Construction Sites | February Issue no. 91

SITES C o n s t r u c t i o n

I ssue N o .91 - F ebruary 2015

Monthly Construction news, tenders, project focus, and forthcoming exhibitions in Qatar

Exclusive CARPENTRY & JOINERY PAGES 12-15

The total value of Qatar’s construction projects is estimated at $280.20 billion. It is estimated that the joinery sector is possibly worth more than $40 billion which is equivalent to the allocated budget for energy development. The construction industry in Qatar continues to embrace innovations which reduce construction time, promote sustainability and lessen environmental impact. Different practitioners in the joinery, BIM, sustainability, readymix concrete and cyber security sectors speak about their work.

PAGES 11-23

In Focus: USIVE EXCL Technology

green building PAGES 20-24

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Construction

SITES

News

Alstom showcases its clean energy UDC rewards contractor technologies at Abu Dhabi summit for environmental practices Alstom presented its latest expertise and technologies in power generation and electricity transmission at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) which took place in Abu Dhabi from January 19 to 22.

Alstom expects additional growth in the Middle East in 2015 as the growing region demands more power generation. The company is striving to cater to these needs through its latest innovations in clean power and clear solutions.

Energy diversification is gradually happening in the region, moving towards renewable power, with wind and solar energy expected to play a growing role in this future mix.

Alstom, which features a large portfolio of products in clean power generation and environmental sustainability, presented its smarter solutions to integrate power generated by these sources by actively managing power flow and maximizing renewable energy availability in order to reduce energy waste.

The Air Quality Control Systems (AQCS) were one of the Alstom key solutions displayed during an exhibition at the summit, demonstrating how coal and oil fired power could be generated today with low harm to the environment.

Experts from Alstom taking part in discussions at the summit included Lawrence Jones, who spoke on the “Next wave of innovation – from ‘Internet of things’ to ‘Internet of energy’ ” and Michael Ladwig, who discussed “Integration and deployment – research and capacity building”.

Sylvain Hijazi, President Gulf and Regional VP for Global Power solutions, expressed pride in participating in “one of the world’s foremost annual events on renewable energies and sustainable solutions”.

He said: “Our approach is focused on reducing fuel consumption, lowering environmental footprint and increasing flexibility and reliability. Alstom has been established in the region for more than 30 years and aimed to contribute to the building of a region based on energy sustainability.”

Today, the main concern of Middle Eastern countries - particularly in the Gulf - is to offer energy equity, environmental sustainability and energy security. “The solution to this sustainability trilemma is at the heart of Alstom’s work, delivering key components and turnkey power plant solutions to produce clean power at a cost-efficient price regardless of regional borders.”

Kahramaa’s solar power facility to be ready by 2016 The first solar power facility of Kahramaa (Qatar General Electricity and Water Company) is expected to be operational before 2016 with a generation capacity of 10 to 15MW. Kahramaa’s head of renewable energies technologies, Saleh Hamad Al Marri, said the tender for construction of the first package of the solar power facility had been floated recently.

The utility has targeted a generation capacity of 200MW through solar power by 2020 as Qatar seeks to move away from dependence on fossil fuels for its electricity needs.

Salah Nezar, Corporate Sustainability Director at the Doha-based Qatar Project Management (QPM), in a recent interview with Construction Sites, described solar energy as “the future”.

He said: “The technology might be expensive now but in future when fossil fuels have run out, all we will have is the sun. So tracking the strategic path of developing this technology as an alternative resource is quite important.”

Land and location The solar power station will be located in Duhail, covering an area of 100,000 sq meters.

To reach its target of 200MW of solar power, Kahramaa would require two million sq meters of open areas and is now in the process of identifying 60 sites across the country.

Because of the land crunch and high prices, the utility is on the lookout for land which would otherwise be unusable as well as locations like tops of water reservoirs.

Smart grid technology which will help optimize production by minimizing costs in areas such as assets and labor will be utilized, according to officials.

United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari shareholding company, has recognized the outstanding work of one of its contractors operating at the company’s urban development mega project, The Pearl-Qatar.

In a ceremony attended by The Pearl-Qatar’s Environment Department executives, Orientals Enterprises, the contractor of Bahri Villas South 25,26 and 27 on the Island’s villa strip located between Costa Malaz and Isola Dana districts, received the “Environmental Management Contractor of the Quarter” award for winning the “Best Residential Villa” category. The award recognizes the outstanding environmental practices employed by the contractor at the construction site throughout the last quarter of 2014.

“By winning this award, Oriental Enterprises demonstrated a plausible commitment to employing environmentally safe and conscious work standards and practices,” Environment Awareness and Communication Officer Shaikha Al Emadi said.

“We are proud of their performance and do acknowledge their hard work and highlight their accomplishments.”

She added: “While we recognize Oriental Enterprises’ accomplishments, we feel very fortunate to have this caliber of contractors working on our island. It’s both a challenge and a responsibility to select the best of the best, but we do look forward to having that same challenge when we make our award selections next quarter.”

Kate Fletcher, Senior Environmental Awareness Specialist at UDC, gave a presentation on the occasion, further highlighting the importance of complying with the tough environmental expectations UDC has set as part of the innovative award incentive program.

According to Fletcher, contractors are encouraged to not only meet those standards, but to also exceed them by using and following work practices that are environmentally conscious and in compliance with Qatar’s laws and with the environmental policies and procedures of UDC, the master developer of The Pearl-Qatar.

The Contractor Incentive Program is an initiative of UDC’s Environmental Department. It aims at providing contractors with the incentive to work in a more environmentally conscious manner, follow environmental laws and regulations, create awareness about the environment among workers on the construction sites and be recognized publicly for their performance and accomplishments.

Agreement to improve Qatar’s $280 billion projects to open the door further to investors road safety standards The total value of Qatar’s construction projects is estimated at $280.20 billion, according to Ventures ONSITE, The Middle East & North African (Mena) countries Construction Projects Tracking System.

These are split amongst various sectors, including, buildings ($136.48 billion), infrastructure ($103.42 billion) and energy ($40.29 billion) development.

The large allocations for development projects are expected to open the door further to investors.

The adoption of a budget of this magnitude will spur Qatar to diversify its income sources in order to continue growing as a dynamic economy.

Qatar may have a small population, but it has huge plans for its infrastructure development in the next 20 years. It is the second most attractive market in the world for investments in infrastructure.

Each year, Qatar’s construction market continues to grow with several projects in the pipeline.

Many of these projects were planned before the FIFA World Cup win and are integral to realizing Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

But the 2022 World Cup gives an added incentive for existing infrastructure plans by providing a hard date by which they must be operational. In 2014, the country saw an increase in awarding contractors with various projects. From 2013 to 2014, contractor awards increased from $18.02 billion to $35.95 billion, which includes buildings, infrastructure and energy sectors.

Commenting on the status of the construction sector in the state, Rawad Sleem, the Project Manager of the Project Qatar show, said: “Investment is reaching record levels in Qatar as interest in the construction market is skyrocketing due to the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the goals of the Qatar national Vision 2030. Qatar’s construction projects have been estimated at around $280 billion.”

Transportation-related projects planned in Qatar include a new national railway system, featuring the Doha metro, light rail, freight and high speed lines.

Such a huge development program continues to attract new entrants to the construction market, and indeed many other areas of business.

Furthermore, recent reports have estimated that the global construction equipment market will hit $145.5 billion by 2015, with a steady increase of heavy machinery sales across the GCC, and the consumption value of construction vehicles reaching $37.9 billion by 2015 in Qatar (World Market Intelligence, WMI).

As more and more vehicles hit the road in Qatar with the rapid increase in population, traffic accident rates are climbing.

In an effort to make Qatar roads safer for commuters, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) during the annual general conference organized by the Automobile International Federation (FIA) in Doha December last year.

The memorandum paves the way to adopt road safety standards that are implemented by iRAP to evaluate roads in Qatar. The standards aim to raise the safety levels on the high-risk roads to a three-star minimum as per the standards approved by the program.

The authority’s representative, Yousef Al Emadi, Manager of Roads Operations and Maintenance Department in Ashghal, signed the MoU with iRAP Chairman John Dawson.

“Our collaboration with iRAP represents an important milestone towards providing safe roads for all those living in Qatar,” said Al Emadi.

“It is also an important contribution that will support the National Road Safety Strategy, and we are proud to be part of these efforts that will play a role in reducing road accidents and saving lives,” he added.

FIA Director General Saul Billingsley commented on the MoU, saying: “We are delighted with the hosting of our annual general conference that will mark the beginning of a new partnership between Qatar and iRAP. This partnership is an example of the innovative approach that leads to measurable results and it contributes to reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries in Yousef Al Emadi, Manager of Roads Operations and Maintenance Depts in Ashghal, shaking hands with John Dawson, Chairman of iRAP after signing the MoU. Qatar.”

Construction

Environment

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Strategies towards minimizing carbon footprint of Qatar’s construction sector Climate change is the greatest long-term challenge facing the human race

By Dr Martha Katafygiotou Civil Dipl Eng & MSc, Energy and Sustainable Design PhD When Margrave Otto von Meissen ordered to cut down forests in Saxony in eastern Germany for extensive mining activities, a massive deforestation and destruction of the region´s ecosystems began.

Two decades later, in 1713, Hans Carl von Carlowitz, as the chief mining administrator, set as a principle for forest management that no more trees should be cut down than could be replaced by replanting new trees. He called this approach “Nachhaltend”, in English “sustainable”.

In 1987, the Brundlandt Commission of the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development coined and defined the meaning of the term “Nachhaltigkeit”, explaining that the only way forward into the future was a “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

And just another five years later, sustainability was used as principle in the Agenda 21 as agreed upon at the 1992 Rio Conference. Thus, the word made it into the broader public debate.

Today, more than 300 years after the term was born, the need to act on it is imperative. Climate change is the greatest long-term challenge facing the human race.

It is, therefore, a priority to reduce the carbon dioxide concentrations, which are one of the main contributors to climate change. High energy consumption also causes serious problems in the world today.

Buildings are responsible for 40% of the world energy consumption. Therefore, sustainability, and especially energy conservation, is a fundamental concern nowadays.

There is a great need among public and private sectors for improving the performance of new and existing structures such as schools, hospitals, museums, offices, dwellings, sports facilities, infrastructure, etc.

The foremost factor in design

is the users’ comfort. However, the aim of the architects and engineers is to succeed in both sustainability and comfort.

Indoor air quality, energy efficiency and thermal comfort conditions are the three main aspects that affect the indoor buildings’ environment and it’s not always easy to achieve them, especially in climates as hot as Qatar.

The concept of bioclimatic and passive design has recently been reintroduced into the market. It is a well-known and tested strategy which enhances a building’s performance. It is based on the development of an architectural design adapted to environmental conditions.

The utilization of favorable climatic elements can offer the users, indoor comfort conditions by minimizing the energy and water consumption in buildings and simultaneously providing more comfortable microclimate and outdoor spaces.

Based on that statement, different strategies could be adopted in different places, since the needs are entirely singular in each region.

For example, in case of Qatar, the climate is arid (dry, very hot and humid) and that makes it the second highest electricity consumer among GCC countries.

About 65% of Qatar’s electricity is consumed by cooling systems in all types of buildings. Furthermore the growth in economy and population in Qatar has been accompanied by an increased number of industrial entities as well as construction of industrial and commercial buildings.

As a consequence, electricity production in Qatar, between 1999 and 2010 has increased by about 3.7 times [UN Data, Qatar Thermal Electricity, in: U.N.S. Division (Ed.), 2013]. This trend is expected to continue in the near future due to the high social and economic development in the country.

This makes it worthwhile to investigate the possibilities of energy conservation systems in those sectors. Several initiatives for energy conservation in these sectors have been identified, especially in Europe and the USA. This

The strategy of environmental awareness aims at promoting green practices in all building types in addition to encouraging owners to be more conscious of sustainability concerns.

Since there is a huge potential of energy conservation and a substantial need for saving water in Qatar; the public and private sectors have already started the implementation of strategies towards minimizing the carbon footprint of the construction sector and improving the quality of life.

Additional to a number of other measures, the Gulf Organization for Research and Development in collaboration with T C Chan Center at the University of Pennsylvania and other reputed houses of expertise, developed the GSAS rating system (Global Sustainability Assessment System).

