Construction Business News ME - January 2023

BUILDING TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS

BUILDING TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS

Amna Bani Hashem, Executive Director at Green Aventurine Holding, on her new role, what drives her, the importance of building trusted relationships, and how she is continuing to discover her path and direction in the real estate industry

16 OP - ED

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION for future growth of Modern Methods of Construction adoption in the Middle East

20 INDUSTRY TRENDS

KEY TRENDS

Driving the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry

24 ENERGY

ACWA POWER Signs Power Purchase And Investment Agreements For 1.5GW Wind Plant In Uzbekistan

32 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

RESILIENT WOMEN WORKFORCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction sector in the Middle East region is booming at an unparalleled scale

34 INTERVIEW

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC ENTITY

Norma Shaheen, General Manager at Al Masaood Rentals, speaks to Business Today Middle East & Construction Business News Middle East on the rise of Al Masood Rentals and the impact it is making for their clients

38 HOSPITALITY

UAE’S FIRST NH COLLECTION HOTEL TO OPEN ON PALM JUMEIRAH

UAE-headquartered upscale real estate developer, Seven Tides, has confirmed that the Emirates’ first NH Collection hotel will open its doors to the public in February 2023

40 INNOVATION

ONE ZA’ABEEL Completes Full Cladding And Progresses With Final Construction Work In Progress

46 REAL ESTATE

NASMA LUXURY STAYS predicts higher investments in Dubai’s luxury residential sector in 2023

48 TALKING POINT

BUILDING CREATIVE FUTURES

Mohammad Abdullah, president of Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), talks about the institute’s participation in Dubai Design Week, opportunities for students, and his vision for the future

Keep

I’m pleased to announce that

Construction Business News ME will be hosting the Construction Innovation Awards in Riyadh,

KSA. Foraying into the Saudi Arabia market made sense for the team with the number of GigaProjects announced.

The awards strive to recognise individual excellence, corporate strengths, and project success. Companies are invited to nominate the people, projects, and initiatives of which they are most proud of.

The Kingdom’s Giga-Projects has seen exponential increase in investments and contractors from all over the region and in the country are grabbing the opportunity.

Companies are eager to showcase their projects and show why they stand out.

We look forward to hosting you all there and we wish the winners the best of luck!

Kasun Illankoon Managing Editor kasun@bncpublishing.net

CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net

DIRECTOR Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net

GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Joaquim D'Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706

MANAGING EDITOR

Kasun Illankoon kasun@bncpublishing.net

EDITOR Vibha Mehta vibha@bncpublishing.net

EDITORIAL DESIGN Christian Harb

MARKETING EXECUTIVE Aaron Joshua Sinanbam aj@bncpublishing.net

PHOTOGRAPHER Alexander Bungas

Saudi Arabia’s construction industry continues to lead the MENA region despite macroeconomic conditions impacting the sector globally, according to JLL’s Q4 2022 KSA Construction Market Intelligence Report. The Kingdom witnessed the highest value of project awards in 2022, demonstrating its commitment to driving economic diversification and transforming the country in line with its Vision 2030.

Construction output growth in KSA is anticipated to rise by 3.2% in 2022, with a further annual average growth rate (AAGR) of 4% between 2023 to 2026 as indicated by Global Data.

Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the strongest market across the MENA region with the highest total value

of project awards for four consecutive years. As of October 2022, KSA holds a 35% market share with a recorded $31 billion worth of contract awards against an overall MENA total of $87 billion as tracked by MEED Projects.

Saudi Arabia’s pipeline value of unawarded (pre-execution) projects is estimated at $1.1 trillion, which includes projects from the study stage through to the main contractor bid. Approximately 70% comprise ‘construction’ sector projects with residential, cultural, leisure, and hospitality as subsector leaders, which is the driving force behind the Vision 2030 strategy. In the second half of 2022, 13,000 hotel keys are expected to be delivered in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Makkah, accentuating the continuation of the Kingdom’s hospitality sector development.

The top ten contractors in the Kingdom are responsible for $400 billion in projects that are currently in the execution stage, accounting for 40% of the total future pipeline value of $1.1 trillion. According to MEED Projects, the total value of projects awarded in KSA between 2021 and 2025 will reach $569 billion, with a total of $85 billion (15%) awarded to date across 2021 and 2022 (October end). This highlights the need for a greater supply of skilled contractors in the local market to meet the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 and the associated Giga project program.

JLL’s market intelligence data further revealed that global economic volatility in the first two-quarters of 2022 created challenges in the local construction market in terms of delivery lead times and instant price increases, with suppliers reluctant to guarantee prices for extended periods of time. In addition, it also indicated improvements from Q2 to Q3 2022, implying that price peaks have passed; however, price increases remain a significant risk due to the correlation to economic factors and observed trends since 2020.

Moreover, the report stresses that future construction costs must be balanced against the local market and global economic factors. Though commodity prices are softening or have already flatlined, the Kingdom’s construction sector is heating up, putting pressure on the existing supply chain, and highlighting the need for greater competition to complete the pipeline of projects. While inflation projections for the country are relatively soft in comparison to global averages, Saudi Arabia, as well as the wider MENA region, relies on importing construction materials from high inflationary countries, which affects construction material prices.

PRICES,

Q2 2022,

“Given the volatile market conditions and rising construction material prices, which reached a significant peak during Q2 2022, there is a need for robust mitigation strategies, including a careful approach to contract execution and risk allocation,” said Laura Morgan, Market Intelligence Lead MEA at JLL.

“Moving forward, the construction sector will prioritize development needs that are aligned with evolving trends and demands, with an emphasis on innovation and digitization playing a significant role within the segment and in powering Vision 2030 projects. That said, the importance and opportunities associated with traditional cost management mechanisms, which can assist developers in establishing budgets during the early stages of procurement in an effort to reduce program delays and support conflict avoidance, cannot be overlooked either,” she added.

From a construction cost perspective, JLL estimates tender price inflation (TPI) has increased by an annual average percentage change of 5% in 2022. The upswing is representative of market factors such as growing contractor and labor demand, commodity, and construction material price fluctuations.

Looking ahead, JLL’s midpoint TPI forecast represents a potential year-onyear growth of 6% in 2023 associated with the estimated project pipeline value correlated to future demand, according to its intelligence gathered from market sources.

SAUDI ARABIA’S CONSTRUCTION SECTOR REMAINS THE STRONGEST

“GIVEN THE VOLATILE MARKET CONDITIONS AND RISING CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

WHICH REACHED A SIGNIFICANT PEAK DURING

THERE IS A NEED FOR ROBUST MITIGATION STRATEGIES, INCLUDING A CAREFUL APPROACH TO CONTRACT EXECUTION AND RISK ALLOCATION.”

ALEC GROUP

FURTHERS REGIONAL AND SECTORAL EXPANSION THROUGH ACQUISITION

Acquiring TARGET Engineering further strengthens ALEC’s established capabilities in marine and industrial construction while enabling the construction company to mark its entry into the Oil & Gas sector

ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC (ALEC), a part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), today announced that it has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire TARGET Engineering Construction Company LLC. With this agreement, the companies will have a joint turnover of close to USD 2 billion.

“This acquisition further advances ALEC’s position in the regional construction industry while simultaneously enabling it to enter and fast-track its strategy of becoming a key player in the Middle East Oil & Gas, and Energy and Renewables sectors by drawing from the extensive expertise, and resources that TARGET Engineering has developed over its celebrated 40year history,” said Khalifa Al Daboos,

Deputy CEO at ICD. “For the Investment Corporation of Dubai, this move enables us to align strongly with the UAE government’s ongoing investment into developing world-class critical infrastructure facilities that support its ambition of being an advanced, sustainable economy.”

Founded in 1975, TARGET Engineering operates through four specialised divisions — Mechanical Oil & Gas, Electrical, Civil, and Marine. The company’s customer base is comprised of leading Oil & Gas companies, major EPC (Engineering, procurement, and construction) contractors, government entities and property developers. Noteworthy projects that it has successfully completed include work at ENEC’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, ADNOC Gas Processing’s Ruwais LNG Terminal, Saudi Aramco’s Abqiq plant, and ENOC’s Jebal Ali Refinery expansion. Included are also TARGET

Engineering’s current active projects including Borouge 4 and Delma B in joint venture for ADNOC, and IGDC for ADGAS.

By acquiring 100% of the company, ALEC will now enhance its resources with the significant assets held

by TARGET Engineering, including its 11,000 strong workforce, over 30 marine vessels, and 52,000 sqm of API/ASME-certified fabrication facilities.

