Gensler has published its 2025 Design Forecast Report and identified design trends that will impact the real estate and built environment in 2025, emphasising a new age of city centre design that is human-centered to include adaptable spaces.

With forward-thinking research and strategic advice, the trend report empowers clients and industry partners to tackle today’s critical challenges and create a positive impact in their communities, said a statement from the firm.

“This year’s Design Forecast demonstrates how bold, visionary design can address global challenges and make a tangible impact. We are at a transformative moment in our industry, one that demands groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions to enhance the human experience. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about design’s potential to shape a sustainable future that inspires and positively impacts people in meaningful ways,” said Tim Martin and Tariq Sheikh, Co-Regional Managing Directors and Principals at Gensler Middle East.

The report highlights five key trends shaping the future of cities, the global surge in sustainable design, and what is driving the built environment across the Middle East in 2025:

• Experience-driven lifestyle districts reignite global cities – Mixed use lifestyle and entertainment districts will take centre stage in 2025 as the new anchors for cities looking to drive community engagement and bring people together around visceral shared experiences. Hospitality, retail, sports, and residential spaces make up the mix of these experience-driven areas, the rise of which is also driving demand for safe streets and reliable transit options
• Demand for sustainable design supercharges innovation and value – The sustainable surge is also driving demand for game-changing innovations in construction processes and the materials industry. Adaptive reuse of old buildings, energy-efficient designs, weather-scenario planning, and other green techniques are anticipating local climate challenges, while reducing waste and carbon emissions. Solutions such low- or no-carbon interior finishes and furnishings, and zero-carbon cement are leading the materials revolution

• Deeply discounted buildings drive a conversion boom: As the cost of capital comes down, 2025 will usher in a new financial environment that will inspire developers to seek out creative conversions of all types. Specifically the Middle East region is expected to see conversion from hospitality to healthcare, sports to retail, office to residential and more
• The workplace of the future has arrived: In 2025, tenants will continue to search for workplace experiences that motivate employees and meet their professional aspirations. Class A buildings close to transit and within the 20-minute lifestyle mix. In Abu Dhabi, Gensler’s design for a cybersecurity firm applies urban design principles to create a multi-functional workspace
• Luxury housing meets growing demand: Attainable market-rate housing becomes the number one priority for cities around the world in 2025 as new financial incentives and lowering interest rates converge with changes to zoning laws and building codes to create an attractive market for housing developments of all types
• Mixed-income developments gaining traction, with affordable housing projects balancing rapid urban expansion in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. These initiatives aim to address the needs of a growing middle class, while supporting government ambitions to improve homeownership rates. The integration of smart city concepts, cultural heritage preservation, and green infrastructure is redefining housing in the Kingdom, aligning with its aspirations for a more sustainable urban future

As cities worldwide face evolving challenges, Gensler’s 2025 Design Forecast offers a blueprint for building adaptable, sustainable environments that put people at the center. By advancing adaptive reuse, setting new standards in sustainable materials, and mixed housing solutions, the global teams are re-imagining how design can shape the vibrant, flexible communities of tomorrow, the statement outlined.

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Gulf Warehousing Company has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, GWC Energy Services, has signed a deal with Saudi Offshore Fabrication Company (OFC) to develop 100,000sqm of ‘Grade A’ logistics facilities at Ras Al Khair Industrial Port.

Under this agreement, GWC Energy Services will develop OFC’s storage and logistics facilities, leveraging its expertise in logistics and energy supply chain solutions to ensure the facilities are optimised to best serve clients’ needs.

After signing the deal with Engineer Fahhad Alharbi, Chief Executive Officer of OFC, Matthew Kearns, Deputy CEO of GWC commented, “This collaboration represents a significant step in our expansion strategy and reinforces our commitment to strengthening our footprint in the Saudi market. Recently, GWC has also signed a head of Terms with GFH Financial Group (GFH) to develop 200,000sqm of Grade A logistics facilities across key locations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Combining the expertise of GWC Energy Services with the capabilities of OFC will drive operational excellence and efficiency.”

“This collaboration also underscores our dedication to strengthening our regional presence through strategic partnerships with leading companies, further cementing our position as a leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider across the region,” he added.

 Established in 2022, OFC emerged as the first Saudi company specialising in manufacturing offshore rigs and providing comprehensive offshore logistics support to drilling contractors, offshore platforms, and subsea pipeline projects for Saudi Aramco and other key players in the Gulf region, said a statement.

Funded by Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures and the Saudi Social Development Bank, OFC is strategically positioned at Ras Al-Khair Port, close to the world’s largest offshore field, Safaniyah, and the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services, the largest full-service marine yard in the Middle East, it concluded.

