Dubai-based developer Ellington Properties has awarded a contract valued at over AED 1 billion ($272 million) to China Railway 18th Bureau Group for its Mercer House project in Uptown Dubai. The twin-tower development signals continued momentum in the city’s high-end residential construction sector.
Dubai-based developer Ellington Properties has awarded an AED 1 billion-plus ($272 million) contract to China Railway 18th Bureau Group for the construction of its Mercer House residential project in Uptown Dubai, adjacent to Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).
The project involves the construction of two towers: the 34-storey North Tower and the 41-storey South Tower. Mercer House will offer a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside expansive four-bedroom penthouses. The appointment of the Beijing-headquartered construction firm marks a significant step forward for the development.
This major contract award reflects the sustained high activity in Dubai’s property sector, which has seen Dubai real estate sales achieve record-breaking figures this year. According to a report by GlobalData, the UAE construction sector is forecast to grow by 4.2% in 2025, driven by strong demand in the residential, infrastructure, and energy markets.
The Mercer House project follows Ellington Properties’ recent expansion into commercial real estate with the launch of Eaton Square in Mohammed Bin Rashid City. That 11-storey project, featuring Grade A office spaces and retail facilities, is expected to begin construction this year with a completion target of 2027.
The ongoing pipeline of luxury residential projects, from high-rise towers to exclusive beachfront communities like Nakheel’s Palm Jebel Ali, underscores developer confidence in the market’s premium segment. The scale of the Mercer House contract reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for large-scale construction and real estate investment.