Additionally, this includes TARGET’s controlling stake in IDROTEC srl, an Italian

specialised marine design engineering firm renowned worldwide for its specialist marine, hydraulic and environmental design for the Oil & Gas sector and marine developments. That said, TARGET Engineering will continue to operate as

an independent entity, while drawing on the skills and resources of the broader ALEC Group.

“ALEC has an established track record of continuously enhancing the skills and capabilities within the organisation, and leveraging this expertise to enter into, and become a market leader in new market segments. Bringing TARGET Engineering within our fold is a move that plays to both these objectives as their specialist skillsets in Oil & Gas, Energy — including renewables, marine, and industrial construction — perfectly augment ALEC’s own capabilities. This will enable us to present an even stronger joint value proposition to customers,” said Kez Taylor, CEO at ALEC.

“Today’s announcement is a landmark event in the over four-decade long journey of our company”, said Chaouci Yassine, CEO of TARGET Engineering. “We will now benefit from the strong financial position and world-class leadership and project execution capabilities of ALEC. This will fuel our ambitious growth plans across the Middle East as we can now deliver best-of-breed EPC and specialist marine services to an even broader segment of high-profile regional entities.”

ALEC GROUP FURTHERS REGIONAL AND SECTORAL EXPANSION THROUGH ACQUISITION

“ALEC HAS AN ESTABLISHED TRACK RECORD OF CONTINUOUSLY ENHANCING THE SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES WITHIN THE ORGANISATION, AND LEVERAGING THIS EXPERTISE TO ENTER INTO, AND BECOME A MARKET LEADER IN NEW MARKET SEGMENTS.”

BY DANNY WATERS, LEAD COST MANAGER, TURNER & TOWNSEND QATAR

Construction has experienced a number of innovative developments recently, similar to other industries. New techniques are always being created, enhanced, and modified to suit the demands of the 21st century in terms of sustainability and efficiency. Traditional construction techniques have been plagued by project delays, cost escalations, and unreliable completion dates. A step in right direction avoiding the typical ‘brick & mortar’ challenges is the adoption of modern methods of

construction (MMC). The use of modern methods of construction (MMC) is becoming increasingly popular in Qatar, like the rest of the world. In light of major sporting events, Qatar had a keen focus on maximising quality and reducing the construction programme to meet impending deadlines. The benefits of using MMC are sevenfold, not only is quality maximised but there are significant environmental benefits and an opportunity to reduce health and safety risks.

Modernisation of the construction eco-system: Modernisation of the construction industry is paramount to increase its sustainability and move towards a circular economy. A circular economy is implementing a sustainable model for production and consumption through optimising resources and reducing and recovering waste. MMC plays a leading role as we move towards a circular economy and requires buy-in across the value chain. There are many different types of MMC that can be implemented.

Volumetric modular - Prefabricated modules produced in a factory that are stacked and joined on-site to form a completed building.

Structural Insulated Panels - Wall and ceiling panels that

are manufactured offsite and assembled onsite. Offsite components – This includes structural elements (columns, beams, slabs etc) and non-structural elements (pods, utility cupboards, risers etc.)

Additive Manufacturing – Printing part of the building components based on digital design and manufacturing techniques.

Traditional building product led – Changes to products that leads to reduced input from site labour and improved quality such as pre-cut products.

On site process improvement - Use of innovative techniques, such as lean construction, digital augmentation, and drones. >>>

MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION ADOPTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Why is MMC Beneficial?

There are significant benefits to using MMC in lieu of traditional methods as highlighted below which range from the constructability to quality control and reduction of waste:

Improved Quality: Increased quality is obtained through the production of elements by a precise manufacturing process that is completed in a controlled environment such as a factory. The conditions are optimal for production and can be stored in correct conditions until ready for use. Any defects can be found at source and rectified prior to delivery and installation on site.

Shorter construction programme: The overall time required on site can be significantly reduced through MMC with

increased efficiency for site activities or reducing the amount works completed on site and moving it off site.

Less exposure to health and safety risks on site: Health & safety can be prioritised and achieved with less works being completed on site and an increase in offsite activities. In a factorycontrolled setting activities can be completed in a less congested space, working at height risk can be minimised and mechanical assistance can be provided. Exposure to high temperatures working outside can be reduced which is a particular challenge in the Middle East.

Reduced impact on the environment and implementation of a circular economy: The raw materials used in MMC are mostly the same as

materials used in traditional construction. However, the manufacturing process allows for an increased focus on sustainability. In a factorycontrolled setting, waste is easier to manage. Studies suggest that circa 90% less waste is created by using a precise manufacturing process as quantities can be calculated exactly. In addition, there is an increase in the use of recycled materials with any surplus making its way back into the supply chain or being stored in optimal conditions for use later down the line.

Qatar – accelerating the use of MMC in the Middle East MMC has been used more frequently in Qatar in recent years, and one of the catalysts for its increased use has been the delivery of major sporting event facilities. MMC has been used to build support facilities, fan villages and a

flagship stadium. The design of the stadium followed a ‘plug and play’ strategy where prefabricated units were completed in a workshop and then installed on site. The modular steel structure and the 974 no. re-used shipping containers enables the stadium to be demountable, the first of its kind.

Despite the increased use of MMC, the methods are still far from being the standard route and it could be used more often. The use of volumetric modules and panellised units has been predominantly used for temporary structures (such as event fan villages) rather than permanent structures, and pods/MEP modules have not been used frequently. Pre-cast products are more widely used, as seen in housing projects, stadia and low-rise buildings. Although it has not been used often on high rise buildings.

Qatar MMC Market Capability

There is in-country capability for supply of volumetric units, panellised units, pods (including bathroom, living room and kitchen) and MEP modules (such as utility cupboards) preventing an over reliance on overseas providers. The factories utilise innovative machinery sourced from overseas for the manufacturing process. The products provided are compliant with local regulations including the Qatari Construction Specification and Qatar Civil Defence Regulations.

There are several precast suppliers with large factories able to provide key elements such as foundations, slabs, boundary walls, beams, staircases, and cladding panels. As mentioned above the suppliers do not have extensive experience of using

their products on high rise buildings but adjustments can be made within their factories to meet the demand if the opportunity arose. Additive manufacturing in construction is currently mainly limited to model making and interior details. Although we do expect more providers to enter the market and for the offering to expand.

MMC – Embracing a new era

By using MMC, the construction sector has the chance to advance toward a circular economy. The next stage is for Qatar to expand on its marketproven capabilities and make them the norm rather than the exception for construction projects. Public policy reform will play a fundamental role in this as the construction sector seeks to define a robust approach to improved sustainable construction practices. International Offsite manufacturing companies are establishing offices in the region, and over the next five years, the sector is expected to mature. MMC will be viewed as a crucial component of future construction methodologies, enabling large-scale, high-quality construction.

MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION ADOPTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

HEALTH & SAFETY CAN BE PRIORITISED AND ACHIEVED WITH LESS WORKS BEING COMPLETED ON SITE AND AN INCREASE IN OFFSITE ACTIVITIES.

KEY TRENDS DRIVING THE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

BY BRENDEN ROCHE, PRODUCT EXPERT, FACILITIES ENGINEERING

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is no stranger to change and ever-evolving trends. Also, the global pandemic has forced many other industries to change course, and AEC is no exception. Global players are altering their businesses in response to not only the pandemic, but also the climate emergency. A few changeinducing trends have made themselves a prominent fixture in today’s AEC industry.

With that in mind, let’s look at the AEC industry trends that professionals can expect to see.

The Drive to Decarbonize Construction

Today, some 56% of the world’s population—4.4 billion inhabitants— live in cities. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population doubling its current size by 2050. The surge in urban population demands that we rapidly develop new cities, which means construction of new

infrastructure assets and emitting more carbon into the atmosphere. In fact, the ongoing new construction consumes a massive quantity of raw materials while contributing to an estimated 39% of the world’s carbon emissions. The construction sector has, therefore, become a significant contributor to adverse environmental impacts, making it imperative that the industry players reduce their negative climate influences by decarbonizing construction processes.

THE

SECTOR HAS BECOME A SIGNIFICANT

TO ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, MAKING IT IMPERATIVE THAT INDUSTRY PLAYERS DECARBONIZE THEIR

Emergence of Carbon Databases

Steel and concrete used for construction are the major contributors to embodied carbon. Managing the source of these materials in a more carbon-efficient manner can help curb the emission levels. Therefore, the AEC industry needs access to the fabricators of these materials. Various services and databases that provide detailed technical descriptions of building products have been created to help users track individual manufacturers so that infrastructure organizations can make informed choices on the suppliers and materials they use. Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) and One Click LCA are leading database providers that allow users to assess supply chain data while enabling the specification and procurement of low-carbon options.

