Construction Business News September 2018

September 2018

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

CIA 2018 A quick look at the upcoming Construction Innovation Awards 2018

High Expectations CBNME visits Hyati Residence in JVC by Aurora Real Estate, successfully handed over to its residents

P44 - Experts discuss trends and tech in regional FM sector

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On the web Keep up to date with all the latest news, features and much more on our website. www.cbnme.com

// contents

September 2018 // Issue #43

8 Ed Note 12 News 26 Comment

Alstom’s Eduardo Tapia gives us an insight about how tech is changing the way rail firms maintain assets

26 Report

Construction disputes in the Middle East being resolved quicker than before, finds Arcadis report

30 Cover Story

CBNME takes a look at the recently completed Hyati Residence in JVC Dubai by ECC

www.cbnme.com

construction business news me // September 2018 //

3

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CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net Group Sales Director Joaquim D'Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706

Sales Manager Vishvanath Shetty vish@bncpublishing.net +971 52 119 3077

Business Development Director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818

Editor Paromita Dey paromita@bncpublishing.net

34 Case study

The Dubai Wharf Green Wall, built by Dubai Properties, paves the path for sustainable living in the UAE

40 Interview

Gary Dalton from Zoom Property talks about the new userfriendly portal for property search in the UAE

44 Feature

Regional FM experts highlight the latest trends and technologies adopted by the players in the market

50 CIA 2018

A teaser to the upcoming Construction Innovation Awards 2018

56 Talking point

ASU organised site tours for young CIBSE engineers to two of its flagship projects

60 Auctions

Top 10 tips for buying like a professional when bidding at an auction from Euro Auctions

68 Editor’s Pick 70 Diary

Art Director Aaron Sutton aaron@bncpublishing.net Marketing Executive Mark Anthony Monzon mark@bncpublishing.net Photography Hayder Al-Zuhairi

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Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

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// construction business news me // September 2018

// Editor's note

editor’s note

Get, set and go!

A

s the charm of the holiday season wears off, it’s time to get down to business. The last quarter of 2018 will see maximum number of events and activities in the region, which in turn, will boost the associated sectors. In these regards, it spells a busy period for us as well.

For the third year running, the Construction Innovation Awards 2018 is one of the leading events applauding the achievements of the region’s construction professionals.

The awards strive to recognise individual excellence, corporate strengths, and project success. Companies are invited to nominate the people, projects, and initiatives of which they are most proud of, across 17 categories.

The awards presentation will happen at a gala dinner on October 17, 2018, at Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts – a celebration which has proven to be a great social occasion and essential networking opportunity. I urge all the regional and international contractors/

8

developers/consultants and others as well to nominate their works before the deadline ends.

Along with the awards, the team at Construction Business News ME will also host a Construction Innovation Forum on the morning of the awards. Dubai has succeeded in transforming itself into a global city, and a regional business and tourism hub; this has happened predominantly in the last two decades. With the government also undertaking numerous ‘smart’ initiatives, the benefits of digitisation are expected to percolate to every sector in the economy, especially infrastructure, utilities, transportation, aviation, and tourism.

The Construction Innovation Forum will present an opportunity for the attendees to get acquainted with the facts about public-private partnerships (PPP) model in construction, big data and IoT in the sector, and harnessing the importance of mobility in transportation.

I hope to see you there!

// construction business news me // September 2018

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

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// Update An update from around the region

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Results

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties reports 11% drop in H1 2018 net profits

Aldar Properties reported a net profit of AED1.11bn in the first six months of 2018 (H1), a decrease by 11.4%, as compared to AED1.26bn in the same period in 2017.

The Abu Dhabi-based developer also posted a 28.2% drop in its second quarter (Q2) net profits to AED445mn as against AED620mn in the same period in 2017, disclosed a statement on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

However, H1 2018 revenue went up 2% to AED3bn as against AED2.9bn in H1 2017, driven by revenue 12

recognition on developments under construction and recent asset acquisition. In addition to that, the Q2 2018 revenue went up 12% to AED1.5bn as compared to AED1.4bn in Q2 2017, supported by recent asset acquisition.

Commenting on the results, Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Properties, said: “Aldar delivered a solid underlying performance for the first half of 2018 alongside a number of landmark announcements. In the development business, we launched a new masterplanned com-

// construction business news me // September 2018

munity, Alghadeer, and reinforced our reputation for delivery as we commenced handover of land plots and villas at Nareel Island, Al Merief, and West Yas. “We have cemented our position as Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate investment company by completing one of the country’s largest-ever real estate acquisitions. The transaction, completed in just 60 days after being announced, adds AED3.6bn of strategic operating and development assets to our existing portfolio, which continues to deliver

a resilient and consistent performance, positioning us well for future growth.”

Development sales for H1 2018 were AED1.1bn, driven by sales of developments under construction, and two newly launched developments that build on Aldar’s destination strategy.

Aldar’s asset management portfolio of residential, retail, office, and hospitality properties delivered another resilient performance, with a 6% increase in net operating income to AED377mn during Q2 2018, compared with AED357mn in Q2 2017.

Retail

Dubai’s Emaar Malls records 8% net profit growth in H1 2018 Emaar Malls, the shopping malls and retail business majority-owned by Emaar Properties, has recorded a growth of 8% in its net profit for the first half (January to June) 2018 to AED1.1bn compared to the H1 2017 net profit of AED1.02bn.

Revenue for H1 2018 is AED2.1bn, an increase of 29% over H1 2017 revenue of AED1.6bn.

During the second quarter (April to June) of 2018, Emaar Malls recorded a net profit of AED554mn, 15% higher than Q2 2017 net profit of AED482mn. Revenue during Q2 2018 was AED1.06bn, 35% higher than the Q2 2017 revenue of AED788mn.

Earlier this year, Emaar Malls distributed a cash dividend of AED1.3bn, equivalent to 10% of share capital, to shareholders – for the third consecutive year – underlining its focus on sustained value creation.

Emaar Malls has inaugurated the expansion of The

Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue, which added over 150 international brands, as well as The Springs Souk, a community centre with a wide choice of leisure attractions, added a total gross leasable area (GLA) of 78,967sqm.

With this addition, Emaar Malls has a GLA of over 62ha in Dubai.

Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties and board member of Emaar Malls, said: “In a short span of time, Emaar

Malls has underlined its strength in delivering world-class retail destinations that meet the aspirations of both the UAE residents and tourists. We are now taking the Emaar Malls growth story to the next level with a firmer focus on omnichannel retailing and the creation of iconic new destinations that will reshape retail dynamics. Designed for the next generation and leveraging future tech-

nologies, these malls will bring the timeless charm of the city squares in a high-tech environment.”

Emaar’s next-era retail destinations include the upcoming new retail precinct in Dubai Creek Harbour, the 6sqkm megadevelopment by the Creek and overlooking the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Dubai Hills Mall in Dubai Hills Estate is another key development with its construction progressing as per schedule. Dubai Hills Mall will have a GLA of about 18.5ha and will feature about 650 retail outlets including ‘fast fashion’ retail stores, restaurants, and cafés.

In other significant expansion, work on The Dubai Mall’s Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard expansion that will link to both Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard as well as its Fountain Views and Zabeel expansions of the mall has commenced.

Dubai Municipality is collaborating with several government organisations to preserve old heritage buildings dating back to the 60’s and 70’s in the emirate.

Abu Dhabi Municipality has announced that a total of 220 buildings have been demolished so far as part of its ongoing crackdown on abandoned structures.

// Bitesize news

As part of its ongoing efforts to achieve further development in the construction sector, Dubai Municipality updated the list of environment-friendly concrete mixtures used. www.cbnme.com

DLD has issued a decision to seize the properties and land plots registered to the UAE-based developer, Schon Properties, and its funds deposited in Escrow account.

construction business news me // September 2018 //

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// NEWS

Construction

Dubai’s Shaista Azizi project set to complete by 2018-end

The Dubai real estate market is today less speculative and more fundamentallydriven.”

residential apartments will also feature parking facilities, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium.

Mirwais Azizi, chairman of Azizi Group, said: “Al Furjan has developed into a vibrant community with excellent infrastructure along with a strategic location. Witnessing the ongoing transformation across the Al Furjan community is a source of pride for Azizi Developments as most of our completed properties are located there. The strategic foresight to avail landbank and build multiple projects in Al Furjan has contributed to high rental returns for our buyers and investors alike.”

Azizi Developments has demonstrated a faster pace of developing projects across the city. Their ongoing projects include the AED470mn Azizi Aliyah Residences in Dubai Healthcare City and the AED 780mn Azizi Mina project on the Palm Jumeirah.

Muhammad Binghatti, CEO, Binghatti Developers

Dubai-based developer, Azizi Developments, is set to complete Shaista Azizi, one of their five projects in Al Furjan, by the end of 2018.

The project is advancing at a fast pace with elevation works, mechanical, and electrical installations progressing to the eighth floor and upwards. External works are

moving as per plan to complete the building by the end of the year.

Shaista Azizi will have 12 residential floors and will offer a total of 284 units, comprising 137 studios, 124 one-bedroom, and 23 two-bedroom apartments, in addition to a retail space of 659sqm. Shaista Azizi

// In numbers 8

300

7 200

6 5

100

4 3

18

20

22

f

21f 20

f 20 20

19f 20

18f 20

Tenders awarded in Bahrain in 2017 worth BHD3.75bn

0

Saudi Arabia - Construction industry value, SARbn (RHS) Saudi Arabia - Construction industry value, Real Growth, % y-o-y (LHS)

// construction business news me // September 2018

f = BMI forecast. Source: BMI, SAMA

1,892

Saudi Arabia: Construction Sector Growth

Utilities

Shurooq, BESIX invest in Sharjah wastewater project

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and BESIX has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement to operate and maintain an existing wastewater treatment plant in Al Saja’a area in Sharjah.

