MEED has confirmed 10 special awards for the MEED Projects Awards 2026 in association with Mashreq. Each recognises a project that has set a new benchmark for the region.

The special awards are selected by MEED’s editorial team, the specialist journalists and analysts who track and report on the region’s projects market every day. Their choices reflect the priorities shaping the sector today, and the recipients include some of the most ambitious developments and infrastructure now under way across the region.

The winners will stay under wraps until the gala dinner on 10 November at the Joharah Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. They will be revealed there alongside the 17 Mena category winners and the MEED Project of the Year, presented by Mashreq.

“The category winners set the standard for excellence across the projects market. The special awards sit alongside them and recognise achievement in areas such as heritage conservation, design and innovation, decarbonisation and delivery excellence,” says Ed James, head of content and research at MEED.

“Together with the Mena winners and the MEED Project of the Year, they cover the full range of achievement in one of the world’s largest and most active projects markets.”

Arun Mathur, global head of contracting finance at Mashreq, said the bank remains committed to supporting the infrastructure and construction sectors across Mena, enabling projects that create lasting value and contribute to sustainable growth. He congratulated all of this year’s National Winners and wished the finalists every success ahead of the announcement of the Mena winners in November.

The 10 special awards

• Landmark Project Award
• Heritage and Landscape Award
• Innovation in Construction Award
• Sustainable Construction Award
• Delivery Excellence Award
• Decarbonisation Award
• Design and Innovation Award
• Energy Security Award
• Strategic Energy Infrastructure Award
• Responsible Decommissioning Award

Join the region’s projects leaders on 10 November to find out who takes home each award.

Secure your place at the MEED Projects Awards 2026 in association with Mashreq.