Construction Business News ME October 2018

October 2018

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

CIA 2018 Judges say about the upcoming Construction Innovation Awards 2018

A tall order CBNME visits 1/JBR by Dubai Properties, scheduled to be completed by 2019-end

P52 - Germany’s immersive tech pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

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// contents

October 2018 // Issue #44

8 Ed Note 12 News 26 Comment

Stephan Degenhart from Drees & Sommer ME talks about the current state of digitisation in regional construction

28 Comment

Cyril Sebastian at Bentley Systems throws light on digital collaboration for predictable project results

30 Cover Story

CBNME tours the under construction 1/JBR

by Dubai Properties, scheduled to be completed by 2019-end

www.cbnme.com

construction business news me // October 2018 //

3

Great starts, make great stories.

Complete business solutions.

Our business is trust.

www.cbnme.com

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 Art Director Aaron Sutton aaron@bncpublishing.net

36 Interview

Alistair Davis, director at Black & White Engineering, tells CBNME about the MEP firm’s increased focus on sustainability and digital transformation

42 Case study

MAPEI highlights Mapeplan System used for tunnel and underground waterproofing at the Riyadh Metro

44 CIA 2018

What the judges have to say about the upcoming Construction Innovation Awards 2018

52 Project

Millions of Expo 2020 Dubai visitors to be engaged and inspired

by German Pavilion’s compelling take on sustainability

58 Trucks

Renault Trucks International’s Olivier De Saint Meleuc on why now is the time to invest in the Middle East

64 Editor’s Pick 66 Diary 6

// construction business news me // October 2018

Marketing Executive Mark Anthony Monzon mark@bncpublishing.net Photography Farooq Salik

SUBSCRIBE subscriptions@bncpublishing.net PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates P +971 4 4200 506 | F +971 4 4200 196 For all commercial enquiries related to Construction Business News ME contact sales@bncpublishing.net T +971 50 440 2706 All rights reserved © 2015.

Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

Construction Business News ME and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Construction Business News ME. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

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Printed by UPP

// Editor's note

editor’s note

It’s Showtime A

s I would like to call it, welcome to the busiest month of the year, October.

The month is dotted with big-ticket events like Cityscape Global, expected to give a boost to the emirate’s property boom. Even BNC Publishing is not left behind; the biggest and the most glamourous event of the year, Construction Innovation Awards 2018, is due to be held on October 17, 2018.

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. The awards presentation will happen at a gala dinner in Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts – a celebration which has proven to be a great social occasion and an essential networking opportunity.

In the morning of the awards, BNC Publishing will also be hosting the Construction Innovation Forum 2018. The MENA region is no exception when it comes to the

8

challenges posed by urbanisation and architecture. On the other hand, these challenges also presented the country with substantial opportunities. Dubai has succeeded in transforming itself into a global city, and a regional business and tourism hub; predominantly in the last two decades. The 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 boosting infrastructure for the future.

Before I bid you farewell, I would like to thank everybody who has contributed in making my tenure as the editor of CBNME a memorable and an exciting one. The support that has been offered to me during my time in the position has been quite rewarding, and I have been very fortunate enough to have been witness to some of the impressive projects and professionals currently being built in the region.

Thanks for all the memories. Adios!

// construction business news me // October 2018

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

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// Update An update from around the region

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

Project

ARADA unveils first smart homes in its Aljada project

Sharjah-based developer, ARADA, announced its first smart homes, as the UAE developer prepares to roll out next-generation technology at its AED24bn megaproject, Aljada.

Branded ARADA Smart Home, the technology will be introduced into every unit in the luxury Misk Apartments buildings in the 223ha city, providing benefits and energy cost savings to homeowners.

In the process, ARADA has also become the first developer in the UAE to launch smart home technology as standard throughout a single project.

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The ARADA Smart Home system will allow buyers access to a number of key features, ranging from remote front-door access and 24hour video security through their mobile phones, to the ability to amend temperature and lighting, as well as managing utilities. Homeowners will also be able to switch to their favourite mood lighting, enable motion sensors within their apartments, and open and close blinds and curtains at the touch of a button. Each of these features can also be controlled by voice activation.

// construction business news me // October 2018

In line with ARADA’s commitment to creating value for end users, the new technology will be added to each unit free of charge. It will be operated by a centrally managed and ultra-secure building monitoring system.

HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, vice chairman of ARADA, said: “One of ARADA’s core aims is to be a leader in the field of forward-thinking and sustainable development. Not only will the ARADA Smart Home system allow residents greater peace of mind due to round-the-clock

visibility of their homes, it will also allow them to save money by monitoring their electricity usage more closely, which in turn, results in a reduced impact on the environment. This is yet another sign that ARADA is determined to break new boundaries when it comes to delivering security, efficiency, and convenience for our customers.”

In April, ARADA announced the launch of East Village, a 15-building creative community targeting the younger generation, which constitutes Phase 2 of Aljada.

Investment

Aldar creates region’s largest diversified real estate investment company Abu Dhabi-based developer, Aldar Properties, announced the creation of Aldar Investment Properties LLC (“Aldar Investments”), the region’s largest diversified real estate investment company.

This follows the recent Abu Dhabi Executive Council Decree, extending full onshore real estate ownership rights to Aldar Properties and its subsidiaries in Abu Dhabi. The company will take ownership of some of Abu Dhabi’s highest quality, revenue-generating real estate assets, valued at AED20bn.

Aldar Investments, currently a 100% owned subsidiary of Aldar, is designed to drive greater operational and capital efficiencies that will unlock value for shareholders and create the foundation for a new phase of accelerated growth.

Incorporated through Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Aldar Investments features recurring revenue assets including over

5,000 residential units and over 500,000sqm of prime retail and commercial space.

These include some of Abu Dhabi’s most recognised assets such as Yas Mall, Aldar HQ, The Gate Towers & Arc, and over 2,400 hotel keys, predominantly on Yas Island.

As an immediate endorsement of its financial strength, Aldar Investments has been assigned a Baa1 rating by Moody’s – the highest rating for a non-government corporate in the region and one notch above Aldar. Aldar Investments can access capital on more favourable terms,

independently of Aldar, and intends to issue a new sukuk in the near term. Aldar Investments has set formal debt and dividend policies consistent with the current asset management business providing further clarity for investors.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Aldar Properties, said: “Since its establishment in 2004, Aldar has made significant contributions to the development and maturation of Abu Dhabi’s real estate industry, developing and managing some of the capital’s most iconic properties.

As the owner of AED20bn of

prime real estate assets, Aldar Investments provides an opportunity for investors to benefit from Abu Dhabi’s AA rated economy.”

Aldar Investments operates under the direction of its own Board, allowing greater transparency, governance and clarity around its cash flows, profit and dividends, while reducing operating and capital costs to enhance profitability.

Aldar Investments’ strategy is to deliver attractive returns to shareholders through investing in a diversified portfolio of real estate assets in the UAE. It will achieve this by maximising the performance and value of its portfolio, pursuing investment opportunities by acquiring income producing assets, and redeploying capital in higher yielding assets where it can drive value. Aldar Investments will actively assess opportunities to expand its asset base beyond traditional real estate asset classes to ensure it leverages key real estate market trends.

SRECO has awarded a SAR1.1bn contract to BINYAH to develop infrastructure on the Al Widyan project, its 700ha site in the northern growth corridor of Riyadh.

Dubai Land Department, through RERA, announced the issuance of nearly 500,000 real estate permits for real estate companies through the ‘Trakheesi’ system.

// Bitesize news

Developer Al Mazaya Holding received Phase 1 of its Mazaya Residence, located in the heart of Muscat, from the chief contractor on August 9, 2018. www.cbnme.com

Ssangyong E&C has won a $62mn contract from wasl Asset Management Group to build a five-star boutique hotel at La Mer beachfront development in Dubai.

construction business news me // October 2018 //

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// NEWS

Construction

BESIX completes Bahrain LNG Import Terminal works

There is a growing appetite for super-tall structures in the Middle East. ”

SIX, said: “Many aspects of the project have been quite challenging such as completing the offshore works in the open sea, including the specialised equipment and offshore teams required to complete the ultra-optimised design. Unfortunately, we also had excessive delays due to bad weather. This, coupled with challenging logistics and the tight schedule, added additional pressure to the team, but we tackled those challenges successfully and completed all the contractual milestones on time.”

Construction on the terminal commenced in November 2016, with the first permanent pile completed by the end of May 2017. All permanent works were completed in only 14 months, with a total of three million man-hours with zero lost time incidents. The project handover was completed on September 4, 2018.

Paul Drayton, tall buildings leader, Aurecon

BESIX has completed the design and construction of the Bahrain LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Import Terminal, located offshore Muharraq Island in Bahrain.

The LNG Import Terminal forms a vital part of the energy infrastructure of Bahrain as it provides the country with a secure supply of LNG to meet the country’s growth in demand for natural gas in order to fuel large industrial projects, generate power and water, and for enhanced

oil recovery (EOR).

The scope of work included the design and construction of an LNG jetty constructed on drilled and grouted pin piles with a maximum length of 55m, located approximately 5km offshore, and with a seabed level at -18m. The project also included a 600m long rubble mound offshore breakwater with concrete armour units.

Yasser Laroussi, resident manager – Bahrain, BE-

// In numbers 40

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// construction business news me // October 2018

Brent, USD/bbl (RHS) Budget balance, % of GDP (LHS)

f 22 20

21f 20

f 20 20

19f 20

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17e 20

16e 20

15 20

14 20

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Investors received properties till date in 2018

0

f = Fitch Solutions Forecas t.

