Dar Global awards platform contract for Trump International Dubai as construction moves to next phase
Dar Global has awarded the platform construction contract for the Trump International Dubai tower to Gulf Asia Contracting, advancing the Trump International Dubai project into its next major stage. The developer said the move follows the early completion of key enabling works and keeps the 350‑metre, 80‑storey tower on its approved schedule. The news underscores momentum for the luxury mixed‑use development anchored on Sheikh Zayed Road at the entrance to Downtown Dubai.
Contract awarded to Gulf Asia Contracting
Dar Global, the London Stock Exchange‑listed developer, confirmed the award for platform works to Gulf Asia Contracting. The contract covers the construction of the building platform that will support the hotel and tower podium structures. Company officials described the appointment as a critical milestone that transitions the project from site preparation into vertical construction.
Site location and project scale
The Trump International Dubai development sits on Sheikh Zayed Road at the gateway to Downtown Dubai, a location strategic for visibility and connectivity. The tower is designed to rise 350 metres across 80 storeys, positioning it among Dubai’s tallest residential and hotel mixed‑use buildings. The site’s placement at a major artery into Downtown Dubai is expected to enhance both its commercial appeal and accessibility.
Design features and signature amenities
Plans for the development include what the developer describes as the highest outdoor pool in Dubai and two distinctive penthouse residences inspired by the iconic Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York. The scheme will combine a branded luxury hotel with residential components and podium facilities. These design elements are intended to reinforce the project’s positioning at the upper end of Dubai’s hospitality and residential markets.
Construction timeline and recent progress
Dar Global said the decision to appoint Gulf Asia Contracting follows the early completion of essential enabling and groundwork works ahead of their scheduled September 2026 date. With the platform contract now in place, the project will enter its next construction phase, moving toward superstructure erection. The developer stressed that the programme remains aligned with the approved timeline established when the project was announced in April 2025.
Developer statements and strategic partnerships
Ziad Al Shaar, chief executive of Dar Global, welcomed the contract award and framed it as evidence of steady progress on the development. He highlighted the importance of working with established contractors to maintain quality across construction stages. The developer has emphasised collaboration with major contractors as a pillar of its delivery strategy for high‑profile projects.
Market context and skyline implications
The Trump International Dubai tower is set to contribute visibly to Dubai’s skyline and add to a pipeline of branded luxury properties in the emirate. Market observers note that landmark projects along Sheikh Zayed Road and in Downtown Dubai continue to draw investor and tourist interest. The addition of a tall, branded hotel and residential tower at a prominent city gateway is likely to be watched closely by competitors and potential buyers alike.
Dar Global’s announcement comes as Dubai sustains significant development activity in premium hospitality and residential segments. For Gulf Asia Contracting, the platform contract represents a high‑visibility scope of work that will be followed by successive packages as the tower rises.
The early handover of enabling works enabled the accelerated procurement of the platform contract, signalling tight coordination between the developer, contractors and consultants. As on‑site activity shifts toward vertical construction, the developer and contractor teams will focus on structural sequencing, safety protocols and logistics for building on a constrained urban plot.
Final commissioning, fit‑out timelines and hotel operator agreements will be released in subsequent project updates, the developer indicated. In the near term, stakeholders will monitor milestone completions and any adjustments to the construction programme as the tower advances above ground.
The appointment of Gulf Asia Contracting to deliver the platform works marks a visible step forward for Trump International Dubai and reflects Dar Global’s ongoing execution of its luxury development pipeline in the UAE.