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Musanadah has announced a partnership with CoolPlanet, an energy efficiency and decarbonisation solutions firm in Ireland, with a signing ceremony at the Irish Embassy in Riyadh. The collaboration marks a step in Musanadah’s mission to support the Kingdom’s Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 economic diversification program, together with its commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2060.

Musanadah Energy and Sustainability Services and will combine its local market expertise and extensive relationships with CoolPlanet’s international engineering prowess to deliver innovative and comprehensive energy and sustainability services to both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. These services are designed to help clients significantly reduce their carbon footprint, optimise energy usage, and unlock energy savings through advanced data-driven solutions, said a statement.

Musanadah certified by Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre as an energy services company (ESCO), has been granted both a level 2 energy services companies license and level 3 industrial energy audit license. This development underscores its technical capability to manage end-to-end decarbonisation and energy optimisation solutions on a range of assets in the built environment, including mega-projects, oil and gas plants, and industrial facilities.

From detailed assessments and advanced engineering analysis to complex engineering project delivery, Musanadah empowers its clients to make informed data-driven decisions. This is followed by ongoing, real-time monitoring, ensuring measurable results in terms of energy savings and carbon reduction.

“We are thrilled to partner with CoolPlanet to deliver world-class energy and sustainability services,” commented Rami Alturki, President & CEO of Alturki Holding, Musanadah’s parent company. “This partnership aligns with our dedication to drive impactful change, support the Kingdom’s environmental targets, and deliver tangible results for our clients.”

Norman Crowley, Chairman of CoolPlanet commented, “Today marks a pivotal moment as CoolPlanet exclusively partners with Musanadah to advance the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Saudi Green Initiative and drive meaningful action toward Net Zero by 2060. Together, we’re not only elevating sustainability standards but also paving the way for impactful, innovative solutions that will set a benchmark for environmental stewardship across Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Distinguishing the combined Musanadah and CoolPlanet offering is the ability to provide a full suite of services under one integrated digital platform. Clients benefit from seamless monitoring and management, from the plant room to the boardroom, using multiple data points that feed into a single enterprise-level solution. The platform delivers real-time insights through a custom-built, dynamic dashboard, showing a clear glide path to achieving energy savings and financial goals, the statement explained.

In addition to the technology platform, clients will benefit from Musanadah’s support team on the ground in Saudi Arabia to guide and assist with decision-making. This combination of cutting-edge technology and hands-on support ensures clients fully realise the potential of their energy and sustainability programs.

With this collaboration, Musanadah and CoolPlanet are positioned to play a pivotal role in helping organisations across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain achieve their sustainability targets, reduce costs, and contribute to the region’s broader environmental goals.

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Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has announced that a total of 16 utility project developers have now been pre-qualified for the sixth round of solar projects coming up across the Kingdom. These will provide an overall power capacity of 3,000MW.

The projects are being implemented under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) which is led and supervised by the Ministry of Energy. The Round 6 solar projects comprise the 1400MWac capacity Najran Solar IPP and 600MWac Darab Solar PV IPP in the Southern Province, as well as 600MWac Samtah Solar PV IPP and 400MWac Sufun Solar PV IPP in the Central Province.

The list of the pre-qualified bidders includes global players such as French utility majors EDF Renouvelables and Total Energies; Japanese heavyweights Marubeni, Sumitomo and Jera, as well as Korean groups Kepco and Korea Western Power. This is in addition to Chinese utility majors Spic Huanghe Hydropower and Jinko Power (Hong Kong) and leading Singaporean energy and urban solutions provider, Sembcorp Utilities.

The 3,000MW solar projects also saw several Saudi groups bidding, both on their own and in consortium with global firms. Among those now pre-qualified by SPPC, the major names are Nesma Renewable Energy; Al Jomaih Energy & Water and Al Gihaz Holding Company; as well as Alfanar Company in consortium with PowerChina and FAS Energy, with Saudi Electricity Company.

UAE-based Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar); Kahrabel, the regional unit of French utility major Engie (in consortium with Korean group Posco International) are also in the race.

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Parsons Corporation has been awarded a US $53mn, three-year contract by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) in Saudi Arabia for program management office (PMO) services on its Main and Ring Roads Program.

“We are proud to call the RCRC a long-standing client of ours and are honored to be working on the Main and Ring Roads Program alongside them,” said Martin Boson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Parsons’ Saudi Arabian operations. “With Riyadh being the most populated city in Saudi Arabia, the program plays a fundamental role in facilitating the smooth mobility of people and vehicles within the city in the safest and most efficient way possible.”