The newly formed company, called QATRA, will continue developing and expanding the wastewater infrastructure in line with Sharjah’s masterplan, while ensuring the highest level of operating excellence and service to all stakeholders.

The expansion plans will also enable the plant to maxi-

mise the amount of reused water produced, thereby doubling the capacity from 30mn litres of high-recycled water per day to 60mn litres per day, mainly for industrial use.

The agreement was signed

by HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, executive chairman of Shurooq, and Olivier Crasson, executive vice president of BESIX Middle East.

Sarkal said: “The partnership with BESIX broadens the Shurooq portfolio even further in keeping with our commitment towards investing in sustainability and cre-

ating a highly positive impact on the environment. The formation of QATRA is not only extremely beneficial in terms of Sharjah’s ecology, but also the emirate’s economy and we are delighted to be working with BESIX. Our common vision of delivering environmentally responsible services aligns perfectly with one of the five pillars of Shurooq’s development strategy.”

Crasson explained: “BESIX is very pleased and honoured to partner with Shurooq, as part of our 40-year history in Sharjah. We now have a unique project involving innovation, technology, environment, sustainability, and water, and we are very happy to participate in the evolution of this sector for Sharjah, in collaboration with Sharjah and Shurooq.”

He added: “We also share the same values in aspiring to create long-term sustainable and profitable partnerships to support Sharjah’s development goals.”

// They said...

“Each project is designed against a defined set of requirements and specifications.”

Rebeka Thomas, Bentley Systems

“Dubai is the most dynamic market for us at the moment. ” Pierre Santoni, Parsons

Tabreed H1 2018 net profit increases 10% National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) reported a net profit of AED211.9mn in the first half of 2018, an increase by 10%, from AED192.7mn in the same period last year.

Group revenue for the regional district cooling utility company increased by 2% to AED650.7mn from AED639.2mn in H1 2017.

Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Tabreed’s chairman, commented: “We remain committed to returning consistent and positive financial results, which

www.cbnme.com

is exemplified in our first half earnings. Tabreed remains the partner of choice across the GCC for providing energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly cooling solutions. We are confident that we will further expand our operations whilst continuing to deliver stable returns to our shareholders.”

Total group connected capacity across the GCC increased to 1,113,906 Refrigeration Tons (RT), with 21,588 RT of new customer connections added in H1 2018 across the GCC.

Jasim Husain Thabet, Tabreed’s CEO, added: “We are now in our 20th year of operation and, year-on-year, we have demonstrated consistent results underpinned by Tabreed’s unwavering focus on growing our core chilled water business which provides sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. We continue to strengthen our regional presence and deliver operational excellence by building strategic partnerships with government and private entities, resulting in the addition of more projects to our portfolio.”

“For the designer, a major challenge associated with parametric modelling comes in deciding when to implement. ” Calum Perey, Cundall

construction business news me // September 2018 //

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// NEWS

// The big Picture

Construction of a Deep Tunnel Storm Water System in Dubai is currently underway by the PORR-Six Construct joint venture (JV) for Dubai Municipality.

Projects

Top 5 Web Stories

Works begin on luxury Oman complex

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20

1

Azizi Riviera makes steady progress

2

Shurooq BESIX invest in Sharjah project

3

WSP acquires Louis Berger

4

DLD seizes properties of Schon

5

Shaista Azizi to complete year end

Oman-based Shams Development Company has started work on its luxury restaurant complex coming up over more than 4,000sqm area at Shatti Al Qurum in the Sultanate.

The OMR4.5mn Shams Al Sarooj project will boast five-star tourist restaurants and organic food outlets besides top international brands, reported Muscat Daily.

The project, which is being undertaken by the ministry in cooperation with the private sector, will add new components to tourism in Oman. It is a result

// construction business news me // September 2018

of efforts of Shams Development Company and investor Issa bin Mahfoud al Riyami, it stated.

Maryam Mirabbasi, general manager, Shams Development Company, said: “The company prepared the competition documents and presented engineering proposals and feasibility studies for the project. We worked hard as a team to win the competition of the project.�

Resolution Engineering Consultancy is the lead design consultant of the project, she added.

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// NEWS

Real estate

Nakheel invests AED15mn in dubai's Palm Jumeirah marinas

Master developer Nakheel is investing AED15mn to increase boat mooring capacity on Palm Jumeirah, with two new marinas that will bring the total berths on the island to 600.

New marinas are on the way at Nakheel’s Azure Residences waterfront apartment

and restaurant complex on the island’s Eastern trunk, and at The Pointe, Nakheel Malls’ upcoming seafront dining and shopping destination.

Nakheel has appointed Majestic Marine Engineering to build the new facilities, with Applied Technology & Man-

agement, Inc. (ATM) - the appointed consultants.

Due for completion this year, the marinas will accommodate a total of 44 boats and yachts up to 30m long and will complement Nakheel’s two existing marinas on the island, at Palm Views East and

West, which are already at full capacity with 556 moorings.

Nakheel is also building six marinas, at a cost of AED165mn, at its new waterfront master development, Deira Islands. Between them, they will accommodate 614 boats and yachts up to 60m long.

Damac unveils RÊva Heights apartments in Business Bay Dubai-based developer, Damac Properties, released exclusive one- and twobedroom apartments at Rêva Heights in Business Bay. Offering exquisitely-designed spaces at affordable prices, Rêva Heights is home to luxury apartments from levels 17 to 26, which overlook the Dubai Canal.

Situated in Damac’s latest Business Bay development, Rêva Residences – one-bedroom apartments in Rêva Heights – will be available starting at just AED801,000.

Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president at Damac Properties, said: “Aspiring homeowners and residents wish to live at a convenient address without compromising on quality. Rêva Heights

22

// construction business news me // September 2018

promises to live up to their expectations.

Rêva Heights offers everything a modern, upwardly mobile executive or young couple could want, right in the heart of the city. From elegant interiors and world-class amenities to breathtaking views, the entire luxury tower is inspired by the neighbourhood’s lavish lifestyle.”

Located on the south ridge of Business Bay with views of Dubai Canal, Rêva Residences offers a luxurious lifestyle featuring state-of-the-art amenities, including separate wellness facilities for men and women and a temperature-controlled pool. The area offers a wealth of lush parks, as well as dining, entertainment, and shopping hubs within walking distance.

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Contracts

Nakheel awards AED290.5mn deal for Deira Islands resort UAE-based master developer, Nakheel, and Thai hotel group, Centara Hotels & Resorts, inked their AED500mn joint venture with a construction contract worth AED290.5mn to build a 601room beachfront resort at Dubai’s Deira Islands.

The two entities have appointed Parkway International Contracting to deliver Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai – Centara’s first in the UAE – set to open in Q4 2020.

The contract, which takes Nakheel’s infrastructure and construction investment at Deira Islands to nearly AED8.8bn so far, was signed in Dubai by Nakheel chairman, Ali Rashid Lootah, and Suparat Chirathivat, executive vice president – Corporate Development, Central

Group, parent company of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Mobilisation will begin immediately, with construction completion in Q4 2020.

Lootah said: “Our joint venture with Centara underlines our commitment to working with trusted international brands to bring new hospitality concepts to Dubai, and

today’s crucial milestone brings this exciting new resort ever closer.”

Chirathivat said: “Centara is thrilled with the speed at which its joint venture with Nakheel is progressing and looks forward to opening Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai in 2020. This is Centara’s first hotel in Dubai,

and the UAE, and represents our arrival in a key gateway city in the Middle East. With Nakheel’s development expertise and Centara’s record of delivering and inspiring extraordinary guest experiences, we will create a unique resort that surprises and delights guests for years to come.”

Deyaar posts 2.6% drop in H1 2018 net profits Dubai-based developer, Deyaar Development, posted a 2.6% decrease in its net profits, to AED65.2mn, in the first half of 2018 as compared to AED67mn in the first half of last year.

In the same period, Deyaar reported revenues of AED314mn for the six months ending June 30, 2018, a 0.7% decrease compared to the corresponding 2017 figure of AED316mn.

Saeed Al Qatami, CEO, Deyaar, said: “The financial performance for the second quarter and first six months of the year is a reflection of the robust business model that we operate and is driven by our clear strategy for growth. As we are making significant progress on The Atria, Midtown, and Millennium Deyaar Hotel & Apartments in Al Barsha, we are confident about our ability to further expand Dey-

24

aar’s portfolio and continue to see positive results, cementing our status as a leader in the sector.”

Earlier in July, the developer commenced the handover process for The Atria, its second project in 2018. The

// construction business news me // September 2018

mixed-use project is located in Business Bay and comprises a four-star hotel apartment tower and a residential tower.

Deyaar began 2018 with a strong start with the handover for the two residential towers in its Mont Rose project.

Over the years, the company has delivered an extensive portfolio of commercial and residential properties, all offering the highest levels of service and quality, said a statement on Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

Works begin for MBR City District One Phase 3 Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) Al Maktoum City, District One, a part of the master development Meydan, announced that construction has begun on Phase 3 of its 418sqm masterplan development.

The project has commenced machinery and equipment mobilisation and progressed with pilling works.

Located in luxurious MBR City development, this phase comprises 16 buildings ranging from G+4 to G+16 with one-, two-, and three-bedroom contemporary apartments. These homes are bathed in natural light streaming through the ceiling to floor windows, offers panoramic views of the Crystal Lagoon.

Residents of the apartments can also indulge in all the benefits of being part of

this exclusive community by enjoying a 7km crystal lagoon, a 14km boardwalk,

and over 8.4km cycling and running track. They will also have access to The Meydan One Mall, Dubai’s new shopping and recreational destination.

Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, chairman and CEO of Meydan Group, said: “Since the launch of this project, the design of these elite homes have successfully captured the interest of both buyers and investors, considering the community features world-class amenities and is in one of the lowest density villa and apartments in the heart of Dubai.

We have commenced the construction of Phase 3 residences in our master development and we are confident in delivering the project up to the standards and as per schedule.”

Machinery

Two Raimondi MRT111 tower cranes sold to Dubai contractor Raimondi Cranes SpA has sold two new topless tower MRT111s to Dar Al Adham Constructions (DAAC), a regional contractor based in the UAE. The eight tonnes tower cranes are currently at work on the Riviera residential project by Azizi Developments in Meydan, Dubai.

“The cranes are freestanding with a Height Under Hook (HUH) of 48.7m with 60m jibs. Two Raimondi Middle East erector crews were mobilised for the installations, including our operations manager,” said Wael Hasan, explaining that the cranes are estimated to be onsite for a period of two years.

In addition to installation, Raimondi Middle East also provided three-day training to DAAC’s crane operators.

Hasan added: “We endeavour to continue to support www.cbnme.com

our clients with the best possible customer experience. Sharing in-depth product knowledge and staging hands-on training sessions with our clients’ operators and technical staff members are a core part of service offering in the GCC.”

The training seminars educated the operators with the machines’ inter-cabin controls and the advancements in user experience offered by the Raimondi Deluxe R16 Crane Cabin.

Raimondi is also providing a full maintenance package re-

newed monthly that includes inspection and servicing of all aspects of the cranes. “We carefully evaluate both main and sub-processes including the brakes, limit switches, lubrication, and overall wear, alignment, and connection security,” Hasan said.

construction business news me // September 2018 //

25

// Op-Ed

The Internet of Rail Artificial intelligence, big data, and the internet of things (IoT) are transforming the way rail firms maintain their assets, says Eduardo Tapia, market and portfolio manager at Alstom

R

ail, as an industry, has evolved at a fairly consistent rate since the industrial revolution. Now this gentle advance has accelerated dramatically. Advances in computer science and data analytics are transforming the way we keep railway systems fully available and operational, delivering dramatic improvements to safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Computing devices embedded in trains, signalling systems, and railway infrastructure can now send and receive data online.

Alstom is in the vanguard of this ‘Internet of Rail’.

In order to avoid the unavailability of trains or other elements of signalling or infrastructure, rail companies have traditionally adopted a preventive approach towards maintenance.

In other words, equipment is serviced regularly to lessen the likelihood of it failing without warning. But advanced analytics offers an alternative, enabling us to foresee with precision when such parts would reach the end of their useful lifespans – and schedule servicing works accordingly.

Alstom started its condition-based maintenance programme in 1998.

Eight years later, the company started to transfer data from the train to the ground. Today, Alstom is 26

leading the evolution in rail services with tools such as HealthHub - its predictive maintenance solution, TrainTracer for monitoring train health in real time, TrainScanner its automatic diagnostics portal, and TrackTracer which monitors the condition of tracks and catenaries.

Such an approach saves time and money because parts and components are only serviced when necessary.

For instance, conventional wisdom says that heating system filters must be changed every three months in order to avoid risk of a breakdown.

By switching from a mileage-based approach to a condition-based one, the filter’s remaining lifespan from the due replacement date can be extended by up to 90% every five-anda-half months - all without taking any undue risks.

This technology is also vital for monitoring infrastructure. When a point machine fails, fixing the problem can be like repairing a faulty bulb in a string of fairy lights. A stretch of track 5,000km in length might contain 100 such devices. In the past, technicians would have had to examine each one individually. This costly, disruptive process, which also entailed taking trains out of service, has now been circumvented. We can pinpoint exactly

// construction business news me // September 2018

which one has malfunctioned, when, and why.

Full steam ahead Three factors have facilitated this shift. First, sensors are becoming smaller and cheaper, so can be used in locations that would previously have been impossible. On trains, they can monitor all manner of functions, from filters and door locks to heating and ventilation or traction components. Not to mention signalling equipment and elements of infrastructure.

Secondly, connectivity has improved. The data the sensors gathered can be transferred online at everincreasing speeds. Finally, computers are far more powerful, so vast data sets can be analysed to reveal patterns, trends, and associations.

Alstom places an emphasis on ‘smart data’ rather than ‘big data’, prioritising quality over quantity. For instance, while it could, in theory, place sensors all over a train, the amount of information yielded would be costly and time-consuming to interpret. Instead, the company uses its decades of engineering expertise to identify areas most in need of monitoring. Typically equipment that is particularly susceptible to wear and tear fails more frequently or causes great disruption when it goes wrong.

The quality of the raw data is critical, which is why, Alstom developed its in-house HealthHub Platform.�

The quality of the raw data is critical, which is why, Alstom developed its in-house HealthHub Platform.

This innovative portal pools findings relating to individual components, from brakes and bogies to toilets. A diagnostic modelling feature named Health Indicator generates diagnoses and prognoses for each machine, predicting when, where, and how future degradation is most likely to occur.

There are certain dynamics that Alstom does not model, and there will always be factors that are beyond its www.cbnme.com

control. But when data experts and engineers work hand in hand, variations caused by context, such as the harsh Middle Eastern climate, can be taken into account.

At its most basic level, predictive maintenance means anticipating problems. For many years, Alstom has studied the ways in which train components deteriorate. We know the impact of each component on cost, reliability and availability, and plan accordingly.

Some problems can be remedied quickly; others may be dangerous or

difficult to solve. If a particular piece of equipment is very hard to reach, we can arrange the extra staffing needed to service it. If it has to be sourced from a third party, we can replenish stocks well in advance, avoiding the disruption caused by having to take trains out of service.

This approach centres on system behaviour and it is this that delivers reliability. By coupling our understanding of the physical and digital realms, we can boost savings, safety and reliability, realising the Internet of Rail’s potential.

construction business news me // September 2018 //

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// Report

Power struggles Average value of construction disputes increased over the last year due to small number of higher-value claims, according to a new study

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ngoing liquidity issues within the Middle East construction market has resulted in a steady flow of claims being submitted as contractors take a tougher approach to entitlements, however, the industry continues to make progress in resolving them more swiftly, according 28

to the latest research from Arcadis.

The 2018 Global Construction Disputes Report is an annual study from Arcadis that examines the most common causes of dispute on construction projects, as well as the average duration and value of disputes, and the method of dispute resolution most commonly

// construction business news me // September 2018

deployed. The findings are based on an assessment of the construction disputes handled by the Arcadis Contract Solutions team in various regions over the previous twelve months.

The report stated that a failure to properly administer the contract remained the most common cause of

construction disputes. Staying in the same spot in the rankings in 2018 was the issue of the employer/contractor/ subcontractor failing to understand and/or comply with contractual obligations – a sign that experienced industry advisors are not being sought at the outset. The social infrastructure/public sector saw the most disputes, moving up one spot from last year. This was closely followed by the transportation sector.

Last year, the average value of disputes in the Middle East rose to $91mn from $56mn in 2016. This reflects the scale of the programs being delivered in the region, with large projects typically carrying a higher dispute value.

On a positive note, the average length of time needed to resolve a dispute continues to decrease compared with previous years, while the volume of construction disputes seemed to be about the same as 2016.

The findings from the 2017 survey indicate that issues around proper contract administration, one of the top three causes of disputes for the past three years, continue to trip the industry up and result in claims and disputes.

On a positive note, this cause has dropped from the top spot on the list to the second, demonstrating the industry may be heading in the right direction.

To a certain extent, this result is no surprise as the economic backdrop remains similar to last year, mentioned the report. A comparatively low oil price has continued to drive a lack of liquidity in the market, resulting in cash flow constraints across the supply chain and an environment where firms are taking a tougher approach to contract entitlements. This year’s top cause for disputes, failure to make interim awards on extensions of time and compensation, as well as the third cause, owner directed changes, could be attributed to the impact the client has on a dispute taking place. Both causes can be viewed as being related to the client’s responsibility.

When the project manager or engineer is the material influence for www.cbnme.com

Arcadis report 2017 RANK

OVERALL DISPUTE CAUSE

2016 RANK

1

Failure to properly administer the contract

1

2

Poorly drafted or incomplete/unsubstantiated claims

2

3

Employer/contractor/subcontractor failing to understand and/or comply with its contractual obligations

3

the dispute, the most common causes include a failure to be impartial to the employer’s interests, a lack of understanding of the procedural aspects of the contract, or a lack of authority that is limited by levels of authority issued by the employer (i.e. not allowed to issue variation orders over a certain value).

The report stated that over the next 12 to 18 months, major construction related events like Expo 2020 in Dubai and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will loom ever closer. As pressure increases while the industry strives to meet fixed deadlines, the need to make smart decisions around contract and procurement strategies will be even more important. On a practical level, this means building a better understanding of what proper contract administration looks like and developing accurate contract documents with a more reasonable risk allocation.

A sharper focus on removing ambiguity from within a contract at the very outset and better training on how to prepare a robust and credible claim are two relatively simple steps that would make a significant difference. Embracing and implementing lessons from the past could not only help to reduce the volume of disputes over the next few years but is fundamental if the construction industry wants to move towards a more harmonious and less confrontational contracting environment for all parties.

Rob Nelson-Williams, regional head of contract solutions, Arcadis Middle East, said: “In analysing the causes of disputes on construction projects in the Middle East, we continue to see a lot of the same issues crop up. This underlines the need to get the basics right, and the importance of seasoned technical and commercial advice when it comes to contract or claims strategy.”

