OP-ED

Digitalization in the construction industry IS A SOCIO-ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

by KUMAR SUBRAMANIA, SENIOR VP AT MAST CONSULTING, OFFERING CONSULTING, ADVISORY AND TECH SOLUTIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry enjoys a unique prominence in today’s world, stemming from the primal need for secure environments to live our lives. And it’s no wonder that an industry addressing such a basic need, currently accounts for 6% of the global GDP(1); and is poised to stake an even greater share, in the near future.

Despite this, the construction industry has been somewhat averse to digital transformation, compared to other sectors. However, since the pandemicinduced accelerated digitalization, a universal consensus around tech adoption is emerging, across the construction value chain. Proptech companies and SaaS providers are increasingly leveraging IoT sensors, cutting-edge BIM, AI, ML, drones, and AR & VR; to optimize construction activities, and unlock multi-fold positive value. Such market-driven developments are leading to accessible and affordable Proptech solutions. According to a study(2), over the next decade, digitalization in non-residential construction could save $0.7-1.2 trillion yearly in the early design phase, and $0.3-0.5 trillion in life-cycle operations; globally. But given construction’s huge socio-economic impact, the potential outcomes are beyond merely monetary.

Enhancing operational efficiencies across the value chain Across the construction industry’s long value chain; digitalization is anything but uniform; with each vertical at a different stage of tech adoption. For instance, supply chains often lack digital tools to

enhance transparency, and progressive suppliers are leveraging ERP software, smart logistics solutions, and RFID technologies; to differentiate themselves from competitors. Automation is reducing manual intervention in repetitive tasks; while optimized efficiencies are preventing revenue leakage, and enhancing productivity. At the industry scale, such outcomes could have great socio-economic implications.

Efficiency and productivity in construction work Time management can be challenging in the construction industry, with projects rarely progressing on schedule. But this is changing, with the emergence of 3D printing, construction automation, and various drone-assisted enhancements. These technologies are being applied in preliminary planning, site exploration, mapping, construction activity, postconstruction inspection, and sales and marketing - making the end-to-end process leaner, more streamlined, and disruption free. 3D printing, in particular, could revolutionize construction, taking the industry closer to its goal of achieving carbonneutrality, zero-wastage, and ultraefficient operations. Safety: A much-needed intervention Construction is reportedly one of the most dangerous jobs in Kuwait(3), and the industry reports a fair few workplace accidents, across the MENA region. This calls for effective safety enhancements, which can be implemented at scale. Wearable technologies - with proximity sensors, heart rate monitors, and alarm systems - can make a big difference to worker safety. Additionally, digitalization makes it easier to standardize safety protocols, optimize workflows and scheduling, as well as implement time-bound and relevant upskilling - all of which positively impacts workforce safety and productivity.

Digitalization built on the bedrock of BIM and App-based operations Building Information Modelling (BIM) is perhaps one of the most promising and actionable pathways, to digital transformation in construction. It paves the way for data-driven operations and management, from early design stages to the entire building life-cycle. But it depends on data centres - as repositories of resource usage reports, project files, and regulatory documents. Cutting-edge platforms - like MAST Consulting’s >>> About S Kumar Subramania

As the Senior Vice President at MAST Consulting, part of the MAST Consulting Group, S Kumar Subramania brings 30+ years of rich industry experience to the table, including 15 years in leadership roles. Kumar channels his decades of expertise and extensive knowledge towards the organization’s core interests; including, but not limited to, effective digital adoption and top-tier consulting. A highly respected senior leader within the technology and consulting space, Kumar is equally at ease with architecting pertinent solutions as he is with strategic business consulting. Kumar’s key strength lies in successfully transforming innovative ideas from concept to reality, and further into a thriving, robust business. A key example of his strategic leadership capabilities was Kumar’s tenure with Veeras Infotek Private Limited UAE, where he was pivotal in the company’s growth and eventual integration with Hitachi Systems Micro Clinic in 2018. Following the successful integration, he went on to become the General Manager of the parent company. With a focus on building “organizations” rather than “businesses”, Kumar’s stellar career track record underscores his ability to not only develop innovative business models that lead ideas from concept to market, but also ensure their ongoing growth with a strict emphasis on people, processes and a healthy sustainable P & L.

