering excellence and large-scale construction. Today, we take a transformative leap forward by entering the development space, a natural progression that allows us to leverage our deep industry knowledge while creating lasting assets,' said Muin El Saleh, CEO of DSI.
He continued: 'This project is more than just a building; it is a testament to our resilience and ambition to evolve with the market. By diversifying into development, we are securing new revenue streams, strengthening our brand, and contributing to Dubai's urban transformation.'
Commercial project details
DSI's debut development will span over 156,000 square feet of built-up area, featuring more than 10,000 square feet of high-end retail space at ground level and over 67,000 square feet of office space spread across nine floors. The property will also offer a three-level podium parking facility with space for approximately 147 vehicles, ensuring practical access for tenants and visitors alike.
To ensure the highest design and construction standards, DSI has appointed Bel-Yoahah Architectural and Engineering Consultants as its design and supervision partner. Soil investigations and topographic surveys are complete, with construction approvals underway. Project completion is targeted for the end of 2026.
Long-term growth vision
'Our expertise in delivering complex projects gives us a unique advantage in this venture,' El Saleh added. 'We understand the intricacies of construction, cost efficiency, and quality control, all of which are critical elements that will set our developments apart. This is just the beginning of a new strategic direction for DSI, and this project will be one of many developments we plan to undertake as part of the company's transformation into a more diversified, forward-looking enterprise.'
Read:
By managing the development in its entirety—from land acquisition to project delivery—DSI aims to maximise value creation and leverage its decades of experience in engineering and construction. The company's entry into real estate development reflects both confidence in the UAE's long-term economic prospects and its commitment to evolving with market opportunities.
With this first step, DSI is laying the groundwork for a broader presence in the property development sector, combining its strengths in execution with a vision to deliver next-generation commercial spaces in Dubai's competitive real estate landscape.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tahawul Tech
3 hours ago
- Tahawul Tech
DPG33 set to host region's first-ever govt pavilion at Gamescom 2025 in Germany
The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) is set to host the Middle East's first-ever government pavilion at Gamescom 2025, the world's largest gaming event, taking place in Cologne, Germany, from August 20-24. Marking a historic milestone for the region's gaming sector, the pavilion highlights Dubai's commitment to becoming one of the world's top 10 global gaming hubs by 2033. Gamescom is the world's largest event for computer and video games, bringing together the international gaming community in-person and online. The 2025 edition, taking place at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre, is expected to attract record attendance following the success of last year's edition, welcoming 335,000 visitors from 122 countries. Government of Dubai Media Office said today that the DPG33 pavilion will showcase the city's talent pool, as well as its exceptional facilities and infrastructure for game designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and production companies. Representing the Dubai government at the pavilion are the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, affirmed that Dubai's participation with an official government pavilion at Gamescom underscores the emirate's position as a leading hub for creative and digital industries. Sheikha Latifa said: 'Dubai continues to strengthen its global competitiveness by focusing on innovation and exploring future opportunities. Our presence at Gamescom underscores the strength of an ecosystem that combines innovation, education, advanced technology, and talent development. It also reflects our growing leadership in digital creativity, while reinforcing Dubai's presence on the global stage and building new international partnerships, all of which support our ambition to position Dubai among the world's top 10 gaming hubs by 2033.' Since DPG33 launched in November 2023, Dubai's gaming sector has grown significantly with more than 60 new gaming companies establishing themselves. Dubai is now home to over 350 gaming companies, with 260 (74%) specialising in game development. Sixty-seven percent of those companies are headquartered in Dubai, and 12% are major global technology companies. In 2025, DPG33 engaged with companies like Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla, to foster partnerships and attract investment. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, said: 'Dubai is rapidly becoming a top global destination for people and businesses involved in the gaming industry following the launch of DPG33 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF. The programme has set out a clear 10-year roadmap to establish Dubai as a global leader in the gaming sector. By providing a supportive framework for innovation and investment, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that leverages Dubai's unique competitive advantages to support creators, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations in this booming sector.' Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said, 'The electronic gaming sector is a vital pillar of the creative economy. This sector stands out as one of the fastest growing and most innovative within the broader cultural and creative industries, owing to its unique ability to attract skilled individuals and create new economic opportunities.' She added: 'Through a range of initiatives, Dubai Culture is committed to empowering young people and emerging talent to build their skills, expand their involvement in gaming, and discover new pathways in this dynamic field. Our efforts reflect the interests and ambitions of the new generation, advancing Dubai's vision to be a leading global centre for innovation.' Today, over 140 gaming companies – representing 40% of Dubai's gaming industry – are based in DMCC, enabled by our dedicated Gaming Centre that is anchored within a broader tech and Web3 ecosystem of more than 3,200 members. Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO, DMCC, said: 'As the largest global gathering for the computer and video games industry, Gamescom offers an unmatched platform to spotlight Dubai's rapidly expanding capabilities as we continue to drive our ambition to become one of the top 10 gaming hubs in the world by 2033. Supported by access to capital, licensing solutions, and industry-leading partners, DMCC offers the infrastructure and connectivity to help global gaming businesses scale up in the region and beyond.' Matthew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming, said, 'Dubai's presence at Gamescom 2025, with heavyweight participation from entities such as Dubai Future Foundation, sends a decisive message to the global industry that the UAE is not simply participating in gaming's future but shaping it. Dubai offers world-class infrastructure, progressive regulation, government-backed initiatives, and a creative economy accelerating at pace. This is not symbolic; it's a strategic declaration that we are ready to engage, invest, and lead. In my experience, these high-level engagements catalyse partnerships that redefine ecosystems and enable MENA to evolve from a high-growth consumer base into a creator, exporter, and innovator on the global stage. ' At Power League Gaming, Pickering built a reputation for delivering world-class esports broadcasts and immersive brand activations from purpose-built studio in Dubai. 'With FUZE, our proprietary cloud-based platform, we are now able to connect brands and creators instantly, delivering campaigns with precision, scale, and cultural authenticity,' said Pickering. 'Gamescom is the perfect arena to demonstrate these capabilities in front of the industry's most influential decision-makers. Our goal is to show why the UAE is the optimal launchpad for ambitious global projects and to convert those conversations into long-term, high-value partnerships that bring world-class talent, IP, and investment into the region.' Ipsos study from December 2024 confirms 69% of UAE gamers are aware of esports with a strong appetite for live events, proving that the demand is already here. Gamescom turns that demand into investment, jobs, and measurable industry growth. 'Global events like Gamescom are critical accelerators for our industry. They allow us to benchmark against leading markets, absorb best practices, and refine our approach, while giving us the stage to showcase Dubai's unique strengths. We bring an innovation-forward government strategy, exemplified by the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, cutting-edge production infrastructure such as our own Power League Gaming studios, and a culturally diverse audience with one of the highest engagement rates in the world,' said Pickering. For regions like the UAE, participating in global events such as Gamescom is vital to building their presence in the gaming and immersive tech industries. George Arbid, Founder, Ardor Ideas, said: 'Gamescom offers unparalleled exposure to international markets, bringing together the world's top developers, publishers, and investors in one space. It provides the UAE with a platform to showcase its vision, infrastructure, and ambitious projects, while directly engaging with industry leaders to forge partnerships and attract investment. By being part of this global conversation, the UAE positions itself as an active, forward-thinking player, creating opportunities to draw world-class talent and accelerate its growth as a leading gaming hub.' Dubai's participation at Gamescom highlights the UAE's fast-emerging gaming and immersive tech industry. While still new, the sector is expanding rapidly, powered by visionary leadership and cutting-edge innovation. The upcoming Digital Twin of Dubai is a landmark project, demonstrating the nation's advanced capabilities in creating next-generation virtual experiences. Gamescom provides the perfect global platform to showcase these achievements, connect with top developers, and attract international studios and investors. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and commitment to future technologies, the UAE is poised to become a key player on the global stage, bridging markets and shaping the future of interactive entertainment, explained Arbid. Dubai, in particular, is creating an ecosystem designed to attract and nurture creative talent, offering services that make establishing operations seamless and rewarding. With its strategic location, vibrant market, and forward-looking vision, the UAE is becoming the land of opportunities—where innovation meets ambition, and the future of gaming is being shaped today. 'Although the gaming and immersive tech industry in the UAE is relatively new, it is evolving at remarkable speed, with bold initiatives positioning it among the most promising global hubs. International developers and publishers will discover a wealth of opportunities, from cutting-edge infrastructure to government-backed support and world-class facilities,' said Arbid. Dubai-based, Ahmed Al Helwany, Content Creator affirmed similar views and said, 'Dubai's presence at Gamescom 2025 provides the UAE with a powerful platform to showcase its growing gaming and immersive tech sector to a global audience. It highlights initiatives like the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which aims to position the city among the world's top ten gaming hubs and contribute over US$1 billion to the economy. With more than 350 gaming companies already established, supported by long-term residency options for industry professionals, Dubai is well placed to attract co-development deals, IP collaborations, and technology partnerships that can connect its talent and innovation with international markets.' Worldwide known events like Gamescom allow the UAE to directly connect with leading developers, publishers, and investors on one of the largest stages in the gaming industry. Showcasing the country's commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem, initiatives such as CodersHQ, specialised free zones, and long-term residency options for gaming professionals play a pivotal role. 'By engaging face-to-face with global stakeholders, the UAE can highlight its strong talent base, advanced infrastructure, and innovation-driven policies. This combination makes it an attractive destination for studios looking to expand, investors seeking emerging markets, and partners interested in bridging Eastern and Western gaming industries,' concluded Al Helwany.