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// Cover story

Aurora Real Estate successfully handed over 122 apartments and 20 townhouses in its Hyati Residence in JVC, says its CEO, Cian Farah 30

// construction business news me // September 2018

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AE-based boutique real estate development company, Aurora Real Estate Development, delivered its flagship project, Hyati Residence, a premium development offering affordable homes, to its residents. Established in 2013, Aurora addressed a need in the UAE market for efficiently designed contemporary spaces that are tailor-made, primarily in the residential property sector. To date, Aurora has delivered 37,161sqm of residential developments, four projects, and currently holds 66,890sqm of new developments in the pipeline.

Featuring a total of 122 apartments and 20 townhouses, Hyati Residence offers modern living spaces while emphasising on quality, attention to detail, and affordability. Hyati Residence, valued at AED168mn, offers distinction due to the unique refurbishments carried out by ECC Renovations, tailored in response to customer requests.

Cian Farah, CEO of Aurora Real Estate Development, says: “Developments by Aurora cater to clients who appreciate attention to detail,

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quality design, and the introduction of high-quality finishes provided at an affordable price. All of our projects will demonstrate our promise of quality, attention to detail, and a commitment to customer service both pre and post completion.”

The apartments in Hyati Residence consist of six spacious studios, 82 one-bedroom apartments, 27 typical large two-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom linear apartments, and a large two-bedroom corner unit. The townhouses comprise four spacious bedrooms with double height ceilings and are presented in a typical or corner layout. Each townhouse features a double car space and a terrace on the second floor, with the corner townhouses gaining an additional garden area on the ground floor with access to a 10m-long private lap pool.

According to Farah, he is very proud of the project and remains dedicated to constant improvement through the creativity and efficiency of designs.

“We look forward to welcoming the rest of the residents into their new homes. To date, Aurora has completed

projects valued at AED 275mn, consisting of Hyati Residence, Ritz Residence, and F01, with another AED238mn under construction, namely Hyati Avenue and Lyra by Aurora.”

The project delivers high-quality finishes both inside the apartments and throughout the communal areas.

The double height reception is clad with Italian marble to provide a touch of splendour to the entrance.

The water features, combined with a beautifully lit olive tree, adds tranquillity to the internal courtyard.

The gym has also been creatively designed with an industrial concept and the swimming pool on the roof has been landscaped all around to provide privacy and serenity.

Internally, the apartments also benefit from top quality finishes, including Bosch appliances, Swedish-designed lighting, porcelain tiles from Turkey, and melamine joinery cladding from Spain, along with international standards to meet customers’ expectations.

Aurora also delivered bespoke refurbishment through ECC Renovations, to ensure that the diverse group of buy-

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31

// Cover Story

ers were able to make minor structural changes to kitchens and bathrooms to suit their lifestyles.

Zamahn Sajjad, project manager of ECC Renovations, says: “Our role in the project was to deliver on individual client requests for their homes. In this culturally rich region, we live among an array of nationalities, and therefore, Aurora must cater to a variety of different preferences on how homes should support the family’s way of life. We have a great deal of experience working on a variety of projects, ranging from entire office fit-outs to gyms and 32

domestic housing overhauls. For Hyati Residence, we used the full extent of our expertise and all resources available to help make it a truly unique project.”

Aside from ECC Renovations, Aurora also worked with its other strategic partners and associated companies from ECC Group including Engineering Contracting Company (ECC), Abanos Interior Fit-out and Joinery, CoreServ Facilities Management, Prime Metal Industries (PMI), and United Masters Electromechanical (UME) to ensure the development exceeds market expectations.

// construction business news me // September 2018

Aurora is also set to deliver a new apartment complex called Lyra by Aurora, in Warsan 4 close to Academic City, specifically catering to young professionals and students. In addition to this, Farah mentions that the developer has two plots of land in Jebel Ali in Dubai. He says: “We are looking at a unique concept to be discussed in the future for one of the plots. It will follow the concept of short-term letting, where we are trying to target the corporate community looking for comfortable stays for a few days/weeks/months. Custom-

Cian Farah, CEO, Aurora Real Estate

All of our projects will demonstrate our promise of quality, attention to detail, and a commitment to customer service both pre and post completion.” ers need a homely feeling away from home and I am sure they will be able to get one here. This segment is quite attractive and has been growing currently. We are currently in talks with a number of operators in this field to see whether there are chances of them coming onboard.

“Designing will be quite unique because although it’s a residential project, we will have to design it like a hotel room. The reception and amenities of the project will resemble the likes of a luxury hotel. We are looking to start working on the projwww.cbnme.com

ect within the next month.”

The developer also has another plot of land located past the Al Maktoum International Airport. Farah points out: “We are waiting on the plot of land because the required infrastructure is not fully completed. I strongly believe that there are good developers in the market doing strong stuff. But we produce something which is creative, new, and different. We have been receiving some positive reviews from our end-users and it gives us comfort that we do stand out from the crowd with our offerings.”

New launch

Owing to the overwhelming response to its flagship project Hyati Residence, UAE-based boutique developer, Aurora Real Estate, unveils Hyati Avenue, located in JVC. Construction has commenced on the Phase 2 of Hyati Residence, worth AED155mn, which will deliver a further 103 units and 19 townhouses, all targeted for completion in December 2019.

Farah comments: “Developments

by Aurora cater to clients who appreciate attention to detail, quality design, and the introduction of high-quality finishes provided at an affordable price. Following the success of Hyati Residence, Hyati Avenue underscores our dedication to meeting customer preferences and we look forward to delivering another creative concept to the market. Every development undertaken by Aurora has helped us to evolve and grow as a company, contributing towards filling a growing market gap for high-quality products regardless of the price bracket.”

The 103 units will encompass 24,998sqm of built-up area while the townhouses will have 6,271sqm of built-up area, with studios ranging from 37.1sqm, one-bedroom from 87.3sqm, and a two-bedroom from 102sqm. Prices for an apartment will start from AED400,000.

Farah continues: “We are building off the success from Phase 1; we are trying again to do something creative and different in Phase 2.

We have modified the designs, trying to be more contemporary.

We have also taken into consideration energy efficiency for the project.”

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33

// Case Study

Wa l l e d off

The Dubai Wharf Green Wall, built by Dubai Properties, is expected to offset 4.4 tonnes of CO2 annually to promote sustainable living

S

ustainability, health and wellbeing are closely intertwined which helps us to take active care of ourselves and our environment.

It’s a way of life – one that is important to preserve the environment for future generations. In a bid to promote sustainable living, Dubai Properties had unveiled the Middle East’s largest living green wall at Dubai Wharf overlooking the Dubai Creek.

Extending 210m in length and rising six metres high, the impressive vertical garden spans 1,260sqm and features over 80,000 plants forming a leaf canopy area equivalent to around 200 trees, capable of offsetting an estimated 4.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.

Building upon the scientifically

34

proven benefits of greenery within communities, such as having a calming effect and encouraging an outdoor lifestyle, the master developer sought to create a microclimate that enhances the aesthetic appeal of Dubai Wharf and the well-being of its visitors and residents. The green wall provides a perfect backdrop for pictures and invites nature lovers for an idyllic stroll along the Dubai Creek shoreline.

Raed Al Nuaimi, group chief executive officer of Dubai Properties, mentions: “As one of the top 20 happiest countries in the world and the happiest in the Arab region, according to the World Happiness Report 2018, the UAE is a keen supporter of sustainable living environments that are known to enhance the quality of life and elevate

// construction business news me // September 2018

happiness levels.”

Living green walls are vertical gardens that are particularly useful in urban landscaping, where space can be a constraint. Plants naturally remove CO2 and produce oxygen while filtering the air around them through absorbing pollutants. This beneficial effect is compounded by the sheer number of plants in living green walls.

The Dubai Wharf Green Wall was developed over a period of three months by Dubai Properties and landscaping experts, Gover Horticulture.

Representing an investment of around AED3.68mn from Dubai Properties, the project has a number of positive effects including supporting the local ecosystem and beautifying the surroundings of one of Dubai’s newest

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construction business news me // September 2018 //

35

// Case Study

mixed-use destinations.

Green walls are a relatively new concept worldwide, with 93% installed after 2007. Found mostly in urban environments, where the plants help reduce the overall temperature of the buildings, many of the bestknown green walls are located in public places such as airports and shopping malls.

Heat build-up in cities is primarily caused by the absorption and subsequent emission of solar heat in asphalt roads and building materials. Plant surfaces can help offset this occurrence by reducing temperatures through a process called evapotranspiration. The effect can be felt more prominently in the immediate vicinity of a surface such as a green wall that

Raed Al Nuaimi, Dubai Properties

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// construction business news me // September 2018

can lower surrounding temperatures by up to 5˚C. The Dubai Wharf Green Wall is made using geotextile grow bags filled with peat substrates enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). This allows for better root growth, irrigation, and drainage in the UAE climate that can often get quite harsh during the long summers.

Geotextile grow bags are specifically used to hold water around the root of each plant. This medium is the most effective way of ensuring healthy root growth as well as efficient drainage.

The company is also planning to introduce a system that allows to collect drainage water from the Green Wall in a new tank and reuse it in the water irrigation system.

In order to provide a unique appearance to the green wall, a variety of plants was chosen, consisting of eight types of ground plants, including Alternanthera Green, Alternanthera Red, Iresene Accuminata, Asystasia Sp, Portulacaria Afra, and Asparagus SP. The colour of the foliage and density of each plant type varies along the length of the wall, making it a vibrant and exciting attraction for the area. As the developer says: “People will also notice that because of the differing plants used in the wall, there is an almost three-dimensional effect to it – almost like looking at a painting from a distance”.

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UAE: SULTACO Dubai +971 4 338 5929 Abu Dhabi +971 2 633 4425 Al Ain +971 3 763 1609 Sharjah +971 6 575 9878 www.sultaco.com JORDAN: AL MUNA Co. Amman +962 6 554 8851 www.al-munaco.com

Join us:

// Case Study

Nuaimi adds: “At Dubai Properties, we design our projects with a focus on the communities that will inhabit them.

