
Sobha sets new industry standard with enhanced maternity leave
Sobha Realty, a leading luxury global real estate developer, has announced a significant enhancement to its maternity leave policy, reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being and workplace excellence.
In a bold and people-first move, the company now offers 120 days of maternity leave to its female employees. Throughout this period, all other employment benefits will be fully retained.
This progressive policy far exceeds the UAE Labour Law requirement of 60 days and marks a benchmark in the private real estate sector, the developer said.
As of today (May 27), Sobha Realty stands out as the first developer in the UAE to provide such a comprehensive and inclusive maternity leave framework- one that supports the needs of working mothers while fostering a more equitable and compassionate workplace, it said.
The announcement comes on the heels of Sobha Realty receiving the prestigious Great Place to Work certification consecutively for two years in a row, a recognition that highlights its dedication to cultivating a people-centric culture built on trust, care, and empowerment. The enhanced maternity leave reflects the company's ongoing efforts to not just meet expectations, but to exceed them in ways that are meaningful to its employees.
'At Sobha Realty, we have always believed that true excellence begins with our people,' said Ravi Menon, Chairman, Sobha Group. 'This new maternity policy is a statement of our values. It is our continued effort towards employees and to stand beside them during life's most important moments as a family. This is yet another initiative that embodies the core of who we are- driven by compassion, grounded in commitment, and focused on continuous improvement.'; added Menon. – TradeArabia News Service
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Trade Arabia
3 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead office quality fit-out investments
The corporate sentiment in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is geared towards targeted investments in overall space design and fit-outs to support return-to-office strategies, according to leading real estate expert JLL. This has accelerated demand for high-quality Grade A office spaces and fit-outs that enhance workplace experience and performance. In its latest 'EMEA Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025', JLL has identified Saudi Arabia and the UAE among the top countries globally with a high proportion of cost for high quality finishes, averaging more than $2,400/sqm, against the global average of $1,830/sqm, as workplace design becomes a component part of talent attraction and retention. The JLL EMEA Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025, which analyses data from 25 countries to provide insights into cost variations, drivers, sustainability concerns, and market sentiment, has also outlined the complex cost pressures for the EMEA construction sector in 2025, with office fit-out costs increasing in the last 12 months. The steady rise in costs reflects the growing trend of organisations (44%) in the region to increase office-based workdays over the next five years. Dubai also ranks among the top 20 cities globally in the City Cost Index, reflecting continued competition for Grade A spaces, while in Saudi Arabia, initiatives such as regional headquarters (RHQ) programme is also driving demand. JLL has also found that sustainability is a key driver in many relocation strategies and office fit-outs, with 68% of organisations globally planning to increase investment in sustainability performance in the next five years. In MEA, the sentiment is strongest in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where 78% of corporate real estate leaders aim to enhance value through sustainability. Maroun Deeb, Head of Project & Development Services, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at JLL, said: "The general optimism towards investing in workspaces is likely to continue throughout 2025 as growth-oriented corporations invest in office fit-outs to support their hybrid workplace policies." "Targeted investments to enhance employee experience will see an increased focus on workplace design, innovative technology solutions, and refurbishment opportunities amid growing interest in healthier, energy-efficient workspaces," he stated. Several factors are contributing to the current market dynamics. Supply chain disruptions in 2024 disproportionately affected the Middle East and North Africa, tightening project timeframes and escalating pricing. According to JLL, builders' works, which includes partitions, flooring, finishes, and joinery, typically accounts for the largest component of fit-out costs, ranging from 26% in Cairo and 36% in the UAE to 40% in Saudi Arabia. These costs are among the most susceptible to raw material prices and supply chain risks, it stated. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) services now account for a higher proportion of office spend as stricter environmental and sustainability standards require more complex systems. Cairo (39%) ranks among the top cities globally for average proportion of costs per sqm for M&E services, while Dubai (30%) and Riyadh (29%) are on par with the global average cost of 29%. Technology integration is also pivotal to enhancing hybrid work environments across all office typologies, with companies in MEA investing in improved and extended AV systems. Gary Tracey, the Head of Project & Development Services UAE at JLL, said: "The demand for high-performance office spaces is intensifying in the UAE as stakeholders increasingly prioritise environmental considerations to drive asset value." "Offices that embrace innovative technologies and sustainable design principles and have higher levels of green certification command a premium, especially in Dubai. Investments to improve sustainability will mitigate future operational expenses, remaining highly attractive to tenants seeking modern, efficient workplaces," he added. JLL said the momentum for sustainable workplaces continues to surge in the region, driven by corporate commitments, evolving expectations, and stricter regulatory requirements. Companies are weighing the cost-benefits of relocation to newer Grade A buildings compared to upgrading existing assets. However, organisations in the region face challenges in meeting sustainability requirements due to limited suitable stock and high costs of upgrading older buildings. To address these challenges, early planning and integration of sustainability targets in relocation strategies and fit-out projects are crucial, it stated. Ahmed Hemmat, Head of Project & Development Services at JLL in Egypt, said: "In a climate of economic uncertainty, organisations that build flexibility and agility into planning will be better positioned to adapt their work settings to evolving workforce needs." "This also supports leasing decisions, as flex spaces optimise costs for landlords and occupiers and create a more engaging and productive work environment to support the needs of today's hybrid work model," he added. Despite the complex landscape of challenges and opportunities, office construction will remain active in the region.