Under the contract, Parsons will be the PMO for all new major road development programs in Riyadh, providing overall management and control of construction activities. The program includes approximately 500km of new and improved road corridor works. Key objectives of the program are to keep the city moving during construction and also to meet the requirements associated with the growth plans for the City of Riyadh, including tackling congestion and hosting global events such as the Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

RCRC is responsible for delivering several megaprojects in Riyadh which are being developed by government agencies who have been tasked with realising the country’s Vision 2030 programs. Parsons has been a trusted partner in delivering critical infrastructure in Europe and the Middle East for over 65 years and currently has more than 50 active projects in Saudi Arabia, said a statement.

Parsons has been working with RCRC for over a decade on projects including the city transportation masterplan for Riyadh and has provided program and construction management services for the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, with the Riyadh Metro as the centerpiece along with a new bus network. The Main and Ring Roads Program will provide a critical interfacing layer within this transformational, multi-modal system, it added.

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Dar Global has announced the launch of two landmark projects in Riyadh in partnership with The Trump Organization. This new agreement marks the fourth and fifth collaboration between the two firms and builds on the Trump International Oman in the AIDA development.

Targeting the Saudi Arabian market and international investors, the projects advance Dar Global’s growth strategy of capitalising on opportunities across key cities in the Kingdom. As the international arm of the Saudi developer Dar Al Arkan, these developments further solidify Dar Global’s position as a leader in delivering premium real estate in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Dar Global currently has US $7.5bn worth of projects under development in six countries – the UAE, Oman, Qatar, the UK, Spain, and most recently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said a statement from the firm.

Dar Global will launch Trump Tower Jeddah, the third project between Dar Global and The Trump Organization. The venture highlights the decade-long relationship between The Trump Organization and Ziad El Chaar of Dar Global, further reinforcing their shared vision of creating iconic developments that redefine luxury living.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global said, “We are proud to expand our collaboration with The Trump Organization and deliver new iconic projects in Riyadh, building on the success of Trump International Oman. These developments will redefine luxury living in Saudi Arabia’s capital and strengthen our presence in this high-growth market. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for quality and sophistication.”

Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization added, “Following the remarkable success of Trump International Oman, as well as our most recent ventures in Dubai and Jeddah, we are thrilled to announce two additional projects in Riyadh. These developments will set the standard in luxury for years to come, and we are honored to continue our decade-long partnership with Ziad El Chaar and Dar Global to offer an unparalleled residential and lifestyle experience in these key markets.”

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Pinnacle Developers has partnered with Devmark to launch Vitalia Palm Jumeirah Residences, a waterfront development on the Palm Jumeirah. The project will offer future residents an unparalleled lifestyle in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, said a statement.

Devmark has been appointed as the agent for the sales and marketing of the project, which embodies the Italian art of ‘La Dolce Vita’—the good life—through its design and vistas towards the Arabian Gulf.

Located on the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Vitalia rises nine stories and features 45 residences, ranging from two- and three-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom duplexes and penthouses. Designed by Model and with interiors by Sneha Divias Atelier, Vitalia Palm Jumeirah Residences is a sanctuary where every detail is crafted to evoke elegance and comfort. Each home is artfully designed to a European lifestyle while capturing the waterfront living, the statement said.

Vitalia aims to offers premium amenities tailored for wellness and relaxation. It will feature a fitness centre featuring Technogym equipment and multiple swimming pools, including a children’s pool, designed to cater to both the physical well-being and leisure needs of residents, while EV charging stations will be available on the ground floor to elevate sustainable living.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Pinnacle Developers to bring to market Vitalia, marking a significant addition to Dubai’s waterfront developments,” said Richard Aybar, Managing Director of Devmark. “Waterfront developments continue to attract discerning buyers, reflecting their sophisticated tastes and quest for exclusivity and investment potential. With Vitalia, we are not just setting a new benchmark; we are redefining luxury waterfront living in one of Dubai’s most iconic locations.”

The location of Vitalia provides residents with access to Dubai’s attractions, including shopping malls, restaurants, and recreational venues. Just 15 minutes from Dubai Marina and 35 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Vitalia ensures connectivity and convenience are at the forefront of the living experience. Slated for completion by 2026, Devmark is currently accepting bookings, offering prospective residents the chance to own a part of this exceptional new addition to Palm Jumeirah.

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Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, the operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones has announced plans to develop a specialised zone for aquaculture and related industries. The zone is the result of growing demand within the industry for dedicated infrastructure and connectivity to serve the domestic and international markets from Abu Dhabi.

KEZAD Group is the key partner in Abu Dhabi’s AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (Agwa) Cluster, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said a statement.