As part of this priority, we consciously integrate elements that are not only environmentally sustainable but also make our residents happy. The Dubai Wharf Green Wall is a prime example of our holistic approach to well-being in our communities, as it instils a sense of serenity throughout the neighbourhood while supporting the local ecosystem and beautifying the surroundings. In addition, having a new Dubai landmark at their doorstep is a matter of pride for the residents of this community.”

The green wall is located in Dubai Wharf, a luxury mixed-use development with a prime location on the iconic Dubai Creek. Combining modern architecture with contemporary interior features, residences in the develop38

At Dubai Properties, we design our projects with a focus on the communities that will inhabit them.”

Raed Al Nuaimi, Dubai Properties ment range from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The residential towers have a contemporary design with a stone exterior featuring a large proportion of glazing and wooden textured shading used to soften the

// construction business news me // September 2018

overall look and feel while playing a functional role of improving the building’s climate control.

The UAE has been at the forefront in implementing green strategies that support sustainability, following the visionary leadership of President HH Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Dubai vowes to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world as sustainability is one of the core themes of Expo 2020 as well. As a part of UAE Vision 2021, the country looks forward towards a more sustainable future from a social, environmental, and economic perspective.

// Interview

Zooming ahead Gary Dalton, director of marketing, Zoom Property, talks about zoomproperty.com, a user-friendly portal for those searching for a property in the UAE

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// construction business news me // August 2018

Z

oom Property, a new property portal launched in the UAE in June 2018, where customers can search from more than 20,000 properties across the region. The user-friendly online portal has been created using the latest technology to provide an exceptional experience for those searching for a property to rent or buy across the UAE. With most of the largest real estate brokers in the region already integrated with the platform, users will have access to tens of thousands of property listings to search, browse, and find their next home.

In an interview with CBNME, Gary Dalton, director of marketing from Zoom Property, talks about the smart and innovative features of the portal.

Give us a brief overview of the platform. How was the platform funded?

For users, Zoom Property is a property search platform that allows them to quickly and easily find the property they are looking for, access a wealth of

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information, and get in touch directly with real estate agents. For brokerages, Zoom Property is a marketing and advertising platform that helps them drive more reach and exposure for their listings and their agency, as well as drive more leads through a variety of means.

Zoom Property is funded through a private investment but is also aligned with Zoom Digital, an integrated digital marketing agency and software development house.

What are the unique points/ features that differentiate Zoom Property from its competitors in the market?

We provide a more well-rounded experience for renters, buyers, and investors by helping them find their ideal property quickly and easily, while providing them useful information to help with their search. Users have access to all the features they’d expect but they can also take advantage of interactive maps, read area guides, set up property alerts, search for expert agents, check their

monthly costs, chat online with real estate brokers, and even ask questions on our forum.

We only work with a select number of real estate brokerages in the UAE to ensure the quality of the listings and agents. This is done so our users can be assured that they are in safe hands and are looked after.

For brokerages and developers, we are providing a more tailored type of service that goes beyond just listings.

We work closely with our clients to create a bespoke advertising and marketing package which will help them improve the quality of their listings and get more exposure and leads for their properties.

What kind of response have you received from the market?

From the tens of thousands of visitors, coming to the website every day, we are seeing there is clearly a significant demand and interest for real estate in Dubai and the UAE in general. The traffic we have already shows that there

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// Interview

We only work with a select number of real estate brokerages in the UAE to ensure the quality of the listings and agents.�

is room for a new entrant. Real estate brokerages and agents we work with are also keen to see alternative options in the market to provide competition to the existing players.

What are your plans for growth regionally?

We focus on all types of properties, both mid-market and high-end. We have plans in our medium-term road map to expand into new territories and our platform and technology allows us to do that easily and quickly.

How do you plan to make the platform more end-user friendly?

The technology and platform that we have built Zoom Property on is integral to us being flexible and agile.

Adding new features and functionality on a regular basis is a core part of our strategy.

Our focus is to understand how visi42

tors want to use Zoom Property and get feedback to continually improve the experience. We will continue to iterate and improve the website based on that feedback and introduce features and functionality to enhance the experience for both house hunters and brokers alike.

will improve as we grow and generate more data. It will also allow us to improve and personalise the user experience and provide intelligence to users and brokers. Moving onward, we look forward to exciting developments like predictive analytics.

Could you elaborate on Zoom Chat?

Zoom Chat allows users to talk directly with real estate agents in real time.

Brokers will be alerted when a user wants to chat about a specific property, and helps connect the two together efficiently to get questions answered or to arrange a property viewing.

What is your overview about the current real estate market in the GCC? Our main focus currently is on the UAE real estate market and based on the traffic levels we are getting, there is still a lot of interest. There has been some correction in property prices over the last 18 months, providing an opportunity for both buyers and renters to get more for their money, pick up some good value investments, or get their foot on the property ladder. We are confident there will be an improvement in the near future, especially with Expo 2020 drawing ever closer.

How do you plan to integrate machine learning and AI as advanced features in further development of the platform?

Machine learning and AI are already embedded within the Zoom Property eco system — a valuable asset that

// construction business news me // September 2018

Keep Your Business Running On Time, Every Time.

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A truck with a cab designed to of fer more comfor t and driveabilit y, as well as on-board fuel coaching systems. A truck with the power to move fur ther, and the ef ficienc y to keep your business running like clockwork. With the all new Croner, we’ve turned that vision into a cut ting- edge realit y.

// Facilities management

Focus on Excellence

Experts discuss the current trends and the rising importance of technology in the regional facilities management sector

O

ver the past decade, the GCC region has witnessed rapid economic development and demographic changes, which coupled with a rise in per capita income, has fuelled the demand for residential units in the region. This, along with increasing construction activities and the growing tourism industry in the GCC countries, have boosted the growth of the facilities management (FM) market in the region.

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According to research company TechSci, the UAE FM market is to grow at 9% during 2016 – 2021. The value of FM services in the country was estimated at $11.26bn in 2016 and was expected to reach $12.5bn in 2017 and up to $17bn in 2021.

Sally Harrison, head of work winning and business development at Emrill, says: “It is certainly an interesting time within the Middle East FM sector, with

// construction business news me // September 2018

a wave of new projects in the pipeline for completion and handover within 2018 and spanning for a number of years is giving the industry renewed optimism in growth of the sector.�

As Emrill operates across the UAE, the provider is responsible for some of the key destinations within the UAE including Dubai Opera, The Beach, and La Mer, while its residential portfolio includes Jumeirah Golf Estates,

Arabian Ranches, and the world’s tallest residential tower, Princess Tower.

Harrison mentions: “Our master community teams welcome millions of visitors to Dubai Marina and Downtown, while we also welcome millions of visitors at the Dubai International Airport. We have a healthy pipeline with both our existing partners and some new prospects, and a natural focus for us is both the direct but also the indirect opportunities that will be created as Expo 2020 approaches.”

2018 placed a bigger focus on incorporating technology in the FM market in the region for better prosperity in the future. Experts are of the opinion that as new disruptive technologies continue to transform the FM industry around the world, the regional FM sector has started investing more on technology and innovations, especially on computer-aided facilities management (CAFM), field force management,

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Internet of Things (IoT), and customer feedback systems. In addition, significant investments are being made towards embracing robotics and sophisticated machines in soft services as well as energy analytics platforms.

Jamal Abdulla Lootah, group CEO at Imdaad, says: “Given the pace of ongoing change, the sector is set to see FM professionals making organisational decisions based on data-derived insights in the next five to 10 years. Data-driven decision making will lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, sustainability, asset integrity, and asset longevity. Data can be obtained from building management systems, field sensors, property end users, and visitors.

“The introduction of IoT and data analytics may gradually redefine the conventional corrective, reactive, and preventive maintenance model and offer solutions based on predictive maintenance. At Imdaad, we are in the

final trial phase of an IoT-based system which will create automatic work orders based on energy consumption patterns of various key assets.”

Imdaad has won a number of high-profile projects in recent months, including the entire portfolio of the First Abu Dhabi Bank in Abu Dhabi, an integrated FM contract with Aabar Properties for its premium residential community, and a five-year hard FM services contract with Dubai Safari.

Meanwhile, the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA) has forecast that the value of Saudi Arabia’s FM market is expected to reach $49.8bn by the end of 2030. FM companies, it says, helps increase the competitiveness of the local commercial and industrial enterprises by enabling businesses to focus on their core operations. Additionally, capital infused by global FM companies could further catalyse growth in the local services sector and,

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// Facilities management

thus, generate considerable employment opportunities.

The report also states that the expansion of small to medium scale FM providers will help stimulate the development and promotion of KSA’s small and medium enterprises. The study also tackles the local FM industry landscape to present many market opportunities.

Initial Saudi Group, one of the leading FM companies in the Kingdom, has been successful in winning three major projects during the first half of 2018.

Some of their major projects include Emaar the Economic City at King Abdulla Economic City in Western Saudi Arabia; IFM across three residential communities with approximately 3,500 residential units; facilities maintenance and cleaning in Jubail and Yanbu sites for SABIC; cleaning and maintenance for Jebel Omar Development Company at Makkah; cleaning for all terminals at Riyadh International Airport; and a number of real estate residential and commercial developments.

Alistair Smylie, group chief operating and development officer at Initial Saudi Group, points out: “In the fast-developing FM industry in KSA, it is imperative for us to stay ahead of the game and ensure we are delivering quickly and accurately to our clients and the team is ready for any challenges before they arise. We invest in technology at Initial as it is a powerful resource in the FM industry now.

“Through the increased use of M2M technology and CAFM systems, FM managers are able to streamline the management of buildings maintenance activities to increase the efficiency and provide greater return on investment (ROI).”