GSAS is the first of its kind Dr. Martha Katafygiotou performance-based sustainability rating system in the Dr. Martha Katafygiotou graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Mena region, which aims at (Greece), and holds a Dipl. Eng. and MSc in Civil Engineering. She received her creating a sustainable urPhD in Energy and Sustainable Design with focusing in the field of “Architecture, Energy Saving and Environmental Quality and Comfort” from the Cyprus Univerban environment to reduce sity of Technology. the ecological impacts while Her professional and research interests include sustainability with focus on ensatisfying local community ergy efficiency in buildings and environmental comfort in the built environment.

She participated in various international conferences and she has numerous scineeds. entific publications. She serves as a Scientific Reviewer in Elsevier and Taylor & In addition to addressing all Francis Publishers and she is a Member in Scientific Committees of International locally-relevant aspects of Conferences.

Recently she joined Gulf Organisation for Research & Development, GORD, as a sustainability, ecological imPost-doc Researcher. She was previously the Research & Development Manager pact and green building deat Qatar Green Leaders Company. Prior this, Dr. Martha Katafygiotou worked for sign criteria, GSAS developed 5 years at the Department of Environmental Science and Technology of the Cya standalone building energy prus University of Technology as a Researcher and a Teaching Assistant in undergraduate and postgraduate courses about Energy and Built Environment and she standard to support Qatar’s still serves there as an External Collaborator. building energy ratings. concern about green building eco-friendly approach, other- Studying the local situation in design seems to be gaining wise all the efforts will fall on Qatar, the weather, the local standards and practices and ground everywhere, includ- deaf ears. many more criteria, led to the ing, Qatar and other GCC countries.

As recent studies mention, the energy conservation factor becomes less promising when the enforcement and implementation of energy regulations are not well documented or followed up. Policies and regulations are the basis upon which to build the future of sustainability.

Smart technologies, efficient buildings and structures design and innovative materials follow legislation. The last but not least parameter of sustainability is the environmental awareness of citizens.

The drive towards changing behavior patterns is extremely important, so that citizens will be more receptive to an

formulation of value statements that are at the core of GSAS. The GSAS systematic assessment method is applied seamlessly from the macro to a micro scales encompassing urban design, infrastructure and buildings levels.

The comprehensive GSAS rating system combines the best features by measuring and evaluating every project on eight key aspects that have a direct impact on environmental stress mitigation: urban connectivity, site, energy, water, materials, indoor and outdoor environment, cultural and economic value and management and operations [GORD: http://www.gord.qa/, retrieved 12,2014].

Since the built environment has a direct impact on the natural environment, the economy and human health, there is a necessity in countries like Qatar which are rapidly developing, to instantly start action to avoid any undesirable environmental consequences.

The existing situation can be improved and future problems avoided through the way buildings are designed, constructed and operated; in other words, by adapting to green building practices which are already available.

There is no justification over the lack of knowledge anymore. We already have the best green practices; the only remaining thing is to act on it.

Martha Katafygiotou writes in her personal capacity as a green buildings professional.

SITES Mediation, an alternative dispute resolution process 4

Construction

Legal

The objective of mediation is to agree on a settlement in a conciliatory fashion with the help of a mediator whose role is to try and bring the parties towards a common appreciation of their respective positions.

With an increase in disputes and potential disputes, companies are looking to alternative ways of resolving their conflicts without resorting to expensive and lengthy litigation or arbitration proceedings.

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution which is finding its way into contracts or by way of agreement of contractual parties as an initial mechanism to attempt to resolve a dispute by way of amicable resolution before the referral of disputes to arbitration or to the courts.

Mediation is a confidential process of negotiations and discussions in which a “neutral” third party or mediator assists in resolving a dispute between two or more parties. It is generally considered to be a nonadversarial approach to the resolution of conflicts or disputes. The general role of the mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties, assist them on focussing in on the real issues of dispute and to generate options that meet the respective parties’ interests or needs in an effort to resolve the dispute.

Unlike arbitration or court proceedings, where the arbitrator or judge hears the arguments of both parties and then makes an award or gives judgment in respect of a dispute, a mediator assists the parties to develop a solution themselves. Although mediators sometimes provide ideas, suggestions or formal proposals for settlement, the mediator primarily assists the parties in defining agendas, identifying or reframing disputes, communicating more effectively, finding areas of common ground, negotiating fairly and reaching an agreement. Generally, therefore, the aim of a mediator is to guide the parties to reach a successful outcome or settlement, the terms of which have been negotiated, agreed and drafted by the parties themselves, rather than to make a determination of the issues in dispute.

Although a mediator cannot force an outcome, the process of mediation can be very effective, particularly in long running, deep-rooted conflicts. Even if the full range of grievances cannot be resolved, mediation is often useful for dealing with particular limited aspects of a wider dispute or narrowing the issues to be dealt with going forward.

Many of the well known institutions which deal with dispute resolution have mediation procedures, for example, the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (“CEDR”), the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) and the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”).

Alternatively, the parties are able to agree on their own procedure and terms, which are set out in an ad-hoc Mediation Agreement and which include terms empowering the mediator to, for example, direct timeframes and extensions of time, instruct on the submission of documents and detail costs.

Mediation is often a fairly short process in comparison to arbitration or litigation, beginning with the appointment of a mediator. Where parties are unable to agree on the identity of a mediator a mediation institution is able to act as an appointing authority.

The mediation itself (usually scheduled for one day) will begin with the parties meeting together with the mediator in an opening plenary session.

Each party would have the opportunity to present its case in brief to the other party and the mediator in this initial session.

This might include an initial indication from each party of the outcome it is looking for in a settlement, which is usually each party’s best-case position (albeit this is likely to change throughout the mediation). It is important to remember that the mediator is not adjudicating the dispute, so the focus of the opening session should be on presenting the case in a man-

It is worth remembering that the mediation process is intended to be entirely ‘without prejudice’ to the parties’ rights and it should be subject to a confidentiality clause in the Mediation Agreement.

ner to persuade the other party of the strength of your position and the weaknesses in its own case.

The objective of mediation is to agree on a settlement so the process and the parties’ approach to it should be more conciliatory than adversarial, although parties inevitably begin mediation with entrenched views (neither wanting to be the first to make a concession), which usually soften with the help of the mediator as the mediation progresses.

The mediator will be aware of the parties’ positions from the position papers and his role is to facilitate constructive discussions between them in plenary session and subsequently to discuss separately with each party, usually in private rooms, throughout the day how he perceives the relative strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case and identifies where each may be prepared to make concessions for settlement purposes. This process of separate meetings with the mediator tends to account for a large part of the day, although it will be the mediator’s objective to get the parties to a position where they might be close enough to meet and discuss terms on a more reasonable basis. This is where a mediator’s skill and experience really comes into play.

Although the mediator would not, without consent, disclose to a party the content of his discussions with the other, the mediator will try to bring the parties towards a common appreciation of their respective positions. In essence, the mediator brings a dose of reality and perspective to the parties, who will often have a strained relationship after an extended period of time in dispute.

Although the parties are likely to be represented in the mediation by their respective legal representatives, it is important that a representative from each party, with settlement authority, is present. This is for two main reasons, namely (i) in order that an agreement can be concluded at the mediation, or shortly thereafter, if things go well (even if the parties have reached an agreement in principle, settlement momentum can be lost if the mediation concludes with the parties each going away to seek instructions from a decision-maker with authority); and (ii), there can often be some benefit from the personal and/or professional relationships between the respective individuals present that might assist the parties in reaching a settlement (this ‘human factor’ goes beyond the legal arguments).

Opening statements in the initial session can be made by the parties’ legal representatives, although it is perfectly acceptable and sometimes desirable for a representative of a party to make an opening statement.

This approach may be seen as more conciliatory and commercial and less about the technical legal arguments.

It is worth remembering that the mediation process is intended to be entirely ‘without prejudice’ to the parties’ rights and it should be subject to a

confidentiality clause in the Mediation Agreement. With regard to documents, the usual practice is for the parties to agree that evidence produced during the mediation process is privileged and will not be admissible or disclosable in any litigation or arbitration connected with the dispute unless it would be admissible or disclosable in such proceedings in any event.

The mediator may make nonbinding recommendations and, if agreed between the parties, a binding settlement agreement will be drafted. Given that the parties themselves have been fully involved in drafting the terms of the agreement and are often satisfied that their disputes have been heard and understood, mediation can result in successful resolution of a dispute. However, where any party is unwilling to accept a mediator’s recommendation and no settlement agreement is forthcoming, the next step is usually a formal dispute resolution process, such as referral to arbitration or submission to the courts.

Mediation is extremely common in United Kingdom and the United States and is becoming more so in the Gulf in projects involving international companies familiar with the concept.

Importantly mediation involves the parties resolving the dispute commercially as between themselves, thereby avoiding

Laura Warren Laura Warren is a partner of the International Law firm, Clyde & Co LLP, in Doha. Laura has a wide ranging contentious and non contentious construction practice involving projects in Qatar as well as in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Libya, Egypt and Tunisia Laura is Co-ordinator for the Society of Construction Law (Gulf) in Qatar.

the additional costs and time incurred in proceeding to arbitration or other legal processes.

The success of mediation does, however, rely on the skills of a mediator to successfully negotiate a resolution and the commitment of parties to settle their conflicts.

Should you have any questions in connection with this article or the legal issues it covers, please contact Laura Warren, Clyde & Co LLP at laura.warren@ clydeco.com.

2nd Forum on Major Projects & Infrastructure Qatar

Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies with an estimated US$ 200 billion worth of projects still to be awarded, according to the conference organisers of the 2nd Forum on Major Projects & Infrastructure Qatar. The forum, held last month in Doha, specifically looked at contract management and dispute resolution methods. It was jointly chaired by Stephen Hibbert, General Counsel of Qatar Rail and Dominic Winfield, Legal Counsel for the Qatar Railways Company. The speakers covered areas of interest such as ‘Successful project and contract management techniques’, the topical issue of ‘Resolving Issues of Payment and payment delays in projects’ and ‘Strategies to avoid delay and minimize claims at the Construction Phase’.

The second day of the forum started off with a look at ‘Successfully managing and settling disputes in Qatar’. Dr. John Fletcher of RICS and Matthias Scherer, a partner at LALIVE, both spoke about their experiences in how to deal best with mediation. Scherer said that the main reason he thinks that mediation is not chosen as a dispute resolution mechanism is because of a lack of confidence in the process due to misconceptions. Arbitration and litigation, though both more expensive, more well known, according to Scherer. In his experience he has perspnally dealt with and resolved more 200 cases of arbitration and litigation but not more than 5 mediation cases. He added that this was not unique to Qatar but applied globally. However, because arbitration and litigation is more expensive and long drawn out, mediation is becoming a more attractive option. As with arbitration, the adjudication decision is not legally binding. He then proceeded to debunk a few misconceptions about mediation and also what the ICC said about the process. Mediation is quicker and can take about 4 months from the time of filing the dispute to its resolution. Whereas arbitration can take years and it is always a risk that the original project manager would no longer be with the company after 2 years. Scherer concluded that it is always difficult to assess the chances of success in advance but the willingness of the participants to take a constructive approach and the impact of meaningful mediation is worth a try in most circumstances.

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Construction

SITES

Analysis

Strategy forum debates oil price trends and regional implications

Abdullah Al Badri: Terminating investments in oil will lead to shortage in the future

T

he current oil situation is a wake-up call for GCC countries to adopt a strategy of economic diversification, according to Abdullah Al Badri, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and Henry Azzam, an economic expert.

They also argued at the seventh Arab Strategy Forum in Dubai that terminating investments in oil would lead to shortage in the future.

Al Badri and Azzam expressed the views while discussing the oil price movement and regional implications at the forum which reviewed different scenarios for the Arab economy in 2015.

The forum, held in last December, also examined the state of the political landscape in 2015.

In his address, Al Badri said: “The situation is quite different economically in the Arab region. There are three scenarios in the region. We have countries that are in the middle of active conflicts such as Syria and Iraq, which put neighboring countries like

Lebanon and Jordan under economic pressure that hinders their progress.

