Dubai master developer Nakheel last month (April) awarded contracts worth over AED3.5 billion ($953 million) to Ginco General Contracting and United Engineering Construction (UNEC) for the construction of 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali.

As per the deals, Ginco will build 354 villas across Fronds A to D, while UNEC will deliver 190 villas on Fronds E and F. Construction is set to commence this quarter, with completion targeted for Q4 2028.

The awarded villas form part of a wider collection of 10 architectural typologies, designed to maximise waterfront positioning and sea views while incorporating smart-home features and sustainability-focused design principles.

These contract awards build on continued progress at Palm Jebel Ali and align with the 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goals.

Also last month, Nakheel awarded an AED527 million contract to Al Nasr Contracting Company for carrying out primary infrastructure and utilities works on Island B at Dubai Islands.

The works will establish the essential infrastructure platform required to unlock residential, hospitality and mixed-use development across Island B, said Nakheel in a statement. 

The scope includes roads and paving, potable water, electrical and telecom networks, drainage and sewage systems, and integration with the district cooling plant network, alongside technical coordination with Island A. 

The development is designed to accommodate more than 231,000 residents across 49,000 homes including villas, mansions and apartments, alongside a mix of resorts, marinas, retail and leisure assets.

Island B forms a central component of the masterplan, requiring comprehensive enabling works to facilitate future vertical construction and integrated utilities networks.