Iconic projects. Sustainable development. Innovative construction. Hydra Properties is the fastest growing real estate company in the Middle East. With Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim
Against the backdrop of the UAE's extraordinary oil and gas reserves and some of the world's highest per-capita energy consumption and waste generation, the Masdar development looks set to transform the way developers look at the issue of sustainable development.
In recent years, the Gulf has been a magnet for developers attracted by the prospect of big returns. But with a global economic downturn starting to bite, the region's construction sector might need to re-evaluate its spending priorities.
Last year, VINCI’s order book stood at an impressive $27 billion – enough to make it the world’s largest concession and construction company. And, as Senior Editor Ben Thompson found out, the Middle East is an important area of focus for the firm.
Construction companies under pressure to think more about sustainability when they are designing their developments. But given the harsh desert climates, can the Middle East’s buildings really go green?