Construction Business News July 2018

July 2018

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

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// contents 8 Ed Note 12 News 22 Comment

Cundall’s structural engineer, Calum Perey, gives an insight into parametric modelling

July 2018 // Issue #41

Power

24 Comment

Bill Smith from Pinsent Masons Middle East brings the state of the UAE construction sector into perspective

26 Cover Story

CBNME presents the much-awaited Power Hour 2018, honouring the top contractors and real estate developers from the region

www.cbnme.com

2018

construction business news me // July 2018 //

3

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68 Feature

Cardiff General Transport discusses how it continues to flourish in the oil and gas sector

74 Feature

New range of Bobcat excavators redefines industry standards

80 Event

Volvo Trucks showed how it is building on its long history in safety at its Innovation Days in June

84 Editor’s Pick 88 Diary

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// Editor's note

editor’s note

Race to the top

Halfway through 2018 and we have come to one of the most important issues of the year – the Power Hour. The issue celebrates the top 60 contractors, real estate developers, and consultants in the regional construction industry who has given us some of the most unique and breath-taking projects in this part of the world.

Needless to say, the top spot in this year’s Power Hour issue was bagged by the reputed Dubai-based real estate developer, Emaar. Mohamed Alabbar, its founder, is a name to reckon with and some major projects being developed in the country under the developer’s kitty, the firm is well rooted in the top spot.

The developer also posted an impressive 62% growth in net profits to AED819mn in the first quarter of 2018.

Turns out that the second and third spot went to two of the most celebrated contractors in the region, China State

8

Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC ME) and ALEC. Both the companies posted solid revenue numbers in 2017 and bagged some of the most prestigious projects in the country. While CSCEC ME is working with developers like Nshama and Damac Properties, ALEC is associated with Meraas and Emaar.

Well, the list doesn’t end here. I would urge our readers to check out the rest of the names and take a note of the notable players in the market.

Improving oil prices, a decent turnaround of the non-oil sectors, along with the government policies have improved the growth prospects of the construction industry in the GCC for 2018. With the rise of new forms of project procurement and finance like public-private partnerships (PPP) and emergence of new players in the region, it will definitely act as a catalyst for the improving outlook of the sector.

// construction business news me // July 2018

Paromita Dey Editor paromita@bncpublishing.net @paromitadey1 linkedin.com/in/paromita-dey

// Update An update from around the region

For News, features and more, Visit www.CBNme.com Follow us on twitter for breaking news: @cbn_ME Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute breaking news

Real Estate

Damac awards AED72mn infrastructure contract to CSCEC for Akoya Oxygen

Dubai developer Damac Properties has awarded China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) with an AED72mn construction contract for major road and infrastructure work at Akoya Oxygen.

This latest contract brings total construction spend to over AED5.6bn since its inception, as Damac continues development at its 511ha community, and looks to start deliveries end of this year.

“This latest contract award to CSCEC will see major road 12

and infrastructure work being carried out at three clusters within Akoya Oxygen, providing access and services to support 1,623 villas,” said Ali Sajwani, general manager of Operations at Damac Properties. “We are pleased to further strengthen our relationship with CSCEC, as we accelerate development in almost every part of our largest master community which will start to welcome its first residents at the end of 2018.”

CSCEC will carry out major work at Victoria, Avencia,

// construction business news me // July 2018

and Amargo clusters which consist of 1,623 villas, and was awarded the work based on a competitive bid.

Damac recently awarded a major contract to Arabtec to build 916 villas at Akoya Oxygen in March 2018, and in August 2017, Arabtec was also chosen to build 1,296 villas.

Located off the Umm Suqeim Road extension and approximately 15 minutes from Damac Hills, Akoya Oxygen will offer residents a serene, family-friendly community surrounded by

beautiful landscaping and cascading water features. It features homes made up of energy efficient materials, controls and systems, amidst a green and secluded setting.

With access to an 18-hole golf course, Akoya Oxygen will also offer residents with state-of-the-art amenities such as luxury shopping arcades, five-star hotel and suites, and an organic market among others. The community will also include conveniences such as mosques, clinics, schools, nurseries, and restaurants.

Contract

Nshama appoints ECC for AED310mn deal for Town Square apartments Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) has been appointed on the AED310mn contract for the design and construction of the UNA apartments in Town Square Dubai by Nshama.

Commenting on the project, Fred Durie, CEO, Nshama, said: “Town Square sets the benchmark for future developments in Dubai and the region to appeal to the ‘new’ generation.

Technology has changed the way we live and work and therefore communities need to have developments that meet the modern pace of life and work. ECC has a strong track-record in project development and we will draw on their strengths for UNA, the path-breaking coliving community that assures a ‘live life at your price’ value proposition.”

Kareem Farah, CEO, ECC, said: “We always strive to provide our clients with leading, dynamic solutions to deliver projects of the highest quality.

We are ready and excited for this project and look forward to continuing our relationship with Nshama on upcoming developments. We hold a track record of delivering on unique, one-of-a-kind projects and has built a strong presence and solid reputation through our successful ventures and strategic partnerships in the market.

“There are over 10,000 urban development projects underway throughout the region with the UAE

accounting for over half of the active projects across all segments compared to the rest of the region. With urban development accounting for a large proportion of the projects, there is a clear need for industry players to differentiate their offering and diversify to remain competitive in our challenging market.”

Spanning over 90,350m2, UNA Apartments will require design and construction of two G+2P+9 storey buildings and

is a mixed-use development with numerous retail areas on the ground floor. For a duration of 25 months, ECC will provide its engineering solutions to oversee and lead on the project’s design and construction.

UNA Apartments is a lifestyle residential community that will feature numerous retail areas, 192 studios, and 764 one-bedroom apartments.

The main consultant on the project is Al Wasl Al Jadeed Consultants.

Danube Properties has sold out 85% of the inventory, or 393 units of the 463 apartments in two months of the launch of the AED300mn Jewelz.

Zoom Property, a new property portal, has launched in the UAE, where customers can search from more than 20,000 properties across the region.

// Bitesize news

ASGC is expanding a number of its internal training and development initiatives to keep its growing workforce on the side of technological and engineering advancements. www.cbnme.com

Al Rashed Peikko’s sales and production unit in the UAE, Peikko Gulf, has started building a new factory and warehouse premises in Ras Al Khaimah.

construction business news me // July 2018 //

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// NEWS

Real estate

Works begin for Beach Vista homes on Emaar Beachfront

We see Sharjah as a something of a hidden gem for real estate investors, given the strong underpinning of education and culture. ” Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, CEO, ARADA

Developer Emaar Development has taken possession of the land for construction of Beach Vista residences in Emaar Beachfront, the private island destination in the Arabian Gulf.

Site mobilisation and enabling work has commenced with the handover of homes scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.

Emaar launched the sale of Beach Vista earlier this year, recording sellout response. All 375 residences were sold out recording total sales worth about AED1bn, underlining

the strong investor confidence in Emaar’s development competencies and the appeal of Emaar Beachfront as a sought-after residential destination.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director of Emaar Properties, said: “Emaar Beachfront’s first residential launch, Beach Vista, has been an overwhelming success recording strong investor response from the UAE and international markets. We are now commencing the construction of Beach Vista

residences highlighting our commitment to on-schedule delivery. We are working with the best-in-class contractors and consultants to deliver Beach Vista to the highest standards of design excellence and build quality.”

The thoughtfully designed collection of Beach Vista homes is set in a twin-tower development of 33-storey and 26-storey. The homes have glass facades and bask in natural sunlight, and feature large balconies overlooking the sea.

Elegantly designed, the homes have luxury finishes and fittings. In addition to residential facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and parking areas at the podium, there will also be several high-end retail outlets at the ground level. Adding the convenience of the residents, Emaar Beachfront offers direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Palm Jumeirah.

// In numbers

Stock

2020

Q1 2018

16

2017 2016

0 64

0 62

0 60

0 58

0 56

0 54

52 0

50 0

0 48

46 0

0

2015

44

Residential units entered the Dubai market during Q1 2018

2019 2018

Annual Supply

3,000

Residential Supply

440 460 480 500 520 540 560 580 600 620 640

// construction business news me // July 2018

(Thousand Units)

Source: JLL

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// NEWS

// The big Picture Steven Morgan, CEO of Cluttons Middle East with Mark Ridley (right), Savills deputy group CEO, at the Savills acquisition of Cluttons ME. Contracts

Top 5 Web Stories

Deerns bags Kuwait Airport consultancy deal

www.cbnme.com

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1

SNC-Lavalin signs Oman deal

2

Initial Saudi bags Riyadh Airport deal

3

Nakheel awards Deira Islands bridge deal

4

Abu Dhabi work on infra projects

5

RTA approves Expo 2020, Dubai bus stations

Dutch consultancy Deerns Group has been awarded a $35.3mn contract by the Kuwaiti government to implement a range of technical facilities in and around Kuwait International Airport.

It will be executed over a period of five years; the project will be implemented in co-ordination with its local partner Al Nabhan Engineering Consultancy.

Deerns said an agreement was signed by the duo along with Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation for the speedy provision of management and supervision services at the airport.

// construction business news me // July 2018

The work will be carried out from Deerns’ local office in Kuwait, with local expertise and logistical support from Al Nabhan, and with specialist support from Deerns offices in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe, said the statement from the Dutch group.

For the development of specialised communication, navigation and surveillance systems as well as meteorological systems for air traffic management, Deerns will collaborate with the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR).

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// NEWS

Real Estate

DIFC Grand Mosque to open in Gate Avenue by 2019

DIFC Grand Mosque, located in the Gate Avenue, the new premium urban retail, leisure, and cultural development at the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is scheduled to open in 2019.

With a capacity of over 500 worshippers, the mosque serves all five daily prayer times, Friday and Ramadan prayers, and is accessible 24 hours from street level through lifts and escalators.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, commented: “The

DIFC masterplan continues to introduce state-of-the-art, urban architecture that is designed to enrich the experience of our growing community of professionals, residents, and visitors alike. DIFC Grand Mosque, together with the broader world-class offering of Gate Avenue, mark an important addition to the interconnected ecosystem we have at DIFC, and bring a new dimension to the attractive infrastructure we have in place.”

From a design perspective,

the 1,347sqm DIFC Grand Mosque is set to create a new vernacular for this typology in the UAE, offering a modern, non-conformist facility with references to tradition. The building form is a simple cube within a cube, reflecting the Gate Building of DIFC. While the exterior is minimal, the interior tends to be more elaborate as it introduces an expansive main chandelier that is inspired by the traditional Muqarnas.

The outer cubist form uses a hanging mashrabiya screen that acts as a veil to provide shade and privacy to certain areas and opens at the public areas. The screen is lifted to allow the intricate detail of the interior to be visible to the visitors of the area.

The hanging mashrabiya screen around the mosque uses a geometric Islamic pattern that creates openings of different sizes and intensities depending on the function of the space behind the screen.

// They said...

“The UAE construction field is evolving so that projects can be done smarter and more efficiently. ” Bishoy Azmy, ASGC

“Jewelz has captured the imagination of the property buyers in a big way. ” Rizwan Sajan, Danube

Structural works on Binghatti Crystals completed Dubai-based Binghatti Developers announced that Binghatti Crystals, one of its upcoming residential projects in Dubai Silicon Oasis, is on track for completion.

The developer confirmed that the structure of Binghatti Crystals has been completed with finishing, façade, and installation works currently in progress. The building, which consists of 12 floors, will offer a total of 219 units, including 159 studios, eight one-bedroom apartments, and 48 two-bedroom apartments, in addition to four-bedroom duplexes.

Binghatti Crystals will feature a swim-

20

ming pool, a gymnasium, in addition to parking facilities. It is located in the masterplanned Smart City of Dubai Silicon Oasis. The building is centred within walking distance of both the Silicon Park Development and the upcoming Silicon Oasis Mall development.

Muhammad BinGhatti, CEO and head of

// construction business news me // July 2018

architecture at Binghatti Developers, said: “Our focus on the affordable segment of the market was reflective of the reality that affordable properties provide better investment returns than luxury properties which are often held as trophy properties.

Binghatti Crystals is a project located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, which is an area that has proven to be excellent for both end users and investors seeking long-term rental returns. The community is located near major destinations and landmarks in Dubai and this provides investors with consistent streams of prospective tenants.”

“The construction of bus stations complements RTA’s efforts to improve the infrastructure of mass transit system. ” Mattar Al Tayer, RTA

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// Op-Ed

The future of design Calum Perey, structural engineer at Cundall, gives an insight into parametric modelling

D

ue to the rapid and everexpanding software industry, innovative opportunities are being brought into consultancy. New tools and techniques are changing and shaping the way we work, both aiding and adapting traditional practices. Within engineering and architecture, a new tool has emerged that will completely transform the way designers approach tasks.

Parametric modelling is a system that enables designers to instantaneously alter the constraints of their model.

It captures the design logic within a series of input parameters and functions, enabling the user to rapidly change and regenerate the entire model to suit their desired values. This enables engineers and architects to explore a wide range of permutations to efficiently reach an optimal design solution.