Source: National Sources , Fitch Solutions

1,000

Kuwait: Oil Price & Budget Balance

Contract

Majid Al Futtaim to unveil indoor ski park in China

Majid Al Futtaim will provide design and development consultancy services for the world’s largest indoor Snow & Ski resort, Wintastar Shanghai, led by Singapore-based KOP Limited.

The project, which will be managed by Majid Al Futtaim’s leisure and entertainment business, marks the company’s first foray in the international market outside of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and represents its maiden indoor snow entertainment venture in China.

Through its partnership with Wintastar Shanghai, Majid Al Futtaim is expanding its inter-

national footprint and rapidly establishing itself at the forefront of the industry. Wintastar Shanghai’s alpine-themed 90,000sqm Ski & Snow Park will feature three ski slopes of varying gradients, including a slope of Olympic standard for training. For non-skiers, Wintastar Shanghai will feature 25 snow play attractions.

Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO at Majid Al Futtaim – Ventures, said: “We are delighted to work with KOP Limited and provide our expertise in developing what will be one of the greatest indoor snow entertainment facilities in the world.

This partnership underscores Majid Al Futtaim’s extensive knowledge and experience in designing, developing, and operating indoor snow entertainment facilities that speak to changing customer and lifestyle preferences. We are confident this represents the beginning of an extensive international footprint when it comes to indoor snow entertainment facilities.”

Ong Chih Ching, executive chairman and executive director of KOPL, added: “Majid Al Futtaim’s impeccable track record will help bolster Wintastar Shanghai’s vision to bring world-class, hi-tech and safe indoor skiing and snow play into China. As a Singaporean company familiar with the Chinese culture, combined with our international track record and reputation in developing new-tomarket concepts, we hope to work with Majid Al Futtaim and other foreign partners to deliver new experiences to Chinese consumers.”

// They said...

“At its most basic level, predictive maintenance means anticipating problems. ” Eduardo Tapia, Alstom

“A key attraction for investors looking towards Sharjah has to be the network of free zones. ” Shaher Mousli, AMPG

CSCEC bags Damac’s Aykon City contract Dubai-based developer, Damac Properties, has awarded an AED512mn contract to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to build tower C of Aykon City.

The new contract covers civil construction works for tower C, the residential tower in the $2bn development, overlooking the Dubai Water Canal.

Ali Sajwani, general manager of operations at Damac, said: “CSCEC shares our commitment to quality,

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safety, and timely delivery. After a thorough tendering process, we have chosen to expand CSCEC’s remit in the Aykon City project beyond AED1.1bn, having awarded them the contract to build tower B earlier this year. We also look forward to seeing the towers of Aykon City complement Dubai’s distinctive skyline and one of the world’s greatest urban transformations, the Dubai Water Canal.”

Tower C, known as ‘The Residence’, will have a total built-up

area of nearly 17ha. It will feature studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all with premium interiors and finishing. The tower will also boast ‘The Club’, an exclusive residents-only lifestyle and entertainment space with views of the Dubai Water Canal and Safa Park. The 62-floor tower is made up of two basements, a ground, and 10 podium levels, in addition to a dedicated lifestyle and entertainment level, 48 residential floors, and a rooftop.

“Zoom Chat allows users to talk directly with real estate agents in real time. ” Gary Dalton, Zoom Property

construction business news me // October 2018 //

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// NEWS

// The big Picture

Bobcat premiered the company’s brand new TL43.80HF telehandler at the GaLaBau 2018 Exhibition in Nuremberg in Germany from September 12-15, 2018.

Expansion

Top 5 Web Stories

Corys Build Centre expands into Oman

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1

Ssangyong bags Dubai hotel deal

2

Aldar creates investment company

3

Saudi authority launches exhibition

4

MAG and Ayana sign deal

5

Aldar unveils new community

Homegrown mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services provider, Corys Build Centre, announced its expansion into Oman with the opening of its first store outside the UAE. With three stores just five years ago in the UAE, Corys Build Centre has now branded its eighth store, in line with its geographical expansion plan.

Located in the M’abella industrial area in Oman, it is Corys Build Centre’s third realisation this year, after the successful opening of its branches in

// construction business news me // October 2018

Fujairah and Al Quoz in the UAE. Allister Bold, commercial director at Corys Build Centre, said: “Our ambition is to become the largest MEP material distributor in the region and we are delighted to add a store in Oman to our growing portfolio. We are confident that the knowledge and experience of our team in the region and the diverse range of quality available products that we can provide will hopefully see us establish a strong presence in Oman over the coming years.”

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// NEWS

Real estate

MAG LD sells 600 homes in its MAG Eye project

MAG Lifestyle Development (MAG LD), the property development arm of MAG Group Holding, revealed that 600 units comprising studios, two-, and three-bedroom townhouses have already been sold valued at AED400mn in its MAG Eye project.

Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah, CEO of MAG LD, commented: “We are thrilled with the heightened interest that MAG Eye, our iconic residential property in Meydan, Dubai, has received. With a unique location in proximity to Downtown Dubai,

Dubai International Airport, and the Meydan Racecourse, MAG Eye offers residents and customers unparalleled value. With fully furnished studio apartments starting at AED400,000 and a customercentric 40:60 payment plan — 40% during construction

and 60% upon handover — homeowners are encouraged to expect more with MAG EYE and they will receive it.”

The AED4.7bn MAG EYE project is the only fully gated townhouse and apartment community in Meydan District 7. The development features 4,292 studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, and 694 two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhouses.

In addition to beautifully designed homes crafted in partnership with interior design consultant, Opaal Interiors, and peer review consultant, VX Studio, residents will also benefit from 4,800sqm of public facilities, including a private clinic, nursery, a mosque, around 5,000sqm of retail space, and 84,211sqm of public parks and green areas, complete with a jogging and bicycle track.

Saudi Contractors Authority unveils two-day Riyadh exhibition Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) unveiled a new exhibition and conference dedicated to Saudi Arabia’s contracting sector in Riyadh, where government authorities, regulators, and key industry players will join forces to develop the Kingdom’s $1.4tn construction market.

The debut International Contracting Conference and Exhibition (ICCE) took place from September 16-17, 2018, at the Riyadh International and Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The two-day event was held under the patronage of HE Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Saudi’s Minister of Commerce and Investment, and hosted by the SCA, a newly formed government authority responsible for regulating the Kingdom’s contractor industry

22

and increasing mergers and acquisitions in a market where construction projects are expected to surge in the coming years.

Eng Thabet Mubarek Al-Sawyeed, Gov-

// construction business news me // October 2018

ernor of the SCA, said: “The 1st ICCE is formed under the guidance of the Saudi Vision 2030. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is going through immense change,

and part of this change is to achieve a sustainable contracting sector for the Kingdom.

“In line with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s vision, the SCA’s mandate is to organise, develop, and regulate Saudi’s contracting industry, enabling it to build competent capabilities and to raise the standards produced by the sector, thereby establishing a safe and secure work environment.

“We launched the ICCE under the theme of ‘Building the future with confidence’.

Its aim is to not only create business opportunities, but to solve challenges in the contracting industry, encourage creativity, enhance communications, educate, facilitate and advocate not only SCA members, but the construction industry as a whole.”

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// Op-Ed

Embracing digitalisation Stephan Degenhart, managing director of Drees & Sommer Middle East, provides insights into the current state of digitisation in the Middle East's construction

O

ne of the main causes of poor efficiency in the construction industry is a majority of industry players still depend upon paper documentation, such as supply-chain orders, design drawings, and daily progress reports to keep track of current processes and deliverables. Without digitisation, significant delays can be incurred when sharing information.

Relying on paper trails to share documents increases the risk of data being exposed to human error when being captured and analysed. It is important this is properly managed as detailed performance analytics can help avoid future issues.

Due to the vast amount of information that is processed throughout the duration of a project and the time it takes for a document to change hands, paper trails are notorious for slowing down and hindering the efficiency of processes. This leads to disagreements between clients, developers, and contractors, highlighting an impending need for digitised project management and solutions to aid collaboration and mobility. A greater uptake of digitisation will lead to project management in the construction industry having increased access to mobile-enabled field supervision, digital project planning, digital budgeting, and the efficient management of documents across the entire scope of a project.

Digitisation in project management allows for smoother and more 26

efficient processes on site, resulting in significant time and financial savings. For example, a recent study by consulting firm, Roland Berger, found construction workers only devote 30% of time to their principal activity. The remaining 70% is consumed by other errands such as looking for materials, transporting materials to complete a job, and cleaning up on site. Introducing digital tools can help streamline these processes and mitigate the loss of both time and financial resources onsite and throughout the construction process. Materials and equipment can be tracked at the click of a button and manpower allocated where and when they are needed.

Software has been developed to ease processes such as the delivery of building materials to site, ensuring they arrive precisely when they are needed. Storage needs can be significantly reduced as a result. Smart, connected construction machinery can help optimise the utilisation of workers and construction vehicles, ensuring certain jobs are not over-allocated with human or technical resource - another common issue digitisation has helped many developers overcome.

To support digitisation as a growing trend in modern construction, certain technology has already been developed to help locate products and materials.