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
My Abu Dhabi Salary: 'I earn up to Dh80,000 a month in property sales. You have to hustle hard'
Alexandra Warren moved to working in real estate after a six-year career in aviation as a flight attendant with Etihad Airways. The career switch felt like a natural progression, says the 32-year-old South African, who lives with her husband and four-year-old daughter in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi. 'A role in aviation as cabin crew or flight attendant has you at the front line dealing with people, so you need strong interpersonal skills,' says Ms Warren, who works as a sales consultant at Crompton Partners Estate Agents in Abu Dhabi. 'Those are easily transferable skills. In real estate, too, we work with different people, so it was a natural transition.' Ms Warren, who is from Cape Town, finished a bachelor's degree in arts with a major in communication and psychology. She's been in the UAE for more than 11 years and has worked in property for just over two-and-a-half years. What was your first job and salary? My first job was right out of university in 2013, when I joined Etihad Airways as a flight attendant at the age of 21. I worked this job for six years. My salary at the time was around Dh11,000 ($2,995) to Dh12,000 a month. It fluctuated, based on our flights and rosters. I was travelling, enjoying and exploring, until Covid-19 happened and I was one among many of the cabin crew who were made redundant. Tell us about your current role. What is your salary now? I joined real estate over two years ago. I started off doing rentals and the average salary would range between Dh12,000 to Dh13,000 a month. It's a commission-based job. During an exceptional month in leasing, I would make around Dh25,000 to Dh30,000. A year ago, I was promoted and transitioned into sales. The salary has increased significantly, especially in the past six months. My July salary was around Dh195,000. It's hard to give an average figure as the income varies every month. I did a deal in February for an off-plan project. Sometimes, the developers take time to pay us. So, some of my commission in July would have been from a deal that was done a few months ago. On average, I earn about Dh70,000 to Dh80,000 a month. But it depends on the deal that you're making. We do not receive a basic salary, so what you put in is what you get out. You need to hustle hard to make money. This industry is all about trust, building relationships and networking. In this industry, referrals are important for your business. Do you manage to save and have considerable savings? I do. When I was doing leasing, it was quite difficult to save because my salary then was significantly smaller. With sales now, we're in a much better position where I'm able to provide or have a cushioning. I'm saving now and looking at investments of my own, which will probably be real estate as well. I have around Dh250,000 worth of savings now. That is a significant number from somebody who was a housewife two years ago. What asset classes do you invest in? We've only been investing in real estate. We own the three-bedroom apartment that we live in, which has appreciated well since we bought it. It was worth Dh2.5 million when we bought it last year and took out a mortgage to pay for it. It's currently worth Dh3.6 million. We also own a land plot in South Africa. Plots there are rare and valuable, so those perform well over a long period of time. We plan to eventually build on it, rent it out or sell it to invest and diversify our portfolio. It's currently rented out as a storage unit. My next investment will also be in Abu Dhabi real estate: a smaller property with a low entry point in one of the up-and-coming areas. Do you have any debt? Nothing except the mortgage, which my husband has been paying off. People say some debt can be healthy, but I haven't reached that stage yet. Growing up, were you taught how to handle your finances? Yes. My parents would tell me to work hard to build a good future for my kids and save every month, while still trying to maintain a healthy balance. That was something my dad always tried to instil in me. My father also has a strong real estate investment portfolio, so he's been able to guide me. What are your major monthly expenses? The mortgage mainly. Personally, my main expenses are on my daughter, pets, a nanny, gas and utilities. I pay municipal tax on our property in South Africa. I also pay service charges for our home here. How do you budget your salary every month? It depends on the money I earn that month. I do not live above my means. I budget by trying to set aside a certain amount for savings every month, just so I have that financial cushion. I just save what I can, at least more than half my income every month. Have you started saving for retirement? I haven't started saving for retirement, but I've started saving. I do not plan to retire anytime soon. My goal right now is to focus on investments