During the second half of 2018, we must remain focussed on our key business outcomes.”

Sally Harrison, Emrill

Future outlook Despite talks around the economic situation in the region, the FM service sector continues to grow in scale and maturity. As major infrastructure developments continue to gain pace, the growing demand for FM services has never been more essential. Lootah from Imdaad predicts a sustained momentum 46

// construction business news me // September 2018

We are currently working on multiple projects that are in various stages of tendering and evaluation.”

Jamal Lootah, Imdaad

// Facilities management

and says: “We are currently working on multiple projects that are in various stages of tendering and evaluation, and we are confident of sustaining the momentum through 2018 by leveraging our expertise and performance excellence. Internally, multiple realignments are in process to focus more on technology, and we are also training our workforce to ensure our valued customers receive added value and improved services.”

While in Saudi Arabia, Initial Saudi Group is currently tendering for another large infrastructure project in Western KSA, which if successful, will mobilise in early 2019. Smylie adds: “With the rise in real estate developments across the region, we have a few major projects calling for quality FM services. The progressive infrastructure environment is encouraging and will greatly diversify our service and enable us to build on our own support infrastructure which will be critical to ensuring quality support and confidence in service delivery.”

Over the course of 2017, Emrill announced contract wins and renewals of over $135mn, including the Bvlgari Branded Residence, Mansions and Resort; Marina Gate 1; The Hills; Town Square Dubai; and La Mer among a broad range of industry sectors including aviation, master communities, retail, industrial, and residential projects totaling $67mn.

Harrison concludes: “During the second half of 2018, we must remain focussed on our key business outcomes. Of course, this revolves around excellent service delivery to our customers and partners, something that we must always remain focussed on.

In addition, we will continue to deploy our digitalisation strategy across a number of our sites and will see increasing trials of new technologies to support our efficiency drive. We also have a number of new developments to mobilise; working with our customers, we will ensure these buildings enter their operational phase seamlessly for the end user.”

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// construction business news me // September 2018

We invest in technology at Initial as it is a powerful resource in the FM industry now.”

Alistair Smylie, Initial Saudi Group

// Awards preview

Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Venue: Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Gates Open For the third year running, the Construction Innovation Awards 2018 is one of the leading events applauding the achievements of the region’s construction professionals. The awards strive to recognise individual excellence, corporate strengths, and project success. Companies are invited to nominate the people, projects, and initiatives of which they are most proud of, across 17 categories.

Entries will be judged by an eminent jury of industry experts. Nominate yourselves now to stand a chance to win at the much-awaited construction industry awards event of 2018.

Company Awards Contractor of the year This award category recognises the outstanding main contractor active in the regional construction sector in the 12 months to the end of August 2018. Judges will be looking for an exemplary track record of delivering a number of high-quality projects to clients on time and on budget during this period and to the highest standards of safety.

MEP Contractor of the year The award will go to the outstanding MEP contractor operating in the regional construction market in the 12 months to the end of August 2018. Judges will be looking for an exemplary track record of delivering a number of outstanding MEP projects to clients on time and on budget during this period and to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Consultant of the year Contenders for the Consultant of the Year award will need to demonstrate a strong track record of delivering a number of exceptional projects in the 12 months to the end of August 2018.

Judges will award extra merit for evidence of innovation and successful delivery of complex, ambitious projects. All types of construction consultancy companies (quantity surveyors, cost consultants, engineering consultants, project management consultants, etc) are qualified to nominate.

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// construction business news me // September 2018

Real estate developer of the year This category recognises the outstanding property developer active in the regional market in the 12-month period to the end of August 2018. Judges will be looking for an exemplary track record of delivering a range of outstanding projects on time during this period and to the highest standards. Preference will be given to entrants that provide evidence of innovation, complexity, productivity, and quality.

FM Company of the year The award for the Facilities Management (FM) Company of the Year will go to the outstanding performer in region’s FM sector in the 12 months to the end of August 2018. Judges will be looking for strong evidence of growth and expansion during the period, delivery of quality service, innovation, and use of new technology.

HSE Initiative of the year Contenders for the Health and Safety (HSE) Initiative of the Year award will need to provide details of an initiative successfully executed in the GCC in the 12 months to the end of August 2018. The category is open to all companies operating within the construction sector in the region. Special merit will be awarded to companies that can demonstrate the initiative has had a wider impact on the industry.

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Sustainability Initiative of the year Contenders for the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award will need to provide details of an initiative successfully executed in the region in the 12 months to the end of August 2018.

The category is open to all companies operating within the construction sector in the GCC. Special merit will be awarded to companies that can demonstrate the initiative has had a wider impact on the industry.

CSR Initiative of the year Contenders for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative of the Year award will need to provide details of an initiative successfully executed in the 12 months to the end of August 2018. The category is open to all companies operating within the construction sector in the GCC. Special merit will be awarded to companies that can demonstrate the initiative has had a wider impact on the industry.

Project Awards Commercial project of the year The Commercial Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the office project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology have contributed to its success within 12 months till August 2018.

Retail project of the year The Retail Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the malls and shopping complexes that demonstrate construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology have contributed to its success within 12 months till August 2018.

Hospitality project of the year The Hospitality Project of the Year Award will be awarded to any hospitality/tourism-related project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology have contributed to its success within 12 months till August 2018.

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Residential project of the year The Residential Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology have contributed to its success within 12 months till August 2018.

Sustainable project of the year The Sustainable Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology have contributed to its success within 12 months till August 2018.

Individual Awards Project manager of the year The Project Manager of the Year award will go to the individual who can demonstrate supreme project management skills on major and complex projects over the past 12 months till August 2018.

Engineer of the year The award for Engineer of the Year will go to the engineer who can demonstrate the greatest impact on his or her organisation during the previous 12 months. The category is open to any engineer working at any company operating within the GCC construction sector during the period.

Construction Executive of the year The award for Construction Executive of the Year will go to the executive who can demonstrate delivering outstanding results at his or her organisation during the previous 12 months. The category is open to CEOs and other senior executives working at any company operating within the GCC construction sector during the period.

Lifetime Achievement Award This award will go to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the construction and real estate sector in the region during his/her career. This award will be chosen by a panel of judges.

construction business news me // September 2018 //

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// Awards preview

Meet the judges Ben Jackson Head of project and development services dept JLL Ben Jackson is currently the head of the project and development services team for JLL in the UAE. He brings over 14 years’ experience to JLL including eight years in the UAE. Jackson joined JLL in 2014 to head the UAE business and over the past three years, the team has had considerable success, growing to nearly 100 projects, cost and development managers delivering projects in the real estate sector with a combined value $5bn.

Jackson joined JLL from Aecom where he ran the commercial projects team.

Mark Raymont Partner Pinsent Masons

Mark Raymont is a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales and has been admitted as a solicitor of the High Court of Hong Kong. He has also been awarded higher rights of audience in the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). He is a partner in Pinsent Masons and is based in the Middle East, having previously spent five years in the Hong Kong office and a similar period in the London office. He has over 25 years’ experience in advising a wide range of clients in the refining, process, oil & gas, construction & engineering, energy, and power sectors and specialises in advising clients on contractual and commercial matters involving complex, large-scale projects in the Middle East/Asia Pacific Regions.

Barry Peter Wormald Director AESG

Barry Wormald is a chartered mechanical engineer with extensive experience in the building services industry, in contracting, consulting, and client representative role, in various parts of the world, including UAE, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, Russian Federation, and India. He serves on both the CIBSE/ASHRAE scientific committee and AIRAH technical committee. He was chairman of the committee, which wrote the first Australian commissioning standards for AIRAH (DA27 & 28) and has been the recipient of numerous awards. He has presented at a number of industry conferences on many subjects, including sustainability and improving the efficiency is design and construction.

Daniel Hardwick

Head of project management CBRE ME Dan Hardwick is the head of project management for CBRE in the Middle East and brings over 20 years’ experience, of which 13 have been in the region. He leads a diverse team in multiple countries covering all aspects of construction and development, having led projects in the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait for major international clients. Hardwick is a chartered surveyor and chartered builder who has previously worked with companies like AECOM and Mace.

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// construction business news me // September 2018

The Year in

2018 Conference Join infrastructure leaders and executives in London to hear from industry thought leaders, engage in forums and discussions, and learn about technologies and best practices that will shape the future of infrastructure delivery and operations.

Presented by Bentley Institute, the Year in Infrastructure Conference is a global gathering of leading executives in the world of infrastructure design, construction, and operations focused on best practices and technologies for going digital. The Year in Infrastructure Awards, formerly known as the Be Inspired Awards, is an exciting and well-regarded global competition that recognizes the “going digital” advancements in infrastructure.

See presentations from award nominees and join us at the celebratory gala, recognizing the world’s most outstanding infrastructure projects in 2018.

October 15 – 18, 2018 I Hilton London Metropole REGISTER AND LEARN MORE AT YII.BENTLEY.COM

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// Awards preview

Wall of fame • Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Kareem Farah, Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) • Young Ideator of the Year – Mahmood Shaikhani, Shaikhani Group • Project Management Firm of the Year – Hill International • Commercial Project of the Year – Etihad Museum by ASGC • Hospitality Project of the Year – Damac Towers by Paramount Hotels and Resorts • Infrastructure Project of the Year – Burullus Power Plant in Egypt by Orascom Construction • Sustainable Project of the Year – The Sustainable City by • Residential Project of the Year – Jumeirah Living Marina Gate by Select Group • Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Dow Cool Reflective Roof Coatings by Dow IMEA • HSE Initiative of the Year – Life Preserving Principles

by Aecom

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Drake & Scull International • Construction Executive of the Year – Mohamed Jafer Musthafa from Daemaar Group • Engineer of the Year – Clement Gunasekar from Al Faraa General Contracting • Project Manager of the Year – John Rinard from Parsons • Supplier of the Year – Kirby Building Systems • FM Company of the Year – Deyaar FM • MEP Contractor of the Year – ASU

Diamond Developers

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• CSR Initiative of the Year – Because We Care campaign by

• Real estate developer of the Year – Azizi Developments • Consultant of the Year – Aecom • Contractor of the Year – Orascom Construction • Lifetime Achievement Award – PNC Menon, founder and chairman, Sobha Group

f ac e b o o k . c o m / cb n m e

// construction business news me // September 2018

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// Talking Point

K n ow l e d g e sharing ASU organised site tours for young CIBSE engineers to two of its flagship projects to provide them with knowledge about unique technical aspects

O

ne of the leading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors in Dubai, ASU, has been working with CIBSE, a non-profit organisation network, to provide young engineers support and encouragement to earn knowledge about different technical aspects during their budding stage of the career.