This enables construction workers to devote more time to their principle activity rather than engaging in time-wasting activities that can cause delays to

// construction business news me // October 2018

the entire project. Products fitted with RFID2 technology can be identified using magnetic fields. These products can also be registered and scanned, which creates transparency regarding the whereabouts of machinery and human resources on site.

Recent research by McKinsey & Company found construction is currently one of the Middle East’s least digitised industries. The sector stands to achieve significant benefits by adopting technologies that increase productivity as digital collaboration tools, which could raise productivity by as much as 15% and reduce project costs by up to 45%.

Of course, an important tool being used by many in the digitisation of the construction industry is Building Information Modeling (BIM). The main benefits presented by using BIM include minimised planning errors, timely calculation, quantified extra costs, and alternative strategies. BIM also provides a digital simulation of the entire project before the first brick is even laid. Due to rapid technological advances and the rate at which the global construction industry is becoming digitally orientated, the absence of digitisation is very likely to result in companies falling far behind their more digitally-inclined competitors.

Tools such as BIM include all parties involved in the project, from the initial planning phase of the construction process through to completion. This makes processes and responsibilities transpar-

Tools such as BIM include all parties involved in the project, from the initial planning phase of the construction process through to completion. ent and comprehensible for everyone, contributing to the efficient implementation of the entire construction process.

The McKinsey & Company study also found 75% of those companies adopting BIM reported a positive return on their investment. The same report found companies who had adopted BIM reported shorter project life cycles and savings on paperwork and material costs. Given these benefits, a number of governments, including those in Britain, Finland, and Singapore mandate the use of BIM for public infrastructure projects.

As the UAE transitions towards a knowledge-based economy, the construction industry is also evolving, so projects can be executed smarter and more efficiently than ever before. By implementing digital methods in project management, construction comwww.cbnme.com

panies will be able to gain an edge, boosting productivity and efficiency.

Conversely, companies that prefer to stick to older or more traditional methods are likely to be overtaken due to lower quality of projects they are able to deliver, as well as the inevitable delays to match the standards set by their competition.

UAE companies that choose to adopt and implement these approaches will have to initiate a major shift in their internal planning, design, procurement, and construction processes. Investments will need to be made into automation and an effective supply-chain system to ensure streamlined and on-time transportation of materials to the construction site. Companies that decide to integrate their supply chains will also have to plan for other manufacturing-related investments to stay ahead of the curve.

BIM is already much more than a software as it changes the way people collaborate and the co-ordination processes, the digital revolution encompasses so much more than software and programmes. Digitisation means digitally enhancing everything that can be improved or optimised. It is easy to use digital tools to manage people and track customer relationships, but the real challenge is changing the way people work. In order for the Middle East’s construction industry to keep pace with international markets, digitisation needs to start from the inside, processes need to be revolutionised step-by-step, people need to be trained, and there needs to be a shift in thinking towards a more digitised future. This will pave the way for a more productive, cost-efficient, profitable and technologically-driven regional construction industry.

construction business news me // October 2018 //

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// Op-Ed

Digitally connected Cyril Sebastian, product consultant, ProjectWise, Bentley Systems, throws light on digital collaboration for predictable project results

T

he goals of engineering firms have changed relatively little over the last decade. Winning new contracts — and retaining existing clientele — are still the most critical objectives. Design and engineering firms try to continually improve efficiency and meet every deadline. Accessing information quickly is only half of the solution, however.

Firms must dramatically improve how they manage their data and collaborate across projects to work smarter, work faster, and be more competitive.

In this article, we’ll look at some important industry trends, as well as risks associated with an inability to successfully seize the opportunities of going digital. We will also examine some likely outcomes for firms that can capitalise on the industry’s new emphasis on information.

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Facing the Deluge of Data By some estimates, the digital universe will double every two years, showing a 50-fold growth from 2010 to 2020.

Due to the nature of the work, this surge in data profoundly affects how firms design, build, and execute on projects. Given that engineers often deal with multiple projects at a time, the sheer amount of information flowing in and out for a project can be overwhelming. It can be a stumbling block on a company’s path to win new work, especially considering all the steps in any given project.

Designing, reviewing, and approving plans generate a high volume of data and introduce many potential points of error along the way. New technologies, including BIM processes, laser scan point clouds, and reality modeling meshes, mean that big data is now

// construction business news me // October 2018

an important factor in the engineering world. However, big data can be a double-edged sword, requiring more hours and effort to usher in its benefits if not managed properly.

Improve Productivity These changes are amplifying the amount of information that firms need to store, share, and manipulate.

Firms face two distinct information related challenges - finding the necessary information and confirming that the information is correct. By some estimates, 40% of an engineer’s day is spent looking for data. This problem can be exacerbated if information is spread throughout the company in email chains, hard drives, or generic file sharing solutions, such as Microsoft SharePoint or Dropbox. With no single central repository of data, teams run

the risk of overwriting files, using outof-date information, and slowing down the reviews and approvals and supply chain communications.

A siloed approach to data management can also have long-term negative effects, including errors, delays, budget overruns, and an inability to take on more work due to inefficiencies.

Charting a New Course in the Cloud The construction industry is one of the world’s largest economic sectors.

The industry employs about 7% of the world’s working-age population. Despite its global reach and maturity, it still lags behind many other industries in many respects. In fact, construction is among the least digitised sectors in the world.

However, the digitisation of the industry is accelerating, and one of the key drivers is cloud adoption, a worldwide trend that spans multiple verticals. As of 2017, 85% of enterprises are fielding a multi-cloud strategy, up from 82% in 2016.

Cloud adoption is a trend that is changing how project teams collaborate and manage information to effectively deliver projects. To compete, firms need the capability to share large digital files in real time so that each member of the team (internal team members and members of the supply chain) can boost efficiency. Mobility is tightly connected too, as cloud services support widely dispersed specialists who need to access critical information on a range of devices.

With more and more companies going digital by perfecting methods of collaboration, successfully leveraging cloud services is a critical part of a firm’s ultimate success.

BIM strategies are contributing to improved outcomes in successive stages of design and construction.

BIM methodologies are indicators that potential customers are maturing in their demand for terms of expecting productivity and efficiency. Today, the UK government mandates BIM strategies for all centrally funded public infrastructure projects with the goal of reducing project delivery and operating costs by 20%.

In the minds of owners, there’s great value in incorporating new technologies, big data, and standard workflows.

Some owners are already moving in this direction, appreciating where things are going.

Other engineering firms are already going down this road too. This momentum means that other firms must keep pace. Productivity is the watchword here. As clients and competitors continue to bolster their processes and workflows with technology, firms need to be more productive, more efficient, and more technologically savvy than ever before.

The Path Forward To succeed in today’s evolving engineering world, firms need to solve all the challenges presented by these trends. While firms may have limited success with an inconsistent approach, their real focus should be on dramatically improving the way design teams collaborate and manage project information — from workflows, to how information is created and shared, to how teams collaborate throughout their organisation, and with the extended supply chain.

To meet this goal, firms need a single source of truth around their data so they can quickly and efficiently support digital design collaboration and workflows. By leveraging digital technologies, firms eliminate any unnecessary steps in creating and delivering an asset. They can store information in a central location, where it is easily searchable, sharable, and secure.

As the digital transformation reshapes how projects are designed and managed in the industry, firms need to embrace these innovations as they evolve and grow.

Despite the challenges, firms can improve their ability to avoid risk and stay competitive by managing engineering information, automating business processes, and accelerating collaboration across all disciplines and locations throughout the project lifecycle. By aligning design teams with a connected data environment for improved collaboration, firms can work smarter, work faster, and be more competitive in the industry.

Meeting Clients’ Growing Requirements Clients are also contributing to the industry changes. While firms are exploring new methods, processes, and technologies, their potential customers are also seeking new ways to drive efficiency and protect their data.

Accepted worldwide as an overarching best practice for project delivery, www.cbnme.com

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// Cover story

CBNME takes a tour of the under construction 1/JBR, located at the entrance of JBR and scheduled for completion in Q4 2019

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ne thing that Dubai is not short of is real estate developments. Many out of those projects fall under the ultra-luxury category, with unparalleled amenities.

Located at the entrance of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a signboard points to one such significant residential developments in the neighbourhood, 1/JBR, being developed by Dubai Properties (DP). A member of Dubai Holding, DP broke ground on the flagship project in March 2016.

The tall structure features a blend of contemporary and timeless design along with exquisitely crafted interiors and views. Once complete, the development will be the only residential property in the area with direct beach access and its own dedicated roundabout for easy access to and from the community.

Valued at AED1bn, the project features 163 units of different configurations, including two-, three-, and four30

bedroom apartments and five-bedroom penthouses. Standing at 239m tall, each apartment in the project offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf as well as the Ain Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. The tower sits on a gross floor area (GFA) of over 45,000sqm, with the built-up area (BUA) spanning 74,000sqm.

Ivar Krasinski, founding partner and design director at EDGE, tells CBNME: “When we look at real estate projects in the market, what we see in the name of luxury are quite ostentatious details and strange things being added to it. It is believed that the more you put on the wall, the better it looks. But on the contrary, the details tend to visibly cramp up the space.

“Being the lead consultant and design architects for this project, we decided to keep it bare minimum. What you will find in this kind of spaces is that your mind is at much more ease – you have room to think and breathe

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- there is not a whole bunch of details screaming at you.”