Customer Intelligence and Analytics App (CIAA) - harness data mining and collation, bringing meaningful insights to stakeholders. The industry maintains huge amounts of historical data - such as drawings, approvals, plans, project documents etc. - which digitalization helps archive; making data storage inexpensive and seamless, using license-based or openprotocol, and features like SNAPLOCK or WORM, and data compaction. This ensures the availability, integrity and security of the data – on-cloud or onpremises.

SD-WAN technology enables secure, efficient and cost effective connectivity between work-sites and corporate office, far beyond geographical boundaries; breaking down silos and enhancing the scope for better cost and quality control, surveillance, etc. As a result, Greenfield construction becomes possible in remote, desert areas in the MENA region - where internet connectivity is unfeasible. Similarly, monitoring worker attendance, wages, and safe access to corporate IT assets, was a pain-point; until zero-trust, password-less, Blockchain-based authentication became affordable. These technologies enable highly secure access to all corporate assets from remote work-sites; increasing efficiency and optimizing operational costs. Integrating such solutions with wearables makes everything from onsite work punch-in, to complex collaborative tasks, more efficient, and easier to monitor.

Digitalization is here to stay, in the MENA construction industry Proptech solutions, and platforms like CIAA, complement the unique position the construction industry finds itself in, within the MENA region. By 2022, the region’s construction industry is set to grow at 4.1%(4), and this growth cycle will have a direct bearing on socioeconomic parameters like quality of life, affordable housing, and diversification into non-oil sectors. At the same time, digitalization also holds the key to enhancing sustainability, and promoting effective climate action. Once an advisable course of action, digitalization has now becoming lucrative - and an essential part of being competitive - for organizations and professionals, across the construction value chain. About MAST Consulting and MAST Consulting Group

A profitable home-grown UAE start-up, with a global footprint, MAST Consulting is a technology advisory and consulting firm headquartered in the UAE, with unique expertise in driving the end-to-end digital transformation of businesses, across sectors. With over 100 clients in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa, and over 80 years of cumulative global experience, MAST Consulting brings best practices from the consulting and the technology world under one umbrella. The company’s client portfolio includes an impressive list of market leaders, namely Panasonic, Hitachi, DIFC, Al Futtaim, Dubai Holding and Danube, among others. MAST Consulting services are crafted to offer Consulting and Advisory Services on Critical Infrastructure and Risk associated functions of the organization, with their service coverage area starting right from IT Infrastructure all the way to Data Center, Business Application and a secure computing environment. The company offers end-to-end solutions to enterprises focused on Digital Transformation , Customer Experience, Enterprise Risk management (People, Process & Technology), Data Center Infrastructure (distributed and hybrid), Cloud adoption, Sustainability governance and more.

The USP of MAST Consulting lies in its ability to help businesses from Concept to Realization – all the way from providing a roadmap to businesses for their digital transformation journey to assisting those that require further support by recommending third party vendors and solutions, as well as helping with the implementation of those solutions. The Services division supports the Consulting practice with managed services, resource augmentation services, strategy, marketing, and advanced analytics, across all major industry verticals.

The company is now also looking to integrate AI-led insights and automation into their solutions, along with launching techled convenience services in the B2C and B2B space in the form of MAST DigitALL, MAST B2B, MAST Connect as well as an Insights division.

MAST Consulting is a part of the MAST Consulting Group, a UAE-based holding company comprising MAST Consulting, MAS Tech General Trading LLC and MAST Advisory Services, together offering a gamut of services, from consulting to system integration as well as feasibility advisory. Across industries like automotive, healthcare, construction, FMCG, trading, hospitality, F&B, and more, the MAST Consulting Group of Companies offer quick and effective solutions to enterprises for their varied needs, ranging from resource optimization to identifying and plugging revenue leakage sources; from modernization of the business to driving optimum ROI and result.

More details at: www.mastcgroup.com

CONSTRUCTION Innovation Awards

2021 Construction innovation awards 2021 is one of the leading events applauding the achievements of the region’s construction professionals. 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 31 winner were crowned during this evening.

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CATEGORY SPONSOR KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ALEC

ALEC Engineering and Contracting L.LC. (ALEC), part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), is a large construction company with related businesses operating in the UAE with a large presence in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. ALEC provides integrated construction solutions with ability to deliver complex projects successfully. ALEC has consistently evolved and grown over the last 20 years to become a trusted partner for the execution of complex and iconic construction projects. The company builds and provides construction solutions to exceed our clients’ expectations for quality, safety, functionality, and aesthetics.

COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR RAQ CONTRACTING, ITALIAN PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

The Italy Pavilion is a one-of-a-kind construction marvel, where art quite literally meets engineering. Nothing about the project can be considered ordinary and the contractor’s primary contribution to this project could only be described above and beyond. The sheer quantum of works, packed within a small footprint, makes this project one of RAQ’s most challenging, engineering, logistically and timewise.

CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR TURNER & TOWNSEND

Commenting on the win, Alan Talabani, Regional Managing Director, Turner & Townsend said; ‘’We are delighted to be acknowledged by our industry peers and CBNME as ‘Consultancy of the Year.’ This accolade is a well-deserved reflection of our people who have worked so hard to build this business with me. Over the years, we’ve ensured business resilience through a multi-segment growth strategy, spanning real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources. More recently, we have accelerated the digitisation of our service model, launching a series of new cost and project management products and services to the market. We are excited to see what the future holds, and we look forward to transforming performance on some of the region’s most impactful programmes’’

MIXED USED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

MZ ARCHITECTS - YAS CREATIVE HUB

The Yas Creative Hub is considered as the cornerstone of the Yas Bay Development, as it is the first industry specific build for the creative sector in the GCC, the Yas Creative Hub Phase 1 is designed by MZ Architects, the creators of Aldar’s HQ, the development is planned to become the leading destination for international media, entertainment and creative community. Rooted from the history of the Emirati architecture, the project design was inspired by the ancient forts of the UAE, where the raised podium allows for protection from the sun and the towers create a remarkable landmark overlooking the surroundings, allowing for an overall architectural design stemming from the Emirati culture.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR DEYAAR DEVELOPMENT - REGALIA

Regalia, the 70-storey premium residential building will feature smart home-enabled apartments. It offers a wide range of recreational and wellness amenities, including an Olympic-size infinity pool with private cabanas and Jacuzzis, a state-of-the-art family gymnasium, a yoga pavilion, and an outdoor winter cinema. The project also features social amenities, such as a BBQ and private dining areas, residents’ lounge and business center, as well as indoor and outdoor children’s play areas. The amenities are nested within a wealth of organic landscape and great lawns providing the perfect environment for residents and owners to relax, unwind and enjoy quality time with their families and friends.

REAL ESTATE BROKER OF THE YEAR AYANA PROPERTIES

Ayana Properties, founded by Ayana Holding, is a real estate investment advisory specialising in residential properties in Dubai and London. Following its recent expansion into the South of France and Monaco, Ayana Properties is continuing to explore different markets and their potential, to ensure they secure solid opportunities for their clients that maximises their financial goals.

SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR MALL OF OMAN, AECOM

Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping malls, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and AECOM, the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, today announced that Mall of Oman was named the Sustainable Project of the Year. AECOM’s Mario Pishiri, managing director for Buildings + Places in the Middle East & Africa, said: “By delivering innovative, pragmatic and resilient sustainable solutions, the collective team has demonstrated that it is possible to develop large-scale, community-enhancing assets with reduced environmental impacts. Mall of Oman can inspire the region’s construction industry to apply more ecologically beneficial solutions to their projects from concept design through to operation, ensuring we can all meet the future with confidence.”

MASTER PLAN PROJECT OF THE YEAR THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, THE RED SEA PROJECT

“It was a pleasure for our team to attend the Construction Innovation Awards ME. We were honored to receive the Masterplan Project of The Year Award and convey our thanks to the organizers and all who were present. It was great to be able to attend an event in person after the challenges the pandemic has posed over the last 18 months. I want to say a sincere ‘thank you’ to all our employees, partners and stakeholders for their support during this time. Thank you to every single person for their incredible hard work to make this a successful year. Our people are the key to our success.” – John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company & AMAALA

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS COMPANY OF THE YEAR RIB CCS

INNOVATIVE SOCIAL LIVING LOOTAH REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

“We’re honoured to be the recipient of this award that reflects and represents our global strategy to future-proof our business and reinforces our mission and vision to digitally transform the built environment with innovative and fitfor-purpose solutions that’ll shape the future for generations to come.” – Amira Zenasni, PR & Marketing Specialist at RIB CCS

CEO OF THE YEAR ALAN TALABANI, TURNER AND TOWNSEND

What an honour it is to be named ‘CEO of the Year,’ up against very accomplished industry peers, who are all doing brilliant jobs in the region. This recognition is for our team as a whole, without their dedication, talent, and commitment, it would not have been possible. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the years. Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to Turner & Townsend success in the Middle East. – Alan Talabani

PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR JULIO MAGGI, AECOM

I am deeply humbled; and accept this recognition on behalf of a great team of great people doing great work. They bring their intellect, skills, talent, creativity and relentless energy each day. They rose to the many challenges and delivered amazing outcomes. They created a culture of excellence while consistently delivering exceptional client value. All the credit belongs to them. Special thanks to the leadership of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority for their clear guidance, collaborative spirit and the opportunity to serve. – Julio Maggi, AECOM

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR MOHAMMAD AL MANA

HOSPITALITY PROJECT O THE YEAR KSA NATIONAL PAVILION, EXPO 2020

INNOVATIVE PROJECT OF THE YEAR KING SALMAN ENERGY PARK (SPARK)

BEST FUTURISTIC PROJECT OF THE YEAR OBMI, AERA VERTICAL RESORT

“We are so honored and grateful to win the category of Best Future Project in Construction Innovation Awards this year. This true evidence to our belief as OBMI design team in design quality and excellence to benefit the community that we all belong to. The vertical resort project has been developed by OBMI NU innovation lab and one of the main missions of the lab is to confront the big issues and offer creative solutions to it. We have a strong belief that architecture has the power to transform our world to be a better place and this only happens when we carefully listen to both the environment and mankind’s needs. By winning this award it gives us more power to continue this way.” – Islam El Mashtooly, Senior Lead Designer at OBMI

BEST INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION DUPOD

“The ‘Best Innovation in Construction’ award recognizes our commitment to creating an environment that embraces technology and innovation. Our aim is to go beyond the conventional construction solutions into a new and exciting territory – we do this by adopting an intelligent tech-enabled eco-system of industrialized construction infrastructure that shifts activities to a controlled facility. This helps us create a perfect environment enabling us to streamline the product life cycle and target higher efficiency. We are on a mission to achieve ultimate efficiency in the industry and look forward to continuing to do so going forward as well.” -Ihab Ramlawi, DuPod’s Managing Director & Co-founder

INNOVATIVE INSULATIVE PROJECT OF THE YEAR PEARL POLYURETHANE SYSTEMS

“At Pearl Polyurethane Systems, we are thrilled to be recognised with the ‘Innovative Insulation Project of the Year 2021’ award for the first R&D initiative of its type to be launched in the Middle East with the objective of achieving an overall improvement of up to 20 percent in insulation performance for polyurethane-based, metal sandwich panels compared to current regional industry standards. We are proud of the work of our entire team, especially our R&D team, in achieving this level of industry recognition. Winning this award is an important part of our mission at Pearl to raise awareness of the improved energy saving benefits of polyurethane-based insulation panels as part of the solution to reduce energy for heating and cooling purposes. In doing so, we are enabling the construction industry to play its part in the fight against global warming.” - Martin Kruczinna, CEO, Pearl Polyurethane Systems

HSE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR COVID-19 COMMITTEE RESPONSE, ALEC

ALEC’s Construction Director, Sean McQue, launched the COVID-19 Crisis Committee and by mid-February protocols were established to address worst case scenarios at Projects, Camps and Head Office, with additional protocols being added as more information regarding the virus became available. Recognising the need for accurate identification of COVID-19 positive employees and their Primary Contacts, Sean approved the development of a bespoke online COVID-19 & Primary Contact Tracker and the formation of a COVID-19 Admin Support Team (CAST) to collaborate with ALEC’s IT department in the development and population of the Tracker. The team worked around the clock to develop the tracker, tapping into various data sources to ensure that all information required by the company and the authorities could be immediately accessed. By the end of March, the tracker was launched.

MEP CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AL SHAFAR UNITED

“Over the years, ASU has been the MEP Contractor for Landmark projects across diverse construction sectors, we are proud to have accomplished the most iconic projects in the region and to be acknowledged by the UAE government entities and the influencing developers of the country as their first choice MEP contractor. In recognition of the vast and prestigious portfolio of projects and the excellence of execution, ASU has won a number of Coveted Industry Awards for Reliability, Quality and Commitment to Excellence.” – Khaled Sharbatly, GM at ASU

FACILITIES MANAGER OF THE YEAR FARNEK – ABDELKADER GHERDAOUI

BEST INNOVATIVE AUCTION SOLUTIONS AWARD RITCHIE BROS.