“We also have countries of the so-called Arab Spring such as Egypt and Tunisia that are under huge economic pressure because of the recent instability which has affected their economic development.

“Finally, there are the Gulf countries which were set for a healthy 4.5% growth.”

Al Badri added that the Opec convened a meeting on November 27 to discuss the declining oil prices in the global market.

The organization submitted its annual report to the member states, providing clarification on the global situation of supply and demand, in addition to the future outlook for 2015.

“This report was discussed by all the ministers of member states. The market fundamentals were not clear, so it was uncertain how many barrels of oil should be produced. In this scenario, the member states agreed to maintain the current production ceiling.

“I would also like to point out

that certain sections of the media have inaccurately reported that there are sanctions against Iran or Russia – this is not true as Iran is an Opec member state and has agreed to maintain the production ceiling,” he said.

Al Badri confirmed that the current dip in oil prices was not detrimental to the countries having a diverse economy.

He highlighted that at some stage during the last century, a barrel of oil was sold at $12 without causing the collapse of oil producing countries. The current low price, he said, would not affect GCC economies for at least three years due to the surplus they enjoyed.

“The current situation is a chance to review the public budgets of Opec countries. It is no cause for alarm and a good wake-up call for all GCC countries to adopt a strategy of economic diversification – away from dependency on oil and gas,” he said.

Investments On the subject of oil investments, Al Badri said: “There are some fears about low government spending on

oil production due to the low prices. Such opinions ignore the fact that prices remained steady at around $100 a barrel for a considerably long period. Therefore, there are huge surpluses that could be invested.

“I don’t think there are any tendencies to reduce investing in oil production or stop any current investment projects. Terminating investments in oil will lead to shortage in the future and risk a return to the 2008 scenario when prices hit $147 per barrel.”

Al Badri underlined that dependency on oil was still a reality despite the diversification in Opec members’ economies, noting that shale was not yet capable of competing with oil.

Al Badri pointed out that the large debt owed by American shale organizations, especially mid-sized ones, could lead to inflation.

He added that Opec was working with a vision that extended beyond 2025 and there were expectations that demand would exceed 50 million barrels a day.

In his address at the forum,

economic expert Henry Azzam said the Gulf countries were witnessing their “second boom”.

He said: “The fall in oil prices will have a positive impact on some countries, especially the ones that import oil, except Syria that already suffers from economic collapse.”

Quoting a study by McKinsey, he said that if the oil prices remained at $70 per barrel, investments in shale gas would fall.

“Shale constitutes 17% of the total world fuel production. There’s no doubt that we will see an increase in consumption and a decline in investment in conventional oil. Within a year or two, oil prices will reach healthier and fairer levels,” he said.

“Some investment projects will continue but the pace of their execution will be slower. There’s a good opportunity today to increase revenues from non-oil investments as well as reduce indirect taxes and increase prices of utility services.

This is the right time to start thinking of revenues from non-oil sources.

“Energy security is a strategic goal for the US and if oil prices fall more, the US might go for tax protection in order to preserve shale oil.

“It is imperative that the prices remain at affordable rates for both producers and consumers. We have to make sure of the possibility of import and production.

However, this process may take longer,” Azzam pointed out.

He predicted the GCC and Opec would not reduce their oil production as they had cash reserves/surplus that could help them finance the deficit.

“There is a correlation between the decline in oil prices and the fall of the stock markets,” he said.

“It is an indicator of the lack of confidence and trust the private sector feels. Private sector companies are fearful of a slowdown in the implementation of projects and a reservation of banks in lending.

“It is well known that the private sector formed the engine of the GCC economies and has contributed to their prosperity,” Azzam said.

Analysis

Construction

SITES

9

Organizations should be ready to face cyber-attacks

The attack surface of software environment is increasing day by day

O

ur generation is entering a future that will consist of the “Internet of Everything” (IoE) which is a term that is being used to describe how all devices that range from industrial machinery like boilers and power generators to household and commercial appliances, such as thermostats, TVs, fridges, as well as vehicles, that will be connected and communicated through the Internet.

As more devices become connected to the Internet, the attack surface increases and its vulnerabilities expand.

The amount of high-profile cyber-attacks and sophisticated malware we have witnessed in 2014 has been unprecedented with Heartbleed, Shellshock, Darkhotel and most recently Regin, to name a few.

“Unfortunately this trend will increase exponentially over the next five years, meaning all organizations should be ready to face this challenge head on,” says Chris Woods, the Director of Information

“As we face the future of increased cyber-attacks we should not be fearful of the threat but understand and mitigate against the risks.

Security at MEEZA. The attack surface of software environment is increasing with smart cities, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and the explosion of smart phones, all vulnerable to threats. The impact and damage can vary from data leakages, reputational damage to shutting down the entire electric grid within a city.

SCADA systems are critical to the construction, energy and power plant industries.

In general, SCADA systems are primarily used for gathering and analyzing real time data and they are heav-

ily used in control plants such as telecommunications, water and waste control, energy, oil refining and transportation.

A simple example of a SCADA system is to gather information such as where a leak on a pipeline has occurred and then transfer the information back to a central site, thus alerting the home station that the leak has occurred. SCADA systems can be relatively simple, such as one that monitors environmental conditions of a small office building, or incredibly complex, such as a system that monitors all the activity in a nuclear power plant or the activity of a municipal water system Exploiting vulnerabilities on a given SCADA system could potentially lead to mass disruption to critical infrastructure. A potential cyberattack could potentially shut down a telecommunication system or national electric grid an event that would cause blockage of vital operations of a country.

Woods comments: “Stuxnet malware targeted a nuclear

facility which was a game changer for SCADA systems; the amount of new vulnerabilities for these types of systems is increasing year after year. Organizations with critical SCADA systems should undertake a risk assessment with the appropriate counter measures.

“As we face the future of increased cyber-attacks we should not be fearful of the threat but understand and mitigate against the risks.

With this in mind organizations having critical assets and information to protect should have a cyber security strategy and a management framework to constantly review risks and provide counter measures to protect the organization.

“In cyber-security there is no ‘silver bullet’ that can protect an organization; however, taking a holistic approach to security will help you reduce the risks and decrease your exposure….to be continued/ This is the first part of an article in a series of 2 to be featured on cyber security.

Chris Woods, Director of Information Security, MEEZA Chris Woods is the Information Security Director at MEEZA and has two decades of director, senior management and architectural experience within Information Security, having worked across a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities for start-ups and billion dollar corporations.

Woods started his career in pen testing then has held positions such as chief security officer at European Space Agency, security practice lead at HP and undertaking cyber security roles within government military intelligence.

Woods was at the forefront in creating and launching the first Certified Commercial Security Operation Center in Qatar. He merges extensive hands-on experience with innovative leadership that drives teams towards excellence.

He holds a BSc in computer science and a number of security-related certifications and frequently contributes to the security community in Qatar and the GCC

10

Construction

SITES

Sound Insulation

Building materials and elements form starting point for great acoustic design

The history of construction is marked by a constant evolution of building materials. Natural materials such as stone or wood were widely used from the earliest age, resulting in buildings with thick walls and small openings. With the discovery of concrete in the early 19th century, thick walls turned obsolete.

The era of minimalism began and structures became thinner, lighter and easier to assemble.

Although the construction duration was reduced drastically and limitations to what could be built faded away, certain pitfalls emerged. One of these is the acoustic quality, colloquially known as sound insulation.

Importance of good sound insulation has been further emphasized as awareness on human wellbeing in buildings grew. The selection of appropriate materials and elements and their assembly into structures that provide suitable sound insulation is one of the most important parameters of the overall de-

sign and build. Not only from an acoustic point of view but also from thermal, fire safety and structural perspective. Generally, no perfect materials with exceptional sound insulating properties exist. Selection and combination of suitable materials, alongside immaculate detailing, is the key to success.

Solid concrete walls and heavy masonry units have historically been used wherever a greater degree of privacy was necessary. However, development of drywall systems enabled achievement of high sound insulation levels, significantly reducing the element’s mass.

Nowadays, the levels of sound insulation up to 50-60 dB can be comfortably achieved either by heavy solid constructions or light drywalls of appropriate assembly. If higher levels of sound insulation are required (cinemas, theaters, night clubs, etc.), a combination of solid and lightweight construction methods yield great results,

Building element 200 mm concrete masonry unit 250 mm solid concrete Drywall (1 layer of gypsum board on each side of the wall + insulation in the cavity) Drywall (2 layers of gypsum boards on each side of the wall + insulation in the cavity) 200 mm solid concrete wall + drywall with 2 layers of gypsum boards and mass loaded vinyl barrier added Double glazed facades Regular wooden door

Sound insulation 50 dB 55-60 dB 40–45 dB 50–55 dB 70-80 dB 35-45 dB 30-35 dB

as two separate constructions provide better sound insulation compared to a single construction of same width.

Certain specialist materials can further enhance acoustic performance of building elements; however, they always form part of a certain system. The following table outlines some of the widely used building elements and their approximate sound insulating performance.

Values listed as well as any value of sound insulation published should be considered with care, as site conditions and level of craftsmanship frequently diminish expected acoustic performance.

Problems usually happen at interface of different materials or systems. Not only due to complexity of certain details, yet because work is often divided amongst various contractors who do not coordinate properly.

Some of the frequent problems are mentioned below.

Doors The acoustic performance of doors is usually misunderstood. Regular wooden door will achieve a maximum of 3035 dB sound insulation, hence specialized acoustic doors should be considered for higher values. Wrong selection of doors, poor craftsmanship and lack of acoustic seals are gen-

eral flaws encountered on sites throughout Doha.

Facade and curtain wall Modern double or triple glazing provides a high level of sound insulation. However, as glazing is installed in a full façade system, its acoustic performance will be determined by the weakest part of the system, i.e. aluminum frame and parapet.

Therefore, façade systems should be tested as a whole system; not relying on sound insulation of glazing alone.

Interface of curtain wall with interior partitions emerges as one of the key problems in towers and presents a headache for majority of Doha’s flagship projects.

At the point where an interior partition meets curtain wall, i.e. at aluminum mullion, sound insulation is cut down to minimum, regardless of the composition of façade and the partition itself. In such a situation, partitions which would usually achieve 50 dB sound insulation, ultimately achieve 30-35 dB. This is one of the main reasons why conversations taking place in offices or bedrooms can be clearly heard in buildings with curtain walls.

Decisions on building materials and elements are usually made in the early design stages. A wrong selection or poor detail-

Maro Puljizevic Senior Acoustic Engineer at Al Mana & Associates Maro Puljizevic is the Senior Acoustic Engineer at Al Mana & Associates, responsible for managing the Acoustic Team. During 8 years of his professional practice, Maro worked in Civil Engineering Institute of Croatia as the Head of the Building Acoustics Laboratory and for Norman, Disney & Young (NDY) as an Acoustic Consultant in both New Zealand and Australia.He graduated at Civil Engineering University of Zagreb (Croatia) and holds Master of Civil Engineering degree. As an Acoustic Engineer, focused on building, architectural, environmental and HVAC acoustics; Maro took part in numerous landmark projects such as Burj Qatar, Hamad International Airport and Perth Children Hospital. Maro is actively involved in Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) interest groups, raising awareness of acoustics as an important factor of Indoor Environmental Quality.

ing will yield bad acoustic conditions which may be difficult to correct later on.

In order to anticipate and solve

any potential problems, an acoustic consultant should be engaged right from the start of every project.

Solutions for your formwork needs Versatile Systems: The complex geometry of the Abutments with inclined counter fort, complete with massive reinforced concrete structures, required the use of flexible, versatile formwork systems – and continuous on-site support. That’s why we successfully used ACROW H20 & Soldier System.

ACROW H20 & Soldier system is a multipurpose system, where it can be used in different applications. The elements are easily and quickly assembled by connecting the H20 timber beams to the soldier by the means of H20 connection.

Moreover, elements dismantling are done as easily as system erection. In addition, this system proved to be one of the most economical alternatives compared with steel frame formwork panel system, where it comes to both complicated designs and numerous non-typical applications.”

Qatar Address: Salwa Road, Doha , Qatar , PO Box : 15104 Tel.: (+974) 44582357 Fax.: (+974) 44582376 E-mail: acrowqatar@acrow.co, website: www.acrow.co

Main Office: Wady Houf, Helwan, Egypt.

