Dubai real estate: Shamal awards $272mn contract for Dubai Harbour Residences
Dubai-based investment firm Shamal has appointed Khansaheb Civil Engineering as the main works contractor for Dubai Harbour Residences in a deal worth over AED 1 billion.
The contract award marks a milestone in the development of the beachfront residential project, with construction set to begin immediately following the completion of foundation works and beachfront formation.
Khansaheb Civil Engineering, established in 1935, will collaborate with development partner H&H and architect Nikken Sekkei on the project, which will feature low-rise beachfront homes with sea and skyline views.
Dubai Harbour Residences construction begins with billion-Dirham Khansaheb contract award
'At Shamal, we are committed to shaping the future of urban living through long-term investments that redefine how people engage with the city. The commencement of main works at Dubai Harbour Residences marks a significant milestone in our journey to create new vibrant communities and world-class destinations. This partnership exemplifies our meticulous approach to selecting collaborators who not only meet our standards but share our ambition for excellence and innovation. By appointing Khansaheb, a world-class partner with a proven track record of delivering some of Dubai's most iconic developments, we are ensuring that Dubai Harbour Residences is delivered with uncompromising quality and precision, reinforcing our vision for a vibrant, sophisticated beachfront community that stands the test of time,' Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer, Shamal said.
Dubai Harbour spans a seafront district that includes luxury living, retail, hospitality, and maritime infrastructure. The development is anchored by a marina that features dining options and sea views.
A 1,500-metre bridge is under construction in partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The bridge will provide access to Dubai Harbour from Sheikh Zayed Road, reducing travel time to the district.
'We are proud to partner with Shamal on this visionary project to bring to life beachfront living like never before, that reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Our team is committed to delivering Dubai Harbour Residences to the highest standards, ensuring quality, precision, and craftsmanship at every stage. Together with Shamal, we aim to bring to life a landmark destination, a sophisticated and timeless beachfront and maritime lifestyle that will shape the future of living for generations to come,' Tariq Khansaheb, Chairman, Khansaheb Civil Engineering added.
The development aligns with Dubai's Urban Master Plan 2040 and represents Shamal's commitment to mirroring the city's energy and ambition through design and value.
Dubai Harbour sits over 30 kilometres from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central Airport (DWC). The district is within reach of attractions including Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Expo City.
The district houses Dubai Harbour Marinas, described as the region's marina, the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal with two terminal buildings, and Skydive Dubai. Dubai Harbour won the World's Best New Cruise Development at the World Cruise Awards 2021.
Dubai Harbour Marinas received 5 Gold Anchor accreditation, along with titles for Clean Marinas and Super Yacht Ready by The Yacht Harbour Association. The marina secured all three accreditations simultaneously, marking what the company describes as a world-first achievement.
The district hosts events throughout the year, including the Dubai International Boat Show, which play a role in connecting the city to the sea.
'The appointment of Khansaheb as the main works contractor marks a step forward in the development of the iconic Dubai Harbour Residences. This reflects steady progress on the project as it moves from planning to full-scale construction, bringing us closer to delivering a distinctive residential offering that combines elegant architecture with refined beachfront living,' Miltos Bossinis, Chief Executive Officer of H&H explained.
Shamal operates a portfolio that includes master communities, districts, residences, retail hubs and commercial spaces. The firm's developments include Dubai Harbour and Nad Al Sheba Gardens.
The company's hospitality investments span properties and operations including Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Hart Shoreditch Hotel London, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai, SUSHISAMBA and Five Guys.
Khansaheb Civil Engineering provides construction services including building construction, interior fit-out and joinery, MEP installations, and roads and infrastructure development. The company operates its own plant, equipment, and asphalt plant.
H&H, founded in 2007, operates as a developer, asset manager, and investor in Dubai's real estate market. The company's projects include Eden House, the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai at International Financial Centre (DIFC), and the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
5 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
Hottest investment trends in the UAE: Watch our latest Breakfast Briefing panel event
From global mobility and residence-by-investment to IPO outlooks and the great wealth transfer, this Gulf Business panel event in Dubai on June 25 brought together leading voices to decode the UAE's investment landscape. Speakers included: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtugroup Rahul Singh, MD, Thrifty & Dollar Car Rental Sanjay Sachdev, Group Marketing Director, Leptos Estates Vishwajit Patil, SEO, Nuvama Private DIFC Yogesh Khairajani, Global Market Strategist, Century Financial Manasvi Ghelani, Associate Director, Frost & Sullivan Muhammed Hassan, Capital Markets Leader, PwC Damian Hitchen, CEO, Saxo Bank MENA Yasmine Omari, Head of Wealth Planning, Bank of Singapore Gemma Wild, Head of Global Collaboration, MENA GPB, HSBC Dave Chaggar, Sales Director, Capital Club Limited Moderators: Claire Vuylsteke, Director, Orbcom Nigel Sillitoe, CEO, Insight Discovery Karishma Hingorani, Founder, Karishma Konnect
Khaleej Times
15 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
The case for creating locally branded residences in Dubai