Parametric geometry has no fix dimensions or attributes, rather it has a series of commands that will generate the model according to any chosen inputs. This method of design is starting to become a powerful tool for all disciplines, enabling designers to exploit unique opportunities tailored to assist with their everyday tasks. This tool has numerous applications, with the biggest advantage for structural engineers being the ability to quickly 22

For the designer, a major challenge associated with parametric modelling comes in deciding when to implement. � alter centreline geometry and shells, generating any combination of geometry to efficiently analyse a full range of design options to form an optimal solution.

In Cundall, we have been utilising these tools across multiple disciplines and projects, to efficiently analyse a full spectrum of design possibilities.

This is beneficial to our clients, as it not only saves time, but also ensures the final solution is based off a comprehensive analysis.

For the designer, a major challenge associated with parametric modelling comes in deciding when to implement. Not every project needs to be parameterised and it is a skill to understand when it is appropriate to utilise the tool. It’s best adopted for large projects, or for tasks which are likely to experience many design changes, as parametric models save the designer time that is wasted redrawing geometry.

Another major challenge involves establishing the model constraints. A

// construction business news me // July 2018

parametric model can be programmed to control any variable, but the more complex the inputs the longer it will take to build the model. It is vital for the designer to establish what needs to be varied, and what can be fixed.

However, fixing inputs to simplify models can sometimes create more issues, as variables might change at later stages in the project, leaving the model unable to adapt. Especially for complex projects, the designer initially doesn’t know what the critical input variables are, so it can be very difficult to build an efficient and effective model that can adapt to future unknown design changes.

Integrating parametric models will also start to change the ownership of geometry within a project.

Traditionally, technicians have exclusively controlled geometry in both 2D CAD and 3D BIM models, however, the integration of parametrics will start to shift the possession between both the technician and the engineer. Building

Parametric modelling is a system that enables the designers to instantaneously alter the model constraints

the parametric model is currently being undertaken by the engineer, as it forms part of the project's fundamental design.

This can cause problems for technicians, as analysis models are not generally drawn to the accuracy and detail required for fabrication and construction. This can potentially cause additional rework to integrate the parametric model with the BIM model. It is therefore vital that both www.cbnme.com

mutual understanding, training, and integration of correct practices occur for both the engineer and technician, so that as our approach to design changes in the future, all parties benefit from the improvements.

As we look to the future, parametrics will become a vital core component for consultants.

For structural engineers, they will start to be fully integrated within both structural analysis and BIM

software, creating completely adaptable models that can integrate any required changes instantly.

Eventually there will be an entire library of standardised designs, that an engineer can open, input the project variables, and within hours have a running model.

To stay competitive and be on the edge of innovation, it is vital that these pioneering tools start to be incorporated into our standard designs.

construction business news me // July 2018 //

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// Op-Ed

Changing landscape Bill Smith, infrastructure partner at Pinsent Masons Middle East, brings the state of the UAE construction sector into perspective

Dubai, in particular, is seen in a positive light as 71% of respondents view the emirate as the most appropriate venue for regional dispute resolution.”

O

ver recent years, many firms have invested in the UAE’s infrastructure sector, particularly in construction projects in the lead-up to Expo 2020.

According to Pinsent Mason’s recent GCC construction report, overall sentiment in the GCC’s construction sector has improved over the last two years by approximately 7% (from 32% to 39%). The findings show that the UAE remains the number one market

24

expected to deliver growth in 2018, with 38% of respondents expecting the country to provide the most opportunity over the next 12 months, compared to 35% in 2016.

Meeting the changing geopolitical environment While there has been a slight increase in optimism over the past two years, the industry’s responses to questions about order books, contract, payment

// construction business news me // July 2018

periods, cost of capital, and number of disputes show areas of concern that are lingering on. Where there is more pressure on project delivery, there is likely to be a hardening of major procurers' positions, resulting in tougher contract conditions. Similarly, payment periods are still being extended, when they are already quite lengthy in the region, and are likely to become an increasing concern for those in the supply chain.

20% of those surveyed – the majority of which are companies involved in larger projects with a value of over AED500mn – said that their 2018 order books had declined by over 10%. This compares to 16% who said the same thing in 2016. Asked about contract conditions, 86% of businesses said they had become less favourable during 2017, representing a 7% decrease compared to two years ago.

In addition, 86% said payment periods were longer last year and 67% said they were involved in more disputes during 2017 than had been expected before the year started, as opposed to 59% in 2015.

The results are indicative of a hardening economic environment as the construction industry, like many others, grapples with the impact of ongoing low oil prices, simmering geopolitical tensions in parts of the MENA region, and a general concern related to emerging markets from many global investors.

Respondents’ optimism surrounding the future of the UAE saw definitive growth since 2016. Asked which www.cbnme.com

country will provide the strongest growth opportunity in 2018, 38% stated the UAE, representing a 4% increase of respondents who believed it would be the strongest market during 2016. The UAE also ranked the highest when 38% said that they have the most payment exposure to the UAE out of all the GCC countries.

Dubai, in particular, is seen in a positive light as 71% of respondents view the emirate as the most appropriate venue for regional dispute resolution. It is due to this combination of positive factors that 89% believe the UAE is the easier market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to do business in.

Also significant were the survey results on public private partnerships (PPPs), which are increasingly being used as a means of attracting more inward investment. More than one third (40%) of respondents are currently involved or expect to be involved in PPP projects during the next 12 months, up slightly from 32% for 2016.

PPP arrangements could offer a favourable solution for numerous

major infrastructure and construction developments, and there have been legislative changes made to make them more accessible and attractive.

PPPs provide an opportunity for the private sector investors and developers to access the various sub-sectors of the region’s infrastructure market.

We anticipate a rise in PPPs now that regional governments and the private sector have developed longer-term strategies designed to adapt to a new reality of lower oil prices.

Meeting the challenges Whilst analysts predict a slight economic revival across many GCC markets during 2018, the survey results, while they may show a slight increase in optimism, are indicative of what has been a challenging time for the construction sector - which has grappled with the impact of lower oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The UAE, in particular, is set to see an increase in the number of projects during 2018 and we expect the country to remain in top position, particularly in the lead-up to Expo 2020.

construction business news me // July 2018 //

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// Cover Story

Power 2018 The annual list of the Middle East’s Top 60 most prominent contractors, real estate developers, and consultants features more than 10 new entries from across the region, putting in spotlight the current improving outlook of the sector. These new entries have altered the entire corporate dynamics of the Power Hour 2018.

26

// construction business news me // July 2018

0

01 T

his year’s the most coveted top spot in the Power Hour issue goes to Mohamed Alabbar, the founder and chairman of the well-known Emaar Properties. The company recorded a 62% growth in its net profit to AED819mn during Q1 (January to March) 2018 compared to AED506mn in Q1 2017.

Revenue for Q1 2018 grew by 95% to AED3.27bn compared to AED1.67bn, reflecting strong construction progress focused on timely delivery. The company recorded sales of AED3.91bn in the first three months of the year and now has a total backlog of AED41bn.

This highlights the company’s strong fundamentals and robust delivery pipeline of over 27,200 residential units in the next four to five years.

www.cbnme.com

Mohamed Alabbar Founder and Chairman Emaar Properties

In Q1 2018, Emaar Development launched the sale of over 2,500 residential units across its megaprojects with overwhelming response from investors within the UAE and international markets.

In a company statement, Alabbar said: “With the listing of Emaar Development, our focus was to unlock its true potential and create added value for our shareholders.

This is demonstrated by the growth of the business and focus on delivering high-quality projects and service with our customerfirst approach. With our new developments, we are bringing exceptional lifestyle choices that meet the aspirations of our new generation through future city hubs that add value to the economy.”

In key launches during Q1 2018, the company unveiled Emaar Beachfront, a private gated island destination in the Arabian Gulf, offering residents the opportunity to experience Miami beach style living in Dubai. The launch of the first project Beach Vista was a sell-out success with strong investor response for subsequent project Sunrise Bay together recording total sales of over AED1.35bn.

The company has over 10 megadevelopments in its portfolio, and its strategy is to maintain its leadership role in prime residential real estate sector in Dubai, draw on its significant land bank and partner with leading entities to create sustained value for its shareholders, said the company statement.

construction business news me // July 2018 //

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// Cover Story

Yu Tao President and CEO CSCEC ME

C

hina State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC ME) has had a fruitful run this year with approximately AED1.1bn revenue generated for the first quarter of 2018.

The company also recorded a revenue of AED2.7bn for 2017. And the name behind this success is the president and the CEO of the company, Yu Tao, who bags the second position in this year’s Power Hour.

During the past year (April 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018), the contractor completed the Dubai Water Canal, Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai, and the access roads to Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Currently, the contractor boasts of an enviable inventory of 24 projects such as the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Hameni Tower, Arenco Hotel, and 28

many more, which accounts for a total company order backlog of AED12.8bn.

CSCEC ME is also currently in the final stage of negotiation for the new tallest building in Dubai, The Tower at the Dubai Creek Harbour, which will also be the tallest one in the world.

In a discussion with CBNME, Tao comments about the company’s future plans: “In the future, CSCEC ME looks forward to developing a better connection with the Middle East market and our development strategy is to maintain the building sector stability, strengthen the infrastructure sector, and explore new businesses in oil and gas and real estate sectors.

“Also, we aim to speed up the transaction of business model, adjust organisational operation structure, and utilise external resources through

// construction business news me // July 2018

project financing and investment, cooperation, partnership, and joint venture methods to get the win-win situation to change the single business operation model (construction) to multi-business operation model such as DB, EPC, BOT, BOOT, PPP, and many more.”

Since September 2004, Tao started his journey as president and CEO of CSCEC ME. Under his 14 years of governance, the contractor has become a noted and one of the most powerful companies across the region, starting as a small-scale project office. Tao has led the successful diversification of the company from initially being a conventional building contractor to a comprehensive total-solution provider whose business has reached nearly all the sectors of the construction industry in the Middle East.

03

Kez Taylor CEO ALEC

W

ith the plethora of projects under its belt, Dubai-based contractor, ALEC, bags the third spot in this year’s Power Hour, and Kez Taylor, CEO of the company, is a force to reckon with.

Under his guidance, ALEC recorded a revenue of AED800mn for the first quarter of 2018 and AED3.1bn for 2017. The contractor completed well-known and much-awaited projects like the Bvlgari Resort & Spa by Meraas, Bluewaters Retail by Meraas, Holiday Inn – Festival City, and the Marina Gate 1 project by Select Group.

The contractor claims to have an envious project backlog in excess of AED10bn which includes working on projects like the expansion of the Al Maktoum International Airport, enabling works for Dubai Creek Harbour Retail District, Select Group’s Tower 9 project, and many more.

In September last year, the contractor was appointed for the One Za’abeel project in Dubai.

The contract scope includes site excavation, preparatory works, and the construction of a seven-floor basement, according to the company. With shoring and piling already completed, all works are currently underway.

The 480,000m2 two-tower, high-rise mixed-use development incorporates luxury residences, hotel, serviced apartments, office spaces, a retail podium, and a panoramic sky concourse.

The project, due to be completed in Q4 2020, will also feature the world’s largest cantilever, The Linx, floating at 100m above ground and offering fine restaurants and lounges.

Commenting about the company’s plans, Taylor says: “We are having a great year with large opportunity to work on mega-construction projects in Dubai like the Mobility Pavilion at the Expo 2020 site. We have diversified our business believing in the trends of the future coming together at a fast pace into the market.”

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Ahmed Abou Hashima Chairman and CEO Egyptian Steel

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arlier this year, Ahmed Abou Hashima was recognised for his outstanding leadership and business excellence as it was listed among the top 50 companies operating in the Egyptian market for 2017. Established in 2010, Egyptian Steel Group succeeded to penetrate the competitive steel industry in Egypt within a short period. The group claims to operate with the philosophy of producing safe, high-quality products conforming to local and international standards using the latest state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology with an eye on long-term conservation of resources.

Under the holding company are three well-established companies, Industrial Investment Company (IIC) for Steel Plants Management, National 30

Port Said Steel (NPSS), and Egyptian Steel for Building Materials Trading operating four primary factories.

Inspired to meet the continuing growth witnessed in domestic and international demand, the group continues to concentrate on its exporting policy by increasing its productivity to cover domestic and international needs.

The planned expansion projects are designed to boost the company’s presence in the steel production and produce high-quality products.

Egyptian Steel Group contracted the Italian Group Danieli to construct and operate its production plants and implementing the endless rolling mill technology that reduces waste of rolling mill lines through pre-heating

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the scrap before charging the electric arc furnace. The adopted technology depends on relating the link between continuous casting machines and the rolling equipment without reheating billet or furnace melting operations.

Through years of experience and focus of bringing value to its customers, Egyptian Steel Group boasts of being dedicated to enhancing its presence in the home market through regular upgrading and development of its operations guided by a qualified management team to help build life for future generations in the region.

Under the leadership of its CEO, Hashima, Egyptian Steel has grown to acquire 20% of the steel market in Egypt in just eight years.

05 Mirwais Azizi Chairman Azizi Group

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ith more than 200 projects in the pipeline under various stages of development and a total portfolio value worth over AED45bn in the UAE, Dubai-based Azizi Group has carved out a niche for itself in the market. Among the projects that will be completed in the second half of 2018 are Shaista Azizi, Samia Azizi, Farishta Azizi, Azizi Plaza, and Azizi Star in Al Furjan, and Azizi Aliyah Residence in Dubai Healthcare City, and Azizi Mina on Palm Jumeirah.