When EDGE was chosen to develop the residential project - located at the start of the beach strip on its last piece of land - the team was able to convince the client to try a new approach. Krasinki says: “In the UAE, a lot of buildings have curves without any function attached to it, which tends to steal space away from the units. At the time when we won the competition, we saw potential in the project and decided to go with a clean colour palette.”

The initial design for 1/JBR was created by EDGE as part of a competition to develop an innovative building concept that would provide a fresh and unique experience for residents in Dubai. After various design options and proposals, the firm was selected as the winner and awarded the complete design of the flagship project.

A DP spokesperson mentions: “The

design principles behind the building were guided by two main goals, waterfront views and spatial clarity. The minimalist aesthetic is seen in every part of the building and its interior design. As a result, each space conveys a sense of serenity not commonly found in residential buildings. The rooms are designed to be well-lit, with ideal views and uncluttered volumes.

Luxury building occupants are generally more concerned about privacy than the average person.

“EDGE conducted studies that proved conclusively that private lift lobbies for each tenant are achievable without compromising floor plate and overall building efficiency. This also creates added value.”

According to the developer, 70% of the total project has already been sold.

Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2019, the project is well on track, with the team currently completing one floor of the building every www.cbnme.com

week. Currently there are around 1,500 construction professionals on site, with the contractor adding further supervisors, area managers, and health and safety (HSE) personnel as and when they see fit. During the peak construction phase, the numbers will surpass 2,000 on site.

Martin Baerschmidt, founding partner and managing director, points out: “The site is incredible; it’s a premium address. Not a single unit is without a view. Initially the site was being used for some other JBR works. Then we had to come to the site early and clear the contractors away. Followed by a long initiation period, the contracts were awarded for the enabling and shoring works to National Piling Company (NPC). That went on till eight to nine months, following which the tender for the main contract works was awarded to Dubai Contracting Company (DCC).”

DP had assigned a project manage-

ment team to the 1/JBR development to create a detailed target schedule of construction. This work was done before the contractor got active on site as it gave the team time to set up to track the progress of the project.

With such a huge project comes its own set of logistical challenges. One of the key components of 1/JBR is that it is situated in a prime location on the popular JBR destination. The spokesperson from DP continues: “Logistically, the project has had to be closely monitored, with schedules run tightly to make sure that the public and surrounding businesses are not affected.

The contractor has had to pay close attention to the deliveries of materials to keep noise to a minimum, as well as not increase the traffic in the area.

“Finding the balance around the construction site that would allow for constant progress on the development, while taking into account the challenge of having one main entrance/

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// Cover Story

Martin Baerschmidt, founding partner and managing director, EDGE

exit for the site. A way to help alleviate the risk of traffic came through our work with Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) – creating an extra exit from the Mamsha Street that would take trucks straight back towards Dubai Media City, rather than along JBR.” The 1/JBR is a large-scale project and to maintain the tight schedule that has been put in place by Dubai Properties, there is a lot of manpower required but this also means that a lot of logistical work has been put in to ensure a safe and secure work envi32

Works package Name of sub-contractor

Nature of works

Al Bonian International

MEP

Alico

Façade

Otis

Lift

Proscape

Landscape

Johnson Controls

Security system

// construction business news me // October 2018

// Cover Story

Ivar Krasinski, founding partner and design director at EDGE

Key facts • Date of groundbreaking – March 2016 • Height of building – 239m • Total floors – 46 • Number of units – 163 • GFA – 45,096sqm • BUA – 73,756sqm • Steel usage – 5.8mn kgs • Reinforced concrete substructure – 14,918m3 • Reinforced concrete superstructure – 40,187m3 • Blockwork – 62,600msqm • Glazing units used – 12,900sqm • Earthworks moved – 69,448m3

ronment that meets all HSE standards.

Before the project even broke ground, the developer points out that it sat down with local authorities and hotel management to explain the situation that could arise from the project and what effects it could have on the construction phase. The spokesperson says: “We took various stakeholders through the sequence of construction, work timings, and methodology to make them more aware of the project.

Opening up communication with residents of JBR and hotel management allowed for advanced notice to 34

be given regarding heavy construction that was planned.

“We wanted to make as little impact on the community as possible and not create an increase in traffic in the area, hence we planned most of the supply of materials to be stored on site. Using state-of-the-art construction techniques and tools also allowed us to self-monitor during the construction phase. Noise monitoring sensors were installed around the site so that we could ensure that any work done at night would cause a minimal amount of noise. The hotels and residents

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were also given the ability to contact the project management team if the work on the site was too noisy during the night.”

Keeping sustainability in mind, Krasinski mentions that EDGE has sourced the raw materials as locally as possible. “It makes sense both economically and from the sustainability point of view as well. Basically, we have floor-to-ceiling glass windows in every unit and, at the same time, the residents will not experience extreme heat due to the solid wall on the other side, which reduces the amount of heat coming into the building. Hence it reduces the amount of HVAC and electricity used; in this way, everything is benefitting from the design.”

As DP says, the completion of 1/JBR will have a significant impact on the JBR community, especially as it will be taking up the final plot of building land in the area. “This 46-storey gatekeeper to JBR will add a distinct look to the community’s skyline, while also adding its own take on what luxury in Dubai entails.”

// Interview

Path to success Alistair Davis, director, Black & White Engineering, talks about digital transformation and sustainability and how the MEP firm is focussing more on it What are the projects that Black & White is currently working on in the region?

As can be expected for the types of prestigious projects that Black & White typically design, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) do not allow us to fully divulge specific project information, but the following metrics can give an insight into the flavour of projects that Black & White are privileged to work on: • Data centre in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – 7,500sqm of IT whitespace, resulting in a total IT load of 15MW. • Ultra-luxury hotel refurbishment: primary services redesigned for increased efficiency while maintaining an occupied hotel.

• Luxury residential development: two 50-storey towers with 425 residential apartments each.

• Mixed-use development in DIFC: 134,000sqm LEED Gold development.

• Mixed-use development near DIFC: contractor engineering support services and production of shop drawings for 260,000sqm GFA development.

• Expo 2020 Pavilion: contractor engineering support services and production of shop drawings.

• Dubai Festival City Mall expansion – MEP design and site supervision.

• Caspian Mall, Baku, Azerbaijan – MEP design and site supervision Give us a brief overview of the company, including the workforce, headquarters etc.?

Launched in the UAE in 2007, Black & White became an independent compa36

ny in 2014; from this, the company has gone from strength to strength growing by over 400% with now nearly 150 staff spread across the UK, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Philippines, and many more.

We are a specialist global MEP consultancy employing the best engineers and BIM technicians who ensure the ability to enhance projects. No matter where an employee is based, we work as one team to ensure the delivery of a high-quality project.

Our unique one team culture ensures all parties are aligned and projects are delivered on time and within budget by incorporating a design-and-build philosophy and a collaborative approach. Avoiding over-design by early implementation of client requirements ensures efficient systems and energy saving designs which contribute to the client’s success.

What kind of focus have you put in adapting digital transformation?

Digital transformation is becoming increasingly important throughout the region. Black & White Engineering have heavily invested in BIM to provide detailed 3D walkthrough models, which enable our clients to visualise their projects well before the ground has been broken. This enables better informed clients and reduces potential variations to their contracts going forward. At Black & White, our increasing workload to deliver data centres, not just in the Middle East but globally, is certainly a testament that the digital transformation is well underway and alive and kicking within the region.

// construction business news me // August 2018

Has the slowdown in economy affected the business in any ways?

A healthy chunk of our business comes from repeat clients and relationships that we have nurtured over the years.

We have built our business on excellence and confidence, not on “one shot projects”. This is the reason why 70% of

we can assist clients in making the right decisions to avoid wasting money.

How much focus does the firm put in sustainability?

MEP engineering has perhaps become one of the most vital aspects of the construction industry as big project players look to design and build projects that are more energy efficient and in line with sustainability objectives. It has therefore become central to all decisions we make during the entire design cycle at Black & White.

As we are from the UAE, we know the local rules, laws and regulations, and can provide immediately applicable and practical solutions, without risks of rejection from local regulators.

We continually have discussions with authorities and are pushing for more benchmarks that could make all projects even more sustainable. We are often able to value engineer existing cooling systems, for example, and can ultimately reduce the central plant by 25%. So yes, true sustainability is very high on our agenda.

One of the unique features of Black & White is the fact we are a 100% staff owned and run business.”

our current clients are former customers. Although economics would normally dictate that a market slowdown would result in a downturn of business, it can also give opportunities for increase in market share if your product offering and solutions prove better than your competitors.

We have increased staffing by 18% www.cbnme.com

this year to deliver our workload. We are quickly understanding our client’s requirements and expectations, so we can provide targeted solutions to fulfil their goals. Clients are slowly recognising that buying generic engineering services at lower fees will result in poorer quality and higher long-term costs. Our total understanding of buildings means

What challenges do you face while working on fit-out and retrofit projects?

Yes, we are starting to see this market growing in the UAE where most buildings were built in the early 2000’s. We are at the beginning of a refurbishment cycle that will continue to grow as more and more buildings reach an age of 20-25years.

The most important and recurrent challenge we face is the gathering of accurate data about the existing systems within a building that has ‘’lived’’ and evolved for more than 20 years. Record information is often outdated and sometimes simply missing.

Early on, the consultant needs to venture outside the comfort of his design office and explore the building to be refurbished. It is also key to talk with the client’s facilities management (FM) team who usually know the building inside out and most importantly

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// Interview

know the history of the systems.