Tel.: (+202) 23690616 Fax: (+202) 23695290

Qatar . Kuwait . Oman . Saudi Arabia . UAE . Algeria . Morocco . Libya

12

Quality woodwork: challenges and opportunities

By Eng Rawhey Eldabagh, MA, CET, CIPM, LA Executive corporate advisor & trainer Woodwork and millwork manufacturing is a multibillion dollar industry. It presents a huge investment opportunity as every construction project involves both rough and soft woodworks.

Both the rough and soft woodworks are considered as a work of art. Many people are not aware that it is quite a journey to complete small, medium and large projects and the key role for woodwork in them.

It takes good vision and careful planning to create an artistic work; it requires to have an idea how things shall begin and end; it also takes imagination, careful calculation, proper shop drawings for outstanding woodwork projects and fine art

finishes. Therefore, an experienced craftsman is required to do the job. Unlike some building trades, carpentry is a strenuous work.

Woodwork is considered one of the core industries in North America and Europe due to its extensive use in construction framing and finishing. In the Middle East too, the use of woodwork has been increasing as the construction industry is going through a boom period.

Carpenters play a vital role in the construction process.

Professional carpenters Carpenters have similarities in job performances as they work from blueprints, instructions given by supervisors through layout, marking, measuring and arranging resources according local country building codes.

They build different construc-

tion facilities, install and repair structures and fixture made for residential and commercial building such frame for building structure, interior and exterior walls, form work, insulation, installation, trim, siding, cabinets and roofing, using different tools and equipments to assist on performing their work with higher precision and accuracy when cutting and trimming.

Other works range from shaping wood, plastic, fiberglass and drywall.

Carpenters who work for large contractors may be charged with certain responsibility such as constructing wooden forms for pouring concrete, erecting scaffolding and other tasks assigned by the construction manager. Yet with different contractors, carpenters may build tunnel bracing, underground passageways to control air circulation, build concrete forms for bridges, tunnel and sewer construction projects.

Injury risk With all the activities performed by the carpenters, their risk of injury comes from working with rough material and sharp edges, bending, kneeling, long time standing and in some cases climbing. Those who work outdoors could experience more serious injuries and illnesses because of ex-

treme weather conditions.

Standard working hours are 40 hours a week but in most cases contractors may ask carpenters to work longer hours to meet targets.

Today carpentry skills are taught in specialized schools or colleges where students will receive technical diplomas.

Studies involve knowledge of mathematics, understanding engineering drawings and blueprints and methods to measure work that need to be done professionally.

Challenges A hazardous working environment is common in the construction industry and unless safe work practices are enforced by the government or by the company itself.

But today the Middle East is more mature and there is a greater understanding of safe working conditions than ever before. It is no longer acceptable to the government to have a construction site without the necessary safety regulations in place. Contractors could face penalties or be shut down.

Therefore, the imperative to improve conditions have to be there and organization enhancement has to continue.

Marketing Carpentry companies and woodwork organizations con-

sider marketing to be a nightmare. The industry faces many conditions and environments.

There are several useful steps that carpentry companies need to consider: • First, identify your quality of work delivered to any project • Second, ensure your quality work is an added value and improve on that • Third, ensure that your price is competitive compare to others.

Fourth, recognize your safety condition There are a number of challenges facing the industry and the above mentioned are just few.

But they form the core of the issue and need to be improved upon, to start with. *Eng. Rawhey Eldabagh (MA, CET, CIPM, LA) writes in his personal capacity as an executive and corporate advisor & trainer. He can be contacted on rawhey@averroesadvisory.com

the sector?

Demand varies according to the type of projects. Commercial projects, according to our experience, require a massive production of joinery items. Some exclusive projects like palaces or high-end hotels require more custom-made items, including the traditional “mashrabiya” or CNC routed/hand carved panels. For prestigious projects, timber is often used.

Do you face shortages of skilled workers in the sector? If so, what are the solutions?

Getting skilled workers in the sector of joinery/carpentry is a challenge. As a matter of fact, carrying out high-end joinery projects and respecting international standards, it is necessary to employ skilled professional carpenters. Once we hire our carpenters, we have to give them continuous training and update their skills periodically to face the challenges and competition in the market. We have a great advantage and are proud of having long-service carpenters involved in this profession since generations.

What are the latest trends and techniques in the sector that you offer you clientele?

At present, classical design, like French and European, is the most admired style of interiors in Qatar. From time to time, other trends like modern and contemporary are also used in

projects. Accordingly, the finishes vary and we do use different type of finishes like glossy finish, matte, rustique or natural effects...

What type of equipment does your company use?

Have there been technological advancements in the sector?

Our company uses the most modern equipment and machinery. We use the following production lines: • Solid-line catering to customized joinery projects • Panel-line catering to high volume mass production jobs • Furniture-line catering to furniture jobs • Finishing- and painting-

lines catering to line finishes.

Do you work with the specialized software?

Our manufacturing facility is equipped with AutoCAD-drawings-readable machines, CNC machines for machining, routing and carving and robotic spraying line. Our production facility has also multiple head, multiple access CNC machining centers.

What drives the demand in the sector?

The latest trends in the design and the knowledgeable client drive the demand of the joinery and carpentry sector. Environment and eco-friendly requirements also influence the sector.

What are your strengths in

the sector that differentiate you from your competitors?

We are well-known in this industry because of our 37 years of experience and our large manufacturing facilities. Moreover, the wide range of timber that we able to source internationally, from the original sources, enables us to offer an extensive choice of high-quality materials and interior finishes. Our full range of expertise, from the preparation of drawings to the product manufacturing, means that we can deliver an excellent finished product. Our motto is “No Shortcuts to Quality” and we always aim to deliver a product that is the absolute satisfaction of our client.

Carving out success

The GICI group has developed a high level of expertise in identifying the latest trends in joinery and carpentry and blending modern design with regional traditions and culture. CS talks to GICI group CEO Mr. John E J and Business Development Manager Ms. Djemila Ourabah about the joinery and carpentry (J&C) market in Qatar and the importance of preserving traditional techniques in the sector.

Could you give an overview of the carpentry and joinery market in Qatar?

The Carpentry and joinery market in Qatar is vibrant. With

the continuing growth of the C&J market in Qatar and the increasing number of projects, there is a real requirement for reliable and quality joinery manufacturers in Qatar. We, GICI (Gulf International Construction & Interiors Company WLL, Doha), a member of the Services & Trade (S&T Oman) Group, have been in this industry for more than 37 years and have executed several types of projects, of high quality that we believe can cater to the demands of the market.

What are the customers’ requirements and demands in

By Eng Rawhey Eldabagh, MA, CET, CIPM, LA Executive corporate advisor & trainer

•

‘Oguzkent’: A five star hotel in Turkmenistan showing intricate woodwork and inlaid design Designer - Living Design, Sweden

13

Specialized Products: * Wardrobes * Kitchen Cabinetry * Bespoke Furniture * Display Cabinets * Decorative Doors * Hard Wood Carving * Veneered Wall Paneling * Hardwood Parquet Flooring works * Non-Fire Rated & Fire Rated Doors * Custom Built Counters and Cabinets * Pergolas and External Decking features

www.alkaun.com

14

The fit-out and joinery sector sees good prospects in region

The fit-out costs of a building form close to 60% of the construction budget, according to Sajid Muhammad, General Manager of Al Kaun Joinery Just over a century ago most structures were built from wood and no tradesmen were more useful than the carpenter and joiner. The main business of the carpenter was to cut and join timber and board into sturdy wooden homes and shops.

Joinery is one of the specializations of carpentry.

Carpenters were also hired to do repair work and build additions to existing structures and other outbuildings. Brick structures, too, required finishing work and routine maintenance.

A carpenter would work from a building’s foundation to its roof ridge. He laid floors, chiseled mortise-and-tenon joints, framed walls, raised rafters, carved moldings, hung doors and nailed weatherboard.

There is a big gap in the market for affordably priced unique furniture… the demand for our pieces is very high.

We rarely have people tell us they believe are pieces to be too highly priced. In fact it is very much the opposite.

A joiner would finish interiors by joining together pieces of wood and might work on door and window frames and staircases and other wood pieces within a house or building without using any nails or screws.

With the proliferation of glass and steel buildings mushrooming across the globe, we could be mistaken in thinking that there is no longer any need for carpenters or joiners. Even wooden furniture, we find, can be assembled by a person unskilled in woodwork as one can buy a flat pack of modular type furniture items from any modern furniture store.

But these observations are quite misleading, as Construction Sites (CS) has discovered after speaking to three different players in the carpentry and joinery sector in Qatar.

Commenting on the joinery sector in Qatar, Sajid Muhammad, General Manager of Al Kaun Joinery, says that it is a largely undervalued market but its contribution to the construction process is significant. He says the fit-out costs of a building form close to 60% of the construction budget and of that 50% is for joinery.

According to Ventures ONSITE, The Middle East & North African (MENA) countries Construction Projects Tracking System, the total value of Qatar’s construction projects is estimated at $ 280.20 billion, which are split amongst various sectors, including, buildings ($ 136.48 billion), infrastructure ($103.42 billion) and energy ($ 40.29 billion) development.

If that is the case then the joinery sector is worth more than $40 billion which is equivalent to the allocated budget for energy development. This presents a huge opportunity for those in the fit-out and joinery sector.

According to the Project Qatar organizers, such a huge development program is bound to attract new entrants to the construction market and to many of its areas.

However, focus at large construction sector exhibitions continues to be heavy equipment, vehicles, machinery and cranes.

Recent reports have estimated that the global construction equipment market will reach $145.5 billion by 2015 and the consumption value of construction vehicles reaching $37.9 billion by 2015 in Qatar (World Market Intelligence, WMI).

However, it doesn’t seem to be as lucrative as the fit-out market. The consumption of heavy equipment is limited as machinery has a rather long lifespan, much longer than trends in the interior design sector.

CS also spoke to Eng Rawhey Eldabagh (MA, CET, CIPM, LA), an executive and corporate advisor and trainer in the construction sector. According to Eldabagh, woodwork is considered to be a core industry in North America and Europe due to its extensive use in construction framing and finishing.

The use of woodwork is on the increase in the Middle East as the construction work booms in the region.

One would imagine that this being an expatriate labor market, those artisanal skills would be in short demand here. However, Muhammad says that it is not a challenge at all, as the work is now almost 80% mechanized, unless a client asks for a fully handmade item.

The most costly elements are the woods and the veneers which are very expensive in the region as they all have to be imported. As there is an almost unlimited range of choices in materials, colors and textures, deciding on the final product can be a painstakingly slow process and one needs to be patient.

“In this industry you must have patience; if you do not have the patience to persevere with the client then you will not do well.

And ultimately you are known by your last project,” says Muhammad.

“In this sector you have to have to make a personal connection with the client.”

Al Kaun specializes in the fitout and joinery for palaces and luxury retail outlets and hotels, which, according to Muhammad, will continue to be a burgeoning market for a few years

It takes a long time to build a quality company and it is easy to break due to unfaithful work and bad craftsmanship.

to come.

Attention to detail to achieve fine finishes is what company owners are looking for when hiring carpenters, maintains Eldabagh. He adds that the ability to work safely and neatly is essential, considering that mistakes are not an option as they are often irreversible and costly.

Muhammad started with Al Kaun in 2006. He says that things have changed dramatically since then. He says that the cornerstone of his work ethic is to have the best people working at the factory.

He maintains that if you have the best people on the ground, you do not have to worry about quality. You can then focus on “precision and order”. And these two elements are clearly visible in the spotlessly clean and brightly-lit workshop area of Al Kaun. Not for him an untidy factory so characteristic of Industrial Area spaces.

Creu Qatar has been making waves in Qatar with its exceptional handmade collections.

Creu which means “create” in Welsh is the brainchild of Habib Alfar. They are relative newcomers to the sector. They focus on the niche market of customized furniture. However, unlike Al Kaun, their furniture is completely hand-finished and made in small numbers. Their unique selling point is their made-toorder products. All pieces are crafted in-house.