The man behind the success, Mirwais Azizi, has been an active part of this incredible journey from the company’s humble beginnings in 2007 to its unprecedented success as a leading private developer in the

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UAE today. And hence it bags the fifth position in this year’s Power Hour.

The developer is currently focussed on sales and development of its two flagship projects in Dubai – including Azizi Riviera, valued at AED12bn project with 16,000 units in Meydan One, and Azizi Victoria, a mixed-use residential project more than twice the size of Azizi Riviera with 30,000 units in Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District 7.

Azizi tells CBNME: “We fully support the leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into a major global player and one of the highest-performing metropolitan economies. Over the years, Dubai has positioned itself not only as a world-class tourist destination but a city where residents

wish to live, work, and own a home.

“Azizi Developments’ flagship projects Azizi Riviera in Meydan One, Azizi Victoria in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District 7, and the future iconic skyscraper on Sheikh Zayed Road are a testament of our contribution and commitment to this city. To maintain our market position as one of the leading private developers in Dubai, we aim to guarantee timely delivery of our projects and remain construction focused.

“Our commitment to the city of Dubai and our quick response to market demand has enabled Azizi Developments to introduce distinctive contemporary communities in prime locations of the city.”

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Ali Rashid Lootah Chairman Nakheel

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his year, the reputed developer in Dubai, Nakheel, moves up to bag the sixth position in the Power Hour on the back of the 5% rise in its net profits to AED1.5bn in the first quarter of 2018.

The master developer handed over nearly 200 land and built form units to customers during Q1 2018 and sold the last available villas at its new Warsan Village community, with all 934 homes now purchased.

Meanwhile, its retail, hospitality, and residential leasing businesses all continued to perform robustly.

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Between January 1 till March 31, 2018, Nakheel officially signed construction contracts worth almost AED5bn. It includes an AED4.2bn contract for Deira Mall at Deira Islands and an AED385mn contract for its first joint venture at Deira Islands – the 800room beachfront hotel and waterpark from Spain’s RIU Hotels & Resorts.

Q1 2018 also saw significant construction progress at several Nakheel residential, retail, and hospitality projects, including The Palm Tower, Nakheel Mall, and The Palm Gateway on Palm Jumeirah; Deira Islands Night

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Souk, Deira Mall, and the RIU and Centara resorts at Deira Islands; and Warsan Souk at Warsan Village.

In a statement to the press, Lootah said: “It has been an impressive start to 2018, with our Q1 results reflecting our ongoing delivery and diversification as per our business plan, and our key role in enhancing Dubai’s real estate sector – through a growing range of residential, retail, and hospitality projects – in line with government goals. As ever, we thank our leaders for their continued trust, support, and belief in our company.”

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07 Eng Fakher Al Shawaf

General Manager Al Bawani Company 34

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he Saudi Arabia-based contractor, Al Bawani, has some important projects under its belt which includes Saudia Cargo Freight Handling Facility in Jeddah; three state-of-the-art data centres for STC in Jeddah, Medinah, and Riyadh; KAUST housing project near Jeddah; FAST Metro; BACS Metro; private affairs projects; and military projects.

This has led the contractor move up two spots in this year’s Power Hour and bag the coveted seventh spot in the list.

The name behind the success story, Eng Fakher Al Shawaf, is the director general of the Al Bawani Group and the general manager of Al Bawani Company. Under his administration, Al Bawani has grown from strength to strength, focusing on the challenging projects to drive the company to new levels of achievement.

Al Shawaf tells CBNME: “We continue to invest in health, safety, and quality.

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Our technical staff will be attending the ISO 45001 workshop in Riyadh in July 2018. We are transitioning from ISO 2001: 2008 towards ISO 9001: 2018 Quality certification.

“We strive to further the aims of the Kingdom for Vision 2030 in KSA, and to achieve this, we are open to partnering with market specialists in order to give the client the service that the project requires, whether through mergers, acquisitions, teaming agreements, or joint ventures.”

The company was established in 1992 and is headquartered in Riyadh. It has a portfolio of work that most companies would be proud of and is not firmly established as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading contractors.

Al Shawaf adds: “There is a concentration of new work in the Western region in Saudi Arabia, which means we are considering enlarging our existing facilities and/or possibly opening a new office in this area.”

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Nasser bin Butti Omair bin Yousef Chairman Union Properties

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ubai-based developer, Union Properties, reported a net loss of AED2.3bn for 2017 compared to a profit of AED211mn in 2016. Total revenues fell to AED639mn in 2017 from AED962mn. Total assets fell to AED5.6bn in 2017, from AED7.9bn in the year before period.

In January 2018, the developer sold off its entire stake in Emicool to Dubai Investments for AED500mn. The firm said in a statement it will invest the proceeds from the transaction in enhancing its investment portfolio, expanding its operations and projects, and supporting its growth strategy.

Despite the financial performance, Union Properties launched a new mixed-use cluster at its Motor City master-development.

The man behind the vision, Nasser bin Butti Omair bin Yousef was appointed of chairman of Union Properties in May 2017. A prominent entrepreneur and an experienced leader, Yousef is entrusted with leading the restructuring of the business to establish a highly-efficient and fully-integrated real estate developer and property manager.

In a statement to the press, Yousef said: “2017 marked a major turning point for Union Properties, where we successfully mapped out a comprehensive growth strategy spanning across our operations. We have worked internally to ensure they reflect the new growth directions we are heading towards. This enables us to enhance the efficiency of our operations, diversify our investment portfolio, and expand our business by entering new markets to achieve long-term, sustainable growth. We look forward to further achievements in 2018 and beyond.

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Emad Azmy President and Vice Chairman

ASGC

uring the past year (April 1, 2017 till May 31, 2018), Dubai-based contractor, ASGC, has been the main contractor for a number of reputed projects, including City Walk Phase 2 in Dubai, Green Community expansion Phase 1, Enterprise Command and Control Centre, and many more. Which, in turn, led ASGC to bag the ninth position in this year’s Power Hour.

Since its establishment, ASGC has delivered commercial complexes, high-rise buildings, hotels and resorts, industrial projects, and landmark social infrastructure developments. Amongst these are blue-chip names such as Sustainability Pavilion, Six Flags, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai Arena, Bluewaters Island, Taj Hotel, Marina Bloom, MediClinic Parkview Hospital, and Dubai International Airport Improvement Works.

Azmy tells CBNME: “We are committed to staying agile in an evolving industry, particularly given the global economic and political shifts that are currently taking place. To meet the market’s opportunities, we are investing in innovation —particularly technology innovation. We understand that every single industry will go through massive digital disruption over the coming years. That is why we appointed our first chief information officer in 2017, to help the company in the adoption of new technologies that will add value to ASGC’s partners, customers, and employees.

“We are using technology in the UAE construction projects to boost efficiency, quality, and safety, leaps and bounds away from our sector’s traditional practices. Ultimately, the outlook for ASGC is positive for 2018.

Our clients can expect more from us this year as we hand over exceptional projects.”

He continues: “Geographically, we are looking at expanding in existing markets and to new ones. This year, the largest geographies for our operations are UAE, Egypt, Angola, Kenya, and Ghana. Lastly, this year, ASGC is also focusing on diversification into infrastructure and on Africa expansion.”

Under Azmy’s leadership, ASGC has become a preferred partner to government-related enterprises in the UAE. The company has won a number of awards and appreciations in the market and continues to receive the client’s recognitions and appreciations on its high level of performance on the projects, quality, and on time delivery.

10 Hamish Tyrwhitt Group CEO Arabtec Holding

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ontinuing with the streak of profitability, Dubai-based Arabtec Holding recorded a revenue of AED2.4bn in Q1 2018 and a net profit of AED63.3mn in the first quarter of 2018. The group’s backlog stood at AED16.2bn as of March 31, 2017, well supported with a solid pipeline of AED16bn of tenders submitted or under preparation in its primary market of the UAE. Under the guidance of Hamish Tyrwhitt, the group CEO of Arabtec Holding, the group has achieved five consecutive quarters of profitability, which places the contractor in the top 10 positions in this year’s Power Hour.

At the beginning of 2017, Tyrwhitt laid out a ‘Three Phase Road Map’

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to stablise, prepare, and grow the business. In June 2017, the first major milestone was achieved through the successful completion of an AED1.5bn rights issue. This strengthened the group’s working capital and liquidity and allowed the group to extinguish its accumulated losses, accelerating the path towards resuming dividend distributions.

In an exclusive with CBNME, Tyrwhitt says: “When we look in the region, we have been involved with the construction of some of the incredibly iconic projects, not just in the UAE but the entire GCC. We went back to our basics and started focussing on what we are good at – being a contractor. It’s an ongoing process

and our project selection is based on our capabilities in our core sectors in key geographical markets.

“We have changed everything; the whole way we approach the market – from tendering to delivering the projects.

The focus is on our performance, accountability, and company culture. The company is going back to the culture it had in the 90’s – focus on being a construction major.”

The group currently is heavily biased to construction representing 63% of its total revenue, yet in the GCC, construction accounted for 41% of total awards of $117.6bn with the remaining awards spread across transport, power, water, gas, industrial, and chemical.

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Mustafa Sani Sener President and CEO TAV Group

r Mustafa Sani Sener has been the CEO, president, and executive director of TAV since 1997. Sener assumed various positions from project manager to general manager in many domestic and international projects. He serves as a member of board of directors of the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe.

In April 2018, a joint venture between TAV Construction and Ballast Nedam has been appointed to build the new pier at Amstersdam's Schphol Airport. The contract includes the construction of the pier, gatehouses, and the surrounding aircraft stands. Covering an area of 55,000sqm, the new pier will boast five gates for narrow-body aircraft on the north side and three gates for wide-body aircraft on the south side.

The GCC is a huge area of focus for the company with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, where its JV with Arabtec worked at the $1.1bn new terminal contract for Bahrain International Airport. Projects TAV has been a major contributor to include the Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal Complex, design-and-build for Riyadh’s King Khaled Airport Terminal 5, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport Aircraft Maintenance Hangars, and many more.

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Hamed Zaghw CEO

Aecom

amed Zaghw became the chief executive of Aecom in 2017 and was given the responsibility of growing the business with an emphasis on the quality and responsiveness to client needs. Under Zaghw’s guidance, at the end of the second quarter in 2018, the total backlog of projects reached a new record of $50bn, an 18% increase over FY17 (global figures).

Zaghw tells CBNME: “Saudi Arabia is a top growth market for Aecom. The types of projects we are seeing there are of a very special nature. They demand the latest technologies and a global capability to be able to deliver them. We’re pursuing a number of opportunities there, with a focus on PMO-related activity.”

The company’s global revenue for FY17 (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017) was $18.2bn. First quarter revenue (January 1, 2018 – March 31, 2018) was $4.8bn.

Their envious list of completed Middle East projects include Damac Heights in Dubai; Clemenceau Medical Centre in Dubai; King Faisal Corniche Development, Avenues Project in Bahrain; East Sitra housing project in Bahrain; Four Seasons in Abu Dhabi; and Al Mamoura School in Abu Dhabi.

Zaghw adds: “Throughout my time at Aecom, I have maintained a constant focus on quality. I have worked closely with our quality and delivery excellence teams to improve our procedures and create tools that enable our people to deliver with excellence every time.”

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Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah CEO MAG Development

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alal Moafaq Al Gaddah has benefited from the experience of his father, Moafaq Ahmad Al Gaddah, who paved the way for him to enter the professional world with confidence. With a continuous focus on quality and excellence, Gaddah has helped MAG LD to take a leading position among its competitors and contributed to transforming the UAE’s real estate landscape by introducing innovative real estate concepts and identifying market needs.

As the CEO of the company, Gaddah drives the company’s overall direction and strategy while also guiding six departments, including finance, project management, sales, marketing, real estate development, and legal. His progressive vision is driving MAG LD to new heights with the introduction of pioneering developments that further the company’s mission to deliver long-term benefits and lasting quality to its investors and customers.

Under his stewardship, the firm became one of the first companies to address the need for contemporary housing by forming its ‘MAG 5 PD’ division. The company also established a ‘MAG of Life’ division for wellness homes and set a new precedent in the sector by launching the first wellness-inspired project in the region.

Gaddah tells CBNME: “MAG started its operations from the UAE. We also successfully launched The Gate in Frisco City, Texas, USA, and luxurious villa clusters in Cyprus. Our long-term goal is to expand internationally to the Far East, the USA, and Europe.”

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Gary Adams MEA President

Parsons

ith his appointment as the Middle East and Africa president for Parsons in September 2014, Gary Adams has taken the company’s backlog in the region to new highs; established footholds in new countries including Kuwait; overseen the successful establishment of a standalone Middle East business unit and supported Parsons’ global businesses in capturing strategic wins with Saudi Aramco, Dubai Municipality, and the expansion of the Dubai Metro; contributed to wins for landmark projects such as sitewide infrastructure design and construction supervision for the Dubai Expo 2020 and improvement of Al Shindagha Corridor, with a new bridge connecting Bur Dubai to Deira in Dubai; and played a significant role in securing multiple awards for the company in MEA. Adams tells CBNME: “We’re key players in some of the Middle East’s biggest ongoing infrastructure projects, including Dubai Metro Route 2020, Riyadh Metro, Dubai Expo 2020 site, Ministry of Housing Program in Saudi Arabia, and many more. We have completed several infrastructure projects in the last 12 months, most of them in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

Globally, Parsons’ revenue stood at $3bn at the end of 2017 and net operating income was recorded at $156mn.