Once the engineer grasps the history of the building and strategies of the MEP systems, several challenges are yet to be faced, based on our experience the success of a refurbishment project usually relies on the following key points: • Phasing of the design: often refurbishments occur in operational buildings, therefore the design shall be developed in a way that supports a phased approach of the works.

• MEP systems are key in the phasing plan and often lead the project’s phasing strategy.

• Flexible design: development of solutions that enable flexibility for future growth/change of use within the physical constraints of the building • Code Compliance: the design team should take informed decisions with regards to the status of the systems design to codes that may not be applicable and could affect the owner’s liability or increase insurance premiums • Cost control and risk: MEP systems can take up to 50% of the overall construction budget on a refurbishment project. Unforeseen conditions and cost control can be daunting for a building owner.

The help of an experienced MEP consultant is key for the design team and client with regards to identifying and quantifying risks on a refurbishment project.

Do you have any expansion plans for the rest of the year?

Our current growth is quite significant.

With an 18% staff increase this year, we are still seeking further high calibre talent. With the UAE as our global HQ, accordingly we use this centre of excellence to service a much wider region than simply the country. Following our recent 2018 leadership conference, we have committed to expanding our staff and territories in trending markets and to places where our clients want to take us. We are very agile and can make very quick decisions. Our growth 38

can be sustained as we are working on projects geographically further afield.

Any merger/acquisitions/ consolidation plans in the pipeline?

Not at the moment; we are proud of our independent status. One of the unique features of Black & White is the fact we are a 100% staff owned and run business. This ensures we are not saddled with large shareholder pressures and layers of sign-off to deliver profits at any cost. This allows us to focus on delivering a higher quality product. We are creating a legacy for future generations to become stake holders in the company.

Anything else you would want to highlight?

As true leaders and innovators in the MEP field, we are a home-grown company employing the best techni-

// construction business news me // October 2018

cal experts from around the globe that have drive energy, resourcefulness, and ambition. We work as one team and specialise in “right first time” solutions, this is the culture in our business. We understand that one size does not fit all and can deliver simple solutions to complex challenges. We typically provide two high-level technical directors to each project, so not just one generalist project manager but two talented, highly skilled specialists.

We are continually bringing global best practices to the Middle East and are proud to be amongst the first engineering consultancies worldwide to have recently received three UKAS certifications for both our UK and UAE businesses (accreditation to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 4001:2015, and ISO45001:2018 standards). Our highlevel standards can be seen in all aspects of Black & White Engineering.

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// Talking point

Luxury redefined The Heart of Europe developer, Kleindienst, unveils The Sweden Beach Palace, Dubai’s most luxurious second home

D

eveloper of The Heart of Europe, a cluster of six islands on The World, Kleindienst Group, unveiled the first Sweden Beach Palace at Sweden Island last month.

The Sweden Beach Palaces consists of nine luxurious palaces, plus one super-sized version, set in the beautifully landscaped, lush green surroundings of Sweden Island. Each property will have its own private section of beach, and unique to the palaces, a fully-owned piece of the marine area plot, including a private coral reef.

The properties have been designed as second homes; Dubai’s first

40

purpose-built luxury area for the UAE residents to own a holiday property in the country instead of jetting to the Maldives, Mauritius, or the Seychelles.

The second home market is a new concept for Dubai. While New York has The Hamptons and multiple cities in Europe have their own countryside and seaside getaway spots, Dubai has lacked an area where people leave their primary property and head to a second home for the weekend.

Josef Kleindienst, chairman of Kleindienst Group, said: “The Heart of Europe is a unique and ambitious project aiming to develop Dubai’s luxury freehold second home market

// construction business news me // October 2018

in an idyllic island location. Kleindienst Group, the biggest European real estate company in Dubai, is committed to playing a key role in the economic development of the UAE and support Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s leading tourism destination.

“Catering to residents and visitors who are looking for a dynamic, cultural experience, our developments at The Heart of Europe will boost tourism in the UAE. It will also offer investors the opportunity to choose from a range of high-quality holiday properties that will be part of a vibrant touristic destination that includes hotels, restaurants and world-class attractions.

Josef Kleindienst, chairman of Kleindienst Group

The Heart of Europe is a unique and ambitious project aiming to develop Dubai’s luxury freehold second home market ” “Our journey to date has taken us to the unveiling of the Sweden Beach Palaces, one of the most luxurious freehold second homes in the UAE. Our vision is now turning into reality as we make real progress towards completing our project.”

The first Sweden Beach Palace features seven plush bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Five of the palaces will be fitted out with Bentley Home interiors, while the remaining properties will be bespoke to the individual owners.

Each property will incorporate a full gym and a fitness centre including weights, cardio machines, and stretching area, while the standout relaxation features include the Swedish temperature-controlled sauna, massage and spa room for therapy treatments, plus an extra special snow room that can www.cbnme.com

be set as low as -5oC. This brings residents the health benefits of traditional Swedish hot and cold therapy.

There will be an entire floor dedicated for guests, including plush rooms encouraging natural light and panoramic vistas. The master floor in-

corporates the master bedroom which has an exquisite freestanding bath made from a single piece of Italian marble. A dressing room, with finelyfinished wardrobes leads from the en-suite bathroom, featuring waterfall rain experience showers and a large multi-jet Jacuzzi.

Residents may choose from multiple options for relaxation and for hosting.

The ground floor has a large open-plan area that is suitable for dining and unwinding, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows and French-doors. These glass doors slide open onto a pool terrace, ideal for entertaining guests on a beautiful evening. Stretching out from the terrace is a 115sqm infinity pool, with separate plunge pool and outdoor Jacuzzi/whirlpool. Surrounding the whole property are 67 varieties of plants, flowers and trees, creating a green canopy around the property and embedding the feeling of being away from the stresses of modern life in your very own tropical paradise.

For larger get-togethers, the pièce de résistance is a 570sqm roof floor, with 360o views of The Heart of Europe, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline.

The roof itself has been designed to mimic the upturned hull of a Viking boat, harking back to the roots of Sweden and its heritage. Residents and their guests may even head higher to the top of the roof, where there is a 75sqm open-air rooftop lounge terrace, ideal for stargazing and watching the world go by.

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// Case Study

On the

right track

Stefano Iannacone, MAPEI’s regional director for the Middle East and East Africa, highlights Mapeplan System used for tunnel and underground waterproofing at the Riyadh Metro

R

iyadh’s population is expected to grow from approximately six million to 8.5 million over the next 10 years. This will require the provision of more effective, alternative ways to meet the city’s transportation needs. The Riyadh Metro, a $22.5bn project, is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2019 with six metro lines spanning a total length of 176km and 85 stations. It is expected to be the backbone of the city’s public 42

transport system as it will integrate with an 85km three-line bus rapid transit (BRT) network.

MAPEI became involved with the project during the design phase with the joint venture partners, Salini Impregilo, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Samsung. The project was unique in many ways. Underground stations were all under the groundwater table level. The deepest ones were 36m to 40m deep.

The groundwater was contaminated

// construction business news me // October 2018

and highly saline.

The stations were being constructed in extremely congested parts of the city and required diaphragm wall shoring to support the ground before excavation could be carried out. This was coupled with the fact that all the walls and ground slabs were held in place with tension anchors penetrating into the concrete. These anchors were placed to prevent uplift of the structure, because of water pressure after the construction

was complete. In layman’s terms, a waterproofing system had to be designed to accommodate a few hundreds of penetrations through it.

Working closely with the design teams from Salini Impregilo and L&T, their design concerns to accommodate the waterproofing had to be addressed for each unique situation.

The first situation was to ensure that the products met the lifespan of the structure – 120 years. The Mapeplan TU www.cbnme.com

S PVC membranes were put through accelerated ageing tests to prove the long-life expectancy.

The Mapeplan TU S double layer membranes system were to be installed loose around the structure and compartmentalised with the highly flexible Idrostop PVC BEC ME 32T waterstops every 200m2. The waterstops also incorporated the IDROSTOP MULTI 11 re-injectable hoses in them. This was to ensure that any gaps while casting the concrete could be filled with the microfine hydraulic binder with pozzolanic action — MICROCEM 8000. This way the leakages in any compartment could be effectively restricted if there were any gaps in the cast concrete.

The second situation was to devise a system which would allow the repair of the membrane in case of damage. To solve this requirement, a double layer system was designed using the MAPEPLAN TU S 20 and the MAPEPLAN PVC Protection 15 membranes. These layers would be welded at the edges of the compartments to enable injection between the two layers in case of leakage.

To facilitate this, MAPEPLAN injection flanges were installed in every compartment to cover the whole surface area of each compartment. These were to be injected with MAPEGEL UTT, a re-swellable acrylic resin, to flood the compartment. This resin gels and swells

when it comes in contact with water, thereby keeping the water out of the structure. The tension anchors, penetrating the structure through the slab, and the retaining walls posed an immense challenge to the designers to accommodate the waterproofing system.

A unique solution was found to treat these ground anchors. Collars were fabricated using the MAPEPLAN TU S20 membrane. These collars were filled to one-third of the depth with MAPEGEL UTT, a hydrophilic gel. The gel and the collar were then encapsulated with free-flowing grout — PLANIGROUT 300 ME PCT to contain the swelling action of the MAPEGEL UTT. The shoring diaphragm walls also had the same anchors at the Downtown Iconic Station. The same solution was applied for the treatment of the anchors. The work was slow and time consuming but was a perfect solution to stop leakage through the anchors.