With more than 25 years of experience in Facility Management Abdelkader has successfully managed major projects In Belgium, UAE, and Qatar such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Tram, Yas island infra, Dubai parks resort (Bollywood, LEGOLAND, motion gate, site wide), and Lately Expo 2020 Opportunity District and North Park.

CONSTRUCTION FIT-OUT COMPANY OF THE YEAR

MANYA DECOR BY AYANA HOLDING

Manya Decor by Ayana Holding is a premium fit out and project management company transforming empty places into beautiful spaces. From residential & commercial to hospitality & retail, they combine the love for intelligent design with the latest technology to deliver functional yet unique solutions.

SCAFFOLDING AND FROMWORK COMPANY OF THE YEAR

DOKA

Doka secured the Formwork & Scaffolding Company of the Year award due to it’s versatile services such as their Ringlock scaffolding solution and their key project wins. As a modular scaffolding system for both construction and maintenance applications, Ringlock’s design means fewer components and a significant reduction in commissioning quantities. As a value add, up to 80% of the material is reusable for different applications, while remaining 30% lighter and 50% faster to assemble, resulting in a win for site teams and project owners alike. Furthermore, Doka’s digitised scaffolding management system that provides real-time electronic scaffold requests and scaffold management processes to track all scaffolding resources, labour, and material deployed on site at any given time. In terms of key projects, Doka successfully won the contract to work on one of Zaha Hadid’s final projects, which fittingly will become the new headquarters of the Iraq Central Bank. Rising from the sloping banks of the Tigris, this 170-metre tower was designed to maximise its plot by utilising a tapered design that expands from a narrow base to a wider middle section. Described as a hospitality icon, Doka’s second project is Lusail City’s Katara Towers. Uniquely designed to represent Qatar’s heritage of two scimitar swords interlocked and rising 36 floors to reach 211 metres, Doka was able to meet the time constraints on this project by utilising its Table Lifting System and SKE 50 hydraulic climbing system to move up two levels of DokaFlex in two high-rise towers simultaneously. In Kuwait, Doka supported one of the country’s most important national infrastructure projects, namely the Nawaseeb Road and its cantilever, concrete bridge, which was delivered using 3D planning, Cantilever Forming Travellers and the support of formwork instructors to ensure a smooth, fast and costeffective process.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR

SERVEU FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

“Amid the ongoing pandemic, 2021 was a pivotal year for ServeU, with revenues increasing by more than 19% and profits increasing by over 11 %.The FM Company of the Year award attests to the significant accomplishments we’ve made. Among them is the development of an automated customer mobile app for Expo 2020 operations that fully automates operations without human intervention. Reinforcing our commitment to FM quality and knowledge management, we established a Digital Operations Centre (DOC), which offers real-time monitoring, tracking, and reporting of contract services. In addition, we established a disinfection service for both B2C and B2B clients. Supporting government’s Emiratization initiatives, a “National Training Programme” for young Emiratis was introduced, where we received recognized accolades for our exceptional services. We secured 35% more integrated FM contracts in 2020 than we did in the previous two years as a leading integrated FM service provider. All of this was made possible by our highly efficient and dedicated team, and in the interest of employee wellbeing, we established a DHA-approved in-house clinic and achieved 100% vaccination against Covid-19. We aim for continuous success by offering outstanding customer service.” – Gary Reader, General Manager, ServeU

INDUSTRY PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

ZINAH AL SAFFAR – SERVEU

With over a decade of experience, Zinah Al Saffar is the Soft Services Director for one of the biggest cleaning units in the region with over 4,000 staff. Her background includes the delivery and management of multiple scaled projects in Dubai and UAE.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR DEYAAR DEVELOPMENT

RETAIL PROJECT OF THE YEAR JT+PARTNERS, SHAKHBOUT CITY COMMUNITY MARKET

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR AG FACILITIES & CONTRACTING, THE GHAF TREE PROJECT

CSR INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR ADEEB GROUP - GO GREEN

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN FM EFS FACILITIES SERVICES GROUP

“Winning the innovation and technology in FM award for the year 2021 is a step towards the betterment of our technology solutions at EFS and an encouragement to continue our drive to make a difference in the Facilities Management industry through Digital Transformation. We think of digital transformation less as a technology project to be finished and more as a state of perpetual agility, always ready to evolve for whatever the industry demands, so we look forward to continuing innovating. We will continue to strive harder.” - Samar Salih, FMPro Technology Solutions at EFS Facilities Services Group