Also, the company boasts of an impressive project backlog of $6.8bn, a record high for the last five years.

Parsons purchased two companies in the last year, including Polaris Alpha (advanced, technology-focused provider of innovative mission solutions for complex defence, intelligence, and security customers) and Williams Electric Company (control system integration, electrical and general contracting, and energy infrastructure solutions).

PNC MENON Founder and Chairman Sobha

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obha Group currently has three ongoing projects which is keeping the developer busy for the next couple of years. Within the UAE, the group is already underway with the Meydan Sobha District One project (a JV with the Meydan Group), Sobha Hartland – which is the flagship $4bn mixed-use project, and the Firdaus Sobha project (a JV with the Umm Al Quwain government).

However, the developer is also in talks with the Government of Oman and mulling over a project there, but nothing has been finalised yet. Founder and chairman, PNC Menon, is an Omani citizen and started his legacy

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from Muscat, Oman and thus has a strong connection with the country.

Menon tells CBNME: “With a legacy and track record of over 42 years, Sobha Realty’s vision is to be the most trusted and respected real estate organisation in the GCC and to continue to transform the way people perceive quality by pioneering innovative projects and exceeding customers’ expectations across core markets. With ultra-premium developments in progress, we continue to set a benchmark in offering world-class bespoke living experience.” construction business news me // July 2018 //

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16 Mahdi Amjad CEO Omniyat

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ahdi Amjad founded Omniyat in 2005 with a vision to contribute to Dubai’s skyline through the development of modern commercial and residential buildings. He is the executive chairman and CEO of what has become one of Dubai’s fastest growing and most significant players in the real estate industry.

Over the last decade, Amjad has led Omniyat to put art and design at the heart of every one of its developments and has been instrumental in largescale collaborations with award-winning and globally respected designers, 42

including the late Dame Zaha Hadid, Foster & Partners, and Super Potato.

At the start of 2017, Amjad led the unveiling of ultra-luxury development One Palm, the newest and most exclusive residential space on the globally-recognised Palm Jumeirah.

Also, in 2017, Amjad unveiled The Opus, the first Dame Zaha Hadiddesigned building in Dubai and the home to the first ME by Melia hotel in the region.

Amjad’s astute management capability, visionary outlook, and proactive decisions have helped Omniyat to orchestrate development

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of unique projects at vantage locations within master communities.

The company’s consistent and bespoke approach to all projects, from their design through to their delivery, generates a superior value proposition in a variety of investment environments and is widely recognised as an industry benchmark in the Arab region.

He tells CBNME: “Over the last decade, I led Omniyat to become a leading privately-held property developer that has dynamically enhanced the city's skyline with landmark projects.”

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Ramy Boufarhat Chief Operating Officer JLW Middle East

ames L. Williams is one of Australia’s largest services contractors, having been established in 1875 as Australia’s most experienced services contractors. The Middle East operations, started in the UAE, was established through a partnership with James L Williams Holding Australia by Michael Boufarhat (CEO of James L Williams Middle East) over four years ago when teaming up with Allen L Williams (chairman of James L Williams Middle East and MD of James L Williams Australia).

In the short time that JLW Middle East 44

has been found, it has completed the MEP works for the Dalma Mall project in Abu Dhabi, Nad Al Hamar Medical Centre in Dubai, Khalifa Park Office Development in Abu Dhabi, Al Quoz Shopping Centre in Sharjah, the FSU Facility for the Defence Force in the UAEs Minhad Airbase, and Deira City Centre refurbishment in Dubai.

Currently JLW Middle East is working on a design and construct project, City of Lights, which is part of the Abu Dhabi Reem Island development, Life Line Hospital on their Burjeel Hospital project

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New Entry

in Abu Dhabi, Standard Chartered Bank Middle East Headquarters tower in Dubai, and Seaview Hotel - a massive dual building hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

The role of its chief operating officer, Ramy Boufarhet, is a diverse one that covers all the phases throughout a project life, stemming from pre-award discussion and final negotiations to the design, construction, project delivery, and commercial feasibility. He is an engineer with experience in the building services industry as an engineering consultant and a contractor.

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(L-R) Dr JR Gangaramani, CEO, Al Fara'a Group and Adel Saleh.

Dr JR Gangaramani CEO Al Fara’a Group

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stablished in 1980 by two visionary entrepreneurs, Dr JR Gangaramani and Adel Saleh, Al Fara’a Group is a leading UAEbased integrated multi-disciplinary construction and industrial group.

Over the last 37 years, Al Fara’a Group has built a solid reputation in the construction industry with a track record of sustained growth and in delivering quality projects on time for both private and government sectors.

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The group is currently executing projects at multiple locations throughout the GCC. Since commencement of operations in Saudi Arabia, Al Fara’a Group is currently consolidating its presence in these countries. The group has a large team of top-notch technical experts, specialised project managers, skilled multinational workforce, and state-ofthe-art-technology and construction systems with an array of the latest sophisticated plant, machinery, and tools to ensure timely and successful completion of all projects.

Al Fara’a Group has 11 business segments which are vertically and horizontally integrated. In addition to its core competence in construction, the group has honed its strengths and competitive advantage by setting

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up companies in allied sectors like readymix concrete, properties and development, precast structures, steel structures, electromechanical services, aluminium and glazing structures, interiors, landscaping as well as oil and gas.

Over the years, the group has successfully executed diverse construction projects like high-rise towers, hospitals, heritage structures, hotels, defense projects, commercial and residential developments, cinemas, multiplexes, and shopping malls.

The Group is a member of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Additionally, the group also holds a responsible position as a corporate member of EGBC (Emirates Green Building Council).

19 Ziad El Chaar CEO Dar Al Arkan

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n June 2017, the former managing director of Damac Properties, Ziad El Chaar, was appointed the chief executive of Saudi-based property developer, Dar Al Arkan. Based in Riyadh, Dar Al Arkan is the largest listed real estate company in the Saudi stock market with a capital of SAR10.8bn and total assets close to SAR25bn.

In a statement to Tadawul, the company said that Chaar’s professional background corresponds with the company’s current directions to pursue a real estate development strategy that contributes to the growth of profitability, the enhancement of financial position, the achievement of high returns on company’s assets plus sustainable revenues. Such objectives coincide with the reduction of cost, the rationalisation of spending, and the active dealing with the strategic changes experienced by the Saudi economy in general and the real estate sector in particular, within the framework

of Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020.

Chaar has previously occupied many leadership positions in major companies, and most recently he was the MD of Damac Properties in Dubai, which makes him qualified to lead Dar Al Arkan at this stage.

In December last year, the company partnered with luxury brand, Roberto Cavalli, to design the interiors of the lavish 34-storey waterfront skyscraper, in true Italian fashion. Named as ‘I Love Florence’, the new luxury tower will offer its residents an immersive living experience that combines the sophistication of fascinating Florence with the famed luxury of dazzling Dubai.

Towering over the 3.2km man-made waterway, the high-rise will combine views of the canal’s vibrant outdoor and night scenes, with the elegance of the Florence’s Arno riverside, reflected in the interiors sketched by one of Italy’s most famed design houses.

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Rajesh Kumar Krishna Chairman and CEO Beaver Gulf Group

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ajesh Kumar Krishna is the founder of Dubai-based Beaver Gulf Group and currently heads the company as its chairman and CEO. Through his extensive experience in every aspect of project management and co-ordination, procurement management, finance, administration and banking and over 24 years of his association with construction industry, he raised Beaver Gulf Group to a turnkey contractor with full-fledged in-house civil construction, oil and gas, electromechanical, air-conditioning, structural steel, precast concrete building prod48

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ucts, aluminium and glazing, joinery and interiors, signs and graphics, painting and water proofing divisions, and many more.

Krishna has managed construction of uniquely designed multi-storey buildings, telecommunication buildings, carefully planned super specialty hospitals, spaciously built sports arenas, vastly spread markets and shopping malls, amusement and leisure parks, ultra-modern filling stations, heritage buildings, industrial factory buildings and warehouses, and the first-ever Platinum Rated green build-

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ing in the Middle East, displaying his commitment to sustainable practices in the region.

Krishna has lead the team to successfully complete and handover of more than 200 projects in the UAE. The total value of the projects currently under execution exceeds AED3.5bn. The company employs over 500 multidisciplinary and multinational professionals, in addition to more than 14,500+ administrative and technical staff and workmen engaged in various specialised disciplines across the region.

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Talal Al Dhiyebi CEO Aldar Properties

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bu Dhabi-based developer, Aldar Properties, delivered a net profit of AED668mn for the first quarter of 2018, up 4% from Q1 2017 (AED641mn), reflecting a strong start to the year.

Development sales for the quarter were AED681mn, driven by sales of existing developments under construction, with over 80% of all projects under development sold as till March 31, 2018. At the end of the quarter, Aldar launched Reflection, a boutique development on Reem Island, consisting of 374 units and offering investors and owner occupiers the opportunity to secure high-quality homes in a prime location.

Aside from off-plan launches, construction is progressing well at all key developments under construction. Handovers at Ansam and Al Hadeel, which commenced in Q4 2017, are complete. During the quarter, Aldar awarded AED1.3bn in construction contracts with respect to the 2,255 unit Water’s Edge development on Yas Island.

Commenting in a press statement, Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Properties, said: “Aldar started 2018 strongly with the announcement of an historic partnership with Emaar to develop the next era of iconic real estate destinations.

The initial AED30bn pipeline of projects, including Saadiyat Grove in Abu Dhabi and Emaar Beachfront in Dubai, is just the start of this partnership, which will enhance our country’s reputation as a destination of choice for residents and tourists alike. Our acquisition of AED3.7bn of assets from TDIC, including a portfolio of assets in the prime Saadiyat Island destination, as well as the launch of Alghadeer in April, cements our reputation as Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate developer and asset manager and underlines the scale of our ambitious plans for future growth.”

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Abdulrahman Khansaheb Managing Director

Khansaheb

n early-2018, UAE-based developer, Ishraqah for Development Limited, has appointed Khansaheb Civil Engineering as the contractor for its first hotel at The Onyx Project, located on Sheikh Zayed Road, in the Greens master development. The hotel is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2018.

In an exclusive interview with CBNME in January this year, Abdulrahman Khansaheb said: “2017 was a very positive year for us with a consistent flow of projects, through which we were able to grow our business. We are confident that 2018 will be an even better year because of our expansion as well as the new products we will introduce in the market.”

In 2017, the contractor acquired an exclusive license to manufacture Spiralite in the UAE. This will be a critical HVAC component for domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings in order to meet sustainable targets, as it is an energy efficient ductwork system which can offer significant energy savings of up to 58%.

Khansaheb added: “We intend to continue investing in our home market, the UAE, as well as steadily expanding our footprint across the region. Khansaheb Industries has a steady pipeline of projects and we will continue to approach both end-users and consultants to strengthen the business through more regional orders. We seek to grow organically and one of the ways in which we will do this is by expanding our manufacturing capabilities. Hence, we are opening a new facility in Jebel Ali’s Technopark in Q1 2018, which will increase our light manufacturing capacity for products such as non-metallic air ducts.”

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HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Founding Chairman

KBW Investments

K

23

Thumbay Moideen Founder and President Thumbay Group

T

humbay Group is a diversified international business conglomerate with its headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Over the past two decades, the company has spread its wings into various fields of social and business endeavours.

The establishment that was started in 1998 by its founder, Thumbay Moideen, a third-generation entrepreneur from India, the company has grown into a diversified business group with operations across 20 sectors.

The group created history at the prestigious Business Excellence Awards of the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai, by winning four honours in a single assessment cycle.

The following awards were won by Thumbay Group and its business entities: Thumbay Group - Dubai Human Development Appreciation Award; Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman - Dubai Quality Appreciation Award; Thumbay Pharmacy - Dubai Quality Appreciation Award; and Body & Soul Health Club & Spa - Dubai Quality Appreciation Award.

One of the verticals of the group is Thumbay Builders, which has become a leading real estate company in the Northern Emirates of the UAE. Its portfolio of services cover four areas of real estate development – design, construction, project management, and asset management – which it intends to expand to include property brokerage, leasing, and facilities management. The company is also aiming to grow its business in the next five years.

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// construction business news me // July 2018

BW Investments (KBW), founded by chairman HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, has made significant steps forward over the past 12 months.

They have been busy on several fronts, with one of its portfolio pillars, Raimondi Cranes, currently seeing its best year in the Middle East to date with positioning in the GCC across several highly visible jobsites working with some of the region’s strongest companies.

Also, the strongest impact came with the launch of the newest developer, ARADA, a partnership enterprise formed with Basma Group.

Aaron Chehab, chief commercial officer at KBW Investments, tells CBNME: “Our leadership team is consistently looking for new growth channels, but presently we are very focused on further bolstering the existing group of companies.”

From an inter-group perspective, Klampfer Middle East is currently at work for Phase 2 of Nasma Residences by ARADA, jointly appointed with Intermass, in addition to the ARADA office fit-out. Arcadia’s Middle East arm is now in the process of designing the ARADA sales centre, together with Zaha Hadid Architects, and designing aspects of Nasma Residences. KBEC as well is performing inter-portfolio work on various projects, including the MEP segment of the Novotel Expo Hotel in Sharjah.

