UAE’s Al Habtoor Group plans 3 mega residential projects in 2023 worth $2.58bn

The current Habtoor Tower will be replaced by an ultra-luxurious residential tower (Shutterstock)
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Updated 26 December 2022
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UAE’s Al Habtoor Group plans 3 mega residential projects in 2023 worth $2.58bn

RIYADH: UAE-based conglomerate Al Habtoor Group will build three mega residential projects worth an estimated 9.5 billion dirhams ($2.58 billion) across Dubai in 2023, according to a statement.

“The strong economic recovery in Dubai in 2022 and the high development levels that have reached new heights not even witnessed before the COVID-19 crisis, were encouraging factors to be involved again in the real estate sector and increase investments in new quality projects," the statement said, citing founding Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor.

Located in Al Habtoor City, the first project is set to entail a number of residential towers, one of which is set to be the largest worldwide in terms of size and number of apartments.

Serving the hospitality and entertainment sectors, the complex aims to cater to all lifestyles. The construction costs for this complex have amounted to 4.5 billion dirhams.

The second project – worth an accumulated 2.5 billion dirhams - poses a unique residential development that will be located in Habtoor Grand Resort in Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Meanwhile, the third project will work on revamping the Habtoor Tower in Marina at a cost amounting to 2.5 billion dirhams.

Under the third project, the current Habtoor Tower will be replaced by an ultra-luxurious residential tower in the heart of the Dubai Marina with extraordinary views.

“The expanded portfolio will be financed internally. AHG considers that these expansion projects are a necessity and a clear reflection of the Nation’s Leadership and vision resulting in a growth of the UAE economy at an unmatched pace by any other country,” according to the statement from AHG.

In September, company CEO Mohammed Al-Habtoor said that AHG is set to list on the Dubai Financial Market within two years, depending on market conditions.

The group’s allocations amount to approximately 3 billion dirhams, and approximately $3.5 billion are invested in Habtoor City, which is a Dubai mixed-use development with three hotels. 

AHG was founded as an engineering company in the UAE in the 1970s, and today it operates in hospitality, automotive, real estate, education, and publishing.


Saudi POS spending rises 4.5% to $3.8bn in late February: SAMA 

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Saudi POS spending rises 4.5% to $3.8bn in late February: SAMA 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale spending rose 4.5 percent to SR14.5 billion ($3.8 billion) in the week ending Feb. 28, even as the number of transactions declined.

According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, the total number of transactions fell 4.6 percent to 210.53 million during the period.

Freight transport and postal services recorded the largest jump, surging 50.4 percent to SR121.35 million. Apparel and clothing followed with a 44.2 percent gain to SR1.9 billion. 

Personal care transactions grew 21.7 percent, while books and stationery advanced 8.3 percent. Hotel receipts also increased 11.1 percent to SR376.26 million. 

Pharmacies and medical supplies registered a 23.5 percent rise to SR254.51 million, while medical services edged up 10.2 percent to SR531.56 million. 

Food and beverage purchases declined 11.4 percent to SR2.33 billion, though the segment still accounted for the largest share of POS activity. Restaurants and cafes followed with a 1.8 percent drop to SR1.22 billion. 

The Kingdom’s key urban centers reflected the broader trend. Riyadh, which accounted for the largest share of POS activity, recorded a 2.5 percent increase to SR4.86 billion, compared with SR4.75 billion the previous week. Transactions in the capital totaled 65.7 million, down 5.9 percent week on week. 

In Jeddah, transaction values climbed 5.6 percent to SR2 billion, while Dammam posted a 1.6 percent uptick to SR689 million. 

Weekly POS figures tracked by SAMA offer insight into consumer behavior and the continued expansion of digital payments across Saudi Arabia. 

The data also highlights the expanding reach of POS infrastructure, extending beyond major retail hubs to smaller cities and service sectors, supporting broader digital inclusion initiatives.  

The growth of digital payment technologies aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, promoting electronic transactions and contributing to the Kingdom’s broader digital economy.