The Bentley iTwin platform, the foundation for creating and managing digital twins, can be integrated with both EC3 and One Click LCA, allowing users to take quantity takeoff reports that are created using the iTwin reporting platform and export them to either EC3 or One Click LCA, thereby facilitating convenient lifecycle analysis of infrastructure projects. The Bentley iTwin platform enables users to incorporate engineering data created by various design tools. They can then export a summary of the design data through this integration, allowing them to gain insights into the environmental impacts of the infrastructure project.

Implementing Crucial Design Changes

Along with choosing the suitable construction material, architects should also look to implement straightforward measures in their designs to reduce a building’s carbon footprint. For instance, producing structures with underground parking is not as beneficial as creating them with parking at the ground-floor level, as the amount of carbon used to construct underground car parks is significantly high.

Drive Toward Design for Manufacturing (Dfma)

Offsite manufacturing (OSM), an effective method of enhancing construction productivity, could also help accelerate the decarbonization initiative. Manufacturing modular components in a controlled factory environment using indoor facilities on a production line and then assembling them at the actual construction site can potentially result in less waste. It also helps control the amount of carbon produced. This approach could also lower the overall environmental impact of construction sites due to reduced site traffic.

Rising Interest in Using Standardized Components

There has been a rising interest in standardizing the components used in construction. Many of Bentley’s open platform users have started importing standardized components into the

Bentley component catalog, enabling them to get a digital view of these components. These standardized objects can be reviewed and approved for material conformity and buildability. Users can select them with a high degree of confidence that they meet the project requirements.

Making Better Use of Existing Stock

Every infrastructure asset has embodied carbon, which is spent while constructing the building. Then, there is the operational carbon generated from the day-to-day economics of powering the facility to adapt it when its business purposes or internal functions change. While performing carbon lifecycle assessments, professionals can consider a cradle-to-gate or cradleto-grave approach. In the cradle-tograve practice, one has to consider a building’s end of life when demolished and the carbon cost of those actions, including any material recycling. In the cradle-to-gate approach, users consider adaptions or refits. They can be significant in carbon terms and may occur more than once during a facility’s lifespan. Both of these approaches are part of the circularity concept. Should designers then consider adaptability and flexibility in their initial design planning to make gate stage changes less costly in terms of carbon and, consequently, extend the facility’s life and the need to demolish as much as is currently done?

Early planning during design phases can help control operational carbon emissions from a building. Several layout options can be assessed from energy and material considerations for lifecycle and operating costs, allowing professionals to arrive at the greenest option. As for embodied carbon that has to be considered, not only during initial construction but also during refits and adaptions, one approach is the concept of Buildings as Material Banks, which is based on reversible building design and material passports. The latter is information about material reuse and recovery, and the former is about the efficient access to and retrieval of materials during adaptions and refits.

INDUSTRY TRENDS

OpenBuildings Energy Simulator—the energy analysis capability of Bentley’s OpenBuildings Designer—allows engineers, architects, and designers to integrate lighting, thermal, and solar analysis into their workflow, as well as empowering them to develop sustainable building designs. Users can predict energy behavior and fuel efficiency while analyzing the thermal properties of different construction materials to design more energy-efficient buildings that consume less energy during operation.

Digital twin technology can also play a crucial role in helping decarbonize existing buildings. Owners and facility managers can use OpenCities 365, Bentley’s infrastructure digital twin solution for cities and campuses, with Microsoft Cloud to create digital twins of their physical assets. By integrating digital twins with Internet of Things sensors and devices, owners and facility managers can comprehensively understand how a building is used and reduce its environmental footprint by decreasing energy consumption from various components and systems. Users can also understand the building’s carbon lifecycle and predict future carbon emissions across the asset lifecycle, helping them make informed decisions about the building’s expansion or modification plans.

The Push for Openness and Collaborative Working Interoperability, or the flow of graphical and nongraphical data between software applications or technology platforms, has always been a challenge for the industry. In the post-pandemic era, the adoption of new technology platforms, such as the cloud, has changed the technology landscape while increasing the importance of the push for openness. Also, the search for new ways of working has increased.

The International Foundation Class (IFC) standard has been at the heart of many approaches to solving these issues. Its status as ISO 16739-1:2018 has seen it being used in typical vertical construction for years. The IFC4.3 standard, which has been submitted to the ISO council, has expanded this approach for linear projects, such as road and rail, thanks to behind-thescenes work by the buildingSMART organization to incorporate various aspects of infrastructure. IFC standards are the heart of data sharing and data flow within the emerging cloud-based carbon databases and calculators, thus helping the industry drive decarbonization from construction projects.

The pandemic and the subsequent changes to remote working patterns

have provided challenges that have been met by the adoption of better worksharing options, such as ProjectWise and ProjectWise 365 with ProjectWise Drive. This latter offering mixes the power of the ProjectWise collaborative common data environment platform with the convenience of the Microsoft’s OneDrive document platform.

Many users are realizing the benefit of the Bentley iTwin platform, where engineering data and data from enterprise systems, IoT sensors, and data lakes can be brought together. iTwin.js— built as an open platform with published, freely available application program interfaces—is extensible for users to create integrations with other available systems. One prominent example is the ability to connect to external APIs like One Click LCA and EC3, which

POST-PANDEMIC, ADOPTING NEW TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS, SUCH AS THE CLOUD, HAS CHANGED THE TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE WHILE INCREASING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PUSH FOR OPENNESS.

allows data to be published directly from iTwin to One Click LCA/carbon calculators. We may see more vendors publishing or opening APIs to facilitate openness and work sharing.

More examples of the drive to openness and collaboration are the connections made via the Bentley iTwin platform to NVIDIA’s Omniverse platform, the Unity engine platform, and the Unreal Engine platform; all are powerful collaboration platforms used in the design industries to deliver more effective and sustainable solutions.

Innovations and Disruptions

Mixed reality (MR) combines augmented reality (AR) with virtual reality (VR), offering new and exciting benefits to the construction industry. MR headsets can provide architects and engineers with virtual tours of models or construction sites, such as on the ITER Project. They can also allow workers to hear and see step-by-step instructions for installations and repairs and then overlay that information onto the things they are working on.

Some advanced use cases also include AEC professionals leveraging MR to control remote equipment or owneroperators using MR to monitor HVAC, lighting, and access control systems remotely. Inputs from laser scanning or photogrammetry of a site or an existing building can be fed into artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled applications to automatically tag equipment or assets, leading to reduced manual intervention while ensuring higher accuracy and time savings.

The future of MR technology in the AEC industry looks promising. Ultimately, the wider adoption will depend on the readiness of the industry to go through digital transformation and the maturity of the technology itself.

A Paradigm Shift

The AEC industry is going through a major paradigm shift as it transitions from physical to virtual environments. This article has covered a few opportunities within the AEC industry for engineering and architecture firms, as well as owner-operators, that are willing to leave their comfort zone and transform themselves with evolving technology.

KEY TRENDS DRIVING THE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

MIXED REALITY COMBINES AUGMENTED REALITY WITH VIRTUAL REALITY, OFFERING NEW AND EXCITING BENEFITS TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

ACWA POWER SIGNS POWER PURCHASE AND INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS FOR 1.5GW WIND PLANT IN UZBEKISTAN

ACWA Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor, and operator of power generation, water desalination and green hydrogen plants worldwide, signed the power purchase agreements and investment agreements with the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan to develop the 1.5 GW Kungrad wind farm in the republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan.

Formerly referred to as the Karakalpakstan Wind IPP. The wind farm shall comprise of three 500MW wind power projects owned by 3

subsidiaries, namely ACWA Power Kungrad Wind 1 LLC FE, ACWA Power Kungrad Wind 2 LLC FE and ACWA Power Kungrad Wind 3 LLC FE.

Each of the 3 projects will also incorporate a 100MW capacity battery energy storage system. Regarded as the largest single-site wind farm in Central Asia to date, and one of the largest of its kind in the world, the wind farm is expected to reach an investment value of USD 2.4 billion.

