Latest news with #GhafWoods
Khaleej Times
04-08-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Canadian University Dubai architecture students pioneer climate-responsive designs
Architecture students from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) have unveiled a series of innovative, sustainability-focused design projects developed in response to the unique environmental and climatic conditions of Dubai. Set within Ghaf Woods, a forest-integrated community that is redefining urban living in the city, each project features a low-rise, multi-use recreation centre that embodies ecological harmony and climate-responsive innovation. The standout designs included a canopy rooted in biomimicry and sustainability, a recharge facility that converts environmental extremes into performance assets, and a pavilion that is embedded harmoniously into the natural landscape. Anchored in the university's core pillars of sustainability and innovation, the CUD architecture students were placed in the heart of the living laboratory of Ghaf Woods to nurture their creative mindset and to promote sustainability literacy. Under the mentorship of faculty lead Christine Yogiaman, the designers explored adaptive architecture focused on passive strategies, such as shading, natural ventilation, and thermal mass, to minimise energy consumption in Dubai's hot climate. The students combined creative exploration with practical environmental strategies, producing designs that not only minimise ecological impact but also enhance the user experience through harmony with the natural world. Inspired by the native Ghaf tree, Danica Ferreira's design, 'The Canopy', proposes a sanctuary that moderates Dubai's harsh climate through layered shading, water vapour integration, and passive cooling strategies. Danica explained, 'The design acts as a self-regulating microclimate, using innovative materials like datecrete, cross-laminated timber, and photovoltaic components to create a welcoming environment for families and visitors. Light and shadow interplay through multiple canopy layers, transforming the space into a serene retreat, a place for reflection, and a reconnection with nature. The aim is to redefine architecture not just as shelter, but as a regenerative system in harmony with its surroundings.' Designed by Maya Alhajali, 'Respire' is a project that challenges the conventional perception of heat as an obstacle in desert design. The 100 sqm structure functions as both a café and a recharge station, located within a forest park setting. Inspired by the lotus flower's self-regulating abilities, the design turns environmental stress into performance assets. A PVDF-coated aluminium mesh façade, a ventilated double-skin buffer, and a misting system reduce interior temperatures by 5–10°C. A solar chimney harnesses thermal pressure differentials to power natural ventilation, allowing the building to become more efficient as temperatures rise. Speaking about her thinking behind the concept, Alhajali said: "I wanted to prove that sustainability isn't a layer to add, it's a logic to design from." Centered around two native trees, Camelia Yaghi's design 'Al-Dara' is a circular pavilion that listens to and lives with the landscape. The structure features a retractable, breathable roof that responds to seasonal cycles, providing both shade and air circulation. A lightweight steel framework minimises ground impact, while elevated wooden flooring supports the health of the soil. Conceived to be more than just a shelter, Yaghi said: "Visitors are invited into a sensory conversation described by rustling leaves, filtered light, sounds of the forest and scent of materials. It is a living enclosure that is not just seen or touched but also felt." Speaking about the projects, dean of the School of Architecture and Interior Design, Massimo Imparato, said: "The vision and creativity that students have brought forward on this live brief reflect CUD's commitment to practice-based, research-driven learning. They are redefining the future of architecture with ideas that are human-centred and climate-responsive, and through projects like this, they will graduate with the skills and experience to drive the future of regenerative design and create resilient urban landscapes." The climate-responsive design projects are part of CUD's broader approach to support the transition towards sustainable innovation and growth in the region. The university has recently launched a master of science in Design Innovation for Circular Economy, focusing on restorative and regenerative design to create urban environments that restore ecological balance, promote biodiversity, and enhance social well-being.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Majid Al Futtaim announces contractor for forest living project in Dubai