According to Alfar, they ‘creu’ unique pieces of furniture at affordable prices for both home interiors and the commercial sector. Originally from the UK, Alfar founded the business early 2013. He has been a resident of Qatar for almost 20 years and spent about 6 of those in the oil and gas industry. He found that the oil and sector was not for him and decided to try something new.

It seems that the myth that artisans are not available in Qatar in the woodwork and joinery sector is largely unfounded.

Muhammad says that the Al Kaun artisans that he employs have been with them for more than 15 years.

It seems that this is the case with CREU as well, even though they have been operating for a shorter time. Alfar says that the

Al-Kaun Joinery

CREU team is made up of highly skilled craftsmen from all over the globe.

In any event, 80% of the work is mechanized and hand-finishing is only used as a final touch and where machines are unable to complete the task. The amount of work that they have also does not allow for much handcrafting.

Another key element of the business for Muhammad has been certification. He was especially particular about their FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. They obtained the Chain of Custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, a system which allows the tracking of FSC-cer-

tified material from the forest to the consumer.

El Dabagh told Construction Sites that in his experience companies only moved forward when distinguishing themselves from the crowd by establishing the quality of work performed and ensuring product delivery.

He says that being in the carpentry sector should be seen as a long-term business. “It takes a long time to build a quality company and it is easy to break due to unfaithful work and bad craftsmanship.”

He warns that one should be aware of your company reputation and look at how you protect it and improving it as you grow.

15

AL MISNED: Developing Contemporary History Such well-developed timber joinery is the result of Almisned carpentry tradition that is more than 50 years old in Qatar market. A family legend business started in 1962 with Commercial Register No. 9 to participate into the renaissance of the State of Qatar as a main contractor accommodated Concrete Plant, Crusher, Construction Machines, Trading and Joinery as a main primary ventures. In 2002, Almisned became an independent holding that possess as one of the leading companies in Qatar.

Through its vision found that authenticity of human start from seeking quality of life that impress the spirit and relax the mind to achieve the self-satisfaction by looking at the best and smelling the history in traditional pieces of art, Almisned revolve his ancient attributes and explore modern techniques that build beyond foundation in the Carpentry and Joinery industry. Using pioneered technology, building the product quality and saving the environment are the strategy to create the different solutions and achieve customer satisfaction. Almisned trust that Total Quality Management is an enormous concept in

mind. Planning and organizing is the perception of everyday to develop the desired management system that may deliver this concept to the employees who will serve the broad range of customers.

Over the years, the company is a well-established concern and aims to brand construction market with diversity of specialization in woodwork manufacturing.

Almisned is the key of transforming the natural wood raw material into useful products that serves the humanity in the life of many people.

OUR TEAM Almisned Joinery is driven by working Top Level caliber individuals from Management down to the Subordinates, collectively accumulated more than years of work experience in the construction and building industry. The people are crucial in the delivery of AMJ services and solution to the clients who are equipped with the right skills, knowledge and attitude. It endeavors to stay relevant to the ever-changing market place and client’s requirement.

The team provides numerous learning for current techniques and trainings with latest technologies in the line of manufacturing

process that produced quality products in accordance to the prevailing international standards which delivers customer satisfaction.

OUR PRODUCT Almisned is profound at every stage of the project life cycle from design stage through the construction phase undertaking short and long term maintenance and if necessary, refurbishment.

Throughout, the track record in Qatar proves the ability to deliver a prominent service and remarkable products that range specialized in Doors (Fully Solid Door, Semi Solid Door, BS Fire Rated Door, Carved Door), Carpentry and Joinery (Pergola, Window, Stair, Flooring, Ceiling, Partition, Cladding), Decoration and Furniture (Reception Counter, Desk, Table, Bedrooms, Vanity, Wardrobe, Commode, Kitchen, Credenza, Cabinet, Cus-

tomized Furniture), Cubicle and Panels (Toilet Cubicle, Back Panels, Locker).

With acquired modern machineries, Almisned is broadly experts in producing woodwork products that mold and shape things possible.

OUR SYSTEM Amidst business globalization and the expansion in business fields and segments, Almisned is being utilized Integrated Management System(IMS) for greater precision in planning and security in execution, founded on full optimization, clarification of issues, and identification of the business risks and Health & Safety factors.

Quality Austria in cooperation of IQNET, the International Certification Network certified Almisned in compliance with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007.

The company is likewise consistently obtained authoriza-

tion of Q-Mark International Fire Door Manufacture from BM Trada in related by UKAS Product certification which is fully committed in the scheme to British Standard, BS 476 Part 22 and complies with the performance aspects of a specification, installation instructions and production control system, all of which integrate with an approved Quality Management Scheme. Ensures continuous products performance and production has been taken into place.

Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) in US became Almisned a certified member in 2012 that commits in AWI standards to the sustainable management of the resources and a good steward of natural reserves in turn that will never end. The business works a new and better materials, and methods for fabricating, engineering, finishing and installing superior architectural woodwork.

Recently, Almisned had successfully awarded the Certificate of Compliance(COC)

by Intertek Testing Services NA, Ltd. of being comply in Warnock Hersey Mark (WHI) UL10c American standard for fire resistant doors and doorsets under the usage of Halspan product , mineral composite fire door leaves

and frames having 45, 60 & 90 minute fire resistance including hose stream.

Almisned strongly believes that acquiring modern international standards and incorporate in the latest system enhances the business to be intensely firm and build a solid foundation in Qatar Market.

OUR CUSTOMER It has built a wide-ranging expertise in commercial, industrial and residential commissions as concentrate in pioneering projects, with clients varying from private individuals to corporate companies. Since its establishment, Almisned always executes all awarded projects on time and in effective manner.

It aspires for continuously improve and delivers total satisfaction to any of the customers.

In ALl business and relations, Almisned placed a Mutual obligation with Integrity and quality Service that Nurture Effectiveness and efficiency towards Dedication and commitment. With inhouse technical skills, production facilities and rigorous quality control, Almisned guarantee the competent and successful fulfillment of all types from planning to execution.

18

Construction

SITES

Conference

QATAR SET FOR RECORD PROJECTS YEAR Qatar Qatar’s infrastructure projects pipeline is set to soar with more than $30bn worth of new projects deals in 2015, according to the latest data from MEED Projects, the region’s leading online projects tracker.The record year has come on the back of major project awards on Ashghal’s Expressway and Local Roads & Drainage Programmes as well as significant investment in real estate and transport projects such as Msheireb, Lusail and the New Port Project.

This year will be boosted by forecasted project awards on the $5bn-plus Al-Karaana petrochemical complex, the $2bnplus rolling stock and systems contract on the Doha Metro, and five main multi-billion-dollar packages on the mega water reservoirs main packages.

“Despite falling oil prices, Qatar has the project pipeline, the political impetus, and the financial reserves to continue project spending as it prepares to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup,” says Ed James, Director of Analysis at MEED Projects. “With around $30bn worth of projects, 2014 witnessed a 25% increase in project spending as compare to the year 2013, and there will

continue to be an upward trend in project activity.”

Project spending will be boosted by the fact that Qatar continues to be the fastest-growing economy in the GCC in the years to 2020 as the country presses ahead with one of the world’s most comprehensive and ambitious economic development and infrastructure programmes, the annual MEED Qatar Projects Conference in Doha on 10-11 March 2015 will be told.

According to the Qatar’s Ministry of Development Planning & Statistics, Qatar’s economy will expand by 7.7 per cent in 2015, providing evidence that the world’s leading LNG exporter expects lower oil prices will have minimal impact on growth.

“Solid expansion in non-hydrocarbon activities will continue to drive overall economic momentum, propelled by investment spending, an expansionary fiscal stance and population growth,” the ministry said. “In calendar years 2014-2016, the overall fiscal balance is expected to stay in surplus.”

Qatar is the Middle East’s most creditworthy economy. The Standard & Poor’s credit rating is AA. Moodys rating for Qatar sovereign debt is Aa2.

The IMF’s annual Article IV report on the Qatar economy published earlier this year showed Qatar’s budget and balance of payments’ surpluses were by far the highest in the region and

Qatar

were among the largest in the world. Its financial reserves are more than 100 per cent of GDP. “Qatar has ample policy space to deal with unexpected circumstances in the short term,” the IMF said. “Fiscal buffers and remaining natural resources are sizeable and spending is unlikely to be affected by a drop in hydrocarbon prices or market volatility in the near term.”

Qatar’s oil and gas wealth per capita is the highest in the world. “Qatar has enormous oil and gas wealth, especially in relation to the size of its national population,” Qatar National Bank said in a report in September. “At current extraction rates Qatar’s proven gas reserves would last at least another 156 years.” Combined oil and gas production in 2014 is

CONfiRMED SPEAKERS

H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Saoud al-Thani Governor Qatar Central Bank

10 - 11 March 2015 Grand Hyatt Hotel, Doha, Qatar

Detailing the plan to deliver Qatar’s National Vision 2030

HE Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser Al Thani Chairman Daruna

equivalent to more than 2 million barrels a day.

The resilience of Qatar’s economy and its commitment to the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 will be the themes of MEED’s annual conference.

Keynote speakers will include Qatar Central Bank governor HE Sheikh Abdulla Saoud al-Thani.

Other speakers are Remy Rowhani, director general of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry; chairman of Daruna HE Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser al-Thani; group chief executive officer of Barwa Ahmad Abdulla al-Abulla; chairman of the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) Dr Yousef Alhorr and director at the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation Ahmed Nasser Al Nasser.

Ahmed Nassar Al Kowsi, logistics director at Qatar Rail, and senior representatives of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) will also address the conference.

Topics to be covered will include latest developments in the national development strategy; trends and opportunities in the banking and finance sector and news about Qatar’s latest energy and infrastructure projects. The conference will focus on the challenge of delivering Qatar’s $200bn major project programme for the Qatar World Cup Finals in 2022 and after.

“Qatar’s going to lead the region and the world once more with further progress in the execution of its inspiring vision for the years to 2030,” says Edmund O’Sullivan. “Lower oil

prices can’t be ignored, but it’s clear that Qatar has the financial and human resources overcome this challenge. The MEED Qatar Projects Conference will be the perfect place to learn how Qatari, regional and global businesses can play their part in delivering the vision.”

The MEED Qatar Projects Conference is organised in partnership with Ashghal and in association with GORD. Daruna is gold sponsor; Mashreq Bank and UrbaCon Trading and Contracting part of Al Khayyat Contracting and Trading are silver sponsors; Qatar Steel is Associate Partner; IBQ is gala dinner sponsor; Engineering Consultants Group (ECG) is conference sponsor and Qatar Steel is associate partner. Al Jaber Engineering and Arab Bank are exhibiting.

First Downtown Doha CEO Forum hosted by Msheireb Properties

Msheireb Properties hosted a CEO Forum attended by the leading contractors and consultants engaged in Msheireb’s Downtown Doha project. The objective of the forum was to encourage the leaders of all the firms to exchange views about the project, to share best practice, and to identify areas where closer collaboration could deliver greater benefits and results. The forum, believed to be the first of its kind in the real estate industry, produced a lively and constructive discussion across a broad range of issues. Delegates who attended were unanimous in their welcoming of such an opportunity to discuss the project with their partners

Eng. Ahmad Abdulla Rob Sherwin Al-Abdulla Deputy Country GCEO Chairman and General Barwa Manager of Corporate Affairs, Qatar Shell

With more than US$200bn worth of major projects due to be awarded in the next 10 years, now is the best time to enter the market.

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QatarProjectsConference.com DEFINING OPPORTUNITY Gathering of leading contractors and consultants creates industry benchmark for closer collaboration

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Eng. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties, commented: “I would like to thank all the delegates who attended today’s forum. It was an extremely useful session and helped us to identify a number of important areas where a closer degree of collaboration would produce real benefits. Regular dialogue between all the partners in a massive project such as this can only be helpful in our view, and if we have set an industry precedent, we will be very proud. We look forward to future forums and to implementing the ideas and initiatives which emerged from today.”

Construction

Qatar

Adding value to engineering Value Engineering (VE) is a management technique that seeks the best functional balance between cost, reliability and performance of a product, project, process or service.

However, value engineering is sometimes seen as a costreduction process only.

In a presentation at the Bridges and Tunnels Middle East summit last November, Nidal Odeh, Project manager, Parsons Brinckerhoff, talked about value engineering, explaining to the audience what value engineering is all about.