Previously, a Heads of Terms agreement signed between ACWA Power and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of

Energy and Ministry of Investment & Foreign Trade in August 2022 laid the foundation on which the power purchase agreements and investment agreements for the facility were to be procured. The PPAs were signed by Rohit Gokhale, Executive Vice President, ACWA Power and Dadajon Isakulov, Chairman, National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan, JSC (“NEGU”); while the investment agreements were signed by Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman, ACWA Power on behalf of ACWA Power, Rohit Gokhale, on behalf of the project companies,

and His Excellency Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, on behalf of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT). The agreements were signed in the presence of His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Energy, Republic of Uzbekistan, and senior executives from ACWA Power and the Government of Republic of Uzbekistan.

Located in Kungrad district, Republic of Karakalpakstan, in Uzbekistan, the wind farm is expected to offset 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year and will have minimum environmental impact due to the utilisation of the latest mitigation technologies, including bird detecting technology, that combines cutting edge technology in both image sensors and software to prevent bird collision or fatality.

The Kungrad wind farm will bolster the Uzbek government’s long-term strategy to diversify the country’s energy mix, which targets 8GW and 12GW of solar and wind capacity by 2026 and 2030, respectively.

Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, said: “It is my great pleasure to share an update on the progress of the Kungrad project. Uzbekistan is committed to delivering on policy goals to increase the renewable energy share of the country’s energy

mix and reduce carbon emissions. The development of green energy and market reform go hand in hand in Uzbekistan, and the Kungrad project is a milestone both for our wind industry and the new public-private partnership model, introduced by the far-sighted reforms of President Mirziyoyev. The wind farm in Karakalpakstan, which will be built by our reliable partner ACWA Power, will be another pillar of a sustainable and reliable energy system in Uzbekistan.”

“We are deeply honoured to build upon our close partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan as the nation continues to advance its decarbonisation efforts, pursuing a strong shift towards renewable energy. The signing of key agreements today for the landmark Kungrad wind farm project, which will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy development in the region, and the world, would have not been possible without

the guidance of our visionary leadership and the trust and commitment of our partners from the Uzbek government,” said Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman, ACWA Power. “We are proud to play a vital role in supporting Uzbekistan’s long-term renewable strategy, stemming from the strong international ties between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, and remain committed to delivering clean energy at a low cost to ensure energy security and enable sustainable progress,” he added.

The project is expected to achieve financial close by 2024 and will be fully commissioned in 2027. When complete, the facility is expected to power 1.65 million households.

Additionally, under the US$10 billion investment cooperation agreement signed between ACWA Power and the Uzbek government in August 2022, ACWA Power formalised agreements for the development of large-scale green hydrogen facilities in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The aim of these projects is to reduce the country’s dependency on natural gas; significantly contribute to Uzbekistan’s decarbonisation goals; and further support research in the field of green hydrogen.

The 1.5GW Kungrad wind project is ACWA Power’s fifth project in Uzbekistan. The company’s Uzbek portfolio also includes three wind farms, and a combined cycle gas turbine project. Uzbekistan is the second largest country for ACWA Power in terms of overall investment.

ACWA Power remains focused on extending its leadership in high-growth markets through operational excellence and technological expertise, delivering power and desalinated water to communities in 12 countries worldwide.

“THE SIGNING OF KEY AGREEMENTS TODAY FOR THE LANDMARK KUNGRAD WIND FARM PROJECT, WHICH WILL SET A NEW BENCHMARK FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION, AND THE WORLD, WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GUIDANCE OF OUR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND THE TRUST AND COMMITMENT OF OUR PARTNERS FROM THE UZBEK GOVERNMENT.”

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS TRUSTED

Kasun Illankoon

on her new role, what drives her, the importance of building trusted relationships, and how she is continuing to discover her path and direction in the real estate industry

At the end of 2022, Amna Bani Hashem was appointed Executive Director at Green Aventurine Holding.

Amna will look after real estate investments focusing on buying and selling through a subsidiary of the company called Executive Realty Real Estate. In her new role, Amna will help manage the company’s real estate development portfolio and oversee market strategies for investors and stakeholders to drive company growth.

The Dubai-based conglomerate, headed by HH Shaikha Jawahar Al Khalifa has become a household name in the city’s real estate market. The market itself has seen significant growth in recent years, with Dubai becoming a major hub for property development and investment. Green Aventurine Holding is a conglomerate of nearly 13 subsidiaries across LG Diamonds, Real Estate, Commodity Trade, Footwear, Citizenship by Investment Programs, and E-commerce.

Amna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in the field of oil and gas, as well as Master’s degree in moral economy and sustainability. Amna has always shown interest and played an active role in her family’s real estate business. Find out more from Amna as we find out about her new role, what drives her, the importance of building trusted relationships, and how she is continuing to discover her path and direction in the real estate industry.

Tell us about your new role with Green Aventurine Holding. IIt’s an exciting time to be joining Green Aventurine Holding and take on the role as Executive Director of their real estate practice - Executive Realty Real Estate. I will be working on a new real estate brokerage to cater to consumers looking for a more targeted approach to finding a luxury property. The service focuses on a limited number of the UAE’s more affluent areas, an approach that maximizes efficiency for luxury real estate consumers. The luxury property service will be launched first in the UAE with plans to expand into a few other countries in the first quarter of 2024, followed by other markets such as the UK at a later date.

In this role, I will be working closely and supporting a team of professionals to deliver results to our investors and clients and pursue further opportunities and growth in the market.

Green Aventurine Holding is a Dubai based conglomerate a solution-oriented group of companies, introducing innovation across nine sectors. In the real estate industry, Executive Realty is the vanguard that gives superior assistance and unites you with some of the best properties on the market. The firm has long been recognised as one of the leading property investment specialists in the UAE and around the globe and is a great fit for myself in line with my professional and personal ambitions.

speaks to Amna Bani Hashem, Executive Director at Green Aventurine Holding,

“KEY

Tell us about your previous experience in the real estate/construction industry

I have always had a knack for spotting a property’s potential and played an active role in supporting my family’s real estate business. My appointment as Executive Director of Executive Realty Real Estate solidifies my passion and allows me to continue discovering my path and direction within the field. Green Aventurine Holding is headed by Chairperson Sheikha Jawaher Al Khalifa, whom our families already have a long-standing partnership and friendship with throughout the years.

What new ideas do you plan to bring to the table?

Throughout the years, I have successfully built trusted relationships within my network and with potential investors. I look forward to sourcing new investment opportunities and helping in further expanding Executive Realty’s real estate footprint in the region and beyond.

I’m also a firm believer in the philosophy of helping others achieve what they want and in return, they will also help you. As we try to hit our targets and quotas, we take great satisfaction knowing that at the same time we are also helping our clients in moving forward and building a life of their own - to me that’s what real estate is all about!

Tell us about the real estate portfolio that Executive Realty Real Estate has?

Executive Realty Real Estate has been around for almost a decade and has sold over 3,000 properties to investors in the region and beyond including the UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, Mauritius, and the UK. The company serves across the entire spectrum of real estate services from residential villas, apartments, green living, and luxury properties to commercial spaces, hotels, warehouses, and retail. Executive Realty provides a handpicked selection of numerous properties and promising options for our clients. The

“THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY BUILT TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN MY NETWORK AND WITH POTENTIAL INVESTORS.”

company has worked with some of the biggest names in the real estate industry and we are currently one of the few listing agents to market a full floor in the Burj Khalifa.

What is the unique selling point for all these properties to the buyer?

EExecutive Realty Real Estate usually deals with institutional sales such as hotels, large warehouses, and buildings across the region. When you are selling a valuable property such as these, you need a different kind of expertise and the right pool of investors in the market, and this is what our team is equipped with.

On top of having some of the best properties on the market, our team also takes pride in building a unique professional relationship with investors and potential clients. Whether they are looking for a “pied-à-terre“ with a beautiful view of the city lights, owning a house to reside in permanently, or selling a property to the real estate market, we help them understand the strategy behind deals they are entering into, and help structure their portfolio to maximize their asset values.

Tell us about the Dubai real estate market? What trends do you see that points towards a positive direction for the industry?

Since the start of the pandemic, the UAE’s real estate sector has remained resilient and established itself as one of the prime locations and valued territories. According to the UBS Bubble Index 2022, Dubai’s housing market rebounded to a nominal price growth of 10% between mid-2021 and mid-2022 and the city is still one of the best value global markets for investors.

Dubai real estate sales in 2022 totaled over AED 260 billion, which is the highest on an annual basis value ever in the history of the industry. We don’t see any reason for it slowing down this year as demand supply is very balanced at the moment as well.

