
Drake and Scull submits clarification on Arabian Hills contracts to DFM
DSI had called the contract wins a 'landmark achievement' that solidifies the company's position as a trusted leader in delivering large-scale, high-impact developments. The Arabian Hills Project spans a massive 224 million square feet area of luxury residential and commercial development.
Drake and Scull clarifies billion-dirham deal
Dubai Financial Market (DFM), where DSI is listed, asked for further clarifications on the February 24 announcement regarding the project financing mechanism, timeline, and expected financial impact.
DSI submitted to DFM that the project will be financed through the company's cash resources and available bank facilities. It is expected to complete and hand over the project to the developers by the end of 2027.
DSI expects to achieve a profit margin ranging between 8 per cent and 10 per cent, with revenues recognised based on the percentage of completion during the project execution period.
The two contracts encompass infrastructure works for Area 10 (Sun Valley) and power works, street lighting, and contingencies for Services Authority Works, valued at AED452.85 million ($123.3 million) and infrastructure works in Area 05 (Park Vista) including power works, street lighting, contingencies for Services Authority Works, and the construction of a Sewage Treatment Plant for AED557.8 million ($151.9 million).
Hashtags

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


Zawya
13 minutes ago
- Zawya
Nisus joins BNW to acquire prime Jumeirah residential project
UAE - Nisus Finance Investment Consultancy (NiFCO Dubai) has sealed a strategic partnership with UAE group BNW Developments to acquire a premium residential building in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), featuring 143 residential apartments as well as three retail units. A fully owned subsidiary of Nisus Finance Services, NiFCO Dubai has launched a key property fund, Nisus High Yield Growth Fund Closed-Ended IC, which is registered by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The fund is incorporated under the laws of the DIFC, and an incorporated cell of Gateway ICC Limited with the Gateway Investment Management Services (DIFC) Limited as the Fund Manager. The Fund through a DIFC special purpose vehicle – NiFCO Holding 02 Ltd – has acquired a premium residential building in District 18 of Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). Spanning over a 120,000 sq ft area, the key development comprising 143 residential apartments and three retail units. This building, called Esplora, is spread over G+3P+16 floors and has well-appointed 48 studios, 63 one-bedroom apartments and 32 two-bedroom apartments as well as three retail units. As part of the partnership, BNW Developments and NiFCO Holding 02 Ltd have incorporated a new entity called BNW NiFCO Buying and Selling Real Estate that will handle the development, marketing and sale of the residential tower at JVC, recently acquired by NiFCO Dubai. As per the agreement, the asset will now be professionally marketed and sold by BNW Developments, bringing together regulated capital discipline and on-ground market expertise. This partnership marks a new consumer-first collaboration model in the UAE's real estate landscape - focused on governance-backed, move-in-ready homes that offer immediate value and quality lifestyle to middle-income families. As Dubai's real estate market matures further, this partnership aims to move beyond the off-plan status quo, focusing on ready-to-use, well-maintained homes tailored for the mid-income segment. With additional assets in the pipeline, this model is set to scale and support a broader $1 billion real estate vision. "This new partnership creates an important roadmap to accelerate growth in the real estate sector — by infusing capital into the industry, easing pressure on developers to focus on development and delivery," said Amit Goenka, the Chairman and Managing Director of Nisus Finance Group (NiFCO). Nisus Finance is currently evaluating $200 million worth of additional assets for acquisition and resale in the market. The firm is also investing additional capital to enhance the built environment, upgrading common areas with modern aesthetics and improved amenities - comparable to the latest off-plan assets. "It also enables sales and marketing leaders such as BNW Developments to move ready inventory swiftly to buyers and investors. In turn, this will boost the pace of activity and support broader economic growth," he noted. The partnership combines NiFCO Dubai's expertise in deploying capital to spearhead project development and sale with BNW Developments' proven expertise in project management, development, marketing and sales – creating a combined strength that is able to deliver higher and faster yields that will lead the property development and management in the UAE. On its part, BNW said it is not just going to acquire the building and white label it, but will embed its essence into this project and future projects elevating the overall living experience. "We are pleased to partner with Nisus Finance, which is supporting the real estate sector with fresh capital to ensure growth. Our expertise in marketing and sales will drive strong uptake of these projects," stated Ankur Aggarwal, the Founder and Chairman of BNW Developments. "In many ways, this redefines how the industry operates. We help fuel growth by deploying private capital, supporting key stakeholders - developers, contractors, brokers, buyers, and investors. As a finance company, we're deploying international capital into the UAE real estate sector to help it scale faster," he added. Vivek Anand Oberoi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of BNW Developments, said the company has developed innovative ideas in development partnership, finance and investment into UAE's real estate market that are changing the overall real estate financing business and accelerating the pace of developments." "We are very excited about our partnership with NiFCO Dubai which is bringing liquidity in the market to fuel the growth in real estate. The synergy between BNW Developments and NiFCO Dubai will help attract greater international capital into real estate in the years to come," he added.