25 M

Mohammed Jafer Musthafa Managing Director Daemaar Group

ohammed Jafer Musthafa is the owner and managing director of Abu Dhabi-based group of companies, Daemaar Group. The company covers a wide range of businesses from construction to newly-launched retail division.

Musthafa has grown the company through a series of entrepreneurial challenges and he is set to invest in poor communities and education/healthcare around the places that he has a business relation with.

Daemaar Group had seen an aggressive growth in the past two years and the management style of the young business owner is reinventing the business scene in the region.

Says Musthafa: "Daemaar Group was founded with a vision and a strong sense of commitment to provide the best of services in every operating sector, keeping a touch of the human element. Our pride lies in the core values that were always deeply rooted to the excellence of our work, the expertise of our team, the progression of our company, and the continuous effort to contribute to a better tomorrow, because the future is always under construction."

26 B

Emad Jaber Managing Partner Lacasa

eing the managing partner for Lacasa, Emad Jaber’s primary responsibilities include making major corporate decisions and managing the overall operations on a strategic level. During the past 12 years of Lacasa’s practice, Jaber has managed to move Lacasa from a newly-established architectural and engineering firm to be one of the largest international consultants playing a leadership role, by capturing a substantial ratio of the market share from the largest competitor and establishing brand loyalty among all key developers.

The firm boasts of signing more than 420 consultancy contracts, the majority of which are considered as landmark construction destinations in the GCC construction industry in all fields.

Jaber tells CBNME: “During the past 12 years, I also managed to address and overcome the declining sales challenges which was encountered 10 years ago. This is done by creating a leading diversified revenue model driving sustainable growth and placing the company in a constant gain position and establishing robust control system empowered by first-class divisional leaders.”

The company recorded a net profit of $9mn for the year 2017 and an impressive turnover of $40mn for the same year. It also reported a net profit of $14mn for the first quarter of 2018.

www.cbnme.com

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New Entry

DR Najib Khatib Chairman and CEO Khatib & Alami

D

r Najib Khatib was elected as the chairman of Khatib & Alami (K&A) in February 2017, in addition to the role of CEO, which he took up in 2016. His appointment recognised the outstanding contributions and achievements he has delivered throughout his 22-year career with the company. Dr Khatib has been a member of the K&A Board’s executive committee since 2006.

In 2011, Dr Khatib was elected as the managing director of K&A, and he quickly set in motion two key initiatives. Firstly, he oversaw the change in jurisdiction of the holding company from Lebanon to Singapore. K&A 54

Holding, which owns all the group’s subsidiaries, is now a Singaporean holding company.

The second initiative was a major transformation project which has touched on almost every aspect of the business. Global management consultancy firms were invited to bid to support the project, and over the course of the next four years, it transformed the company into one that possesses all the attributes needed to continue on the growth and development journey. Part of making the company fit for more structured growth included a modification of the business model and a complete restructure, in addition

// construction business news me // July 2018

to the hiring of global experts where it was deemed necessary.

Dr Khatib tells CBNME: “We have identified and prioritised initiatives which will be delivered during the next three years as part of our digitalisation strategy. In 2018, this involves integrating a number of new tools and technologies (i.e. VR/AR, drones, 3D printing, digital twins, and generative/ parametric design); investing further in existing technologies (e.g. BIM/GIS, platform services, AI services); driving adoption across the entire organisation; and working to increase collaboration with clients to address their challenges and needs.”

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Ali Sajwani

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Muhammad BinGhatti

GM Operations Damac Properties

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espite Dubai-based developer, Damac Properties, posting a 45% drop in its net profit for the first three months of the year, to AED484mn from AED880.4mn for the same period last year, the developer reported a total revenue AED1.9bn in Q1 2018, with booked sales reported at AED1.6bn.

The group’s net profit stood at AED484mn in the first quarter, marginally higher than AED459mn reported in the fourth quarter of 2017. Total assets too increased by 4.6% to AED26.5bn compared to AED25.3bn as at December 2017.

Ali Sajwani, general manager operations for Damac Properties, says: “With Expo 2020 just around the corner, we believe that this is one of the most exciting periods for Dubai’s hospitality sector and, as such, Damac Hotels & Resorts aims to deliver 15,000 keys by 2021. After all, Dubai is expecting over 20mn visitors in the coming few years.

“Our goal is not to just expand in terms of numbers; it is to deliver value experiences. Dubai is a destination for all kinds of travellers and when it comes to the hospitality sector, one size does not fit all. That is why we are working towards creating a mix of hospitality offerings that suit different needs and expectations.”

As of December 31, 2017, Damac has delivered over 20,230 homes. The company has a development portfolio of over 44,000 units at various stages of progress and planning, comprising more than 13,000 hotel rooms, serviced apartments and hotel villas, which will be managed by its hospitality arm, Damac Hotels & Resorts.

CEO and Head of Architecture Binghatti Holding

New Entry

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uhammad BinGhatti has been leading the developer into its third generation with the ambition of creating a renaissance of business in the region. Inspired by the Arab region’s traditions, history, and culture, Binghatti Holding’s CEO and head of architecture has been successful in developing an identifiable and branded visual identity across all the company’s subsidiaries.

As a result of it, the total number of projects that are currently under construction by the developer is 25 and valued at AED3.5bn.

BinGhatti tells CBNME: “Essentially, our vision at Binghatti consists of illustrating art in all our products and services. Hence, we believe that revolutionising the realm of property into an artistic one happens when architecture is used as a tool. Being from an architectural background has extensively helped me in the professional world of real estate. In fact, my whole passion lies in the use of architecture and design as a tool to revolutionise the real estate industry in the region.”

The developer plans to invest AED7bn during the next three years as per the company’s expansion plans.

www.cbnme.com

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New Entry

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Giuseppe Chiaranda

Matt Squires

Director

CEO

Cimolai Rimond ME

SSH

31 I

Stuart Jones

n September 2016, two of Italy’s construction companies formed a joint venture, Cimolai Rimond ME, headquartered in the UAE, to bring architectural, turnkey, manufacturing, engineering, as well as project management and building solutions to the region. Cimolai Rimond Middle East, operating from its regional base in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, offer complete turnkey construction based on the latest advances in integrated project delivery solutions using Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology.

Both partners have been associated with some of the most challenging projects, across a wide breadth of market segments including hospitality, healthcare, education, exhibition centres and pavilions, transportation, and marine infrastructure.

Cimolai was involved in the delivery of Doha’s Aspire Tower and the maintenance hangar at Hamad International Airport. Meanwhile, Rimond, which previously operated an office independently in the UAE, was the construction contractor for the Foster+Partners designed, UAE Pavilion for Expo Milano 2015.

In December last year, the contractor was awarded the contract to provide steel work for the intricate domed trellis of Expo 2020 Dubai’s central Al Wasl Plaza.

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Regional President

Bechtel

S

tuart Jones joined Bechtel in 2018 as the regional president for Europe and Middle East, following a 30-year career in the United States Foreign Service.

In September 2017, he stepped down as acting assistant secretary in the Bureau for Near East Asian Affairs at the Department of State, a position he held through the 2016 Presidential transition. Prior to this included serving as US Ambassador to Iraq from 2014 to 2016, US Ambassador to Jordan from 2011 to 2014, and deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.

Other foreign tours include Turkey, Egypt, Colombia, and El Salvador.

Jones is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Duke University.

One of the major projects of the contracting giant is the Riyadh Metro project, where the BACS consortium (Bechtel, Almabani, CCC, and Siemens) is responsible for the design and build of Lines 1 and 2 of the Riyadh metro network.

// construction business news me // July 2018

S

ince taking over the role of CEO in September 2017, Matt Squires have focused on four specific areas, including leadership team performance, allocation of capital, setting strategy and direction, and modelling and setting the company culture, values, and behaviour.

Considering geographical opportunities, Saudi Arabia represents the largest market opportunity for SSH. Individual project opportunities lie mainly in Kuwait and the UAE territories. Squires says: “Current GCC market complexity means that identifying the opportunities that will 'go' from our 'get/go' analysis is our biggest challenge. Competition is very high and focusing our teams on the right opportunities is key.”

The value of the company’s current backlog is $152mn. Some of its upcoming projects include The Kuwait Children's Hospital(lead design); The Kuwait New Maternity Hospital (prelim/detail design for contractor under design and build contract); Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre Package 3 (lead design and construction supervision); Working with the major developers on master planning, mixed-use, and hospitality projects in the UAE (lead design and construction supervision); and Waterfront regeneration development in Muscat (lead design and infrastructure).

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Ermis Marques

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ME regional director

Aurecon

E Richard Beard MD ME & Asia

Ramboll

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ichard Beard is the managing director, responsible for Ramboll’s Middle East and Asia businesses specialising in buildings, transport, water, environment, health, and energy. The Middle East and Asia region is spread across 10 offices located in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh in the Middle East; Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai in India; as well as Singapore.

During his tenure, Beard has been responsible for many new initiatives.

Despite an improving market, there are pressures on margins and the priority to deliver projects timely and on budget. With that, major priorities were identified and implemented throughout the business.

Beard tells CBNME: “Our ambition is to be recognised as the leading sustainable society consultant. We have no desire to dominate the market, but rather set the public agenda on issues affecting societal development and provide qualified consultancy on all types of projects to ensure long-term value to our clients and society at large.”

58

rmis Marques is responsible for determining and leading the strategic direction for the business of Aurecon in the Middle East. During his tenure, his achievements include spearheading the establishment of Aurecon as a leading engineering and infrastructure advisory firm in the Middle East through harnessing digitisation and innovation; establishing high standards for performance; improving profitability by 160% over the recent four years; focusing on developing the next generation of engineers and designers; improving client and project delivery; doubling the number of women leaders in the Middle East business; aligning health and safety practices to international standards; and providing leadership based on values of fairness, honesty, and integrity to staff, clients, business partners, and suppliers.

In March 2018, Aurecon acquired market-leading digital agency studio, Studio Magnified. Aurecon’s new digital design team will ramp up the firm’s existing digital and visualisation services currently in demand globally, as governments and developers respond to a growing community demand to be able to see, understand, and buy into the true value created by infrastructure investments.

// construction business news me // July 2018

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Chairman

ARADA

I

t has been an incredibly busy year for ARADA, which was founded in December 2016, as the UAE’s newest developer. The developer launched its first project, Nasma Residences in March 2017, with the first phase selling out in less than a month.

ARADA’s second project, the Aljada mixed-use megaproject, was launched in September last year. Over the course of the last 12-month period, ARADA launched two phases for sales, and began enabling works onsite in April. In addition, a series of key contracts was awarded at Aljada, including the infrastructure design contract to Jacobs Engineering, and the design for the Central Hub to Zaha Hadid Architects Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, ARADA CEO, tells CBNME: “As the CEO, I oversee operational management of every aspect the company, under the guidance of our chairman, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, and vice chairman, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal. In the 18 months since ARADA was founded, the organisation has grown at a rapid pace, and now has a staff of some 200 professionals, all with relevant experience from some of the region’s most prominent construction-related companies.”

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Saeed Al Qatami CEO

Deyaar

S Raed Al Nuaimi Group CEO

Dubai Properties

O

ne of the leading master developers in the UAE, Dubai Properties, is responsible for shaping some of Dubai’s most renowned and iconic real estate destinations. As a member of Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company, Dubai Properties has developed large-scale, mixed-use destinations across the emirate, including Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Business Bay, and residential projects in Dubailand.

In February 2018, the former CEO, Abdulla Lahej, was replaced by Raed Al Nuaimi. Previously with DXB Entertainments, Al Nuaimi is in-charge of a new entity that is created to manage multi-billion dollar development projects for both Dubai Holding and Meraas Holding.

Some of the latest projects for the master developer include Riverside, a part of Marasi Business Bay, Arabella 3, the third and final development of the highly successful Arabella project within the Mudon community, and projects in Culture Village.

www.cbnme.com

aeed Al Qatami serves as the chief executive officer and managing director of Deyaar Development since 2010. He also served as the vice president of business development at the Dubai-headquartered property developer since 2007. In that role, he was primarily responsible for developing the portfolio.

The developer’s revenues for the first quarter of 2018 went up by nearly 25%, climbing to AED176mn from AED142mn in Q1 2017. The company’s net profit, meanwhile, rose by more than 25% to reach AED40mn, compared to AED32mn in the same period last year.

Qatami said in a press statement: "Deyaar’s steady performance in the first quarter of 2018 is reflected in higher revenues and a healthy net profit. During the first three months of 2018, Deyaar has made major headway in its projects.”

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Rahail Aslam

Founder and Group CEO

Select Group

A

s the founder and group CEO, Rahail Aslam has taken Select Group from a nascent property developer to one of the largest, multi-disciplinary, privately-owned property development and real estate investment companies in the GCC, with interests expanding to the UK and Europe.

Under his leadership, Select Group now has a combined development portfolio of 181ha, worth gross development value (GDV) of AED17bn.

A driven individual with a strong belief in value creation, cost leadership and efficiency, Aslam has brought together a management team with the same ethos who can deliver his vision for constant improvement and wealth creation for both customers and stakeholders.

The developer recorded an annual net revenue of AED1.85bn for 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. Some of the projects that are currently in the company’s pipeline include The Residences at Marina Gate II, Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, No.9 Dubai Marina, and Studio One Dubai Marina.