Majid Al Futtaim, an integrated lifestyle provider, has announced Innovo Build as the main contractor for the development of its Ghaf Woods forest living concept in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with the establishment of a tree nursery, reported Trade Arabia. Spanning 738,000m² off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, the Ghaf Woods development is set to offer over 7,000 premium residences. The development will feature Majid Al Futtaim's Distrikt, a multipurpose hub with retail and dining options. The Dh1.7bn ($462m) contract with Innovo Build covers the construction of 13 buildings within the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. Innovo Build CEO Sameh Fam said: "We are proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to deliver the early phases of a development as visionary as Ghaf Woods - a project that reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and community-centric design. "This project redefines traditional construction, and requires us to build in harmony with nature, not around it. Our team will approach this landmark development with the precision, care and focus on sustainability that cements us as a contractor of choice in UAE." Ghaf Woods aims to redefine urban living by integrating nature into its design, promising a forest ecosystem that will outnumber residents, stated Majid Al Futtaim. This 'Green Lung' is expected to deliver significantly cleaner air and cooler temperatures. The community will also offer wellness amenities such as walking trails, biking loops, pools, and fitness facilities, the company said. The tree nursery is said to be a cornerstone of Ghaf Woods' sustainable vision, aiming to cultivate thousands of native and climate-resilient trees over the next 18 months. The nursery currently features more than 10,000 trees, with plans to increase to 30,000. This will support the development's biophilic design. Barari Natural Resources, a part of Mawarid Holding Investment, has been awarded a Dh49m contract to manage this nursery. Majid Al Futtaim Properties CEO Ahmed El Shamy said: "The concept of Ghaf Woods has been years in the making with a vision for sustainable living at the core. Since its unveiling one year ago, there's been a clear and growing demand from people who are looking for communities that foster a deeper connection with nature and the environment. "Our investment in a purpose-built tree nursery, and the partnership with Innovo Build, Barari Natural Resources and Mawarid Holding Investment, is a vital step in bringing this vision to life." In a related development, Majid Al Futtaim appointed United Engineering Construction Company as the main contractor for two residential projects within the Tilal Al Ghaf community in Dubai. "Majid Al Futtaim announces contractor for forest living project in Dubai" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Majid Al Futtaim awards $462mln contract for Dubai forest living project
UAE - Majid Al Futtaim, a leading pioneer in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced two significant milestones for its forest living concept, Ghaf Woods – the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery to support the project's biophilic design concept and the appointment of Innovo Build as the main contractor for its first two phases. Spanning 738,000 sqm off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses. The community will also be home to Majid Al Futtaim's signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which features a curated selection of retail and farm-to-table dining experiences, said the developer. Announcing the AED1.7 billion ($462 million) construction contract, Majid Al Futtaim said as per the deal, Innovo Build will be responsible for the construction of 13 buildings with a shared podium level across the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. Ghaf Woods, it stated, was redefining the concept of living with nature and this milestone is a demonstration of the unique offering it brings. The development's forest ecosystem is set to outnumber residents and serve as a vital 'Green Lung' delivering up to 20% cleaner air and temperatures up to five degrees Celsius cooler than other areas of the city. Prioritising wellness, Ghaf Woods promises residents 8km of walking trails, a 3.5km biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion. On the dedicated tree nursery, Majid Al Futtaim said with Ghaf Woods set to become a model for sustainable forest living in Dubai, the nursery will be the cornerstone of this vision, where thousands of native and climate-resilient tree species will be grown and nurtured over the next 18 months. Today, it is home to more than 10,000 trees with that figure set to increase to 20,000 and 105,000 shrubs by May 2026. It will eventually grow to house up to 30,000 trees, which will then be transported and replanted across Ghaf Woods. Majid Al Futtaim has awarded a AED49 million nursery contract to Barari Natural Resources, part of Mawarid Holding Investment, to manage and oversee the trees care and cultivation. The facility will be home to a diverse selection of climate-suitable species, including Acacias, Citrus, Ficus, Melia, Phoenix, Tecomella, Ziziphus, and the iconic Ghaf. All species have been procured from Egypt (Nile Delta), India, Thailand, and the UAE – including Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi, it added. Majid Al Futtaim Properties CEO Ahmed El Shamy said: "The concept of Ghaf Woods has been years in the making with a vision for sustainable living at the core. Since its unveiling one year ago, there's been a clear and growing demand from people who are looking for communities that foster a deeper connection with nature and