While international names have dominated the branded residence space, the next evolution should come from within. The region, particularly the UAE, is home to powerful, trusted brands that resonate deeply with local and international audiences. Imagine residences shaped by the precision and elegance of Rivoli Group, the horological heritage of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the accessibility-meets-style ethos of Splash, or the innovation and connectivity DNA of Etisalat. The creative vision of Rami Al Ali, whose couture elevates fashion to an art form; the global influence of Huda Beauty, a brand that has redefined beauty standards and consumer engagement; and the sustainability-driven ethos of The Giving Movement, which merges conscious lifestyle with style, all exemplify powerful brands born in the UAE. Even an Emirates-branded living experience could redefine premium lifestyle in the skies and on the ground. Such brands are cultural touchstones, and leveraging them for branded residences would localize luxury and elevate it with relevance, trust, and emotional alignment. Untapped brand loyalty and cross-vertical integration While premiums on branded residences are well-documented, few developers are fully leveraging the lifetime loyalty potential of buyers already engaged with the brand in other sectors. Imagine loyalty points or benefits that link a branded residence to airline miles from Emirates, telecom privileges from Etisalat, or exclusive retail access from Splash. This kind of cross-vertical synergy turns the residence into part of a brand journey—not just a home. Developers that build these bridges could unlock powerful retention, upsell, and community-building tools that most luxury projects are missing. Local identity, global standards The strength of local branding lies in its ability to blend cultural familiarity with world-class delivery. A branded residence by a regional icon is not a compromise on global appeal—it's a fusion of cultural specificity and luxury. When executed correctly, local brands bring hospitality norms, service rituals, and design language that feel organic to residents while meeting global expectations. Arabic calligraphy in shared spaces, regionally-inspired spa concepts, or hospitality rooted in majlis-style hosting traditions are not decorative—they're deeply functional and emotionally resonant. Competitive differentiation in a saturated landscape In markets like Dubai, where international branded residences are proliferating fast, local brand collaborations offer differentiation with depth. They avoid the fatigue of global sameness. While many projects now boast a fashion or automotive brand, few can claim emotional ownership of place. A local brand brings with it heritage, trust, and market familiarity. This attracts not only regional buyers but also appeals to international investors seeking a more authentic and deeply connected experience in the market they invest in. Economic multiplier effects Investing in locally branded residences also stimulates local economic ecosystems. Collaborative projects create value chains across design, marketing, operations, and retail that remain within the region. A partnership with a local brand can drive demand across the brand's core business. For example, a Rivoli-branded residence could open in-house boutiques, watch clubs, or service centers that generate parallel revenue. A real estate tie-up with The Giving Movement could integrate sustainable lifestyle amenities and retail that attract eco-conscious residents. The idea is to transform the branded residence from a static asset into a living commercial ecosystem. The emotional edge: Trust, legacy, and belonging Trust in a brand often takes years—if not decades—to build. Regional icons like Emirates or Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons have spent generations cultivating that credibility. When that trust is transferred into the residential experience, it creates instant emotional equity. More than buying a space, residents would be joining a legacy. An emotional edge of this nature can't be manufactured overnight, nor can it be easily matched by imported names. In a post-pandemic world where belonging and meaning matter more than ever, local brands can offer a level of emotional permanence that global names often can't replicate. Future-ready localism As consumer expectations shift toward sustainability, digital readiness, and cultural intelligence, local brands may be better positioned to respond quickly. They are closer to the market, understand regional nuances, and often operate with more agility than global conglomerates. A branded residence co-developed with a regional telecom like Etisalat could lead the market in smart infrastructure. A collaboration with Home Centre could redefine affordable-luxury housing with fashion-forward interiors and wellness-focused amenities at scale. Locally branded residences go beyond national pride and reflect a strategic commitment to future readiness. The writers are founders of DRE, a real estate brokerage firm operating in Dubai since 2007.
The National
26 minutes ago
- The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praises UAE's ‘exceptional' tourism sector
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday praised the UAE's thriving tourism sector. It followed a report issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council which revealed that the UAE's travel and tourism sector saw its contribution to the country's GDP rise to Dh257.3 billion in 2024, representing 13 per cent of the national economy. This represents an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to 2023, and a 26 per cent increase compared to 2019, before the pandemic, state news agency Wam reported. 'In a new indicator of the strength and diversity of our national economy, the World Travel and Tourism Council report highlighted exceptional achievements in the UAE tourism sector, with total international visitor spending exceeding Dh217 billion during the previous year, in addition to domestic tourism spending reaching Dh57 billion,' Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X. 'The UAE is among the top 7 global destinations for international tourism spending, surpassing countries that have preceded us in this field for hundreds of years. We welcome tourists, delight in investors, embrace talents, and build the best environment for living, tourism, and visits. Welcome to the world.' A global leader Regarding international tourism, the report showed that the UAE is one of the most prominent destinations in the world, as the country received international visitors from major markets, most notably India (14 per cent), the UK (8 per cent), Russia (8 per cent), China (5 per cent), Saudi Arabia (5 per cent), and 60 per cent from the rest of the world. The report indicated that international visitor spending in the UAE reached approximately Dh217.3 billion in 2024, registering a growth of 5.8 per cent compared to 2023 and a 30.4 per cent increase compared to 2019. Domestic tourism spending, meanwhile, reached Dh57.6 billion, achieving a 2.4 per cent increase compared to 2023 and a 41 per cent increase compared to 2019.