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Samer Khoury President E&C

CCC

T

he top Greek contractor, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), continues to be an outstanding contributor to the construction sector in the region and has been working on a number of reputed projects including the Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal in conjunction with Arabtec and TAV, Al Zahia City Centre by Majid Al Futtaim, Saudi Arabia’s planned Taif Airport, and many more. The contractor is one of the leading transnational construction contractor that oversees the delivery of engineering and construction projects, predominantly in the petrochemicals industry. CCC offers procurement, project management, and construction expertise in the development and maintenance of civil and industrial facilities, supply networks, and transport links. The contractor works throughout the Middle East and the entire Gulf region, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, USA, CIS, and South East Asia.

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Pierre Sironval Managing Director

Six Construct

A

s the managing director for Six Construct in the GCC, Pierre Sironval is responsible for all operations in the region and has over 20 years of experience in the contracting industry throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Which, in turn, has aided in Six Construct’s success in being regionally recognised as one of the leaders in the construction sector today.

The contractor is a subsidiary of the BeSix Group and is the largest Belgian construction company operating in the Middle East. The contractor recorded a revenue of $251mn in the first quarter of 2018 and boasts of an order backlog of $1.3bn till date.

Sironval tells CBNME: “We are currently expanding within Dubai, with new projects already signed and the need for new workforce to join our company. We had the honour of working with a very unique portfolio of clients over the years.”

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40

Tariq Chauhan Group CEO

EFS Facilities Services

E

FS Facilities Services is a leading provider of integrated facilities management services in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region with a contract backlog now worth in excess of $1bn. Though it may be based in Dubai, the Tariq Chauhan-led company has grown over the years and now trades across a wide geography from Turkey to South African, Morocco to India, and most places in between. In the process, the company developed an unrivalled supply chain that allows it to work for multinational companies across multiple countries. “The satisfaction and trust that we’ve earned from our clients is one of the significant influencers that has helped us expand our global operational footprint to cover more than 20 key markets across MEA and South Asia,” Chauhan said.

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Simon Moon

CEO MEA

Atkins

S

imon Moon is the CEO for the Atkins Middle East & Africa business. He leads the 2000-strong Atkins business across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), delivering world-class multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, supervision, design management, and project/programme delivery across infrastructure, rail, and property sectors.

The company was acquired by SNC-Lavalin in July 2017 which marked a historic landmark in the 79-year old history of the company. Atkins’ project portfolio in the Middle East includes Riyadh Metro, Dubai Metro, Burj Al Arab, and Doha Metro Red Line South.

Building the UAE’s highest road Jebel Jais is part of the Hajar Mountain Range in Ras Al Khaimah.

It is the highest peak in the UAE. And for centuries unreachable by most.

For 8 years, a fleet of Volvo FMX Trucks carried a total of more than 5.5 million cubic meters around the clock building a 36 km road that goes up more than 1910 meters. The rugged terrain, steep slopes and loose rock were not a challenge for Volvo FMX, which is built tough for such conditions. That is why more than 30 of our Volvo FMX trucks completed this ambitious road project without any major breakdown.

To watch the full video please visit www.volvotrucks.ae/jebeljais

www.volvotrucks.ae/jebeljais

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Muhammad AlSalmy Managing Director Hoehler + alSalmy

M

uhammad Sultan AlSalmy is the managing director, partner, and lead architect of Hoehler + alSalmy Architects and Engineers LLC. The OmaniGerman Architectural and Engineering consultancy was established in 2009.

At the age of 29, Muhammad was the youngest architect to establish the international architectural firm in Muscat, Oman. Muhammad solely nurtured the company to grow from one project in 2009 to over 35 design and construction projects, with over 20 international awards from Muscat, Dubai, and the USA, competing against some of the biggest projects and consultancies around the world.

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New Entry His genuine passion for architecture enabled him to attain the ultimate achievement from his first designed and constructed project with the company. The German University of Technology, Oman (GUtech) became the first and only private establishment to be visited by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 2012 as recognition of not only the purpose of the building, but also the uniqueness of the construction and technology brought to the Sultanate of Oman.

Shortly after, the first Omani-German cooperation of its kind in Oman rapidly became a leading name owing to their ability in creating modern, sustainable designs inspired by local

// construction business news me // July 2018

traditions where Muhammad places great efforts in each and every project the company undertakes; from its initial design stage to project completion, ensuring the highest implemented standards are met throughout.

Some of the company’s known projects include the award winning Buraimi University, the new German Embassy in Muscat, as well as the amazing History of Science Centre which is soon to be open to the public in September.

Regardless of the current market instability, H+S strives to push through further design and construction barriers of the country whilst bringing new technology to the region.

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Kareem Farah New Entry

CEO

ECC

B

eing the CEO of Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) from 2011, Kareem Farah has successfully completed a substantial portfolio of projects in the region, building on both its reputation and core strengths. Farah oversees the efficiency of project operations and the implementation of onsite policy and procedures. He is also responsible for the management of the ECC Plant Department and batching plant and oversees the development of Prime Metal Industries (ECC’s steel and aluminium company). ECC was recently appointed for the construction of the UNA apartments in Town Square Dubai

by Nshama.

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N

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Dr Kamiran Ibrahim

Managing Director

CEO

Trojan Holding

Arcadis ME

A

bu Dhabi-based contractor, Trojan Holding, boasts of a current backlog of projects worth approximately AED10bn and an annual turnover of AED5bn in 2017. Says Eng Hamad Al Ameri, MD of Trojan: “I consider my role in the company as the architect of change.

In 2012, we regrouped to complement and focus our resources. Alongside the acquisition of a wide array of plant equipment and selecting a team of highly-qualified personnel, Trojan was able to turnaround and execute a diverse and far-reaching portfolio of major construction projects in almost all sectors of real estate and infrastructure development.”

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Brian Johnson

Eng Hamad Al Ameri

D

r Kamiran Ibrahim was appointed the CEO of Arcadis Middle East in June 2017. A civil engineer with 28 years of solid experience in business development and operations within contracting and consultancy firms across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He joined Hyder in the UK in 2003 and then moved to Hyder in the Middle East in 2006. Over that time, he assumed several senior leadership roles within Hyder, most recent of which, is as the regional managing director for the utilities sector. His passion has led multiple teams of professionals to overcome business challenges, drive growth, and motivate staff.

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Campbell Gray

Rizwan Sajan

Managing Partner Enterw y

MD ME

Chairman

GAJ

Faithful+Gould

Danube

G

odwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) is one of the largest and longestablished UK architectural and design practices in the UAE. Throughout its history, which spans almost 30 years, the company has created some of the Emirates’ most iconic buildings and has helped define the country as we know it today. Brian Johnson has maintained an almost constant presence in the Gulf region since 1975 and, in 1991, he opened the GAJ headquarters in Dubai. His distinctive style and uncompromising resolve for design excellence has made Johnson and GAJ a preferred partner for many distinguished projects.

www.cbnme.com

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aithful+Gould started as a fourman quantity surveying business in the UK, and in the Middle East, it has been appointed on some of the region’s largest and most prestigious projects as project and programme managers. The company has logged a series of key projects in its portfolio in recent years including the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and Dubai Creek Harbour in Dubai. To celebrate its 70th anniversary, it also launched its 70 days of giving campaign where employees organised a number of initiatives across 70 days, designed to give back to the communities it works in.

E

stablished in the year 1993, Danube Group was founded and cultivated under the leadership of Rizwan Sajan, who is the known to be the founder and chairman of the group. Starting off as a small trading firm, the company has moved from strength-to-strength, expanding its foothold in the region, and has established itself as one of the leading building materials company along with other branches under its vast umbrella. The developer has a pipeline of six more projects under construction of which two are scheduled for delivery later this year while it intends to deliver two more in 2019.

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Eng Osama AlAfaleq

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Mohan Dass Saini

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Marcus Truscott

CEO

MD and CEO

MD ME

AlKifah Contracting

Shapoorji Pallonji

Multiplex

A

lKifah Contracting Company has undertaken various mega projects like the Jazan Economic City (JEC), a project with a value of more than SAR1.3bn.

The contractor is set to establish the port, along with all associated infrastructure as the first Saudi company, to establish a port in Saudi Arabia. Says Eng Osama AlAfaleq: “As a person, I always seek innovation by finding creative solutions to solve complex challenges to achieve objectives. We have implemented a strategy that supports the government’s vision, enforced governance, increased localisation, and empowered our staff to think creatively and be the leaders of tomorrow.”

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Donna Sultan

M

ohan Dass Saini heads the global operations of Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering and Construction as the managing director and CEO and is based in Dubai.

Saini has more than four decades of rich and diversified experience in construction industry and has been associated with the group for more than 32 years. The company has a total order backlog of around $5.5bn, out of which 30% is from the UAE and the rest is from other countries of operations excluding India. The contractor is participating in almost all upcoming big tenders in the region and eyeing to secure all appropriate opportunities in the region.

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Ghanem Al Mansoori New Entry

President and CEO

CEO

KEO Consultants

Tamouh Investments

D

onna Sultan has been the CEO of KEO since 1991 and became president as well in 2016. Educated in the US and raised in Europe and the US, her background includes strategic planning and management consulting. She has over 40 years’ of professional experience in the Middle East and is ranked as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the Arab World. Sultan has skillfully positioned the firm as a globally recognised multidiscipline practice working on some of the region’s largest and most prestigious construction projects and serving a wide array of public and private sector clients.

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eadquartered in Abu Dhabi since 2005, Tamouh's ambitious growth is fuelled by its mission to build communities in a lifestyle of luxury and comfort. The developer completed the Emirati Housing Development at Jabel Hafeet that consists of 3,000 houses and the Horizon Towers on Reem Island. The developer is also working on the infrastructure for Reem Downtown in Reem Island. Reem Downtown is set to become the first mixed-use development in Abu Dhabi that seamlessly merges the contemporary with the traditional design, in a unique setting that embraces a fully connected transport infrastructure.

// construction business news me // July 2018

M

arcus Truscott is a chartered professional engineer and has over 20 years of construction industry experience, specialising in complex large-scale projects. He joined Multiplex Europe in 2003 as a project manager, and transferred to the Middle East in 2005, where he progressed quickly to project director, and then general manager of the Abu Dhabi business and more recently, managing director, responsible for all Middle East operations. Leveraging off a broad range of experience, skilled staff, and a strong reputation, Multiplex is ideally placed in the current competitive market to address client cost-saving needs.

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Dr Kassem Rahal

General Manager

New Entry

Al Rostamani Pegel

D

r Kassem Rahal joined UAE-based Al Rostamani Pegel (ARP) in August 2014 as its general manager.

The contracting arm of Al Rostamani Group is a noted player in the UAE construction industry and has to its credit, timely and successful construction of several multipurpose high-rise buildings, hotels, hospitals, industrial facilities etc. Its highly qualified and experienced staff adopt modern construction technologies and top-notch quality management systems with a strong emphasis on safety standards. One of the most successful projects for ARP is the famous Dubai Frame, an ambitious endeavour

by Dubai Municipality.

In Construction

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// Cover Story

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Abdulla Atatreh

Chairman Drake & Scull International

I

n September 2017, Eng Abdulla Atatreh was appointed the chairman of Drake & Scull International (DSI). He is also the vice chairman and managing director of Tabarak Investment. In addition to this, he is the chairman of Bonyan International Investment Group and is on the board of trustees of Al Ain University of Science and Technology. He is also the deputy chairman of Takaful Emarat.

On his appointment, he said: “The first official act of the new board of directors is to position the company for new growth by establishing and following strict governance standards across all operating sectors to ensure consistent transparency, control and quality.”

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Patrick McKinney

Area Director

New Entry

BAM International

B

AM International is a subsidiary of Royal BAM Group, one of Europe’s largest contracting companies active in construction, property, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical contracting and engineering in 30 countries across the globe. The contractor has had a presence in the Middle East since the 1970s. It has also constructed many large prestigious building projects including a contract in Abu Dhabi for all external buildings and landscaping of one of the most impressive hotels and conference venues ever built, as well as the turnkey construction of a skyscraper with the shape of a perfume bottle in Dubai.

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57

Steve Ramsden New Entry

MD ME

ISG

S

ince joining ISG in 2016 as the Middle East MD, Steve Ramsden has overseen the diversification of ISG’s project portfolio to include landmark leisure and hospitality projects, as well as bringing some of ISG’s best global expertise in technology and healthcare sectors into the region. Ramsden is also credited with a strong focus on health and safety across all ISG’s projects in the region. He has recently been promoted to MD Southeast Asia and Middle East. Under his leadership, the business has been performing strongly since 2011, achieving an average annual growth rate of 12% during the past year.

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Abdulla Yabroudi

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Andrea Scotti

CEO

MD ME

DCC

BuroHappold

stablished in 1962, DCC is today one of the leading Middle East construction company, headquartered in Dubai. The firm specialises in building residential, commercial, mixed-use buildings, hospitality, and leisure projects.