Dubai is already attracting more skilled and wealthy migrants from the region and around the world such as Russia, where the investment climate has become less favorable. This migration will likely fuel the real estate market throughout 2023 moving forward. >>>

As an Emirati Woman breaking into the real estate market - what advice would you give to those who want to pursue this industry?

Real estate is a competitive industry but with real determination, dedication, and hard work, you can achieve anything. As an Emirati woman, I believe we have the ability to reach high levels if we work hard and have the drive and determination. The same principle applies to building a career in real estate, believe in yourself and vision because results speak louder than words.

If you’re truly serious about making a career in real estate, don’t get discouraged when a door is slammed in your face and you don’t get the results you seek. Those who stick it out and keep going when things get tough often find a successful, rewarding career on the other side of those early struggles.

Finally, build your network. Find your circle or join a firm who will mentor, invest in you, and understand the support that a new agent would need when they first start out to excel in this business. Working with a supportive team will help and provide you with a smoother transition into this industry as they can also share their experiences, network, and insights in the market.

“IF YOU’RE TRULY SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE, DON’T GET DISCOURAGED WHEN A DOOR IS SLAMMED IN YOUR FACE AND YOU DON’T GET THE RESULTS YOU SEEK. ”

RESILIENT WOMEN WORKFORCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

DR HARPREET SETH, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, HEAD OF ARCHITECTURE AND SENIOR DIRECTOR OF STUDIES, SCHOOL OF ENERGY, GEOSCIENCE, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOCIETY AT HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY DUBAI

The construction sector in the Middle East region is booming at an unparalleled scale, with major movements in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Owing to a robust pipeline of projects, longterm development plans and investment strategies, the sector is expected to witness significant growth. In the UAE, a report by Global Data suggests that the construction industry is expected to grow by 3.3 per cent in 2023 due to high oil prices and increased investments in the energy sector. With a closer look, it is evident that the sector embraces a wide range of activities, products and skills including design, building, engineering, oil and gas, and

consultancy. Despite being the key driver of economic growth and job creation in the Middle East region, the construction industry has struggled to increase women’s participation in the workforce. However, the sector has been witnessing a significant shift where women are taking up various roles including leadership positions based on their skills and experience. The growing opportunities in the region and the positive outlook for the construction industry have indicated immense possibilities for women to develop their careers in the construction sector. Dr Harpreet Seth, Associate Professor, Head of Architecture and Senior Director of Studies, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

writes about the participation of women workforce in the construction industry. The economic disruptions have adversely impacted the employment scenario, particularly for women. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicated that globally, only 10.3 per cent of women are employed by the largest construction companies. Furthermore, the World Bank indicates that women’s participation in the workforce has been lowest in the MENA region. The government and industry stakeholders need to collectively take a stronger lead in articulating the roadmap to address issues like gender disparity and take critical steps to increase the participation of women in the industry. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s vision 2023 also highlights the need to boost women’s inclusion in the workforce and aims to increase participation from 22 per cent to 30 per cent. Aligning with the sustainable development goal of gender equality, the UAE government is also committed to increasing women’s representation in leadership positions across industries. Through robust policy framework and initiatives that are aligned

with the UAE government’s direction, the UAE’s private sector is committed to maintaining the gender balance in the workplace, with a focus on increasing the representation of women in leadership positions to 30 per cent by 2025.

Whilst recruitment of women in the industry is important, the knowledge gap in transforming qualifications

into employment and employment into retention remains a challenge. The construction industry is perceived as a tough and risky industry for women considering the tasks related to handling large equipment and the safety hazards which impose risks. Furthermore, the existing gaps in remuneration, and pressure to endure challenging working conditions than their male counterparts, also impose several barriers to creating a resilient work environment for women in the industry. These factors are contributing to a further polarisation of wages and working conditions which can be curbed only when women can have access to resources that help them reskill and upskill in a competitive

and challenging field like construction. Technology adoption has been accelerated during the pandemic which has also impacted workforce deployment in many sectors including construction. The industry demands higher skills and caliber to handle advanced solutions like tech-enabled systems and processes. The construction sector also faces major challenges to reduce energy consumption and to improve the performance of buildings and construction materials. These challenges lead to the upskilling of the workforce, new professions and the modernization and further digitalization of the sector and will create a wide field of professions for women in construction. Upskilling women can potentially break down cultural as well as individual barriers that might prevent them from considering a profession in construction as a possible field of work. Encouraging younger women through women mentors within in the construction field can also contribute to increasing the women representation in the industry.

Businesses and industry leaders must encourage and educate young women about the benefits of working in the industry and offer equal opportunities to within the organisation. Mentorship, knowledge exchange and apprenticeship programs can strive to recruit women in the industry and train them with job-specific skills. Addressing the challenges like gender bias, inadequate training and resources and social perceptions can lead to increased participation of women in the workforce and can substantially narrow

down the gender gaps. By making the required cultural changes, the construction industry can increase female representation which can significantly enhance the sector’s image.

Furthermore, businesses must assess the barriers faced by women and discuss ways of redressing the balance to improve inclusivity in the industry. This can be achieved by creating strong reforms, implementing policies for inclusion, and ensuring compliance with the health and safety of women to provide them with safe work environments and equal opportunities. Also, by providing flexible working environment and encouraging a sense of belonging for men and women alike.

Lastly, existing women professionals in the construction industry must also encourage the female talent pool by engaging in constant dialogue and exchanging perspectives through workshops, internships, and knowledgesharing platforms. They must inspire aspiring professionals to consider the construction industry as their career choice. Academics also plays a crucial role in shaping the workforce by fostering talent with education, awareness, and collaboration. A strong mandate involving academia, government and industry is key to achieving higher participation from women in the sector, encouraging a more defined and balanced construction workforce. For attracting, recruiting, and retaining women, work needs to be done at all 3 levels with more women supporting other women and men together with women creating an allinclusive environment.

RESILIENT WOMEN WORKFORCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Dr. Harpreet Seth

UPSKILLING WOMEN CAN POTENTIALLY BREAK DOWN CULTURAL AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL BARRIERS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THEM FROM CONSIDERING A PROFESSION IN CONSTRUCTION AS A POSSIBLE FIELD OF WORK.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC ENTITY

Tell us about your role with Al Masaood Rentals?

I am currently serving as the divisional manager of Al Masaood Rentals. My expertise mostly lies in sales, business development, procurement, project coordination, and management. As the divisional manager, I oversee day-today operations, manage the P&L, lead the team, and work across all the functions for Strategies and Budgets.

How long has Al Masaood Rentals been around for?

We have offered this facility for nearly a decade, under different configurations. Now, this Division combines a number of lines of product to better serve our Clients. We provide a wide range of products that caters to Events, such as Sports Days, Fairs and Exhibitions, Product Launches etc. Another channel for us are construction

site requirements - including site offices, temporary accommodations, generators with associated accessories, tower lights and fence. As a customer-centric entity, we ensure adoption of the latest technologies in our fleet to meet the needs and expectations of the market.

What is your product range?

Our rental fleet consists of temporary buildings, fencing and barriers, modified containers, catering facilities, ablution units, power generation, mobile lighting etc. All these products are quick solutions to cater to the needs and requirements of any event for any duration, from a day to several months. With the help of these products, the venue of any event, particularly held in an open area, can be built from scratch within no time.

Norma Shaheen, General Manager at Al Masaood

What is new in the product range?

The world is evolving with emphasis being laid on sustainable products and solutions. Therefore, we are continually seeking sustainable and innovative solutions as well as strengthening our partnerships to provide advanced products from across the world to our customers. We believe it is important to update our product lineup to fulfill the constantly changing demands and requirements of our customers.

How does your product range cater to different projects i.e Formula 1, the mother of the Nation, Tal Moreeb?

Al Masaood Rentals provides quick solutions to organizers hosting premier events in line with our commitment to serve the requirements of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a hub for international level tournaments and events. We provided over 150 cabins, toilets, facilities for People of Determination, ablution units, offices, kitchen units, reefers, storage, accreditation offices and tower lights to the Yas Marina Circuit during one of the most decorated events that the UAE has been hosting for the past years. Similarly, we also provided these solutions during the Liwa festival at Moreeb Dunes and the “Mother of the Nation” event.

Tell us about your latest projects?

We have been a part of many prestigious events in Yas Marina Circuit, Liwa festival, and Mother of the Nation. For 2023, we are already preparing for a number of events and are very excited about the future of the business.

How was the year 2022 for Al Masaood Rentals?