Arabian Business
33 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai to showcase $1bn gaming ambitions with first-ever Middle East government pavilion at Gamescom 2025
The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) will make history this month as it hosts the Middle East's first government pavilion at Gamescom 2025, the world's largest gaming event, running from August 20–24 in Cologne, Germany. The pavilion will highlight Dubai's world-class infrastructure, talent pool, and investment opportunities in gaming, as the emirate accelerates its plan to become one of the top 10 global gaming hubs by 2033. Representing the Dubai government will be the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Dubai gaming industry Launched in November 2023 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, DPG33 aims to contribute $1bn to Dubai's GDP and create 30,000 jobs in the gaming sector over the next decade. The programme focuses on governance, talent development, global partnerships, industry support, and community engagement, building an ecosystem that attracts developers, entrepreneurs, and major gaming corporations. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said the presence at Gamescom reflects Dubai's growing leadership in creative and digital industries. She 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. 'By supporting this sector, we are empowering a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs, offering them platforms to transform their passion for gaming into innovative, globally impactful ventures. 'This not only strengthens our creative economy but also opens new horizons for sustainable growth'. 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 H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. '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.' Dubai's rapid gaming growth Since DPG33's launch: More than 60 new gaming companies have set up in Dubai The emirate is now home to more than 350 gaming companies, 74 per cent focused on game development 67 per cent are headquartered in Dubai, and 12 per cent are major global tech firms Partnerships have been established with Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla to attract investment and foster innovation Hala Badri, Director-General of the Dubai Culture and 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. '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.' 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. '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. '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.'


Zawya
41 minutes ago
- Zawya
Drake & Scull secures $381mln in new contracts, enters Dubai commercial real estate
DFM-listed Drake & Scull International (DSI) announced on Tuesday that it has secured 1.4 billion UAE dirhams ($381 million) worth of new projects in the first half of 2025. These include a landmark AED 1 billion contract in the UAE, the AED 215 million North Balqa Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jordan, and a AED 169 million water treatment facility in Maharashtra, India. In the first half, the UAE-headquartered mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) specialist also announced its strategic entry into Dubai's commercial real estate sector with the purchase of a prime plot in Majan to develop its first self-owned office building. DSI posted a 57 percent year-on-year revenue increase of AED 77.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2025. Gross profit rose 59 percent to AED 5.9 million, while net profit stood at AED 6.5 million, compared with AED 3.8 billion in H1 2024, when results were boosted by a one-off restructuring gain. General and administrative expenses rose to AED 24.5 million from AED 21.2 million due to higher legal, professional, and business development costs. Total assets were AED 629.5 million at the end of June, slightly lower than year-end 2024, while total equity increased to AED 158.4 million. Cash and bank balances stood at AED 309.2 million. However, interim condensed consolidated financial statements posted on DFM noted that accumulated losses exceeded 50 percent of share capital and that the group generated negative operating cash flows of AED 61.8 million in the first half. Group CEO Muin El Saleh said the contract awards provide a solid foundation for the second half of the year. 'We remain focused on delivering quality projects, optimisng our operations, and creating sustainable value for our shareholders,' he said. (Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon) (