Trade Arabia
9 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Azure unveils new luxury living development in Riyadh
Mohammed Al Habib, a leading property development company in Saudi Arabia, has announced that one of its key units - Azure - has launched its landmark Lamara project in Riyadh, thus setting the stage for an ambitious new chapter in premium community development. Held in strategic collaboration between Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate, and SAB Invest, the occasion brings together leading expertise in development, real estate investment, and master planning. The project is part of SAB Invest's wider SAR3 billion ($816 million) local real estate strategy, yielding an impressive 19% internal rate of return (IRR) for the fund's investors. Together, both entities reinforce their shared commitment to delivering distinctive, high-impact communities. The unveiling follows SAB Invest's successful divestment of Lamara residential project, acquired in partnership with Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate at a total investment of SAR268 million. The milestone also marks the beginning of a high-frequency rollout strategy, with Azure set to launch multiple projects per quarter as part of a broader vision to manage up to 20,000 residential units in Riyadh by 2030. Backed by Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate's legacy of over 50 completed projects across 10 cities, Azure currently serves over 13,680 residents across 12 compounds and 3,639 residential units. Azure Lamara builds on this momentum to Riyadh's evolving residential landscape with developments that aim to redefine lifestyle-centric urban living, said a top official. "Lamara is just the beginning. As Azure expands its footprint across Riyadh, we are creating vibrant, high-quality communities that align with Vision 2030," remarked its CEO Abdullah Al Habib. "Leveraging our expertise in pioneering strategic master plans and unique urban developments, we remain dedicated to crafting neighborhoods that truly reflect and elevate the way people live and connect," he stated. Azure President Fahad Al Assaf said: "This launch reflects our broader mission to create thoughtful urban environments. Drawing on the heritage and development expertise of our parent company, we aim to deliver spaces that inspire the seamless integration of connection, wellbeing, and enduring value." By prioritizing services tailored to the needs of a broad resident community, Azure fosters a welcoming environment that aligns with today's globally minded population, he stated. SAB Invest Managing Director and CEO Ali Al Mansour said: "Our collaboration with Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate reflects our commitment to backing high-quality developments that deliver both strong returns and long-term value to investors. Our success with Azure Lamara project is a testament to this strategy, and we are proud to see that momentum continue with the Lamara launch."


Trade Arabia
9 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Omnix launches key solutions to advance regional project delivery
Omnix International, a leading provider of digital transformation and innovative technology solutions, has announced the expansion of its portfolio with a new suite of integrated digitised construction workflows offerings. These solutions are designed to digitise critical workflows across the construction lifecycle, fundamentally transforming how projects are planned, executed, and optimized through data intelligence, automation, and intelligent systems, said a statement from Omnix. Tailored to address the unique needs of the Middle East region, this strategic move underscores Omnix's vision to drive innovation, boost efficiency, and help clients meet evolving demands to build faster, smarter, and more sustainably. This launch comes at a pivotal time for the construction sector, which faces mounting challenges including labor shortages, cost pressures, regulatory demands, and outdated processes. With the Middle East witnessing rapid urban expansion and executing mega projects, the need for advanced digital solutions has never been greater. According to RICS and McKinsey, the global construction industry continues to lag in digital adoption - especially in areas like ESG reporting, carbon tracking, and lifecycle management. Omnix's new offerings directly address these gaps with integrated tools that promote smarter planning, improved collaboration, and measurable outcomes, said its top official. "Our mission to digitally transform construction workflows is aimed at empowering clients to build with greater confidence, efficiency, and purpose. This marks a key milestone in our journey to deliver value-driven, future-ready solutions," remarked its CEO Walid Gomaa. "Our focus on regional priorities, data interoperability, and intelligent insights will help clients reduce risk, enhance sustainability, and achieve stronger business outcomes across project lifecycles," he noted. Alaf Abdul Latheef, Regional Business Unit Head, said: "Our offerings are built to address regional challenges with a flexible and modular framework. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and architectural expertise, we have designed a solution that adapts to our clients' realities - enhancing compliance, visibility, and collaboration without requiring a complete overhaul of existing systems." Omnix said the newly launched digitised construction workflows includes centralised tendering and bid management, real-time cost control and scheduling dashboards, digital twin integration, field safety and compliance monitoring, built-in ESG and carbon analytics, AI-enhanced document and RFI management, and mobile-enabled tools for site access and task tracking. "Our approach is focused on plug-and-play compatibility with existing software, custom integrations that bridge data between design, construction and operations phases, and strengthened with AI-enabled data insights," he noted. Early implementations are already underway, with broader rollouts scheduled for 2025 and 2026.