Recent big contract wins include a deal in October 2016 to build the Marquise Square development in Downtown Dubai. The 29-storey building is scheduled for completion in Q4 2018. More recently, DCC clinched the contract to build 1/JBR, a luxury seafront tower for Dubai Properties, located at the entrance to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

ndrea Scotti is a chartered engineer holding an MBA from IMD and a Master of Science in High Performance structures from MIT. After leading the structural team in the region and the office in Abu Dhabi, Scotti is now responsible for the operations of the entire Middle East area and follow clients and projects across the Gulf. He has played leading roles in large-scale engineering, planning, and consulting projects across the Middle East delivering integrated solutions to complex multilevel problems for both private and public clients.

E

// construction business news me // July 2018

A

// Transport

Transporter transformation Cardiff General Transport discusses how it continues to flourish in the oil and gas sector

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ardiff General Transport is one of the foremost suppliers of heavy vehicles and heavy equipment in Abu Dhabi. According to operations manager Ziyad Mohammed, the company is striving to deliver on its promise of excellence in service to all of its loyal clients through a company culture that is oriented around professional team work.

Cardiff first started operations in 2009 and as it nears its first decade in

68

the market, Mohammed says, it has fully embraced a philosophy revolving around a high standard of safety and quality of customer service. He adds that the company has established a wide range of operations in oil-field industry, attracting one of the sector biggest players, ADNOC. Providing 24/7 on-shore and off-shore transportation, project management, vehicle lease and vehicle rental, custom clearing and forwarding services to their

// construction business news me // July 2018

major client demands, they follow some of the highest safety and quality standards in the region.

Rather than rest on its laurels, Mohammed says that the company is in a constant state of adaption and improvement to ensure it continues its impressive start in the market. “The market situation is challenging, customers are becoming more and more empowered, and demand more for less,� he says. “Therefore,

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// Transport

(L-R) Basheer Mohammed, marketing manager; Shameer Mohammed, general manager; and Jishar Mohammed, finance manager.

we need to be proactive and offer personalised solutions to meet their expectations. The backbone of our service is extensive support from customer-oriented operations team and well-trained drivers and operators who are specialised in the oil and gas industry. We utilise the capabilities of our full services according to customer requirements. We treat every working project as our own and complete the task as a partner.”

Supporting Cardiff is a combination of the local knowhow of Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Co and the international might of MAN Truck and Bus Middle East. Mohammed says the company has built a fleet of 60 MAN trucks but is continuing to add vehicles and will be bolstered by the end of 2018 70

with the addition of the 4x4 TGM, 6x6 TGS, and the TGS 8x8 off-roader, a rugged vehicle with high clearance, making it adept at supporting remote pipeline installation.

“MAN helps because the quality of the trucks for the successful running of the business,” he says explaining why Cardiff has built up a sizeable MAN fleet. “The mileage is fantastic, fuel consumption is economical, and the MAN trucks can go on- and offroad which makes it more flexible and better than other brands.”

Fleet purchasing at Cardiff is driven by the needs of its clients. Mohammed says that the company’s renewal of its fleet targets a five-year rotation with the sale of older trucks contributing to newer replacements. Given the remote

// construction business news me // July 2018

locations and harsh environment that Cardiff operates in, inspections on the vehicles are conducted on a regular basis and support from MAN and Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Co is vital. He adds that they have formed a strong partnership over time.

“We started with a small number of vehicles, but the truck number has grown to above 60 because of the trust and long-term relationship. The workshop and after sales support is very good thanks to the dealership in the UAE - Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Co and we have benefitted from their quality and durability over a long period of time,” says Mohammed. “The vehicles have performed without major breakdowns providing peace of mind and re-assurance.”

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// Transport

The UAE’s heavy truck fleet is an important part of the oil and gas industry and it is crucial that transporters are able to match the safety and environmental requirements of a sector that are becoming cleaner and greener. The company has established its own dedicated HSE department as part of an effort to protect lives and the environment from any hazard materials as required by the UAE waste management regulations.

“In the oil and gas industry, everything is reported and safety comes first,” he adds. “There is no compromise on safety rules and regulations. One of the major factors that we care about is safe transportation. Cardiff’s HSE department monitors and trains employees to work according to oilfield site rules and regulations.

Whoever violates safety rules, they will have to face actions according to the violation matrix and given safety orientation in order to improve the quality and standard of work.”

“We are delighted to have enjoyed such a long partnership with Cardiff,” says Khalifa Darwish, managing director, Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Co. “We see it as our duty to help them continue to be a success.”

Rises in fuel costs are a major pressure for fleet owners in the region and Cardiff is drawing on MAN’s expertise to better manage the overall cost of its vehicles and operation.

“The continuous hikes in fuel price is having a serious major impact on the expenses side of the business. It is really very tough to maintain the same cost for trips with the current competitive market situation.”

According to Franz Freiherr von Redwitz, managing director, MAN Truck & Bus Middle East, the work with Cardiff is a demonstration of how it provides customer-centric solutions in different segments, including oil and gas, to keep fleet costs manageable.

“By focusing on individual transport costs, the correct MAN solution is 72

recommended and supplied to any of the MAN operators in the region.

Not only do we provide vehicles with an outstanding quality, our after sales services support our customers throughout the journey with MAN,” says Redwitz. “We guarantee maximum uptimes and therefore high profitability through our repair and maintenance contracts, extended warranty, and MAN Genuine Parts that come with two years warranty.

“MAN Truck and Bus Middle East also helps to save costs and improve overall profitability especially in the long-run through our MAN ProfiDrive driver education program which is proven to increase fuel economy which, on average, is a 10% improvement comparing a driver before and after the training session.”

Another less-understood challenge for fleets is the temptation to save costs in a market that is more competitive than ever by purchasing non-OEM parts. MAN has invested millions into its genuine parts programme working with a carefully selected group of globally recognised

// construction business news me // July 2018

suppliers who manufacture according to its demanding specifications and MAN Truck & Bus Middle East’s head of after-sales, Richard Brown, believes this can help avoid failures and lower the the risk of accidents.

“Counterfeit or grey market substitutes will cost less initially but the lower prices hide a haphazard production process using poorer materials and minimal checks which would have trimmed down the quality of the final product.”

Whether it is truck quality, customisation, training, or advice on parts, Mohammed says that Cardiff will continue to draw on MAN’s expertise to maintain its own high level of service.

“MAN is our important partner as Cardiff has to provide the message to the UAE that we are able to provide services in oilfield operations safely.

This is one of our priorities as it demonstrates that we are a quality brand to trust,” he says. “MAN also helps us by developing additional features that enable us to meet very high standards.”

// Excavators

Exciting times New range of Bobcat excavators redefines industry standards

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aking performance and innovation to new levels, Bobcat launched its new R-Series mini excavators weighing two to four tonnes. The new range of five compact excavator models – the E26, E27z, E27, E34, and E35z – offers a best-in-class mix of high digging forces, superb stability, and smooth controllability of working functions complemented by low weights for easy transportation. Excellent ma-

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chine fit and finish plus new groundbreaking design features will make the new Bobcat R-Series unique in the market.

The new excavators introduce many state-of-the-art features and offer enhanced levels of quality and robustness. They utilise newly developed flexible machine platforms that allow different configurations of models and specifications to suit a wide range of applications and

// construction business news me // July 2018

customer needs. In addition, while taking engineering and productivity to unheralded heights, the development team for the new machines has ensured they offer greatly enhanced operator comfort and functionality and the best fit for key applications.

Jarry Fiser, product line director for Bobcat mini excavators in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, comments: “The current Bobcat compact excavator line-up has been one of the most

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// Excavators

respected products in the industry.

Now backed by nearly five years of development work, we are raising the bar even further and we are confident that we are now offering the best-inclass machines available.”

Built around the operator Supported by over 30 years of experience as one of the major players in the market, the new compact excavator range has been designed by the Bobcat European Innovation Center for customers in Europe. Designing products around the operator is a part of Bobcat’s essential DNA. That is why there is a completely new cab being introduced throughout the whole of the R-Series range. The larger operator space and premium interior deliver best-in-class comfort with an improved entry/exit, thanks to new ergonomic 3D handles and a wider door. The new cab also features significantly larger windows and narrower pillars giving market-leading all-around visibility.

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Inside the low noise-low vibration cab, the operator has the benefit of new joysticks and new optimised metal travel pedals. The new minimal effort joysticks offer further enhanced controllability and smoothness of working functions. The operator also benefits from up to five independent auxiliary hydraulic circuits and a new industry unique Selectable Auxiliary Control (SAC) system for customisable joystick controls. The SAC enables the operator to select/switch the control pattern for the auxiliary lines, which allows them to work with the most advanced attachments in the most convenient way.

Another unique feature is the Cylinder-Inside-Boom (CIB) design concept which provides strong, innovative protection for the boom cylinder as part of a reinforced workgroup designed to minimise free play and improve durability.

The excavators can also be equipped with a deluxe control panel display offering extra information for increased

// construction business news me // July 2018

troubleshooting and additional functionality of the new optional selectable auxiliary control system (SAC).

While keeping proven, easy to maintain mechanical injection engines, all models meet the upcoming European Stage V engine emission regulations.

Clive Kilford, R-Series program manager, comments: “Creating something better than the current series was the real challenge as it has proved to be one of the industry’s best. Yet by looking at every part we implemented over a hundred improvements - always having the operator in mind.”

Tailored for audiences The new generation of the popular E26 is an easy-to-use, robust machine optimised for specific rental industry needs while introducing the next level of operator comfort and features required by demanding owneroperators. The new E26 excavator has a transport weight reduced by 100kg

// Excavators

but increased over-the-side lifting capacity. To overcome a common issue in the rental market and thus protect the uptime, the E26 is now equipped with extra innovative features such as the Cylinder-InsideBoom (CIB) workgroup and its geometry, increasing protection against bucket collision with the cab.

The new E27z model further enhances the performance characteristics of Bobcat’s current E26 machine, with the largest cab for this size of machine in the market. As a true Zero House Swing (ZHS) machine (even with the optional heavy counterweight), the E27z offers the highest flexibility of movements when working close to walls, coupled with best-in-class 360˚ stability and a low weight for easy transportation. With the optional long arm and a premium cab, the E27z offers the digging output and operator comfort of much larger excavators, making it a machine of choice for urban operating construction companies.

The new conventional swing E27 model introduces an in-class unique combination of superior stability, class-leading digging performance and breakout forces, together with a transport weight that is still below the weight limits for appropriate trailers. Even with the optional heavy counterweight, the E27 offers just 280mm of tail overhang which allows the machine to be operated in confined spaces. This makes the machine an ideal tool for highly demanding applications where performance together with transportability have a priority over compactness.

Moving to the E34, this is a new generation 3.4 tonne conventional model offering higher stability coupled with excellent performance and further enhanced controllability.

It features a new roomy premium cab with optional powerful air conditioning to ensure an ideal operator environment in all weather conditions.

When transportability on a trailer and zero house swing are not needed, this machine offers a great mix of perfor78

mance, stability and operator comfort.

The E35z, a new generation model in the popular 3.5 tonne machine class, offers the additional benefits of ZHS design. This excavator provides the best possible mix of compactness, a large operating range for the workgroup (especially with the optional long arm), great stability (two counterweight options available), and a large and comfortable operator area.

The E34 and E35z are also the only machines in their class which will be available with the optional automatic (hydraulic) track tensioning feature, which further minimises the need for maintenance and the risk of de-tracking.

More features A new blade design offers more robustness and enhanced self-cleaning ability. The redesigned boom cylinder guard is complemented by increased protection of hoses, pipes, and valves on the workgroup.

To easily and safely connect at-

// construction business news me // July 2018

tachments, Bobcat will offer multiple mechanical or hydraulic coupler systems. Lehnhoff type couplers will be available with factory installed tilting adapters (controlled by a dedicated AUX4 circuit). A bucket diverter valve kit (AUX3) is also available to operate a clam shell bucket attachment.

Other options include LED lights and an easy to install beacon. For safer transport, four additional tiedown points have been added on the upper structure. As before, the new RSeries excavators offer the easy access that Bobcat is famous for, for regular maintenance and servicing. Exterior covers have been designed to be easy to open and close.

Fiser adds: “This is a very exciting time for everybody in Bobcat involved in the development of the R-Series mini-excavators. Our engineers and product experts have worked closely together with our salesforce and selected European dealers to ensure the new products meet the specific requirements of the very demanding customer base in Europe.”

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// Safety

A safety evolution Volvo Trucks showed how it is building on its long history in safety at its Innovation Days in June

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hink Volvo. Think Safety. It’s a well-worn view of the Swedish brand, but as Volvo Trucks celebrates its 90th anniversary, the company says it is well on the way to making progress in its mission to have zero truck accidents on the world’s roads. The company swung open its doors of its Gothenburg home last month to show a rotating army of distributors and, journalist from across the globe, the latest in its long line of technologies stemming back, most notably, to the invention of the threepoint seatbelt in the early 1960s.

Amidst a dauntingly broad demonstration of its progress in areas such as semi-autonomous, automonous, and even remote-controlled vehicles, it was the ready to be used on the road technology that really impressed 80

at the Innovation Days event.

Top of the list was the improvements and additions to the Volvo Dynamic Steering system with better traffic safety and an enhanced working environment for drivers were the goals for the four new enhancements to the driver support system. Carl Johan Almqvist, traffic and product safety director at Volvo Trucks, says that the company has been working to fuse existing technology such as the Stability Assist and Lane Keeping Assist systems to assist the steering of heavy trucks in a ground-breaking way.