in real estate that can provide me with a passive income stream when I retire. A certain amount of interest would come in and I wouldn't have to stress. That's something my parents have done for themselves. I see the way they live and that's something I want for myself. Watch: Why expat salary packages are not what they used to be Do you have an emergency fund? Yes, my savings. I'm working on increasing that number. What do you spend your disposable income on? Activities with my daughter, going out with friends, dinners, personal upkeep and retail therapy. I spend a maximum of Dh2,000 on myself each month. Do you worry about money? Everyone worries about money, especially when you have the responsibility of kids. I wouldn't say that I can't sleep at night. But we all want to be comfortable. We consider my kid's expenses as she grows up. My husband's work covers her school fees. But when she goes to university or college, that's an additional expense. I work hard to provide a comfortable life for my daughter. Having properties that have appreciated gives you a strong sense of reassurance, and knowing that we don't have liabilities in South Africa. What are your financial goals? My goal is to continue closing deals to bring in an income for myself, perform better than the previous month and the prior year. I want to exceed the targets that I set for myself. What is your idea of financial freedom? To not worry about finances, have a safety net and streams of income coming in from all my investments. Financial freedom is to be comfortable enough to eventually retire, not stress about finances and not live month to month. Do you earn passive income? Not yet. The rent that we earn from our plot in South Africa is paid towards the municipal levies every month. Our next investment will generate passive income, so it should be a rental property in the UAE or South Africa.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Empower's district cooling consumption on strong demand, expansion
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world's largest district cooling services provider, reported a 7.1 per cent increase in consumption during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The growth, measured in refrigeration tons per hour (RTh), was attributed to high occupancy rates in existing projects and the addition of new developments to the company's portfolio. Empower said in a statement that the expansion has further diversified its customer base, which includes residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, retail, entertainment, and other sectors. These industries are increasingly adopting energy-efficient cooling solutions to reduce carbon emissions and align with sustainability goals. The company signed 86 new contracts in the first six months of the year to supply more than 99,000 refrigeration tons (RT) to projects across Dubai. With these additions, Empower's total contracted capacity reached 1.86 million RT, while connected capacity grew to more than 1.6 million RT following an increase of approximately 38,000 RT. The number of buildings served rose to 1,684. Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said the company's performance underlines its role in supporting Dubai's growth and sustainability agenda. 'We are committed to delivering district cooling services of the highest quality and reliability, leveraging advanced technologies and innovations,' he said. 'Our operations support Dubai's population growth, urbanisation, and economic development, while contributing to the emirate's green future and net zero goals,' Ahmad bin Shafar said. He added that the steady rise in consumption reflects customers' trust in Empower's ability to help reduce their carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices. 'The increase in demand and expansion of our customer base is a testament to the efficiency of our services. This motivates us to maintain quality while further growing our business and partnerships for the benefit of all stakeholders,' Shafar said. Shafar noted that Empower's readiness to meet rising demand in H1 2025 was due to its state-of-the-art district cooling systems, high operational efficiency, and advanced technologies. These factors, combined with significant capacity, enabled the company to serve a diverse range of sectors effectively. Ahead of the peak summer season, Empower carried out an extensive maintenance and preparation campaign across its 88 district cooling plants and distribution networks. This ensured operational readiness to meet the seasonal surge in demand, particularly during periods of high temperatures. The measures helped maintain a comfortable indoor environment for residents and businesses across also highlighted that district cooling consumption in Dubai has increased by approximately 69 per cent between 2020 and 2024. This long-term growth trend remains a key driver for the company's ongoing network expansion, as well as its revenue growth and profitability.