In the presentation, Odeh described value engineering as a function-driven process.

It should accommodate the client’s vision, taking into account the answer to the question: What constitutes value in the client’s mind?

“Clients’ expectations have become more challenging.

Nidal Odeh, BSc, MSc, CEng, MIStructE: project manager, Parsons Brinckerhoff

Understanding the client’s vision, priority and what is value for the client before starting the value engineering process in vital.”

Odeh explained that value engineering shouldn’t revolve around cost only.

“A widespread misconception is that value engineering is a cost-cutting exercise.

It’s not. Value engineering is removing unnecessary cost through alternative solutions.”

Odeh said that Value Engineering (VE) took into ac-

Galata bridge in Istanbul: the bridge has turned into an icon of the city as well as a destination in itself.

count function analysis of the building or structure.

He stressed that timely input from all team members was important to avoid wrong assumptions. Ample time should also be given to all steps.He said that value engineering’s impact was much more felt during early stages of the project. It should start as early as the concept design stage.

It should also approach the whole life cost of the project, taking into account issues like maintenance and durability.

“Better quality costlier material at the beginning might mean less maintenance cost afterwards,” he told the gathering.

The presentation covered the implementation of value engineering in bridge design and construction.

It pointed to several factors that should be taken into account when implementing value engineering in bridges, like safety, accessibility, connectivity, pedestrian safety and urban integration.

Odeh pointed that bridges could be a destination in itself. It could also be an icon of the city. However, creating a sense of identity and distinctive look is more difficult when designing small bridges rather than super structure bridges.

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Questions and answers with Nidal Odeh Can you add value to architectural walls under bridges? What are the options we have in Doha for that?

In the context of mixeduse development the architectural treatment and general aesthetic requirements of bridges are important. The aesthetic of such structures provide opportunities for creating character, landmarks and cultural identity.

Bridge decks, abutment, retaining walls and the approaches to underpasses should be given careful consideration so that they are in sympathy with the local context, complement and enhance the proposed theme for each neighborhood in the development.

A wide range of materials may be suitable according the design requirements.

An important consideration will be to provide variety and visual interest to break the apparent length of the under bridge walkways; for example, in urban areas and mixeduse developments, walls

could be finished with mosaic tiles, cast in situ art tiles etc., to provide artistic features.

However, in areas which are part of expressway or where the architectural requirement are not so critical, reinforced earth panels with various finishes offer an adequate solution.

Green walls which encourage the growth of vegetation offer another alternative that softens the impact of the structure.

You mentioned at the presentation that clients’ expectations have become more challenging. Could you please explain why you think this change has occurred? Is this something specific to Qatar or you have noticed the same change elsewhere?

The ambition of the leadership to develop the region and raise its status among the most advanced countries in the world have created a working culture where expectations from planners and engineers are at a level that is not purely functional and at the low-

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est cost.

The challenge is to deliver world-class development that will attract business, industry and tourism from around the world, leading to the prosperity of the region and its people.

Examples of such development include mixeduse development which provides modern cosmopolitan urban centers with business districts, commercial areas, leisure, recreation and residential areas.

Other developments include industrial and economic cities, ports and multimodal transport systems.

Working to deliver such projects can be challenging in terms of the client’s expectations where their delivery is on fast track, with many interfacing requirement due to other developments taking place simultaneously, stakeholders’ management and approvals.

This is not specific to Qatar. It’s applicable to the entire Middle East region as there is much in common with respect to infrastructure developments

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Construction

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Technology

Providing innovative software and services to construction sector

The construction industry worldwide faces challenges in reducing risk, maintaining safety and increasing profits and the aggressive build program in Qatar is no different Managing information has never been easier and there are myriad solutions available to help companies and projects corral their most important, relevant and valuable information. But that is not the main challenge that we face, according to Andy Glyde, General Manager and Sales Director, Bentley Systems International, Qatar.

The construction industry worldwide faces challenges but the aggressive build program in Qatar is definitely a daunting one.

Besides managing the general risk involved with large infrastructure projects there is the steep learning curve that Qatar is undergoing with BIM adoption. There seems to be plenty of technology but the key issue seems to be lack of the appropriate skills and training.

Of course, this is not a challenge unique to Qatar. The UK government has embarked with industry on a four-year program for sector modernization with the key objective of: reducing capital cost and the carbon burden from the construction and operation of the built environment by 20%.

“It was found that whilst major clients such as BAA and HA (Highways Authority) expect a comprehensive handover, in general Civil/Infrastructure (C/I) handover is done to a far lower standard, if at all. Evidence for this weakness is provided by the high amount of re-surveying and re-inspection that is undertaken after handover. Ironically once data is collected infrastructure owners often tend to make far more effective use of the information than building operators,’’ according to the UK Strategic Paper 3.2011.

Glyde maintains that the focus needs to be on how we can use people and process to maintain the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Qatar Construction Sites (CS) spoke to Glyde about the company’s insights on the Qatar market, challenges being faced by the construction market and how responsive the local market is to the adoption of new technologies in construction.

CS: Bentley has opened an office in Tornado Tower, West Bay, recently.

Please tell us about business opportunities that you see in Qatar.

Glyde: Bentley Systems has been developing software solutions for sustaining infrastructure for 30 years. Over that period, the company has grown substantially and now has more than 3,000 colleagues in over

50 countries.

Prior to 2013, we served the needs of our users in Qatar through our Middle East headquarters in Dubai. However, as our base of local clients in Qatar continued to grow, and as more of our global clients began establishing a local presence in Qatar to support the country’s growing list of construction projects, we, too, changed our go-tomarket strategy to deliver value to our users.

As a result, we opened a dedicated Bentley office in Doha in 2013. This gives us greater insight into the needs and challenges of our Qatar users so we can better address them with our software and service offerings.

CS: Could you share the company’s achievements in the country?

Glyde: As you know, there is an extensive construction program under way in Doha, and a number of the projects are benefiting from their use of Bentley software and services.

For example, Bentley’s offerings will prove invaluable in streamlining the processes associated with the ramp up to the construction of the World Cup stadiums and they will also play a major role in the Metro project.

In addition, last year Bentley user Arup employed Bentley software on $30 million in civil transportation campus projects in Doha as part of the company’s initiative to modernize its project delivery through BIM. Advantages we offer to our users in Qatar and elsewhere include not only innovative capabilities, such as our BIM advancements for better performing projects and better performing

infrastructure assets but also a comprehensive portfolio of industry-leading software and services that can address the multi-discipline needs of the design, engineering, construction, geospatial and operations teams across the region.

For example, our WaterGEMS is a comprehensive and easy-touse water distribution modeling and management software that is considered best-in-class in the water industry.

And our ProjectWise offering is the only project collaboration and information management software developed explicitly for the design and construction of architecture, engineering, construction and operations of infrastructure projects.

Bentley’s mission is to provide innovative software and services for the enterprises and professionals who design, build and operate the world’s infrastructure – sustaining the global economy and environment for improved quality of life. And now, in Qatar, we are meeting this commitment as a local entity.

CS: The adoption of new technology in the construction sector is growing substantially.

But there undoubtedly are challenges that need to be addressed by the infrastructure organizations as well as by vendors like Bentley.

Glyde: The construction industry worldwide faces challenges in reducing risk, maintaining safety and increasing profits and the aggressive build program in Qatar is no different.

In the case of the many rail and road projects in Qatar and the extensive construction efforts associated with the country’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, the spotlight is sharply on ways to complete them on time and within budget, but without compromising health, safety and environmental best practices.

Then there are the remaining challenges associated with the adoption of BIM. Today, BIM

is being mandated more and more and the take-up has been extraordinary. But the need continues for education in BIM best practices.

There is plenty of BIM technology on the market but BIM is not just about a fancy 3D model. Rather, it’s about improved workflows and processes that centre on the sharing of enriched information through the lifecycle of the infrastructure, from the initial design phase to construction and into the operations and maintenance.

Hence, the focus needs to be on how we can most effectively and efficiently use people and processes to not only create infrastructure, but also maintain it for many years to come.

By insisting on the use of BIM right from the planning stage, the project owner can ensure that the information generated is mobile and can be readily shared across disciplines as the project moves from one phase to another.

Bentley has a great deal of experience in this arena and uniquely facilitates information mobility through enablers such as its imodels for conveying AECO deliverables.

CS: If we speak in terms of BIM deployment in Qatar, in what areas is BIM still underused?

Glyde: Essentially, BIM has always been pushed up from the design end of the supply chain.

However, BIM is now moving into the construction sector at a faster pace with 4D and 5D data extraction being available if the design data has the correct information attached to the database initially.

But the quality of the information still tends to be poor when it is handed over to the contractor.

It is a process that must be understood by the people involved and supported by IT systems and solutions in that process.

Bentley and Trimble are addressing this challenge by leveraging construction modeling for the benefit of infrastructure project delivery. With this BIM ad-

vancement, the architects’ and engineers’ work is preserved and referenced, with construction modeling overlaid and asbuilt changes included.

BIM, of course, isn’t just about design and construction. It also can generate huge costs savings for the owner-operator when optimally used.

But for these savings to be realized, owners must have access to the information generated during the design and construction phases that’s relevant to the efficient and effective operation and maintenance of their infrastructure assets.

And in many cases, this still isn’t possible because the handoff from construction into operations isn’t hands-on and, as a result, a lot of crucial information isn’t shared.

You have to remember that over the lifecycle of the project, only about 10% of the costs are for design and 20% for construction. The remaining 70% of the costs are for operations and maintenance.

So the full potential of BIM won’t be achieved until it is fully utilized in operations and maintenance.

This is something that Bentley recognizes and is actively working on ways to make this happen.

At the same time, owner-operators need to start pulling the BIM process up through the supply chain so they eventually can get the information they need to enhance their decision making capabilities in the operations and maintenance phase of the infrastructure lifecycle.

CS: Could you please elaborate on Bentley solutions that you provide to local projects and what are the most used Bentley software in the local market?

Glyde: From tender to design, into construction, and then on to operations and maintenance, be it a water project, an oil and gas one, a mixed-use residential complex or a new road or railway, it is estimated that 40% of

an engineer’s time is spent on trying to locate accurate and upto-date information.

One of Bentley’s key solutions that addresses this huge challenge is our ProjectWise collaboration services for work sharing, engineering content management, and change and configuration management throughout the lifecycle of the project.

ProjectWise is being extensively used in all sectors, including oil and gas, rail and road, buildings, water, government, and more.

ProjectWise incorporates British Standard 1192 (BS1192), which is widely adhered to in Qatar and is an important part of infrastructure project BIM workflows throughout the region.

It establishes the methodology for managing the production, distribution and quality of construction information, including that generated by BIM modeling systems, using a disciplined process for collaboration and a specified naming policy.

CS: What areas of expertise for Bentley are of particular relevance to Qatar?

Glyde:A key area of expertise that we bring to infrastructure organizations in Qatar is our global experience in managing water supplies.

Qatar’s aim is to have an uninterrupted (24/7/365) supply of potable water, but it is well known and documented that water is a scarce resource in the Middle East. Bentley is an industry leader in providing solutions for managing water supply, drainage, sewerage, water and wastewater, and storm water systems.

We can also provide utilities with the necessary software for managing wastewater infrastructure.

So we can work with these local organizations to integrate water and wastewater analysis into planning and design, empower comprehensive infrastructure asset reporting, and help them address the many demanding requirements of water resources, water treatment, and distribution and collection system projects. *Andy Glyde has been involved with Bentley for the past 20 years, having been on the board of directors at one of the UK’s largest CAD resellers, CADAC, before Bentley acquired the company. He rejoined Bentley in 2008 as the project manager for the London 2012 Olympic program and has worked on many other major infrastructure projects for Bentley in EMEA. He joined the Construction Group within Bentley in 2011 to start the sales program, working with Bentley’s existing technology users and other companies new to the Bentley approach to the market. In 2013 he relocated to Qatar to open the new office in Doha, focusing on the major infrastructure projects presently under construction for Qatar’s 2030 vision.

