Dubai Holding has signed the largest construction contract in its history with China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East, in a deal valued at AED 5 billion, marking another major step in the Group’s investment in landmark projects that support Dubai’s ongoing growth.
The signing of the construction contract was witnessed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Holding. The agreement covers the development of the Group’s new headquarters as well as the Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers project.
The agreement is the largest construction contract awarded by Dubai Holding to date and reflects the Group’s continued commitment to directing capital toward projects and assets that support long-term economic growth while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global destination for business, investment, and luxury living.
A New Dubai Holding Headquarters in the Heart of the City
Dubai Holding’s new headquarters is expected to become a prominent architectural addition to Dubai’s urban landscape, bringing the Group’s operations together within an integrated workplace designed around collaboration, sustainability, employee well-being, and quality of life.
The building will be located in one of the emirate’s leading commercial districts and is scheduled to open in 2029.
The project has been designed to keep pace with Dubai Holding’s business growth and future ambitions by creating a modern headquarters that brings the Group’s teams together and provides workspaces that encourage stronger communication and collaboration.
World-Class Architectural Design
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), one of the world’s leading architecture, engineering, and urban planning firms, designed Dubai Holding’s new headquarters, drawing on its extensive experience behind a number of internationally recognized buildings.
The headquarters features a distinctive circular design, with workspaces arranged around a central open-air atrium and landscaped courtyard, creating a connected and open working environment.
Expansive terraces complement the design and provide additional spaces that encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas among teams. Employee health and well-being, sustainability, and the use of advanced technological solutions are also central priorities in the building’s design.
The project takes resource efficiency into account while aiming to enhance the workplace experience and create an environment capable of meeting the needs of the Group’s employees both today and in the future.
Dubai Holding aims for the headquarters to achieve advanced international standards in sustainability and employee experience while contributing to lower carbon emissions over time.
An Investment Supporting Dubai’s Long-Term Growth
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Dubai’s success is the result of a clear vision for the future, confidence in purposeful investment, and discipline in implementing plans and strategies in a way that translates ambition into tangible results. Guided by this vision, we continue to direct capital toward assets that support economic growth and create value for our employees, the communities we serve, and future generations, building on a strong foundation of capabilities and expertise.”
He added: “For more than two decades, Dubai Holding has played a pivotal role in the transformation witnessed by the emirate, and our businesses have contributed to generating economic activity equivalent to 30% of Dubai’s gross domestic product. This investment reflects our long-term ambition as we continue to set new benchmarks for what a global city can achieve and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for business, investment, and talent.”
This vision reflects the role Dubai Holding continues to play in supporting the local economy and developing assets and projects with long-term value, while focusing on sectors that can further strengthen the emirate’s competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers: 754 Luxury Homes
The contract also covers the completion of Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, which will feature 754 Jumeirah-branded residential units across two towers at the same location.
The development is set to add a new offering to Dubai’s luxury residential market through its distinctive architecture and a location directly connected to some of the city’s most prominent business, cultural, and lifestyle destinations.
The project is being developed by Meraas, while SCDA Architects is responsible for its design, bringing together contemporary architecture, Arabian hospitality, and Jumeirah’s renowned service experience.
The development will also offer a curated selection of lifestyle, wellness, and leisure experiences, with handover of the residential units scheduled to begin in 2030.
A New Chapter in Dubai Holding’s Journey
Amit Kaushal said: “This commitment demonstrates the scale of investment we continue to direct toward the future, while also reflecting a clear growth strategy and a considered approach to allocating our financial resources. We are directing capital toward strengthening our portfolio, developing high-quality assets, and creating sustainable long-term value for the Group and Dubai as a whole.”
He added: “Our new headquarters marks the next phase in the evolution of our business, with a design based on global standards that establishes a new benchmark for premium office spaces in Dubai and responds to the needs of the talent shaping our future today and in the years ahead. Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers translates the same ambition into a luxury residential development that adds a distinctive destination to one of the city’s most prominent areas and enriches our real estate portfolio.”
The two projects underline Dubai Holding’s focus on investing in assets that combine quality, advanced design, and long-term value across both the workplace and luxury residential sectors.
A Partnership Reflecting Confidence in Dubai’s Economy
Tian Sanchuan said: “We are proud to have been selected by Dubai Holding to deliver these two landmark projects, which reflects the level of mutual trust between both parties. Dubai’s exceptional business environment, built on openness and equal opportunities, has contributed to the success of our operations in the emirate, while the wise leadership’s forward-looking vision has laid the foundations for this environment. These landmark projects reflect the resilience and strength of Dubai’s economy, further reinforcing our confidence in its continued growth. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting Dubai’s development journey and are proud to contribute to its progress and future ambitions.”
The cooperation between Dubai Holding and the Chinese company reflects the strong level of confidence in Dubai’s business environment, as well as the continued participation of international companies in the emirate’s major development projects.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Ou Boqian, Consul General of China in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; Amit Kaushal, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding; Tian Sanchuan, Chairman of China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East; and a number of senior representatives from both sides.
Experience Spanning More Than 110 Projects Across the Gulf
China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East began operating in the United Arab Emirates in 2003 and has since completed more than 110 major projects across the Gulf region.
Its portfolio spans several sectors, including residential developments, commercial buildings, hospitality, and infrastructure, providing the company with extensive experience in delivering large and complex projects across the region.
The company also benefits from the global capabilities of its parent group, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, one of the world’s largest construction and investment groups.