It was a significant year for Al Masaood Rentals as we set in place our new Strategy and collaborated with many organizations across the board and are pleased to see them coming back to us for new events and expanded lineups.

How do you see Al Masaood Rentals growing and expanding in 2023?

Al Masaood Rentals has supported several projects and events over the years and plans to further cement its position in the rental sector in the UAE and GCC making available a wider selection of products that can meet the needs of all industries.

Norma Shaheen, General Manager, Al Masaood Rentals

Imdaad, a Dubai-based group of companies providing integrated, sustainable facilities management (FM) services to enhance operational efficiencies of physical assets, has signed a three-year contract with Al Nasr Club Investment Company to provide a variety of solutions and services within Al Nasr Sports Club and its surrounding facilities.

The agreement was penned into action during a signing ceremony held on Wednesday, December 28th at Al Nasr Sports Club, presided over by Mahmood Rasheed, Chief Operating Officer of Imdaad and Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Chairman of Al Nasr Club Investment Company.

Under the terms of the contract, Imdaad will deploy a full range of hard services,

soft services, and security solutions to help ensure efficient operations within the club’s 169,869 square-meter facility. The agreement will focus on providing integrated FM services within the club’s three stadiums and public amenities, as well as its investment residential buildings, namely Al Nasr Plaza, Al Nasr Palace, Al Nasr 01, Al Nasr 02, Al Nasr – Central, Al Nasr – Square& Al Nasr Tagrouda. In addition to its awardwinning standard services, Imdaad will also render various solutions including electrical and plumbing maintenance, A/C and chiller services, HVAC management, and cleaning services throughout the

contract's duration.

During the ceremony, His Excellency Mansoor Rahma Al Falasi, Chairman of Al Nasr Club Investment Company, expressed his pleasure at signing the agreement, and said: “Our partnership with Imdaad, the pioneer in integrated and sustainable facilities management services over the next three years, reflects our commitment to preserving the sustainability of the club’s assets and its facilities, and our constant endeavor to secure the best standards in this field at Al Nasr Club. We are delighted with this partnership which will provide us with advanced capabilities and

PARTNERSHIP WITH IMDAAD, THE PIONEER IN INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO PRESERVING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CLUB’S ASSETS AND ITS FACILITIES, AND OUR CONSTANT ENDEAVOR TO SECURE THE BEST STANDARDS IN THIS FIELD AT AL NASR CLUB.”

distinguished services of high standards and excellent quality “.

Mahmood Rasheed, COO of Imdaad, said: “Imdaad has been focusing on expanding its presence in the UAE as part of its growth strategy. The new contract agreement with Al Nasr Club Investment Company to provide integrated FM services at Al Nasr Football Club and its surrounding facilities marks a significant step forward in our ongoing expansion journey. We are pleased and grateful for the trust placed in us, and we are confident that our experienced team and professional services will enhance visitors’ experience to the club and surrounding area.”

For his part, Mr. Mohanad Alwadiya, Chief Executive Officer at Harbor Real Estate, managing the real estate projects of Al-Nasr Club, said: “The partnership between Al-Nasr Club and Imdaad,

the pioneer in the field of integrated sustainable facilities management services, is a great achievement due to the great value that the club possesses, and the extensive experience that Imdaad enjoys, and that helps us in managing Al Nasr club real estate projects in an optimal manner.”

To ensure the highest quality of services are offered throughout the project, Imdaad will deploy a team of 50 experienced soft services supervisors and operators, as well as 32 hard services personnel from the company’s FM, Electrical, Electromechanical, HVAC, A/C and Chiller, Plumbing, and Civil departments. The project’s scope includes seven buildings with a total of 94 shops, 810 apartments, 100 commercial units, as well as the stadiums and facilities within Al Nasr Football Club.

IMDAAD SIGNS THREE-YEAR FM SERVICES CONTRACT WITH AL NASR CLUB INVESTMENT

“OUR

NH Collection Dubai The Palm is a 533-key property located on Seven Tides’ Seven Palm development – a two-tower complex that overlooks the lagoon of Dubai’s world-famous Palm Jumeirah.

Operated by Minor Hotels and adjacent to Seven Palm Residences, the tower housing NH Collection Dubai The Palm will offer a diverse range of high-end accommodation, amenities and food and beverage venues to guests, residents and visitors.

Ghanim Bin Sulayem, Operations Director, Seven Tides, said: “This project will deliver exceptional guest experiences, including spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, as well as access to landmarks

and attractions across our emirate and beyond. We are confident this complex will add significant value to Dubai’s thriving real estate landscape.

“NH Collection Dubai The Palm will feature an extensive range of premium facilities, including our 45-metre rooftop infinity pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre, a kids’ club, an NH Collection Spa and much more”, added Bin Sulayem.

The hotel includes 227 guest rooms and suites as well as 306 studios and apartments. Guests will be able to choose from 11 room categories, and those who opt for the destination’s top-end accommodation will also gain exclusive access to the NH Collection Premium Lounge.

All rooms will feature NH Collection ‘Sleep Better’ mattresses, complete tea and coffee sets, rain-effect showers and LED TVs. The property’s location offers direct access to the beach, downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. Dubai International

Airport is also located 30 minutes away, with private transfers available to attendees.

NH Collection Dubai The Palm includes five dining venues, serving up everything from haute cuisine to healthy,

post-gym bites. Maiora will offer an extensive range of dishes served all day. Te-Lounge will provide light refreshments and healthy snacks. Seven Sports Bar will be a more informal setting, offering classic snacks and drinks. Revo Café will serve creative and healthy dishes, and SEEN will be a modern rooftop venue.

For those looking to introduce a little luxury to their events, the hotel also includes five airy spaces replete with the latest technology and equipped to cater to gatherings of up to 45 people, making it the perfect venue for business meetings, conferences, celebrations and more.

Bin Sulayem commented: “The best way for people to learn about NH Collection Dubai The Palm is to experience it first-hand. With our dedicated team ready and waiting to exceed the expectations of our guests and visitors, we cannot wait to start welcoming people through our doors from February onwards.”

UAE’S FIRST NH COLLECTION HOTEL TO OPEN ON PALM JUMEIRAH

ONE ZA’ABEEL

Ithra Dubai, the leading real estate developer and asset manager wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, announced today that the final construction work at their iconic One Za’abeel development is in progress, in preparation for the grand opening scheduled for 2023.

The development is taking shape in Dubai’s skyline after the achievement of a new milestone in Q3 2022, the completion of the full glass

cladding of its 3 towers: One Za’abeel The Residences, One Za’abeel Tower, and The Link. Work on the multiaward-winning One Za’abeel development is now focused on the interior fit-out and will be available for residents and visitors later in 2023, as per phased handover schedule.

One Za’abeel is a feat of engineering, architecture and design while its crown jewel The Link pushes conventional limits and elevates industry standards in order to deliver

an exceptional, immersive experience to its visitors.

One Za’abeel is redefining the concept of mixed-use developments in Dubai, and the region. The development’s towers and panoramic sky concourse, The Link, offer the finest in retail, residential, office space, and hospitality. The Link is posed to break the Guinness World record for the “Longest Cantilevered Building”, offering an elevated lifestyle destination and several high-end attractions, including a 360° observation deck providing mesmerising views of the city.

Commenting on the work progress of One Za’abeel, Raad Al Jarrah, Chief Development Officer at Ithra Dubai, said: “We’re developing and creating an iconic mixed-used development that will contribute to Dubai’s landscape. From concept to design and implementation, a lot of thought has been put in to guarantee the residential, business, hospitality, and leisure components at One Za’abeel are fully integrated for an unparalleled, luxurious experience. Visitors of One Za’abeel will be driving straight into a premier urban oasis.”

The iconic mixed-use development is sure to be an indulgent haven for tourists and residents alike, providing high-end retail experiences throughout The Gallery on its podium levels, and featuring

the world’s first luxurious urban vertical resort. Managed by One&Only, the resort includes 94 One&Only Private Homes, and 229 luxurious hotel rooms and suites. One Za’abeel’s hospitality offering also includes SIRO Hotel, which will manage 132 guest rooms and a state-of-the-art wellness & recovery fitness club.

One Za’abeel consecutively received Best Innovative Project of the Year at Innovation in Construction & FM Awards in 2019 and 2020

An all-encompassing project, One Za’abeel houses an unparalleled residential offering, with 264 opulent simplexes and duplexes which were offered for sale earlier this year. Its strategic location close to Dubai’s commercial business district also makes One Za’abeel a prestigious business address, with 26,000 square metres of premium grade-A office space available, attracting international corporations to settle in one of the most sought-after business destinations.