SITES Conference dedicated to BIM implementation to be launched at Project Qatar 2015 on 6-7 May 2015 Construction

Technology

Advanced Conferences & Meetings, one of the leading business-to-business events companies in the region, has announced the launch of the latest conference in the Project Qatar Business Intelligence Series. Future BIM Implementation will be hosted at the 12th annual edition of Project Qatar on the 6-7 May 2015.

Driven by the enormous period of construction and development that Qatar is currently going through, as it works towards the goals of the National Strategy 20112016 and the National Vision 2030, interest in implementing BIM is rapidly growing.

Tom Gore, Managing Director of ACM said: “Future BIM Implementation Qatar will address the growing use of BIM technologies in Qatar and explore how fully utilizing the capabilities of BIM can ensure that major construction and infrastructure projects are delivered to design specifications, within the agreed timelines and on budget.”

The Future BIM Implementation conference will focus on bringing together the relevant government authorities responsible for infrastructure developments, project owners, consultants, project managers, main contractors,

sub-contractors, BIM experts and BIM technology providers to showcase examples of BIM implementation and to provide a platform for the construction and infrastructure industry to debate the benefits and challenges of implementing BIM from the perspectives of the multiple stakeholders and different project stages.

Attendees at the Future BIM

Implementation conference will learn about the value of BIM to the multiple stakeholders in any construction or infrastructure project through a series of case-study presentations and speakers sharing their varied experiences of BIM implementation. In addition to keynote presentations, the programme will incorporate roundtable discussion sessions where construction

industry professionals can share both their successes and challenges with their peers and experienced BIM practitioners.

Tom Gore, Managing Director, Advanced Conferences & Meeting went on to say: “The Project Qatar exhibition brings together Qatar’s top construction and infrastructure decision-makers with a wide range of contractors,

sub-contractors, consultants and suppliers. As understanding the possibilities of BIM and optimizing BIM implementation is now becoming critical to all these stakeholders in delivering successful projects in Qatar, the Future BIM Implementation conference is an extremely important addition to Project Qatar 2015.”

The Future BIM Implementa-

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tion conference will also provide a platform for BIM and related technology providers to showcase their expertise, products and services, whilst project owners, project managers and other key stakeholders exchange best practice and plan for future projects.

For further information about the conference, please visit www.futurebimqatar.com

Emerging trends in BIM adoption in major construction markets

While building owners may not always directly use building information modeling (BIM), they are increasingly recognizing its value on their projects, according to a report, The Business Value of BIM for Owners, released by McGraw Hill Construction in October 2014.

The report stated that the growth in BIM adoption in the UK is being driven by the approaching implementation of a central government mandate requiring its use on all national public projects by 2016.

The McGraw Hill Construction report clearly shows the most important driver of BIM use in the UK and Singapore has been their national BIM mandates, says Phillip G Bernstein, Vice President of Strategic Industry Relations at Autodesk.

“With these two governments continuing to make infrastructure development a high priority, the adoption of BIM has become a critically important step towards minimizing lifecycle building costs and improving the design quality of their built assets.

“The report makes evident that the desire to become an industry leader is an aspect of the BIM policies of Singapore and the UK. To this end, a significant impact of these BIM mandates has been to ensure that construction sectors are becoming more globally competitive,” says Bernstein.

The findings demonstrate the powerful influence that governments can have on the implementation of BIM in Singapore and Scandinavia, two regions with strong, effective support of BIM by their national governments.

According to the report, one aspect of having a central government mandate is the demands it places on all players on the project team to be working with BIM. The use of BIM by the full core project team rather than by select players can have a significantly positive impact on BIM’s influence on project outcomes.

The findings also reveal that UK owners are using BIM for facility management, capitalizing on the benefits of BIM not just to reduce the cost of building design and construction but also throughout the building lifecycle.

“For as long as BIM has been used, practitioners have foreseen the potential value to owners of bringing the data-rich models developed by design and construction teams into owners’ facility management and operations environments,” says Steve Jones, Senior Director of McGraw Hill Construction and principal author of this report.

Despite the vigorous involvement with BIM by owners in the US and especially in the UK, the study also reveals that they would expand their engagement with BIM if there were more industry professionals with BIM skills at design and construction firms, if their operations and maintenance staff had a better ability to utilize the model and if there were standards of model development and exchange to better enable use of the model across the entire project team.

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Construction

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Technology

Doha BIM Users Group sparks interest

T

he Doha BIM Users group currently has over 300 members who have regular discussions on all BIM-related matters on a popular social networking site.

The amount of interest that the group has generated within a short space of time is a testament to the level of BIM involvement in the construction industry in Qatar.

Allen Jay Holland and Han Shi are two of the founders of the Doha BIM Users group and act as its co –chairs.

In a candid conversation on the popular misconceptions that exist about BIM and its use, Holland and Han Shi spoke about BIM deployment in Qatar, its underuse and the attitude towards technological uptake in the construction industry.

The adoption of new technology comes with its own set of challenges and in a rapidly-growing sector like construction, it can be especially harrowing.

“The biggest issue in technology is that there are not enough people who understand how much effort is involved in changing a business process,” according to Holland, BIM Manager at KEO International Consultants.

But what does it mean to change the business process?

“Technology is merely a tool that can and should be used to complete your work and technology is now a business driver.

Rather than just assisting your

Han Shi

With over 30 years of experience in the AEC industry, Han Shi has worked for architects, interior designers, lighting designers, property developers, interior contractors, landscape architects, film producers and graphic designers in many parts of the world spanning the continents of North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

His early years included studying at the Architectural Association in London under such iconic architects as Zaha Hadid. Places Han has worked and/or lived include Beirut, London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Athens, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Honolulu, Toronto, Vancouver, Sweden, Kuwait and now Doha where Han and his family have been since 2014.

work, it has become the reason for your work,” asserted Holland.

“An example of this is the Internet of Things and how we interact on a daily basis with the Internet. This might very well be

the precursor of artificial intelligence,” he predicted.

“The biggest challenge in the Middle East is that we are racing ahead so fast, and not everyone is on board, prepped and on the same page,” warned Holland.

“BIM is not just a technology,” said Han Shi, the Head of Emerging Technologies at KEO International Consultants in Qatar.

“There are three components to what we refer to as BIM: people, process and technology. The technology or the software is but one element.”

When asked if using BIM was seen as a sign of prestige or being ahead of technology, Han Shi said: “The most benefit that you will get from BIM is when all the contractors are on board.

Even if one or two of the parties involved are not participating, then you lose the full benefit of

the technology.”

Holland said that one of the changes that is necessary for BIM to be effective is that the builders needed to be involved at an earlier stage.

“They need to be involved at the design and tender award stage.

With BIM, earlier integration of builders ensures that building expertise is included from the start,” Holland felt.

Han Shi said: “It was never a problem before and the contractor would be involved only after the tender stage. With BIM, the contractor becomes a partner and not just a service provider. With BIM, processes can be integrated in parallel, as opposed to before when process had to follow another.”

They both agreed that one of the biggest challenges was the lack of staff with the right training and experience.

Han Shi said that he felt that

he had been waiting for BIM his whole professional life. He went so far as to say that a technology like CAD was just a detour and had probably not been useful in the journey towards BIM. Holland said that facilities management and sustainability were probably the two most important things that BIM could facilitate.

‘Predictive analysis is the new way’, said Han Shi. “BIM will be indispensable in utilizing big data and helping facilities managers to predict maintenance failures and routine works in a building,” he claimed.

“BIM will do more than just manage the facility, it will enable a deeper level of resource planning with regards to maintenance,” Holland added.

“Facility managers would be able to pinpoint exactly when and where it would need to employ its maintenance staff’.”

Allen Jay Holland Allen Jay Holland is a Revit Architecture implementation expert and lifelong aficionado of architectural technology, with more than twenty-five years in 3D architectural modeling and BIM. He is a former California licensed architect with significant experience with a variety of building types and projects who has mentored the transition to BIM for several firms.

Jay managed BIM for the Al Wakrah FIFA 2022 World Cup Stadium, and is now BIM Manager of Architectural and Engineering Services at KEO International Consultants.

Jay was an organizer of the South Coast Revit Users Group in California, and is the Chairman of the newly formed Doha BIM Users Group.

You can visit the Doha BIM Users Group (DBUG) on LinkedIn. The next DBUG meeting is scheduled for 7 February 2015 and will be held at Qatar University.

Construction

Technology

Concrete that is Light and Smart?

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Utilizing environmental-friendly alternatives to traditional concrete such as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) offers many benefits

T

he concrete industry in Qatar embraces innovations by offering different concrete solutions which reduce construction time, promote sustainability and lessen environmental impact. Utilizing environmentalfriendly alternatives to traditional concrete such as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) does offer many benefits. Munther Naji, Sales Manager at Qatar Aerated Concrete Industries explains how beneficial this building material is for the local construction industry.

What’s the market for AAC in Qatar?

Although it has been a popular building material in Europe for over 70 years, AAC has only been introduced to the Middle East over the past 15 years when ACICO’s factory was first opened in the region. Since then, ACICO has strengthened its stand in the market and worked hard to meet the ever increasing demand for AAC products by expanding its manufacturing facilities and opening new ones in other locations within the GCC countries to cater to the demand in the region.

In the recent years, we witness a growing demand for green building materials in Qatar and AAC blocks projects have come up across the country. With increasing supply and the advantages of AAC, awareness about this sustainable product is also increasing. More and more contractors are viewing AAC’s application favourably and including it in their projects. Our role as the manufacturer is to convince the client about the benefits of this this sustainable product What’s unique about the AAC product?

ACICO blocks are economical, sustainable and solid. It provides Low thermal conductivity and therefore a very high thermal efficiency is achieved. and The porous structure (AAC Block) provides a high acoustic insulation. as well as fire and termite resistance. ACICO light concrete products are available in a variety of forms, ranging from wall and roof panels to blocks and lintels. Worldwide,

in every region and climate, thousands of structures have demonstrated the reliability and longevity of autoclaved aerated concrete as it does not rot or decay like wood or other organic materials ACICO light construction blocks and reinforced elements are relatively new in the Gulf but builders in the region can now use this innovative concrete material as a revolutionary alternative to the traditional heavy solid concrete structures. ACICO concrete units are available in numerous shapes and sizes. Panels are available in thicknesses of between 15 centimetres 30 centimetres, 60 centimetres in width, and lengths of up to 5 metres. Blocks are 60cm long, between 10cm to 30cm thick, and 25cm inches high. This gives builders flexibility in using these blocks for whatever applications they wish.

Could you briefly tell us about the manufacturing process?

The manufacturing of ACICO blocks and AAC products is as follows: Portland cement is mixed, in a specially designed milling and mixing system, with lime, silica, sand, water, and aluminum powder or paste and poured into a series of moulds.

The reaction between aluminum and concrete causes microscopic hydrogen bubbles to form, expanding the concrete to about five times its original volume. After evaporation of the hydrogen, the now highly closed-cell, aerated concrete is automatically cut to size and passed through for final forming by steam-curing system in a pressurized chamber (an auto-clave). The result is a non-organic, non-toxic, airtight material that can be used for almost all types of building which according to ecologists and environment specialists generate no pollutants or hazardous waste during the manufacturing process and after.

What are the major benefits of AAC in construction?

Features of ACICO products include structural capacity, thermal, fire, and acoustical resistance properties in addition to pest and termite proven re-

sistance. With an R-value of approximately 1.25 per 5 inches, dependent on density, ACICO AAC significantly outperforms conventional concrete blocks or poured concrete. AAC Blocks’ weight approximately 50% less than other comparable building products. Consistency in quality and colour is easily achieved by AAC products and this makes use of these products good for exposed concrete structures.

Unfinished exterior walls could be covered with an exterior cladding or parged with mortar because when exposed to physical damage, dirt and water, atmospheric debris can collect in the open cells. If installed in high humidity environments, interior finishes with low vapour permeability, and exterior finishes with a high permeability are recommended. Because of

the thermal mass of AAC and its ability to store and release energy over time, AAC may be beneficial in climates where outdoor temperature fluctuates over a 24-hour period from above to below the indoor temperature conditioned air set points.

The most unique aspect of ACICO AAC is that you get five times the volume of the originally blended mixture i.e., 1 cubic meter of solid raw materials expands to 5 cubic meters.