the environment." "Our investment in a purpose-built tree nursery, and the partnership with Innovo Build, Barari Natural Resources and Mawarid Holding Investment, is a vital step in bringing this vision to life," he added. Innovo Build CEO Sameh Fam said: "We are proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to deliver the early phases of a development as visionary as Ghaf Woods – a project that reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and community-centric design." "This project redefines traditional construction, and requires us to build in harmony with nature, not around it. Our team will approach this landmark development with the precision, care and focus on sustainability that cements us as a contractor of choice in UAE," he added. Mawarid Holding Investment CEO Kashif Shamsi said: "This nursery is a critical foundation for the forest ecosystem at Ghaf Woods. Our focus is not only on scale but also on biodiversity, resilience, and ensuring every tree contributes meaningfully to the project's long-term environmental impact." "As one of the largest plant nursery operators in the GCC, we are proud to collaborate on one of the region's most forward-looking developments, and excited to see the landscape grow from the ground up," he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
04-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Majid Al Futtaim awards $462m contract for Dubai forest living project
Majid Al Futtaim, a leading pioneer in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced two significant milestones for its forest living concept, Ghaf Woods – the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery to support the project's biophilic design concept and the appointment of Innovo Build as the main contractor for its first two phases. Spanning 738,000 sqm off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses. The community will also be home to Majid Al Futtaim's signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which features a curated selection of retail and farm-to-table dining experiences, said the developer. Announcing the AED1.7 billion ($462 million) construction contract, Majid Al Futtaim said as per the deal, Innovo Build will be responsible for the construction of 13 buildings with a shared podium level across the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. Ghaf Woods, it stated, was redefining the concept of living with nature and this milestone is a demonstration of the unique offering it brings. The development's forest ecosystem is set to outnumber residents and serve as a vital 'Green Lung' delivering up to 20% cleaner air and temperatures up to five degrees Celsius cooler than other areas of the city. Prioritising wellness, Ghaf Woods promises residents 8km of walking trails, a 3.5km biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion. On the dedicated tree nursery, Majid Al Futtaim said with Ghaf Woods set to become a model for sustainable forest living in Dubai, the nursery will be the cornerstone of this vision, where thousands of native and climate-resilient tree species will be grown and nurtured over the next 18 months. Today, it is home to more than 10,000 trees with that figure set to increase to 20,000 and 105,000 shrubs by May 2026. It will eventually grow to house up to 30,000 trees, which will then be transported and replanted across Ghaf Woods. Majid Al Futtaim has awarded a AED49 million nursery contract to Barari Natural Resources, part of Mawarid Holding Investment, to manage and oversee the trees care and cultivation. The facility will be home to a diverse selection of climate-suitable species, including Acacias, Citrus, Ficus, Melia, Phoenix, Tecomella, Ziziphus, and the iconic Ghaf. All species have been procured from Egypt (Nile Delta), India, Thailand, and the UAE – including Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi, it added. Majid Al Futtaim Properties CEO Ahmed El Shamy said: "The concept of Ghaf Woods has been years in the making with a vision for sustainable living at the core. Since its unveiling one year ago, there's been a clear and growing demand from people who are looking for communities that foster a deeper connection with nature and the environment." "Our investment in a purpose-built tree nursery, and the partnership with Innovo Build, Barari Natural Resources and Mawarid Holding Investment, is a vital step in bringing this vision to life," he added. Innovo Build CEO Sameh Fam said: "We are proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to deliver the early phases of a development as visionary as Ghaf Woods – a project that reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and community-centric design." "This project redefines traditional construction, and requires us to build in harmony with nature, not around it. Our team will approach this landmark development with the precision, care and focus on sustainability that cements us as a contractor of choice in UAE," he added. Mawarid Holding Investment CEO Kashif Shamsi said: "This nursery is a critical foundation for the forest ecosystem at Ghaf Woods. Our focus is not only on scale but also on biodiversity, resilience, and ensuring every tree contributes meaningfully to the project's long-term environmental impact."