Ithra Dubai mission is to enrich lives and transform the legacies of the past into landmarks of the future. Ithra are proud of their work being recognized by prestigious institutions and industry peers as it is a true reflection on their commitment to contribute to Dubai’s global standing as the city of endless achievements. The continued recognition pushes us to deliver further and to always exceed expectations.

Current progress of work at One Za’abeel is focused on the interior fit-out in compliance with Gold LEED certification requirements in preparation for the phased handover and grand opening scheduled in 2023.

AESTHETICS & FUNCTIONALITY

Cem Kapancioglu, founder and managing director of CK Architecture Interiors, discusses his unique architectural perspective, how finance and design are parallel pursuits for project success, and why he is a big advocate of sustainability

Can you provide a brief overview of your background, expertise, and unique architectural perspective?

I studied Architecture at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University for seven years. I then founded CK Architecture Interiors in 2010. The company started growing on the back of project wins for clients such as Anantara on the Palm and Burj Khalifa. Prior to that, I gained valuable sector experience by working for Dubaibased consultancy Eronat Engineering.

I then went back to Istanbul to work for design firms like Kocaciklioglu Architects and Arketipodesign before I returned to Dubai where I worked with Rixos Group for a project worth around US$500m.

What is your guiding design principle?

I see design as the unity of two principles—aesthetics and functionality. I take these two principles to set my limits from the start to the end of my design process. Successfully combining both of these ensures that the project is in perfect harmony.

How is the role of architecture evolving in terms of designing for the end-user?

I want to mention that many people see architecture as a type of art, therefore, it is simply a very subjective field. Tastes cannot be defined in a general sense but can be described in mutual connections. Oscar Wilde says: “It is better to be

beautiful than being good. But it is better to be good than to be ugly.”

Following this quote, we focus on learning key things about the endusers of our projects. We start with the problems they are directing us to in terms of their design needs and we enhance it by learning about their lifestyle so that when we suggest our design solutions we ensure that we not only match up but also exceed their expectations.

How will your recent studies in finance and real estate help you in the field of design and architecture?

I recently finished the programme of Real Estate Economy and Finance at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The programme helped me gain a deep knowledge of the real estate industry from a macroeconomic perspective.

Finance and design, are parallel pursuits on the path to a successful project. My recent programme on real estate has helped me widen my vision in analysing and taking strategic initiatives throughout the lifecycle of the projects I am working on. Financial success is as important as client satisfaction once the project is handed over.

I have encouraged my design team to approach our finance team throughout the design and build process to maximise project performance and profitability.

Studies I conducted on the real estate market have also helped in the design process as the luxury real estate market in our region is on an upward trajectory and is predicted to go even higher in the coming years.

In short, combining these different theories help us in recalibrating the future of our company.

Are you optimistic about the power of architects to shape sustainable cities?

I want to be optimistic about this issue. For us architects to direct the market to sustainable design solutions, we need to take full responsibility and show our leadership skills. This will require suffering at first but if we don’t do our bit today i.e. influence the public on the

importance of sustainability, we will not be in a position to make the switch.

What trends are you paying attention to in your projects right now?

There is a big focus on sustainability within our company. Sustainability is and will be the major trend in the world of architecture.

In addition, with the growing number of ultra-luxury real estate projects in the region, we are also closely following up on this trend. As a vertically integrated design and build boutique specialising in the creation of opulent living and working spaces, CK Architecture Interiors was responsible for the design and build of Casa del Sole – the most expensive villa sold in Dubai earlier this year. We are also working on a few other uber-luxury villas on Dubai’s Billionaire’s Row.

Can you tell us about any special projects you are working on that exemplify innovation?

Last year we completed our LEED Platinum-certified office building, CK Design House, in Izmir, Turkey. Every small detail on that project was thoughtfully chosen and implemented.

We tried to make use of natural and local elements to maximise the sustainability features and build an office space with a soul. Many innovations were practiced, from a transparent central core with the help of glass material from the roof to the basement level, collecting rainwater and solar panels and so on.

Here in Dubai, we are pushing the limits of luxury living with our design applications. From basement levels that you can only see in sci-fi movies with the harmony of technology and luxury, to basement bowling alleys with a view to the swimming pool on the ground level.

Which building do you wish you had designed in the Middle East?

As a loyal alumni of the school that has been named after and being from the same land as I am, I wish I had been a part of Suleymaniye Mosque when Sinan was designing.

Very different times but the idea is the same – perfection in every detail thoughtfully considered and strategically placed. Much like Sinan, we place great emphasis on attention to detail which is one of our main pillars when it comes to design.

I will mention sustainability again and again. In addition, tech-driven spaces incorporated with design and minimalism will evolve to ultimate limits in all senses. Capsule living spaces from Japan, for example, will have big impacts on the design world in the future. Still, the demand for ultra-luxury will be always there.

What do you think will be the most significant trends and developments in architecture over the next five years?

AESTHETICS & FUNCTIONALITY | CEM KAPANCIOGLU

“FOR US ARCHITECTS TO DIRECT THE MARKET TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS, WE NEED TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND SHOW OUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS.”

NASMA LUXURY STAYS

Nasma Luxury Stays, a division of Al Tamimi Investments and a specialist in vacation rentals, forecasts accelerated growth in luxury home investments in Dubai in 2023 in light of stronger global interest in the market.

Nasma expects considerable investments in Dubai’s high-end residential sector as unit prices are seen to surge 13.5

per cent next year, which is reported to be the strongest growth globally as per the latest Knight Frank study. The report credited the growth to sustained interest from ultra-high net-worth individuals who are looking for their second luxury homes.

“The local luxury residential market continues to attract foreign investors worldwide. The subsequent higher investment inflows will provide more growth opportunities

and further boost Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for international property investors. Investments will be especially high in premium areas such as the Palm Jumeirah as stated in the latest research,” Dani Tabbara, COO of Al Tamimi Investments.

According to Nasma, one growth opportunity that property investors can explore is entering the short-term rental market, a highly in-demand segment of the hospitality industry fueled by staycationers as well as remote and hybrid workers.

“Short-term rentals enable

property owners to offer their second homes to those seeking to enjoy all the luxuries associated with a 5-star hotel within a comfortable, warm home environment. Despite their property being leased, the owners will still not lose access to their property during their holiday break or whenever they want to use it,” Tabbara said.

Nasma provides end-to-end property management solutions to luxury owners, overseeing issues such as property damage and maintenance to take worry out of the equation and make everything as hassle-free and transparent as possible for them.

In addition, the company offers an attractive profitsharing model in which 80% of the profit goes to the property owner to ensure they enjoy better rental yields. Part of its services as well is

providing its clientele with a 12-month revenue forecast and interior design solutions for a more effective business strategy and higher market value of the properties.

Nasma manages luxury holiday homes at the Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai Marina, Downtown Area, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), City Walk, Blue Waters, Dubai Harbour Creek, Dubai Hills, and many more.

“Amid the global demand, the short-term rental segment is poised to open attractive return on investment for property owners to enjoy. With Nasma as their partner, they can be assured that their properties will be taken care of with utmost care and meticulousness through our holistic solutions and services,” concluded Tabbara.

NASMA LUXURY STAYS PREDICTS HIGHER INVESTMENTS IN DUBAI’S LUXURY RESIDENTIAL SECTOR IN 2023

Dani Tabbara, COO of Al Tamimi Investments

TALKING POINT

BUILDING CREATIVE FUTURES

people and the environment. Our faculty explores this subject with students at length, and it’s a message we aim to promote with governments and other academic and private organisations.

What projects and initiatives make you the proudest at DIDI?

DIDI hosted informative workshops and a series of discussions, and your students’ innovative works were displayed at Dubai Design Week. What was the common thread between these activities that you wanted to share with design enthusiasts/attendees?

The ultimate message DIDI wants to convey is that design is at the heart of

the future world. Our panel discussions and workshops underscored how impactdriven and human-centric design is essential in an increasingly technologydependent world. Whether we’re talking about living in space or under the sea or we’re talking about smart sustainable cities, we must make sure that all conversations consider the impact on

Faculty and students are involved in research, discussions and projects that are impressive and ground-breaking – so it’s nearly impossible for me to pick! Our Graduate Exhibition ranks high on the list. It’s the culmination of four years of hard work, learning and curiosity where students present final projects to the public. Last year, we hosted our first one at Dubai Design District. People got to see innovations and prototypes, such as gamified technology to track the development of children with ADHD,

MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH, PRESIDENT OF DUBAI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND INNOVATION (DIDI), TALKS ABOUT THE INSTITUTE’S PARTICIPATION IN DUBAI DESIGN WEEK, OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS, AND HIS VISION FOR THE FUTURE

an AI and AR app for patients with Dementia and sustainable fashion concepts that show multidisciplinary thinking.

