The General Authority for Awqaf has signed a strategic MoU with Dur Hospitality that aims to establish a private company tasked with developing a five-star hotel tower in the central area of Madinah.
The agreement was signed by Sultan bin Bader Al-Otaibi, CEO of Dur Hospitality, and Haitham bin Mohammed Al-Fayez, CEO of Awqaf Investment Company, on Oct. 30 in Riyadh.
Under this MoU, property number 125 will be leased with an area of 1,379 square meters to develop and operate a five-star hotel under the Makarem Hotels’ brand, a subsidiary of Dur Hospitality specialized in serving the two holy cities. The project land is strategically located in close proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque, on Abu Obeida bin Jarrah Road in the north side of the city.
Emad bin Saleh Al-Kharashi, governor of the General Authority for Awqaf, said the deal complements Awqaf’s investment strategy to enter partnerships with the private sector in order to contribute to the organization, preservation and development of Awqaf.
Dur Hospitality to develop 5-star hotel in Madinah
Dur Hospitality to develop 5-star hotel in Madinah
Meraas unveils Dubai Design District residential masterplan
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has unveiled an expanded residential masterplan for Dubai Design District, transforming the district into one of Dubai’s most desirable creative-led waterfront neighborhoods. The development will introduce contemporary canal-front living, cultural quarters, public green spaces and walkable urban streets, creating a fully integrated community where global talent can live, work and innovate.
Located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the enhanced masterplan spans 18 million square feet of land. Designed and delivered by Meraas, the neighborhood blends residential, cultural, retail and hospitality experiences, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global center for design, innovation and culture, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The residential expansion also responds to increasing market demand, following the strong performance of recent launches and growing interest from both local and international buyers seeking design-led, well-connected waterfront communities.
A defining feature of the new masterplan is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine that seamlessly connects the entire district. Activated through public art, creative installations, community spaces and landscaped green corridors, it will support walkable, human-centric living while strengthening d3’s identity as one of Dubai’s most design-forward urban neighborhoods. The masterplan is also targeting LEED Silver community certification, with sustainable mobility, enhanced connectivity, energy-efficient design and integration with natural landscapes, including visual links to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Five distinct areas will shape the character of the new neighborhood. Along the canal, the first will introduce contemporary residences and boutique hospitality set against an activated waterfront promenade. The urban core will unite residential offerings with curated retail and dining, integrated with d3’s established global creative ecosystem. A third area will become the cultural heart of the community, featuring performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the d3 Bowl. Another will offer a wellness-focused residential setting defined by parks, sports facilities and a mangrove-inspired landscape. The final area will become a center for creativity, with galleries, studios and loft-style spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity and artistic production.
Khalid Al-Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “Expanding the Dubai Design District masterplan into a fully integrated creative neighborhood is a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This development strengthens Dubai Design District’s position as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living and reaffirms Dubai’s status as a destination of choice for long-term investment, talent and innovation.”
Momentum around the district continues to accelerate. Meraas’ recent residential releases at d3 have attracted exceptional demand, including the rapid sell-out of Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower, and the successful launch of The Edit, a three-tower development offering 557 design-led homes.
With its expanded vision, new residential offering and distinctive creative identity, the enhanced d3 masterplan will establish the district as one of Dubai’s most inspiring and globally relevant neighborhoods — a place where creativity shapes everyday life and where the world’s creative community can truly belong.