Al Bawaba
04-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Majid Al Futtaim Advances Vision for Forest Living at Ghaf Woods by Announcing a Dedicated Tree Nursery and Appointment of Contractor
Majid Al Futtaim, a leading pioneer in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, today announced two significant milestones for its forest living concept, Ghaf Woods – the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery to support the project's biophilic design concept and the appointment of Innovo Build as the main contractor for its first two Ghaf Woods set to become a model for sustainable forest living in Dubai, the nursery will be the cornerstone of this vision, where thousands of native and climate-resilient tree species will be grown and nurtured over the next 18 months. Today, the nursery is home to more than 10,000 trees with that figure set to increase to 20,000 and 105,000 shrubs by May 2026. It will eventually grow to house up to 30,000 trees, which will then be transported and replanted across Ghaf part of this exciting journey, the AED 49 million nursery contract has been awarded to Barari Natural Resources, part of Mawarid Holding Investment, who will manage and oversee the trees care and cultivation throughout this journey. The facility will be home to a diverse selection of climate-suitable species, including Acacias, Citrus, Ficus, Melia, Phoenix, Tecomella, Ziziphus, and the iconic Ghaf. All species have been procured from Egypt (Nile Delta), India, Thailand, and the UAE – including Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Woods is redefining the concept of living with nature and this milestone is a demonstration of the unique offering it brings. The development's forest ecosystem is set to outnumber residents and serve as a vital 'Green Lung' delivering up to 20% cleaner air and temperatures up to five degrees Celsius cooler than other areas of the city. These trees will also play a critical role in reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and shaping shaded pathways and green corridors throughout the El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: 'The concept of Ghaf Woods has been years in the making with a vision for sustainable living at the core. Since its unveiling one year ago, there's been a clear and growing demand from people who are looking for communities that foster a deeper connection with nature and the environment. Our investment in a purpose-built tree nursery, and the partnership with Barari Natural Resources and Mawarid Holding Investment, is a vital step in bringing this vision to life. We're also proud to be working with Innovo Build on the delivery of the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. It is through collaborations like these that we are setting a new benchmark for how nature, lifestyle and premium living can meaningfully coexist.'Kashif Shamsi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mawarid Holding Investment said: 'This nursery is a critical foundation for the forest ecosystem at Ghaf Woods. Our focus is not only on scale but also on biodiversity, resilience, and ensuring every tree contributes meaningfully to the project's long-term environmental impact. As one of the largest plant nursery operators in the GCC, we are proud to collaborate on one of the region's most forward-looking developments, and excited to see the landscape grow from the ground up.'Meanwhile, Innovo Build has been awarded the AED 1.7 billion contract for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Ghaf Woods, including the construction and completion of 13 buildings with a shared podium level across the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. Known for their expertise in sustainable, high-quality developments, Innovo Build's portfolio spans luxury residences, villa communities, educational institutions, and critical sustainability at the heart of its operations, Innovo Build will focus on Ghaf Woods' forest living concept, blending contemporary architecture with immersive natural surroundings to create a new standard for urban living in Fam, Chief Executive Officer, Innovo Build said: 'We are proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to deliver the early phases of a development as visionary as Ghaf Woods – a project that reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and community-centric design. This project redefines traditional construction, and requires us to build in harmony with nature, not around it. Our team will approach this landmark development with the precision, care and focus on sustainability that cements us as a contractor of choice in UAE.'Spanning 738,000 square metres off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses. Prioritising wellness, Ghaf Woods promises residents eight kilometres of walking trails, a three-and-a-half-kilometre biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion. The community will also be home to Majid Al Futtaim's signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which features a curated selection of retail and farm-to-table dining experiences. For more information on phase three of Ghaf Woods, please visit