The following products were used to arrive at a perfect solution to the many design challenges associated with the Riyadh Metro underground works: • MAPEPLAN TU S20 PVC a synthetic membrane manufactured by co-extrusion • MAPEPLAN PVC PROTECTION 15 a synthetic PVC membrane used as a secondary liner • IDROSTOP PVC BEC ME 32T a waterstop for compartmentalisation • IDROSTOP MULTI 11 a re-injectable hose for the injection of micro cement • MICROCEM 8000 micro ne cement for the injection into the IDROSTOP MULTI 11 • MAPEPLAN INJECTION FLANGES to facilitate injection of resin between the two layers of membrane • MAPEGEL UTT hydro swelling acrylic resin for injection between the two layers of membrane and for the treatment of anchors • PLANIGROUT 300 ME PCT epoxy resin grout for the treatment of anchors and penetrations

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// Awards preview

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

It's revealed The much-awaited shortlist for the third annual Construction Innovation Awards 2018 is out after sorting out an overwhelming number of nominations

Company Awards Consultant of the year • Aecom • Arthur Mckenzy • Black & White Engineering • Hoehler + Salmy • Parsons • Ramboll • Khatib & Alami Contractor of the year • Al Bawani • ALEC • ASGC 44

// construction business news me // October 2018

FM Company of the year • Farnek • EFS • Initial Saudi Group HSE Initiative of the year • Safeguard License by Aecom • Target Zero Awareness Campaign by Al Futtaim Carillion • Look & See initiative by ALEC • HSE Management System by ASU • Behavioural based safety by Emitech • SMART Employee Welfare by Future Metro

#CBNMEAWARDS18

MEP Contractor of the year • ALEMCO • Emitech • ASU • Future Metro

• Marina Gate II by Select Group • OIA Residences by Union Properties Sustainable Project of the year • Al Barari project by Al Barari • XWorks by AESGC • Enterprise Command and Control Centre by ASGC • Louvre Abu Dhabi by BuroHappold Engineering

Real estate developer of the year • Azizi Developments • Al Barari • Select Group • Al Raid Group • Al Bawani

Retail Project of the year • Al Araimi Boulevard by Al Raid Group • Zero 6 Zuraina Mall by Future Metro • ABC Verdun Mall by Khatib & Alami

Sustainability Initiative of the year • Emrill Energy - EPC Torch Tower by Emrill • Eco-friendly precast panel by Nael Contracting • Fiber reinforced plastic bars by Saudi Aramco

Individual Awards Construction Executive of the year • Hamed Zaghw from Aecom • Aleksander Shestakov from Future Metro • Wael Hassan from Raimondi Cranes • Ken Murray from Parsons

Project Awards Commercial Project of the year • Dubai Arena by ASGC • Marasi Business Bay by Septech • History of Science Centre by Hoehler + Salmy Hospitality Project of the year • Bulgari Resort & Residences by ALEC • Saadiyat Rotana Beach Resort & Villas by Faithful+Gould • Lapita Hotel by Future Metro

Engineer of the year • Jamie Darragh from Black & White Engineering • Brian Cole from BuroHappold Engineering • Muhammad Khogali from DOW • Syed Khizer Ahmed from Parsons Project Manager of the year • Edward Pickles from ALEC • Thusitha Hewageegana from Faithful+Gould • Fouad Khoury from Parsons

Residential Project of the year • The Neighbourhood by Al Barari • Marina Gate I by ALEC • Bluewaters Residences by ASGC • Azizi Riviera by Azizi Developments • Hyati Residence by Aurora Real Estate Development • Damac Paramount Towers by KEO

Lifetime Achievement of the year • Hatem Farah from ECC • Nasser bin Butti Omair bin Yousef from Union Properties

Tit le part ne r

Platinum All ies

@ cb n m e

www.cbnme.com

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

g o l d A lly

B IM pa rt ner

Cate g o ry A lly

C o n s t r u c t i o n B u s i n e ss N e ws

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// Awards preview

What the judges say...

Daniel Hardwick

head of project management CBRE ME What are your expectations from Construction Innovation Awards 2018?

In the past two years, the awards have seen some phenomenal submissions (and winners!) and the target for 2018 is to surpass these, which I’m sure they will do.

With a wide range of categories, I’m looking forward to the variety and ingenuity of the nominees along with the contributions they’ve made to the construction industry in the UAE. Where do you see the construction sector heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

The outlook is certainly positive in the lead up to Expo 2020. We have seen strong investment in development projects across Dubai that are linked to the Expo and this should continue, leading up to the event. While the number of new projects being awarded may decline in 2019, the volume of activity will be robust and will lead to sustained development.

Mark Raymont Partner Pinsent Masons

What are your expectations from Construction Innovation Awards 2018?

I have very much enjoyed the previous editions of this event and have no doubt that the third annual Construction Innovation Awards will continue to foster individual excellence and positive corporate values by recognising and promoting some of the most important and groundbreaking initiatives undertaken by the region’s construction professionals.

Where do you see the construction sector heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

The theme of Expo 2020 ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, will I am sure be at the forefront of the minds of the key construction sector players in the run up to Expo 2020 and we are likely to see a strong focus on the integration of infratech through the use of automation and digitisation, for example, through the use of smart technology (particularly in transportation and the built environment), digital feedback for energy and water consumption and ‘just-in-time’ waste management systems.

@ cb n m e

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

// construction business news me // October 2018

C o n s t r u c t i o n B u s i n e ss N e ws

ME

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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.

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// Awards preview

What the judges say...

Barry Peter Wormald Director AESG

What are your expectations from Construction Innovation Awards 2018?

I look forward to seeing some outstanding submissions that will lead the way in improving efficiency in the construction sector, and that will set high standards for other organisations to aspire towards achieving and even surpassing in the year ahead.

Where do you see the construction sector heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

The construction sector has, in recent years, faced economic pressures that have driven the need for optimising processes and increasing efficiencies. In the lead up to Expo 2020, I hope to see an infusion of optimism that will lead to better co-operation between all parties involved in projects. After all, as a truly global event, Expo 2020 offers the ideal platform for organisations across all segments of the regional construction industry to showcase the value they can deliver through deeper collaboration.

Ben Jackson

Head of project and development services dept JLL What are your expectations from Construction Innovation Awards 2018?

I am expecting to see some great innovations that the construction industry, in our part of the world, are developing and how these compare to other construction industries in the world. I am expecting these to reflect the challenges faced in our market.

Where do you see the construction sector heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

I see the construction gathering pace with new innovative construction and deconstruction solutions to help protect the legacy elements of what Expo 2020 will deliver for the UAE. Innovative construction solutions and consideration of how the asset will perform and service the environment moving through 2020 will be the most intriguing side of Expo for me.

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// Talking point

Fa ç a d e f i x Germany-based fischer’s innovative A|C|T systems currently leading the facade fixing industry in the region

E

arlier this year, fischer innovative solutions came through for the VIDA Residence Downtown with their highly versatile and innovative A|C|T systems to handle their facade fixing requirements. fischer, one of the leading Germany-based fixing technology company, is well-known worldwide for providing innovative solutions to its clients for even the most complicated application requirements.

The project that currently holds major significance in Dubai’s current construction scene, The VIDA Residency by EMAAR situated in the Downtown area of Dubai, is a signature residence tower of more than 60 floors connected to Vida Hotel via an air-conditioned bridge. It is also a very important achievement for fischer for being the first project of its kind with their complete A|C|T system, supporting marble fixing from vertical and horizontal profiles and brackets to undercut anchor bolts.

The A|C|T system is also considered fischer’s most innovative and top of the line system for facade fixing, allowing unmatched versatility and the use of ashlar-made facade boards from the 20mm thickness and TVG and ESG glass plates from 6mm thickness.

This project was actually quite a challenge for fischer, taking into consideration the approval process alone taking over five months of working very closely with the sub-contractor AMBB stone and marble, contractor Al Basti & Mukhtha, and the consultants NORR and Meinhardt, in resolving many technical challenges and concerns.

They also faced very fierce competition from other competitors specialising in façade fixing. But fischer, 50

with their dedicated design team and their on-the-ground hands-on approach, ensured the clients were provided timely support, both onground and through superior technical competence at all times, giving them the edge over the competition.

Fischer, through their unrivalled customer-centric business approach,

// construction business news me // October 2018

has won multiple projects in the region and around the globe, and are also well known for their various services such as on-demand knowledge sharing seminars to product demonstrations and industry leading technical advice.

To know more about fischer and their services, contact enquiry@fischer.ae or marketing@fischer.ae.

// Project

Wo r l d o f s u s ta i n a b i l i t y Millions of Expo 2020 Dubai visitors to be engaged and inspired by German Pavilion’s compelling take on sustainability

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n a key milestone on the road to Expo 2020 Dubai, Germany has decided who is to design and build the German Pavilion. The bid was won by a consortium comprising Cologne-based agency, facts and fiction, and Swiss construction company, ADUNIC, with architecture to be designed by Berlin firm LAVA. While facts and fiction will be re52

sponsible for content, exhibition, and media design, building the pavilion will be ADUNIC’s job. facts and fiction specialises in spatial communication and ADUNIC are specialists in the construction of temporary buildings.

As well as matching both companies’ profiles, the brief reflects the essence of Expos, which are all about giving those who visit during the short six

// construction business news me // October 2018

months of the event an Expo experience that stays with them forever.