CIBSE is a non-profit organisation network consisting of more than 150 members in the UAE, which includes industry leaders working in various consultancies, contractors, and even have student members from universities across the country. The organisation has always been involved in activities to organise technical seminars and site visits. CIBSE tied up with leading contractors and suppliers to organise such events to share knowledge and widen the professional network within the industry.

CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN) organised a global conference that held was held from October 30, 2017 to November 5, 2017. As one of the leading MEP contractors engaged in activities with CIBSE YEN to support and encourage young mind in the region, in 2017, ASU organised a site tour to Etihad Museum in Dubai for the same.

The young engineers from different parts of the world, participating in the conference, got to know about the UAE’s glorious historical past as well as the technical aspects of the power plant room, mechanical plant room, and 56

under-floor air cooling system. Most importantly, they got acquainted with the concept of underfloor cooling that has been successfully installed and maintained in such a hot and humid region.

One of the engineers says: “The visit to Etihad Museum was quite interesting and informative. The iconic museum showcased the uniqueness of the nation’s development from Pre-Union throughout the span of unity. We could see different systems within a single project which is a very rare scenario.

“The way how the MEP works were carried out seems predominant on see-

// construction business news me // September 2018

ing the complexity in the architectural design. It would have been quite a challenging project for a MEP contractor to execute such a unique design, specially the usage of swirl diffusers in permeant exhibition gallery, floor displacement ventilation concept that has been provided under the seats of auditorium, displacement floor diffusers that are serving the constitutional hall, bistro café, visitor lounge, and elevator lobby.

“Incorporating these kinds of special diffuser for air diffusion is not so easy; care needs to be taken to avoid any

Etihad Museum

hot spots that may occur within the room. Unlike a normal square and slot diffuser, the throw of floor displacement diffuser is less, hence an adequate quantity and proper distribution of the outlets need to be considered. At the same time, the people sitting/standing near the floor outlet shall not feel the excess chillness. These things need to be balanced to provide a proper thermal comfort for the occupants. I must say, in this project, it was designed and executed without any flaws.”

Another interesting thing for the engineers to see was the underfloor cooling. The concept of underfloor cooling is not very common; very few projects have these kinds of special systems.

Apart from the chilled water network, there is a separate circuit for underfloor cooling with dedicated manifold system which pumps and circulates the chilled water into the Pex pipe arrangement.

Sofit slab insulation has been provided above the slab over which the pex pipe has been installed. Since the chilled water has been circulating inside the pex pipe, heat transfer will take place and thus reduce the temperature of the floor maintaining its chillness.

Another engineer says: “Following this, we were taken to the service block and other plant rooms, where we had a look around the air-cooled chiller yard, all pump rooms, generator room, transformer room, RMU room, and AHU plant rooms. Overall, I must say we are very much satisfied with www.cbnme.com

this wonderful site visit and thank you ASU for putting this through.”

Following the 2017 visit, this year, in August, ASU also organised a similar technical site visit to one of its remarkable projects, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, for the local members of CIBSE YEN. On considering the uniqueness of the project when compared to other residential and commercial projects, ASU opted for the engineers to make a visit and have an insight about this project.

The Mediclinic Parkview Hospital is a 10-storey, 46,451sqm building development with 188 beds and six operation theaters. The hospital is located on Umm Suqeim Road between the junctions of Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in Al Barsha South.

ASU says in a statement: “As we know that a healthcare project needs extreme care while designing and executing the project. Most importantly, for the MEP part, since the indoor air quality plays a major role in the patient’s health. Unlike other residential and commercial projects, healthcare developments always have special requirements.”

During the site tour with the highlyqualified project team of ASU, one of the engineers says: “For critical rooms like laboratory and MRI room, extract duct was provided with SS 316 or aluminium. Since the helium exhaust from the MRI room and other exhaust from laboratory and quench pipe

system might corrode the duct, SS or aluminium has been used for these systems to avoid corrosion.

“Acoustic and clean air is an ultimate requirement in office environment, hence the acoustic liner with antimicrobial coating has been provided to inhibit the growth of germs and bacteria within the surface of the liner and maintain the desired noise level within the room. Moreover ecology/pollution control unit has been provided to clean the air that has been extracted from the kitchen area. Ecology units, with different stages of filtration, will filter the grease and odour from the air and exhaust clean air out to the atmosphere.

“The way the demand control ventilation systems have been designed and installed in this project is an important point that we had noted. Because, air terminal units like VAV and CAV plays an important role in maintaining the desired ventilation for the room and its temperature, which is one important factor that needs to be maintained in a hospital project.”

Sustainability plays a top priority throughout the design and construction process, whether it is the efficiency of layouts for sustainable operations or active and passive building and systems design for environmental sustainability. The design incorporates several sustainability best practices, including solar water heating, LED lighting, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, energy recovery, condensate recovery, and metering, etc.

construction business news me // September 2018 //

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// Talking Point

Azizi Berton, in Al Furjan, Dubai

Race to the top Azizi Developments boasts an impressive portfolio of projects in Al Furjan waiting to be delivered by the end of 2018

U

AE-based private developer, Azizi Developments, recently revealed that it is currently on track to deliver five additional projects in the Al Furjan community in 2018.

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The Al Furjan area in Dubai is a gated community combining villas, townhouses, and apartment buildings on 560ha of land between Ibn Battuta Mall and Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed

// construction business news me // September 2018

Road and opposite Discovery Gardens.

It is also at a close distance from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The community has a direct access to Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Roads

It is with great pride we edge steadily towards completion of our newest projects in Al Furjan.”

Mirwais Azizi, Azizi Developments

which makes it even easier to travel to those cities from Dubai at a distance of just 55 minutes’ drive from the capital.

The kids play areas and parks located throughout Al Furjan do make up for the missing communal swimming pools. A town centre was recently opened, providing for a large supermarket, restaurants, fitness centre, and retail options. Owing to it, prices in Al Furjan area are expected to rise closer to Expo 2020, which in turn, will provide investors with a high return on investment in the future.

Azizi Developments currently holds one of the highest concentrations of residential units in Al Furjan, with a total of 12 projects delivered to date.

Comprising approximately 2,000 units so far and worth AED2.3bn, the delivered 12 projects so far are Candace Acacia, Candace Aster, Azizi Freesia, Azizi Daisy, Azizi Tulip, Azizi Liatris, Azizi Orchid, Azizi Iris, Azizi Feirouz, Azizi Yasamine, Roy Mediterranean by Azizi, and Montrell by Azizi.

Later this year, new projects will be added to the growing portfolio, which includes Shaista Azizi, Samia Azizi, Azizi Star, Farishta Azizi, and Azizi Plaza. Their completion is due by the end of 2018, raising the number of completed projects in Al Furjan to 17 and total units completed to 3,639, with a www.cbnme.com

combined value of over AED4bn.

Mirwais Azizi, chairman of Azizi Group, said: “It is with great pride we edge steadily towards completion of our newest projects in Al Furjan. With fantastic living spaces, convenient access to transportation, and a range of amenities and facilities, the return on investment is certainly one of the key benefits of investing in Al Furjan.

We are looking forward to an expansion of amenities and facilities in the area that will continue to mark it as

a vibrant and important location for investors and home buyers alike.”

Al Furjan remains one of Dubai’s fastest growing residential neighbourhoods, with easy access to Ibn Battuta Mall, Jebel Ali Free Zone, and the Expo 2020 site. The upcoming Route 2020 metro line will connect Al Furjan to locations such as Discovery Gardens and The Gardens and will also eventually service the Expo 2020 site and the Al Maktoum International Airport. Route 2020 will bridge destinations seamlessly through seven new stations, starting at Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station and extending all the way to the Expo 2020 Dubai Station.

Additionally, Al Furjan is also witnessing a rise in the number of amenities and new infrastructure including the Nakheel Pavilion as well as various parks and schools.

Azizi Developments portfolio of community-oriented developments include the French Mediterranean inspired waterfront lifestyle project Azizi Riviera in Meydan One, and the mega mixed-use urban project Azizi Victoria in Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District 7, as well as other projects in Dubai Healthcare City and Jebel Ali.

Azizi Farishta

construction business news me // September 2018 //

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// Machinery

Bag Yourself a Bargain

Top 10 tips for buying like a professional when bidding at an auction from Richard Sweatt, Euro Auctions’ territory manager for the Middle East, will help you stay on the right track!

Auctions can be confusing places when you are not sure what you are looking for. So, what should buyers be aware of before bidding at an auction and trying to buy that tractor, digger, or dozer?

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// construction business news me // September 2018

Research Do your research before you visit the auction. Decide what it is you are looking for, making a list of some of the specific requirements to ensure that you purchase the right piece of machinery. Avoid making impulse purchases and paying over the odds for a machine you can’t afford!