The other point of pride is Project Design Space. It has grown so much in such little time. We have partners like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Health, Expo 2020, Adidas and HP, who challenge students across the UAE and beyond to design solutions to relevant problems in their industries. It is a very fruitful and exciting way for students to learn and engage with experts.

It must be incredibly satisfying to see the students learning and graduating in life. What are your expectations from them?

I hope that our students share forward what they have learned at DIDI. I want to see them imagine and realise a sustainable and inclusive world armed with humancentric and purpose-driven design thinking fundamentals. By introducing other people to this approach, we can start carving a future that leverages the best of technology for the betterment of humankind and the planet.

What is your sense of the institute right now? How do you plan to sustain the momentum that has been built and ensure the institute continues to move forward on an upward trajectory?

Our secret to success has been our commitment to caring and curiosity. We’re in a great place as long as these two pillars remain valid for our faculty, staff, and students.

We also plan to grow with our student base to ensure that all students can continue learning in

our intimate, interactive classroom environments. As such, we’re always looking for new professors, staff, and speakers who can bring unique perspectives that align with DIDI’s forwardlooking approach. We also support our current professors in learning about and contributing to their fields and always be at the cutting edge. Exploring strategic partnerships and industry connections is part of an ongoing effort to keep enhancing the institute’s offerings with more hands-on experiences.

What kinds of opportunities will your students have once your programme is completed?

Students go on to be employed by leading companies within their specialisations, while others go on to found businesses of their own. Some students have even continued developing their DIDI projects after graduating, turning them into complete business models and products. Students can tailor their career path since we teach them technical skills and transferrable skills like design thinking, problem-solving, creativity and empathy that can serve them in every aspect of life.

What are some of the biggest challenges?

People are still becoming familiar with design as an academic or professional pursuit. Often, design is instantly associated with disciplines like fashion or graphic design. While that is part of our curriculum, it’s about much more than that – design is integral to the future world, especially as the digital and physical

realms overlap. However, conversations around the future of work focus on the role design disciplines will play. Prospective students are more aware, and it is essential that parents and guardians also see the value of this field. The other challenge is ensuring students can access internship programmes with relevant companies. A lack of structured internship programmes can impact a student’s ability to get real-world experience. It is why such programs and partnerships are built into DIDI’s curriculum but

BUILDING CREATIVE FUTURE | MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH

“I HOPE THAT OUR STUDENTS SHARE FORWARD WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED AT DIDI. I WANT TO SEE THEM IMAGINE AND REALISE A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE WORLD ARMED WITH HUMANCENTRIC AND PURPOSE-DRIVEN DESIGN THINKING FUNDAMENTALS.”

Aysha Alsuwaidi

expanding that pool from the professional side is essential for student development.

What is your vision for the institute moving forward?

The demand for courageous, innovative and empathetic minds has never been greater as we head to the fifth industrial revolution and the working relationship between smart technologies and humans evolves. Our students represent that future-focussed cadre of thinkers, innovators and disruptors who will define the world of tomorrow and make an impact.

What are the strengths of DIDI’s courses?

First and foremost, the expertise of our faculty. Professors at DIDI are experts in their fields and contribute with research and insights.

So, students learn from active industry professionals whose knowledge bank is continuously evolving and growing.

Our curriculum is another strength, crafted with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School’s Parsons School of Design. It brings a new, crossdisciplinary approach to

Montana, Associate Professor

design thinking and teaching that instils flexible skills in students to take on a rapidly changing design and digital job landscape. Students must choose from at least two of four disciplines – Product Design, Multimedia Design, Fashion Design, and Strategic Design Management – which integrate design expertise, engineering know-how and business management skills into their educational journey.

What priorities are you looking forward to taking on in the New Year?

Our priority moving forward is to continue spreading the knowledge of what we offer at DIDI to students and parents. Beyond prospective students, we want to make our academic principles available to professionals in the industry through more expert and facultyled workshops and panels. Exploring new partnership opportunities and connecting

with the industry remains a vital part of our plans. We want to ensure our students get a dynamic learning experience at DIDI, which requires us to innovate our offerings continuously.

DIDI signed an MoU with Gulf Craft on the sidelines of Dubai Design Week.

partnership

Our goal to create multidisciplinary creative thinkers and designers requires students to transfer their innovative design thinking into real-world, actionable projects. Our partnership with a prestigious brand like Gulf Craft shows how we bridge learning from theoretical to practical at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). It awards students a one-of-akind opportunity to engage with industry experts and demonstrate how impactdriven design plays a vital part in business success.

What does this

mean for DIDI?

Nayef Albastaki

Carlos

“OUR GOAL TO CREATE MULTIDISCIPLINARY CREATIVE THINKERS AND DESIGNERS REQUIRES STUDENTS TO TRANSFER THEIR INNOVATIVE DESIGN THINKING INTO REALWORLD, ACTIONABLE PROJECTS.”

here’s to a cleaner future

Choosing a gas powered truck will put you and your fleet in the forefront of sustainable truck operations, reduce your CO2 emissions and achieve Euro 6 Emission Legislation without using Adblue or Particulate Matter. Well suited for both urban and regional operations. It can be matched with R, G, L or P cabs and combined with either the Scania Opticruise gearbox or automatic transmissions.

For more information about our Alternative Fuels options, please visit www.scania.com/ae/en/home/products-and-services/articles/alternative-fuels.html

Natural gas (CNG/LNG)

Natural gas is methane from pockets in the Earth’s crust. Although it is a fossil fuel, it emits up to 15% less CO2 compared to regular diesel.

NEW DOOSAN WHEEL LOADER IN CERAMIC FLOOR TILE INDUSTRY

Trans-Tomaco is a family company based in Castellón in Spain, founded in 1950 by professionals from the world of transport, logistics management and earthmoving. Since then, the business has fulfilled all of its clients’ material transport needs. Its vehicle fleet is three years old on average and is diversified in order to meet the demand of operators with modern and state-of-the-art equipment.

Moving Three Thousand Tonne of Raw Material Daily

The latest addition to the fleet at Trans-Tomaco is the purchase of a new Doosan DL380-7 wheel loader to move raw materials used in the

manufacture of porcelain stoneware flooring in the Castellón area. The ceramic sector in Spain is of vital importance at a national level, but above all in terms of exports. Spain is the benchmark in the industry and one of the main European and world exporting countries in this market, with 90% of production being concentrated in the province of Castellón.

Raw materials for the industry arrive at the ports of Castellón and Valencia, or come from mines in various Spanish towns, and are transported by truck to the ceramics plant. Using the new Doosan DL380-7 loader, these materials are collected and fed into hoppers, so that the ceramic atomizer has a continuous supply for the manufacture of

DRIVE THE NEW WAY

NEW IVECO T-WAY: HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY ON OFF-ROAD TERRAINS

With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.

NEW IVECO S-WAY: HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY FOR ON-ROAD MISSIONS

The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator. 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.

MACHINERY

tiles. The dependability of the wheel loader is paramount, because production cannot be stopped once the ovens are switched on, as the process is continuous.

Great Load Capacity, Speed and Lower Fuel Consumption

“We need to stack a large amount of material, mainly white clay, to feed the hoppers quickly and reliably. We are talking about a movement of at least three thousand tonne of material per day, in two shifts,” comments Raúl Martínez Paula, the machine operator in charge.

“The Doosan DL380-7 wheel loader provides us with a large loading capacity and it is faster and guarantees a better performance with lower fuel consumption. We now have a

4.3 m3 shovel that improves the effectiveness of the work considerably. With this greater load capacity we have made gains in efficiency.”

New Cab with Excellent Finish

Raúl Martínez Paula added: “Previously we owned another Doosan loader, a DL300 and we were satisfied with its performance so we weren’t considering changing brands. Compared with the old machine, the new loader is more modern, sleaker and very comfortable. It is larger, the cab is very spacious, comfortable and has a better finish. It has an 8-inch touch screen that is easy to read and use, with all the functions integrated in one place. Visibility from the operator’s station is unbeatable.”