The design of the pavilion and its theme, ‘Campus Germany’, were revealed in Dubai, attended by Ernst Peter Fischer, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE; Dietmar Schmitz, Commissioner General of the German Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Najeeb Mohammed

Expo 2020 facts • Theme: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future • Subthemes: Sustainability, Mobility, Opportunity • Dates: October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 • Duration: 173 days • Size of Expo site: 4.38 km2 • Anticipated number of participants: 200+ • Participating nations: 180 • Anticipated total number of visits: Up to 25mn

Al-Ali, executive director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau; and other members of the German Pavilion team.

Campus Germany will be located in Expo 2020’s Sustainability District. It will feature a ‘vertical campus’ design consisting of separate modules that converge at a spacious atrium with a stage and restaurant, creating an impressive structure that reflects the country’s underlying theme. A place of knowledge, research, and communication, Campus Germany will provide every visitor with their own personalised interactive experience, while showcasing the country’s latest science and technology innovations.

Each visitor’s experience will be delivered by an intelligent assistance system called ‘IAMU’, which will act as an invisible companion to visitors, providing them with information as they move through the pavilion. IAMU technology will be showcased to the world for the first time at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Schmitz says: “As two issues high on the regional and global agenda, education and sustainability were important focuses for us when designing Campus Germany for Expo 2020 Dubai. Our pavilion concept has been designed to seamlessly combine exhibition and architecture, with a storyline that will grasp visitors’ interest and hold it from start to finish, inviting them to engage with the content and be actively involved in the experience.” www.cbnme.com

Al-Ali says: “At Expo 2020 Dubai, we want all our visitors to contribute to making the world a better place, and the German Pavilion will provide a fascinating platform for people to learn, have fun, and explore sustainability together. We look forward to seeing more compelling pavilion designs and themes revealed by other participating countries as we continue our countdown to Expo.”

An EU-wide notice of tender was published back in September 2017, inviting teams to apply to design the concept and to plan and build the interior and exterior of the German Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai. The brief also included the technical management of the pavilion during the World

Expo from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021, and the dismantling of the pavilion after the event.

Initially, applicants were asked to draw up a high-level concept. This was followed by a second phase, in which a 17-member selection committee (made up of representatives of various federal ministries, trade/industry associations, and experts on Expo and regional matters) chose five interdisciplinary teams to put through to the next phase – the design of a detailed concept for the German Pavilion.

“The awarding of the contract to facts and fiction and ADUNIC marks the end of a 10-month process. We are happy that things can now progress and building work can start on our

construction business news me // October 2018 //

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// Project

plot in Dubai next year,” says Schmitz.

Visitors to Campus Germany will begin their journey by ‘enrolling’. After providing basic information such as their name, nationality, and preferred language, they will receive an IAMUenabled badge that will guide them through the pavilion.

Campus Germany’s welcome hall will feature a large pit containing 155,000 balls, each of which will highlight a sustainability champion from Germany or tell its own sustainabilityrelated story. Visitors simply have to select a ball and place it under a scanner to uncover its message.

In line with its modular theme, the pavilion will feature different ‘labs’ for visitors to explore. The Energy Lab, Future City Lab, and Biodiversity Lab, for example, will enable people to learn more about Germany’s achievements and innovations in the field of sustainability, while becoming more aware of how their actions affect the environment.

By the end of the journey, each visitor will be awakened to the fact that a collective effort is required to achieve further progress in sustainability, and that there is more that unites humanity than divides it. The Campus Germany experience will finish with a collective task for visitors that will highlight the importance of collaboration to achieve an end goal, echoing Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

German Pavilion • Chosen subtheme: Sustainability

• Plot size: 4,500m2

• Maximum height: 27m

• Pavilion type: Self-build

• Anticipated total number of visitors: Up to three million

• Budget: AED213mn

• Ministry responsible: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

• Management: Koelnmesse GmbH

Germany will invest AED213mn in its Expo 2020 participation, with its 4,500sqm plot set to be one of the largest of the participating nations on the site. facts and fiction and ADUNIC were selected on the basis of the tender criteria. The main requirement was to take the Expo theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and the sustainability subtheme chosen

by Germany and translate them into a pavilion concept that will grasp visitors’ interest and hold it from start to finish while also creating a seamless marriage between the pavilion’s architecture and its content.

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// construction business news me // October 2018

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// Talking Point

Building it up Marcus J Morais, managing director, Najam al Marjan Building Materials Trading, talks about the success story of the business.

Our specialisation is in flooring products, mainly porcelain and ceramic tiles. � products. We are authorised dealers for couple of tiles manufacturing and sanitaryware manufacturing companies in Oman, India, and China.

What are the regional projects that you have supplied materials to?

We have supplied our materials to various projects, including major ones like Mudon, Remraam, NShama, Kings Schools, Holiday Resort in Dibba, Dubai Muncipal Furniture market, and many more.

Give us a brief overview of the company.

Najam al Marjan Building Materials Trading is part of Anaaya Group of Companies. Anaaya is a well-diversified group in IT solutions, digital marketing, education and management consultancy, e-commerce, and building materials trading. We are one of the leading, next-generation technology and trading companies with strong business interests in technology, trading, and management consultancy.

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How do you differentiate yourselves from the competitors?

We are project focused company. Due to our association with the manufacturing factories, we are in the position to customise our client’s requirement much more efficiently and effectively.

What are your different products in the market?

Our specialisation is in flooring products, mainly porcelain and ceramic tiles. We also offer sanitaryware

// construction business news me // October 2018

How do you maintain the sustainability standards of your products?

We follow the Government of UAE Authority specialisations over and above any specific requirements by clients.

Any plans for the rest of 2018?

2018 has been very optimistic for our business and, fortunately, we are in line with our forecasts. We are in the process of acquiring two major projects before the end of the year. We have been present in the market since 2014 and were fortunate to break even in the very first year.

Azizi Berton, in Al Furjan, Dubai

// Heavy trucks

Gaining momentum Renault Trucks International’s Olivier De Saint Meleuc on why now is the time to invest in the Middle East

S

itting down with CBNME, Olivier De Saint Meleuc, SVP, Renault Trucks International, is a calm and assured presence. Even in the midst of a whirlwind few days of an event where the media mixes with Renault Trucks importers and customers from across the region, he spares time to eloquently and diligently present a 58

confident outlook for the company.

Last year saw a touch under 50,000 trucks (49,930) delivered globally by the company. With most manufacturers admitting it was a challenging 12 months, the 4% increase in sales (including a 7% rise in the 6t category) can be considered a success for Renault Trucks. Indeed, the company

// construction business news me // October 2018

managed to improve its share by 0.6 points in the shrinking Europe market and the question is now whether it can take this momentum into an international business which has been traditionally been focused on the Middle East and Africa region.

Despite a fall of 4% in truck invoices (with 4,886 units) sold by Renault

Trucks International last year, it remains the market leader for European manufacturers in the French-speaking countries. It is also proving that it can tackle sluggish markets beyond its historical strongholds in countries like Turkey where it notched a 40% increase in volumes. Looking even further afield, it is quickly reacting www.cbnme.com

to opportunities when they present themselves such as in Pakistan, where the company has scored a notable surge in demand despite stiff opposition from Asian truck-makers and China in particular.

When asked why Renault Trucks is spotting openings in markets that its other Western competitors may

have missed, De Saint Meleuc tells CBNME that the truck-maker has benefitted from being able to work with importers that both understand their own market but are also able to translate why the French truckmaker’s vehicles make financial sense in the long-term.

“What we have felt for many years is that it is important to have offices in each of the countries in which we operate and have people on the ground to understand what the customer really wants and the other key strategy for is to work with our importers because they are running each country and know the culture,” he enthuses. “The dealer always knows the customer better than we do. The trust in our importers is the key for how we want to build our infrastructure worldwide.”

The key theme that continues through almost every conversation in its dealer network to the end customer is explaining the true value of the total cost of ownership (TCO). Renault Trucks wants owners of its vehicles to look beyond the initial cost of buying the truck and the importers are key to proving the numbers can stack up over time, he adds.

“The principle of a conversation on TCO is pretty much the same everywhere. In every country of the world where I have been selling, customers always overestimate the cost of the truck itself and the cost of the maintenance. Customers typically tend to overestimate these costs and underestimate the cost of the fuel. Or they believe that they cannot do anything about them,” remarks De Saint Meleuc. “Of course, the ratio and the importance of fuel will vary quite a lot from one country to another, as will the cost of the driver, but the overall conversation remains the same.”

The past year has also seen a funnelling of much of Renault Trucks International’s business in the region through its recently opened Greater Middle East facility which oversees both its new and used sales efforts as well as its finance team. The new

construction business news me // October 2018 //

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// Heavy trucks

office is part of an overall global strategy to prepare Renault Trucks International for growth and matches the targeted roll-out of its latest vehicles in its K, C, and T ranges and its re-emergence in some markets like Sudan and Ghana.

The Greater Middle East operation is helmed by VP Gregoire Blaise.

Joining de De Saint Meleuc to talk to CBNME, he says, years taking on Chinese and regional competitors in Asia taught him that being as close as possible to the dealer and customer is critical. It is approach that is now being applied in the Middle East.

“Going back to 2016, we decided that we needed to be closer to our customer,” says Blaise. “The main purpose must be to be able to listen as closely as possible.”