Location, Price, and Budget Consider from where you want to buy, via a closed or public auction, where it will be possible to view multiples of the same equipment, giving buyers a choice. Regarding price, ask: Does it feel right? Is it too cheap? If it is, there could be a problem.

Predetermine your budget, or at least be sure what the bank or finance house is prepared to advance for such a purchase. www.cbnme.com

Registering to bid Prior to bidding, it is necessary to register online or in person at the physical auction.

You must provide contact details, a photo ID, bank information, a cash deposit, or a guarantee letter from a bank or other financial institution. A personal bidding number will then be issued to registered buyers along with a catalogue and list of items for sale.

Visual checks The simplest check is visual. Ask if it’s clean, is it leaking fluid, does it start, is it smoking, do all the controls work, are rams tight, are slew rings (for diggers) tight or slack, are tyres and wheels in good order, and etc. If not, how much would you have to spend to put things right if you bought it! construction business news me // September 2018 //

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// Machinery

General condition Look for overspray and painted-over decals that may indicate haste in painting or intent to cover up a problem. A cleaned or washed machine may be the mark of past good maintenance, or intent to ‘wash away’ potential problems. Look for fresh oil seeps and ‘new looking’ paint that was, until recently, protected by years of built-up grease. Look for new gasket edges and shiny metal where parts join, indicating new parts. You’ll need to know what caused a part to fail and need replacing.

Damage limitation Check the engine for water stains. Also check around the engine black for evidence of oil leaks. Check the dipstick for heavy dirt deposits indicating the equipment could have been sitting for a long time. Thicker oils are sometimes used to reduce leakage. Check the owner’s manual for the proper oil grade. Lastly, check the floor and under the seats for signs of rust.

Check VIN plate Check the VIN plate, its condition, and its current position. Is it fixed with new rivets that don’t match? Does it look out of place?

Is it stuck on by some other means? Has a serial number been ground off and that area repainted? Is the positioning of the VIN plate consistent with other vehicles in the same class?

Contractor equipment Contractors sometimes buy less-expensive agricultural equipment for their more demanding industrial uses. Watch out for points of excess wear plus oversized or heavy-duty tires not typical of the equipment. Look for hammer marks, kinks in hoses, and part misalignment, indicating that the wrong parts were used or care during assembly was ignored.

Check the history Check the history of the machine. Is the service history available? If not, who has owned the machine previously? A couple of phone calls should turn up some intelligence. If the machine appears to be an ‘ex-hire’ item, call the hire company and ask a few questions.

Run it and drive it Obvious, but not always done!

Start the machine and observe any start-up problems, smoke puffs or unusual sounds. Load machines in all gears once warmed up to check for desired lugging power.

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// construction business news me // September 2018

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// Machinery

Handle w it h c a r e Bobcat targets heavy lift handling with new compact telehandler

B

obcat provides a new solution for heavy lift handling applications found in general industry, manufacturing, building materials, warehousing, quarrying, and mining, with the launch of the TL43.80HF telehandler in the Middle East and Africa.

With the new TL43.80HF, Bobcat currently offers a range of 15 different rigid frame telehandler models, covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.3 tonne and maximum lifting heights from 6m to 18m.

Olivier Traccucci, Bobcat Telehandler senior product manager, said: “At Bobcat, for over 60 years, we 64

have been constantly innovating the market - always developing new machines for customers’ needs. The new TL43.80HF is no exception to this legacy as it completes our range of telehandlers and ensures customers can benefit from unmatched loading productivity and lift capacity. Bobcat machines are made for tough jobs, whilst still providing all the agility and versatility any application would require.”

Unlike any other manufacturer in the market, all Bobcat telehandlers are covered by a three year/3,000 hours warranty as standard, with the option of extending the warranty to five years/5,000 hours. All Bob-

// construction business news me // September 2018

cat telehandlers are designed and produced at the company’s plant in Pontchâteau, France.

High-lift capacity Thanks to a high lift capacity of 4.3 tonne and a maximum lift height of almost 8m, the TL43.80HF is a compact telehandler offering an impressive package, which brings together robustness, rough terrain ability, and ease of use for the operator in the same machine.

The very high stability of the TL43.80HF is due to the box welded frame, the low load centre, the long wheel base, and the new massive rear counterweight, allow-

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// Machinery

The new Bobcat telehandler is a very manoeuvrable machine, a particularly useful feature, when it comes to working in confined environments.� ing Bobcat to minimise the overall dimensions of the machine, resulting in a width of only 2.30m and a length of less than 5m from the rear to the fork face.

Together with a short turning radius of just 3.71m, this new Bobcat telehandler is a very manoeuvrable machine, a particularly useful feature when it comes to working in confined environments.

The rough terrain capability of the TL43.80HF has also been optimised for applications such as working and digging in piles of materials with the incorporation of new heavy-duty Dana Spicer axles, with limited slip differential and the outstanding tractive force available of up to 90% of the machine weight.

In addition, the TL43.80HF offers standard automatic functions that allow the operator to focus entirely on the work at hand, such as boom cushioning, the parking brake, and the reversible fan which helps to keep the cooling system (radiator) clean in dusty environments.

As in all Bobcat telehandlers, the new TL43.80HF has many standard smart functions to optimise work on site including a speed limiter system that controls speed regardless of the engine RPM, boom speed adjustments, and the Eco mode which can provide a fuel saving of up to 15%.

66

The TL43.80HF also provides an ideal solution for the heavyduty, high-productivity segment of the agricultural market, taking lift capacity, lifting height, and breakout force to unprecedented levels

// construction business news me // September 2018

in this area. It is available with a choice of three different AGRI packs for the farming market, meeting different levels of expectation in terms of ease of use and level of comfort.

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// Editor's pick

Expect the best New government announcements to reduce the market fee imposed on businesses and to allow 100% foreign ownership outside of free zones could stimulate additional demand in the Dubai office market, according to a JLL report

I

n the second quarter of 2018, the Dubai Government has made a number of announcements designed to promote foreign investment and investor confidence, which is likely to boost demand in the office market in the medium term, says JLL’s latest report.

Two key announcements have been made during Q2 as the government seeks to stimulate demand and support the office market. These include a reduction in the fee charged on businesses by the Dubai Municipality from 5% to 2.5%, and the relaxation of existing regulations to allow 100% foreign ownership in businesses located outside of free zones.

Craig Plumb, head of research, JLL MENA, said: “These new government announcements should help improve market sentiment and have the potential to directly increase investment and office occupancy across the emirate.

The potential surge in foreign investment, particularly from businesses operating in the non-oil sector, could ultimately lead to a boost in demand for quality commercial space.

“Although there were no office completions this quarter, the availability of space increased across the CBD over the past year, with around 10% of the current stock being vacant.

This is favourable to tenants, providing them with an increased choice of potential premises in a market where demand for quality space remains high. Demand is likely to persist as a result of the relaxation of foreign ownership requirements.”

The Government’s strategy to attract foreign investment was further demonstrated by Dubai retaining its position as the most transparent real estate market in the region, according to JLL’s 68

Although the retail market continues to face downward pressure, the longerterm outlook is positive, supported by the hospitality market.” recently released Global Real Estate Transparency Index for 2018.

The Dubai Land Department continues to focus on attracting more investment through increased transparency, in line with a mission to establish Dubai as one of the world’s premier real estate destinations.

Plumb continued: “The increased transparency, coupled with new initiatives to attract further foreign investment, paint a positive outlook for Dubai’s real estate sector overall.”

The recent announcement of 10-year residency visas for certain categories of staff is also likely to have a long-term positive impact on the residential sector, with instilled confidence amongst the expatriate population on their right to remain in the UAE boosting sales activity.

// construction business news me // September 2018

Although the retail market continues to face downward pressure, the longer-term outlook is positive, supported by the hospitality market, which is expected to receive an influx of visitors, particularly in 2020-21 with the World Expo.

In Q2 2018, the hotel sector in Dubai was one of the few local markets to witness a stronger performance during Ramadan than the previous year. Typically, the Holy month of Ramadan sees a reduction in hotel night demand followed by a spike during the Eid holidays. Despite room rates and occupancies declining over the first five months of the year, compared to the same period in 2017, Dubai remained one of the top performing hotel markets globally.

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// Save the date

Save the date Mark your calendar

September

4-6

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23-25

70

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.

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.

// construction business news me // September 2018

Windows, Doors & Facades Show

September

23-25

September

23-25

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.

FM Expo Dubai, UAE FM EXPO is the Middle East’s premier event for the facilities management industry. Professionals from across the diverse facilities management disciplines will gather for three days of sourcing new products and services, enhancing their professional knowledge and networking with their peers. This highly educational and informative free-of-charge event offers infinite opportunities to connect with industry peers, experts, vendors, and understand the competitive landscape. The nature of this event lends itself to facilitating meetings between businesses to help them get in touch with visitors and showcase their full range of services and solutions.

Business Data SIM plans.

The power of high-speed data on the move.

• Special promotional prices • Range of the latest tablets • Live tracking of data consumption

du.ae/businessdatasim

www.cbnme.com

The revolutionary approach to reliability!

Introducing the new F-series B877F backhoe loader

Our new F-series backho

e:

The Reliability Revolution

The new B877F backhoe loader builds on the SDLG reputation for reliability, adding versatility and superb operational control.

When using the excavator, the front bucket of the B877F is put to work as a stabilising ground support. Cab ergonomics have been optimised for visibility, operator comfort and efficiency. A powerful AC system is offered as standard, while a powerful new 70 kW engine and a 55Âş steering angle add to the versatility.

Reliability is key with SDLG, so access for regular servicing and inspection has been made really easy with everything necessary in comfortable reach. All filters are located centrally and a large rear-hinged hood offers swift access to the engine.

The SDLG Reliability Revolution is an ongoing process – but our message never changes: SDLG reliability brings you profitability. facebook.com/sdlgcm