Agwa aims to provide a key platform to support local suppliers and exporters to maximise commercial opportunities, and ease pressure on agriculture systems, and by 2045, this cluster is expected to contribute in incremental gross domestic product to the Abu Dhabi economy, create more than 60,0000 new jobs and attract investments.

Aquaculture is a key driver of sustainable food production as it alleviates pressure on wild fish resources. Currently, the UAE consumes approximately 220,000t of seafood annually, with 70% of this demand being met through imports. KEZAD’s new aquaculture zone is designed to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic production.

By developing a hub for aquaculture and related industries, KEZAD Group is not only enhancing the UAE’s food supply chain but also establishing the country in sustainable seafood production, as the UAE aims for attaining the No 1 position on the Global Food Security Index by 2050, the statement outlined.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said, “Food security is a top priority for the UAE, and KEZAD Group is proud to contribute to this national and regional objective in line with our wise leadership’s vision, and in support of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. Our planned aquaculture zone will strengthen our country’s resilience, reduce reliance on imports, and create a sustainable model for food production in the region. The aquaculture zone is part of KEZAD Group’s broader strategy to provide world-class industrial ecosystems that cater to high-growth sectors. This initiative complements ongoing efforts for food security, while addressing regional challenges in food supply and sustainability.”

The global aquaculture market was valued at approximately US $244bn in 2023 and is projected to reach $360.6bn by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4.5%. In the Middle East and Africa, the aquaculture market is expected to grow to $22.3bn by 2028, with a CAGR of 4.8%.

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Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has announced the completion of the first two phases of its Salalah masterplan. The comprehensive development initiative is designed to harness the economic, environmental, and social potential of the Dhofar region.

Following the completion of these phases, which involve data collection and analysis, the ministry said it was currently working on the general structural plan and detailed regional plans.

Spanning over 427m sqm between Salalah and the wilayat of Taqah, the plan aims to accommodate more than 480,000 residents, marking an important milestone in Dhofar’s urban evolution.

A key feature of the initiative is the ‘Future City’ of Salalah, spanning seven sqkm and designed to house 60,000 residents in approximately 12,000 housing units. The city will incorporate modern urban design with sustainable practices, green spaces spanning 2.5m sqm, recreational parks, cultural facilities, and a seafront.

Using advanced, AI-led technologies, a climate-resilient infrastructure is central to the overall vision, ensuring long-term appeal and adaptability.

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The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with Partanna, a Bahamian climate tech company, to establish its regional headquarters and a manufacturing facility in the UAE capital. This collaboration will establish the emirate as the regional epicentre for carbon-negative building materials, creating new possibilities for global sustainability.

The agreement will support Partanna’s ambitions to decarbonise the US $400bn global cement industry, facilitating the company’s establishment of large-scale manufacturing operations in Abu Dhabi and servicing the regional market.

As part of the collaboration, Partanna will produce Verra-certified carbon credits, supporting the reduction of carbon emissions in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s climate goals. Cement production accounts for nearly 9% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and traditional manufacturing methods remain among the most significant contributors to climate change.

Partanna pointed out that its modern reinterpretation of cement offers an innovative, scalable solution. By replacing carbon-intensive clinkering with magnesium compounds derived from brine – a by-product of desalination – Partanna turns a waste stream into a valuable resource while producing a cost competitive product, said a statement.

Under the agreement, Partanna’s new facility in Abu Dhabi will convert waste brine into carbon-negative cement, not only neutralising emissions but also actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere, transforming concrete into a carbon sink. Complying with international building standards, Partanna cement is compatible with reinforced steel and shows improved strength in saltwater conditions.

The new Abu Dhabi facility will produce up to three million tonnes of Partanna binder annually – equivalent to 10% of the UAE’s cement market – while setting the stage for expansion across the region and beyond. By achieving this output, Partanna will achieve the same positive carbon impact as the Borneo Rainforest, offsetting approximately 7.98m metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.

ADIO Director General, Badr Al Olama said: “At the core of Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation lies innovation. Through strategic partnerships with pioneering companies like Partanna, we are demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. This collaboration is a testament to our unwavering commitment to shaping the industries of future, and to accelerating industrial innovation.”

Rick Fox, the Co-Founder and CEO of Partanna commented, “From the Roman Empire to the modern era, great civilisations are built on great materials. Partanna is bringing a new era of cement to the world and there’s no better place to scale our business globally than Abu Dhabi. This isn’t just about building a factory; it’s about building a future. With ADIO’s support, we’re creating a roadmap to scale this globally and show that sustainable construction is not only possible, but profitable.”

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