“We consider that the actual market size is very low but when Europe drops, the Middle East will grow. This is why we are making the investment now; investing in a new headquarters, re-staffing in all different countries, investing in new importers,” adds De Saint Meleuc. “We invest now so we can take the fruit when the market is higher. The Middle East is high on our agenda at Renault Trucks.”

One of the biggest challenges facing all commercial vehicles manu60

facturers in the region is addressing fleet operator and trucks owner reluctance to adopt the very latest technology, even when it is in the best interest. Perhaps the best example of this is the use – or lack – of automatic transmissions. In the Optidriver system, Renault Trucks has arguably one of the best in the market and has proven that it can deliver savings to fuel and overall costs of maintenance and repairs.

Sharing a lot of the development

// construction business news me // October 2018

with sister company Volvo Trucks, which has its own comparable IShift automatic transmission, De Saint Meleuc explains that Renault Trucks is continuing to invest in the system to optimise fuel consumption.

“It's really more fine-tuning than dramatically changing the gearbox.

We are happy with it and so are our customers,” he says confidently. “I am convinced that Optidriver is most probably the best gearbox that we have on the market. And for construction and, of course, for long-haul applications it is a fantastic gearbox.”

Optidriver has been well-received in Europe with almost all Renaultmade trucks selling with the automatic gearbox installed. De Saint Meleuc says that in some international markets, it can take more time to convince drivers, “because they feel that they are better at anticipating on the roads and so on, but the reality is that although an extremely highly skilled driver can save a slight bit of diesel fuel, they have to be extremely good to be better than the gearbox. From a pragmatic perspective it doesn't make sense”.

He continues: “Probably the best benefit we see with the gearbox is the safety of the drivers. The more you focus on choosing your gear, the less

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// Heavy trucks

you are focussed on what's happening on the road. From a safety perspective, it is a major step forward.”

Blaise adds: “The new Optidriver demonstrates adaptation, evolution, and we have some new features. We have addressed minor issues that we faced at the beginning. We are not the car industry and we are not launching new trucks every couple of years but there's a new engine in the range and we have extended the Optidriver system to allow you to have very slow movement of the trucks and still have control.”

Beyond the technology of its vehicles, Renault Trucks believes that its aftermarket support is vital to customers to ensure that they are a success. Encouragement to use its genuine spare parts and tap into its maintenance programmes has been widely successful with the manufacturer notching a 2.6% increase in its parts business last year. The company is now taking the approach further by extending its warranty to two years and De Saint Meleuc suggests this global strategy is a demonstration of its confidence in the quality of its manufacturing.

“We want to prove that one part is not equal to the other and buying genuine will make a difference,” he says. “Customers can trust that we are selling the right product for their vehicles. To launch this two-year warranty worldwide at the same time was a strong message to our customers that we believe in the quality of our parts. They are exceptional.”

Looking towards the next generation of trucks, Renault Trucks is stepping up the production of its first fully electric vehicles at its factory in Normandy. Still only at the testing phase, their inevitable introduction could find a market in some countries in the region.

August saw Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announce that it has endorsed new testing standards for electric, hybrid and self-driving vehicles as part of longterm strategy leading up to 2040 to see wide adoption of the technology.

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Waste management company, Bee’ah, also formed a JV with Crescent Technologies, ION, this summer to create the region’s first sustainable commercial vehicles fleet. While these are a relatively small steps in a long-term journey towards EV adoption within truck fleets in the region, De Saint Meleuc says that Renault Trucks fully supports the progress being made, but the process could be accelerated if the right regulation is introduced.

“Demand is not yet at levels seen in Europe where regulations are getting tighter on night deliveries and emissions,” he remarks. “Like all the major technical changes it has to be driven by political decisions such as the imposing of Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 6 standards. We are seeing more and more cities in Europe with low emissions zones and that could potentially lead to bans on diesel

// construction business news me // October 2018

vehicles in coming tenders.

Beyond the need for political support, he adds that there are also technological and financial barriers to overcome. For one, the battery technology isn’t quite ready for commercial vehicles use particularly in the demanding, power-hungry, environment of the Middle East. Furthermore, there remains a question of whether companies will pay a premium for it up front, if there isn’t legal pressure for them to switch to electric vehicles.

“Political decisions will help switching but there is still a very long way to go from a technical perspective,” he says. “However, we are preparing ourselves to be ready for this shift but, today, the complexity is that the business case for the customer is not there yet. It cannot become a large market until there is a business case, a payback, for the customer.”

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// Editor's pick

Key to success Demographic and climactic factors will impel Kuwait’s government to invest aggressively in the country’s utilities infra, with PPPs slated to play an important role in facilitating the necessary investment, says Fitch Solutions

T

he infrastructure public-private partnerships (PPP) market in Kuwait was set to accelerate on the back of legislation passed in 2015, which, among other changes, established a dedicated PPP unit overseeing the life of PPP projects and simplified what had been an opaque tendering process.

In a recent report by Fitch Solutions, signs were observed that this legislative overhaul is bearing fruit. In July, the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) for two power and water projects in the country. The PPP projects are Al Khairan Phase I and Az Zour North Phase 2, which comprises Az Zour North 2 and 3 independent water and power schemes. Both projects will cover design, build, financing, Operations, and transfer of a power generation and seawater desalination plant using combined cycle gas turbine technology.

The report also stated that similar PPP projects are expected in both the water and power sectors to proliferate in the coming years. On the one hand, the optimism is grounded in positive structural demand fundamentals that will bolster the financial viability of individual projects and offer investors the necessary confidence that initial capital outlays will be recouped by the off-taker.

With high evaporation rates and a lack of internally renewable groundwater set against the backdrop of a growing population, a warming climate will exacerbate existing water scarcity in Kuwait, which is forecast by the World Resources Institution to be among the most water stressed nations globally by the year 2020.

Desalination forms the country’s 64

Similar PPP projects are expected in both the water and power sectors to proliferate in the coming years. ” primary means of securing the necessary supply of potable water, currently accounting for roughly 93% of all freshwater resources. Given the technically complex nature of constructing desalination plants – and to a greater degree, combined power and water projects – private sector partners with a proven track record in delivering desalination technology will remain the government’s foremost option, making a PPP model a natural fit for developing the necessary water infrastructure base in the years to come.

On the other hand, a period of significant and prolonged fiscal weakness will incentivise the Kuwaiti government to utilise PPP projects in the utilities infrastructure space and allowing the govern-

// construction business news me // October 2018

ment to shift the initial capital expenditure burden onto the private sector. This will allow the government to maintain a degree of fiscal breathing room and prioritise other items on its investment agenda, which include a sweeping infrastructure diversification plan.

Heavily dependent upon oil exports to drive government spending (oil accounts for over 90% of exports), it is expected that Kuwait will continue to tap its PPP model in an attempt to insulate itself from the boom bust cycle of global commodity prices. The country has achieved a measure of success in moving away from a state-driven infrastructure investment model since 2015, with a Key Projects Database indicating that of 84 projects, 19 are currently moving forward on a PPP basis.

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// Save the date

Save the date Mark your calendar

October

2-4

October

8-10

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Cityscape Global Dubai, UAE Globally recognised as the largest and most influential real estate investment and development event for emerging markets, Cityscape Global always comes bearing a wide variety of exceptional projects and a plethora of opportunities. These come in the shape of apartments, houses, buildings, hotels, commercial establishments, and urban and chic retail spaces, among many others. Sprawled across nine halls, with 276 exhibitors from 25 countries, the 2017 edition marked a new milestone in its success story as its 38,000 visitors recorded sales amounting to a whopping AED870mn during the three-day event. In addition, CityTalks, the free-to-attend educational seminars on real estate, and Cityscape Awards for Emerging Markets, were as popular as ever and drew eager participation from visitors and professionals alike.

Infra Oman 2018 Dubai, UAE Infra Oman, dubbed as one of the largest building and construction expo in the Middle East, has been continuously defining the industry’s development for the last seven years. Supported by the Ministry of Transport & Communications, Royal Oman Police DG Customs, and the Muscat Municipality, the exhibition aims to contribute in meeting the growing requirements of the construction and infrastructure sector. It is considered as the annual meeting place for industry leaders, suppliers, and buyers in the Sultanate of Oman. Infra Oman has proved to be an ideal starting point not only for the local companies, but also for foreign entities that are more determined to be part of Oman’s growing market.

// construction business news me // October 2018

Proptech Middle East

October

29-30

November

1-3

Dubai, UAE The PropTech Middle East is one of leading property technology event which brings together property and real estate professionals to share their knowledge and visions for the future and discuss the emerging technologies that are shaping the industry today. The real estate sector is on the cusp of a technological revolution and is ripe for disruption. Key to this is the rise of proptech – property technology – which is set to transform the industry beyond recognition. The event, taking place at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, will provide two days’ worth of networking, over 40 international and regional speakers, an unrivalled agenda, and the opportunity to leverage the latest digital strategies, technologies and analytics.

IREIS Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE International Real Estate and Investment Show ranks as one of the prime trade events in the UAE, dealing exclusively with the real estate and finance sectors. The show highlights the potential of growth of the real estate industry in the property markets of the country and a series of topical seminars are organised here to help participants get acquainted with prevailing trends in the global markets. The event is attended by more than 90 professional exhibitors from this sector, showcasing banking and mortgage services, management consultancy solutions, leasing services, and property auction services, along with several other high-worth financial and property services. Participants at the show hail from all over the world lending a global feel to the entire event.

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