Carl Johan Almqvist, traffic and product safety director at Volvo Trucks, says: “Volvo Dynamic Steering has truly revolutionised the driver’s job behind the wheel. Better directional stability, easier maneuvering, and higher comfort have reduced the risk

// construction business news me // July 2018

of road accidents and strain-related injuries. Now we are building further on our success with new functions that help make the traffic environment even safer. This is all in accordance with our vision that no accidents involving Volvo trucks should ever occur. These functions were developed to help drivers avoid some of the most common accident scenarios identified via our accident research programme.”

By integrating Volvo Dynamic Steering with its other comfort and safety-enhancing systems, Volvo Trucks has developed two accident prevention driver support systems: Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist and Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist.

Almqvist explains: “Imagine you’re driving on a wet, slippery road and you

suddenly notice that the rear of the truck is starting to lose its grip on the asphalt.

Before this develops into a skid, you steer gently in the opposite direction until the danger is over. That’s exactly the way Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist works. The big difference is that the system can discover the risk and help stabilise the vehicle before you’ve even noticed that something is about to happen.”

Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist gives the driver a helping hand when the system detects that the truck is showing signs of edging towards the lane marking. With a slight turn of the steering wheel in the appropriate direction and gentle vibration in the steering wheel, the driver is notified and is helped to steer the vehicle back into the lane, he adds.

In addition to the two new driver support systems, Volvo Trucks revealed it is introducing a longed-for function that makes it possible to adjust steering wheel resistance individually in trucks equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering.

Using a touch-screen, drivers can change how the truck reacts to changes on road such as cornering or contact from the steering wheel on the fly.

“Each driver has a different perception of how light or heavy the steering system should be. Now every driver can adjust the steering wheel resistance exactly as he or she wants for comfortable, relaxed, and safe driving,” says Almqvist. “This is a very practical feature, not least for trucks that often have different drivers.”

A further and potentially interesting system for construction site operators is the external steering option which allows the vehicle to be controlled remotely via a suitably ruggedised controller complete with shoulder strap, joystick, and an emergency stop. Ulf Andreasson, product range requirement manager for the FM/FMX, says it saves time and improves productivity and reduces the need to climb in and out of the truck – improves the working conditions of the driver. Andreasson adds that it can be installed in the Middle East through its electronic interface by bodybuilders. www.cbnme.com

Carl Johan Almqvist

Innovation Days was also an opportunity to see the Collision Warning Brake system, which slows and then stops the truck if there is a risk of an accident, in action from inside the cab.

The system monitors the vehicles in front with the help of camera and radar technology and functions irrespective of whether it is sunshine, mist, fog, or darkness. If there is a potential collision, the driver is alerted via gradually escalating light and acoustic signals. If the system does not detect a response from the driver, the truck automatically starts braking gently. If the driver still does not respond, the emergency brake is deployed until the vehicle comes to a complete standstill. After a further five seconds without any movement of the steering wheel or other reaction, the handbrake is automatically engaged, a safety measure to prevent the truck from rolling if the driver is in shock or is unconscious.

When the emergency brake is deployed, the brake lights start flashing to warn vehicles to the rear, and when the truck’s speed drops to 5km/h, the flashing emergency warning lights are also activated.

“Our active safety systems are part of a holistic solution that clearly helps reduce risks in traffic, but it is important to bear in mind that technology alone cannot do the job,” Almqvist says. “A safe traffic environment requires active interaction between all road users. An experienced, attentive driver who handles his or her

vehicle responsibly is still the best form of accident prevention.”

Some of the technologies on show have been available for a number of years but have been improved with the use of a cloud-based service, Connected Safety, which allows Volvo trucks and Volvo cars to automatically alert each other to hazardous traffic situations.

Thanks to the collaboration, two independent vehicle manufacturers are allowing their cars and trucks to share real-time traffic hazard information.

The passenger-car version of Connected Safety was launched by Volvo Cars in 2016. With Volvo Trucks now rolling out its version of the service, trucks and cars are able to alert each other to potential hazards. This is possible because the two companies share safety-related data between their respective clouds.

“Expanded cooperation between different players is one of the most important keys to improved road safety,” says Almqvist. “If more vehicles are able to exchange real-time information about the traffic situation, it will lower the risk of accidents. With Connected Safety, we are opening the door to the future, with the hope that more vehicle manufacturers will join in.”

Connected Safety was developed to send out alerts to nearby vehicles connected to the service whenever a driver activates the vehicle’s hazard warning lights.

When the hazard warning lights are switched on, the truck sends a signal via the driver’s Internet-connected mobile phone to Volvo Trucks’ cloud service.

From there, the information is forwarded to the corresponding service at Volvo Cars. An alert is then transmitted to all connected cars and trucks approaching the location of the vehicle whose hazard lights have been activated.

“A vehicle standing still by the roadside in poor visibility risks being hit from the rear, which can have severe consequences,” Almqvist explains. “An alert issued well in advance gives all drivers of nearby cars and trucks the same opportunity to reduce speed, adjust their driving to the traffic situation and avoid a collision.”

construction business news me // July 2018 //

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// Editor's NEWS pick

Inspiration Technology Rebeka Thomas, product marketer, project delivery programs at Bentley Systems, talks about how to improve collaboration with project delivery software

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echnology is transforming industries and creating opportunities for more efficient and productive operations.

The engineering, architecture, and construction (AEC) industry is no exception. Parsons International and DAR Engineering are two organisations that streamlined their operations and improved collaboration with project delivery software.

Everyone acknowledges the importance of project data management. After all, well-run projects result in better margins. However, there is still an opportunity to make measurable improvements in this area. As a project moves through its lifecycle phases, there are many potential points of failure if workflows are not managed effectively. For example, individuals might spend hours trying to find a file or someone might view and approve the wrong files.

Teams run the risk of errors, delays, and costly budget overruns.

Enforce business process standards What if you could accelerate your design workflows with a central point where you can enforce business process standards, configure project requirements, and instantaneously see where projects are in their lifecycle? With a project data management system, you can.

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// construction business news me // July 2018

numbering followed set conventions, and design documents were consistent in quality and appearance. Parsons estimate that they saved approximately $3mn through this initiative.

DAR Engineering pioneered the use of BIM workflows in substation design in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Image courtesy: Dar Engineering

At a project’s inception, content approval workflows are established and information follows this workflow before it is consumed by other users. This automated, multi-discipline process speeds the sharing of project documents, tracking the chain of custody right down to the user. It is a closed-loop system that keeps projects on a fast and efficient timeline, all while enforcing project, organisation, and industry standards in a secure environment.

To accommodate growth and advancement in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, Parsons International chose to implement a common set of CAD standards using ProjectWise, Bentley’s project data management system.

The team coordinated with design offices across the region to gather, review, and incorporate regional quality control methodologies and requirements. Their final set of standards, known as ParSTAND, was implemented to produce consistent, quality deliverables with minimal re-work. Parsons then integrated these standards into ProjectWise, with the goal to improve quality and consistency in deliverables.

Meet project requirements Each project is designed against www.cbnme.com

a defined set of requirements and specifications. Should a team deviate, the firm could face rework and delays. With a project data management system, engineers do not worry about project workspace standards; they are built-in and automatically delivered to them.

These data management systems track both the application used to create drawings and models, and the standards and requirements for content, delivering the final product to the end user. With a single source of truth, teams can reduce errors by adhering to requirements throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Parsons International used Bentley’s project data management system to enforce business process standards and meet project requirements. A key project objective was to reduce operational costs without sacrificing quality. The team achieved that goal by reducing re-work and printing by more than 60%. The use of ProjectWise and ParSTAND improved quality and consistency in deliverables. It has extended Parson’s ability to leverage resources globally while reducing delivery time and travel cost, saving approximately $10,000 per project.

This enabled the Parsons team to operate under a consistent quality control process. File naming and

Remove application constraints Since engineers typically use their own discipline-specific applications when working on a project, it can be difficult to share documents with other team members or offices because of interoperability issues.

Because some project data management systems are file agnostic, everyone involved in a project can use their software of choice and still share that file. Others will not be required to have that same design application to view it. This sharing means that designers have the freedom to work in a known environment, resulting in improved quality and productivity.

DAR Engineering provides design and engineering services to Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the utility company of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Coordination among various disciplines was difficult, as the organisation has 300 engineers and designers across the globe working on multiple projects. The teams spent time resolving coordination issues such as the interoperability of software from different vendors and different file formats. To increase efficiency in delivering multiple projects using distributed resources and utilising BIM technology, DAR Engineering migrated from a 2D-based environment into a collaborated BIM-based platform.

ProjectWise was implemented with all custom-designed workflows to create a collaborative environment that enables the distributed teams to work on multiple projects in real time. The organisation then procured additional software to support BIM

construction business news me // July 2018 //

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// Editor's NEWS pick

Parsons International implemented a common set of CAD standards to accommodate growth and advancement in the MEA region. Image courtesy: Parsons International

integration. ProjectWise helped to remove application constraints on the DAR engineering team, allowing them to collaborate efficiently with vendors.

Collaborate without chaos Communication and collaboration challenges from teams siloed by discipline, project, and geography have not been eliminated with the advancement of technology. The problem lies in consistency of process.

Varying workflows, data type and locations, naming conventions, and lack of structure create discord when collaborating with teams, the owner, or the extended supply chain. The subsequent breakdown in communication and process can lead to costly mistakes, confusion, and significant delays.

With a project data management system, you can collaborate without chaos by aligning the entire project ecosystem in a connected data environment. Like Parsons International, DAR Engineering used its data management to improve team collaboration and efficiency across its various projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

DAR Engineering executed 84

the design for approximately 70 substations in Saudi Arabia.

Strategically, most of the project work was shared with its off-shore offices.

With the application of a streamlined design platform, concurrent design work shortened the design period and reduced the interdisciplinary coordination issues, which was normally consuming around 15% of total resource-hours. Further, mark up comments within the team using the overlay files helped reduce stationary cost incurred on the hard copies. The accuracy in the data also resulted in 30% reduction in design review cycle with the client.

With this implementation, DAR Engineering pioneered the use of BIM workflows in substation design in the region. Its globally distributed teams relied on the system to handle multiple projects effectively and the company was able to deliver more projects under stringent time frames.

Provide a structured framework In the world of engineering, data comes in many different shapes and sizes. One change can have a huge ripple effect on design review and approvals. By inputting data into a man-

// construction business news me // July 2018

agement system, teams can manage dependencies based on file ID instead of on path or file name.

Beyond finding the right file, you get a holistic view and access to all references, files, and dependencies.

Designers are always working on the latest version, and everyone can see detailed records of how files reference other files—to, from, and what version. Data management systems ensure more than the ability to find the right file, but also all the intelligent attributes of that file. This kind of dependency management is critical when ensuring a highly-integrated collaborative environment.

Modern project delivery Technology is transforming the way that AEC firms manage information. Companies like Parsons International and DAR Engineering have significantly improved their collaboration and efficiency by implementing project delivery solutions like ProjectWise. Project delivery software can empower teams to meet project requirements and collaborate effectively by removing application constraints and building a structured data framework.

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SA Major Projects Conference Adelaide, Australia The South Australian Major Projects Conference is back in its 11th year and will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The two-day conference will profile major infrastructure projects across the State, which will create employment opportunities in years to come. The event will also provide a platform to explore the plans and polices of the newly elected Liberal Government, which include better infrastructure planning and more transparent decision-making to support long-term economic growth and more jobs for South Australia. The event offers delegates the perfect platform to discuss topics and issues presented in addition to providing fantastic networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders.

Middle East Stone Dubai, UAE Middle East Stone is the MENA region’s premier B2B event for the natural stone, marble, and ceramics industry. Apart from showcasing the industry’s latest breakthrough products, it also attracts installation and maintenance solution providers from more than 30 countries globally. Every section of Middle East Stone caters to the region’s construction and fit-out industry’s diverse range of product and service requirements. From the latest design and innovation in products and technologies to cutting-edge applications and industry best practices. Sectors within the exhibition include Stone World, Tile World, Gems and Minerals, Stone Design, Quarrying and Machinery, as well as Chemicals, Machinery, and Tools.

// construction business news me // July 2018

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September

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Light Middle East Dubai, UAE Armed with the most illuminating technologies in the field, Light Middle East promises to put on a spectacular show come September. Light Middle East has established itself as the region's number one networking and sourcing platform for the entire scope of decorative, architectural, outdoor, and indoor lighting solutions, attracting a wide range of visitor profiles from around the globe. Visitors can expect a spectrum of the latest products, the most viable solutions and unmatched industry expertise. A show of great repute, the 12th edition of Light Middle East attracted 5,755 visitors from 84 countries and 345 exhibitors from 30 countries showcasing their finest products and services to a highly-engaged audience.

Windows, Doors & Facades Show Dubai, UAE Put together by the organisers of The Big 5 Dubai, Windows, Doors and Facades Show is a one-of-a-kind event. It caters exclusively to the real estate, construction and interior design industries. The show brings a whole host of global consultants, manufacturers, and distributors of windows, doors, and facade products - including Schuco, Orgada, Elumatec, Gulf Extrusions, Cladtech, and Reynaers, giving the regional businesses a unique platform for trading, exchanging ideas and networking. The successful 2017 event attracted 5,000 visitors, 300 exhibitors from 64 countries and over 8,000 industry professionals covering regional and global markets.

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