International Foundation Group has been awarded the groundworks contract for the 45-storey residential tower in Dubai Design District.
August 17, 2026 | Riya Malhotra | UAE | Construction | 2 Min Read
Image Courtesy: Meraas Official Website
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded the groundworks contract for Atélis at d3, marking the start of groundworks at its residential tower in Dubai Design District.
The contract has been awarded to International Foundation Group and covers site preparation, excavation, soil improvement, dewatering, and the design and construction of shoring and piling works.
These early-stage works will prepare the site for the next phases of construction on the 45-storey residential project.
Atélis at d3 is designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and is positioned as a waterfront residential landmark within Dubai Design District. The tower’s design features petal-inspired balconies, drawing from flowers native to the UAE desert.
The development will include a collection of one- to four-bedroom apartments, along with exclusive penthouses. Residences are planned with panoramic views of Dubai Creek and the wider city skyline.
Meraas said the award reflects continued progress across its development pipeline and supports the ongoing evolution of d3 as a destination for creativity, innovation and contemporary urban living.
Residents at Atélis at d3 will have access to three levels of lifestyle amenities, including wellness facilities, co-working spaces and communal areas designed to reflect the creative character of Dubai Design District.
The project forms part of Meraas’ wider vision for d3, which is being expanded beyond a creative and commercial district into a mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood with residential, retail, hospitality and cultural components.
The groundworks milestone adds to the residential momentum at Dubai Design District, where Meraas has been advancing new homes as part of a broader masterplan for canal-front living and pedestrian-focused urban spaces.
For Dubai’s real estate market, the progress of Atélis at d3 signals continued developer confidence in lifestyle-led waterfront communities, particularly in locations that combine residential living with creative, commercial and cultural infrastructure.
Source: Gulf Construction