Producing AAC with a density of 450kg/cu m, thermal conductivity is approximately 0.10 W/ (mK) and compressive strength of 2.5 N/ sq mm. ACICO AAC products come in density ranges of 450kg/cu m to 700kg/cu m with compressive strength of 2.5 to 7.5 N/sq mm This is why ACICO AAC products are the future choice of builders and property owners in Qatar. Millions of tiny air cells give ACICO amazing insulating properties, reducing heating and cooling costs by as much as half. Cellular structure is created by the unique manufacturing process.

Thermal mass inertia slows the transfer of heat through the wall. ACICO walls are typically 8 to 10 inches thick. The sheer mass of the wall causes heat to pass through more slowly.

In temperate climates, this lag time allows the HVAC system to compete against the average temperature of the day, rather than the peak temperature.

Why is AAC considered an environmentally friendly product¬?

Autoclaved aerated concrete is well known as an environmentally friendly construction material. ACICO’s AAC is manufactured from common and abundant Natural raw materials and the finished product is up to twice the volume of the raw materials used, making it extremely resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.

The energy consumed in the production process is only a fraction compared to the production of other materials. The manufacturing process emits no pollutants and creates no by-products or toxic waste products. AAC is a load-bearing

block, which also provides thermal and sound insulation as well as fire protection, thereby eliminating the need for many different layers of materials.

The workability of AAC helps to eliminate waste on the jobsite.

The use of AAC can reduce indoor air pollutants. AAC is completely inert and does not emit toxic gases, even when exposed to fire.

What are the applications of AAC in construction?

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete is an excellent option in any type of construction. ACICO produces its AAC material under the most strict quality standards.

AAC has several operating and physical features, is long lasting and does not degrade with time. A non-organic, non-toxic, airtight material that can be used for almost all types of building structures such as walls, floor, and roof panels, blocks, and lintels.

What are your plans for the current year, do you expect growth in AAC demand in Qatar?

ACICO is committed to contribute to the green building movement in Qatar by manufacturing and supplying the product which meets all international standards in terms of manufacturing practices as well as its application. ACICO is also increasing its network to reach the local construction industry and to raise product awareness and also to participate in different sustainable initiatives in cooperation with local agencies; as there are growing signs that the demand for green building materials in Qatar and also in GCC is rising. A rapidly increasing demand for green building materials to meet local green building regulations may outstrip supply.

ACICO’s current plant capacity is sufficient to meet increasing market demand though if need for green building materials in Qatar arises there is a provision to further expand the capacity to cater that demand.

24

Construction

SITES

F-Ring Road opens to traffic

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the opening of the F-Ring Road completely to traffic.

The road mainly serves the traffic flow between the Al Thumama Area and its surroundings and the Airport Street. It will facilitate the traffic flow heading to Hamad International Airport and reduce traffic congestion in this region significantly.

Currently, complimentary works in some service roads and cycle pathways, as well as landscaping works, are under progress, which will have no effect on the traffic flow of the main carriageway.

The F-Ring Road is a 7.2km eight-lane carriageway, with four lanes in each direction, in addition to a two-lane service road on both sides of the main road.

The road includes pedestrian and cycle paths. In addition, the project includes the construction of two signal-controlled two-level interchanges with Najma and Airport Streets.

The construction of infrastructure facilities such as a treated effluent sewerage system, protecting existing gas and oil pipelines, developing a new storm water drainage system, as well as water, electricity, communication and street lighting networks have been carried out as part of the project.

The F-Ring Road will provide access from the Al Thumama Area and its vicinity to the Airport Street, in addition to providing direct access to Hamad International Airport. It will also reduce traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between Hamad International Airport and both Al Wakrah and the Industrial Area.

Road users will now benefit from the shorter journey times and the free traffic flow created by the two level interchanges.

The project was executed by the Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) and Teyseer Contracting Company Joint Venture, with KEO International Consultants Company as the supervision consultant of the project.

The F-Ring Road project is part of the Public Works Authority’s Expressway program, which aims to form a sustainable road network that will continue to support the growing social and economic development taking place in Qatar.

The project - along with other expressway projects - will improve the transport network access in all areas of the country, reduce traffic congestion and provide different route options for traveling around and between towns.

It will also meet the country’s future needs in light of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

Qatar

KnowCrete by Concrete and climate change: How does concrete stack up against other building materials?

By Lionel Lemay, PE, SE, LEED AP, Senior VP, Sustainable Development, NRMCA and Colin Lobo, PE, PhD, Senior VP, Engineering, NRMCA Continued…

The US cement industry accounts for approximately 1.5% of the country’s CO2 emissions, well below other major sources such as heating and cooling residences (21%), heating and cooling commercial buildings (19%), transportation (31%) and industrial operations (29%) (Figure 3.).

Embodied CO2 in concrete The carbon footprint of concrete compares favorably with other building materials. The benefits of concrete have been documented in its ability to provide a longer service life and help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and pavements during their operational phase. Recycling and reuse of concrete at the end of the service life of a structure is also common practice.

Concrete, in its basic form, is composed of cement, water and aggregates. Water, sand, stone or gravel, and other ingredients make up about 90% of the volume of concrete mixtures (Figure 4.)

The process of mining sand and gravel, crushing stone, combining the materials in a concrete plant and transporting concrete to the construction site requires comparatively very little energy and therefore only emits a relatively small amount of CO2 into the atmosphere.

The amounts of CO2 embodied in concrete are primarily a function of the cement content in concrete mixtures.

Concrete uses between about 7% and 15% cement by mass depending on the performance requirements for the concrete. The average quantity of portland cement is around 250 kg/m3 (420 lb/yd3).

This average quantity has consistently decreased with better optimization of concrete mixtures and increased use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that can improve the strength and durability characteristics of concrete.

As a result, approximately 100 to 300 kg of CO2 is embodied in every cubic meter of concrete (170 to 500 lb per yd3) produced or approximately 5% to 13% of the weight of concrete produced, depending on the mixture proportions.

It is also documented that a significant portion of the CO2 produced during cement manufacturing is reabsorbed into concrete during the product’s life cycle through a natural process called carbonation.

A Norwegian research study estimates that between 33% and 57% of the CO2 emitted from calcination will be reabsorbed through carbonation of concrete surfaces over a 100-year life cycle. info@greymatters.ws www.greymatters.ws

Construction

Outlook

QPMC increases its washed sand supply Qatar’s construction sector will see a record demand for primary building materials in the next few years, set to reach a peak during 20152016. The sector witnessed a shortage of primary building materials last year.

A survey for the future de-

mand of primary building materials, conducted recently by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics, covered “all the key developers engaged in mega projects” in Qatar.

According to survey, demand for the washed sand is ex-

pected to increase by 106% in 2015.

Meanwhile, Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC) has announced its support of the local market by raising its washed sand supply by 15,000 tons a day as well as using its strategic pile by adding 18,000 tons a day and thus increasing its washed sand distribution to more than 33,000 tons a day.

QPMC meets about 60% of the demand for washed sand in the local market. Qatar has a capacity to produce 10mtpa of washed sand per year. Based on a study, it is estimated that local raw supply for washed sand will be depleted in three to five years’ time.

The decision by QPMC to increase its production capacity of washed sand follows the low production in Qatar Sand Treatment Plant (QSTP), which resulted in shortages.

QPMC raised the supply of washed sand to more than 15,000 tons a day, as well as the use of strategic stockpiles to meet the needs of the market, controlling the prices and shortening the queuing time of hundreds of trucks waiting to collect sand.

Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) CEO Abdulrahman Al Ansari praised

QPMC for its support and contribution.

“I would like to thank QPMC for its invaluable support at this critical time; this initiative demonstrates high professionalism, efficiency and collaboration. I am extremely proud of our partnership, sharing the same vision to put the country’s needs first and actively contribute to the national development of the State of Qatar,” he said.

QSTP will increase its production capacity up to 30,000 tons a day during the week, where the quarantine by the

Ministry of Environment will reflect positively on the availability of washed sand in the market in the usual way.

QSTP is considered to be the world’s largest sand washing plant with an initial washing capacity of 1,200 tonnes per hour.

The plant, which was delivered by CDE Middle East, became fully operational in early 2009 to secure the supply of high-quality washed sand for the projects in Qatar and also for regional export.

Its product meets all Qatari and international quality

SITES

standards and has a consistently low moisture content due to the special equipment installed.

QPMC was established on the instruction of the Qatari government in 2006 to ensure supplies of building materials to the local market.

The company owns and operates strategic assets within Qatar and provides complete solutions for port management, logistics and supply chain, storage and delivery of key primary materials to meet the Qatar requirements to 2022 and beyond.

Buildings

Al Thumama, New Compound, Street No. 911, Villa No. 56, Area No. 46.

E-Ring Road, Beside Kaharama Office.

P.O.Box: 24893 Doha-Qatar Telephone : +974 4458 0411 Fax: +974 4432 6114 w w w. q a c s . b i z

Geo Techn ical

In partnership with

Our Strength is in our work

Bridges

25

26

Construction

SITES

News

A busy season for Ashghal

The development works included the roads and utilities surrounding the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Al Sadd Sports, Lekhwiya and Qatar clubs The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is off to a busy season. Several new road openings, traffic diversions and upgrades have been announced in January.

The most notable of these was the upgrading works on the roads and utilities network surrounding a number of sports halls which hosted the 24th Handball World Championship, which was held in Qatar between January 15 and February 1.

The development works included the roads and utilities surrounding the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Al Sadd Sports, Lekhwiya and Qatar clubs.

Streets surrounding Al Sadd Club, in addition to the entrances and exits leading to the sports hall, were paved.

Lighting and signage were also installed and pedestrian paths were built in addition to building a temporary parking lot with a capacity of 2,400 cars.

Streets leading to Lekhwiya Club and the sports hall were also paved and Qatar Club’s temporary parking lot was expanded.

In Lusail, new roads were built to improve the traffic flow. Safety standards on roads leading to each of the Multipurpose Hall, Lusail International Circuit and Lusail Shooting Club were also increased.

The length of the new and improved roads extends to a total of 6.5km and two lanes wide in each direction.

Six traffic lights were installed at the intersections surrounding the Multipurpose Hall which was the main site for the Handball World Championship. The new signals improved traffic flow and safety in the area.

Permanent parking lots with a capacity of 4,500 cars were built on the north and west sides of the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.

Additionally, Ashghal connected the roads surrounding the Lusail Multipurpose Hall with Al Khor Coastal Road, increasing traffic flow and safety. It provided a way to and from the Multipurpose Hall and the Sports Complex through the Temporary Truck Route that was completed and opened to traffic recently.

The Pearl access and Lagoona Mall Roundabout Another important development was the new traffic diversion for the Pearl access and the Lagoona Mall roundabout.

Responding to a rise in traffic in the area, the access to and from The Pearl in the West Bay area was changed to a newlybuilt diversion road.

The two-lane traffic was maintained in each direction of the

new entrance and exit to The Pearl. The diversion aimed at facilitating the implementation of the vital works taking place as part of the construction of the Lusail Expressway project.

The authority also announced the closure of the access and the exit to The Pearl Qatar from the existing roundabout, known as the Lagoona Roundabout, which will instead function as an access for the traffic heading to Lagoona Mall and the hotels in that area. The new roundabout will be opened at the point where the new diversion route from The Pearl meets with Lusail Street.

The new roundabout will subsequently be temporarily changed to a signalized junction in Spring 2015, which will eventually be removed to form part of the free-flow Lusail Expressway.

Ashghal will install road signs to advice motorists of the diversion. The Authority requested all road users to abide by the speed limits and follow the road signs to ensure their safety.

Traffic Diversion on Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Road The Public Works Authority announced a traffic diversion on a part of Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Road, starting from east of Al Wajbah Roundabout to the east of Al Qalah Roundabout.

The diversion will last until the

third quarter of next year. The existing road, which consists of a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, was closed and diverted to a new parallel road with the same capacity.

The new temporary road was constructed to allow the upgrading works on the old road.

During the diversion, Al Qalah Roundabout will be closed and replaced with a signal-controlled intersection constructed in the same location, so as to provide access to and from Al Qalah Street, which will remain open.

Al Shafi Roundabout will also be closed and changed to a right-in right-out junction, enabling road users coming from Al Wajbah Roundabout to enter directly to Al Shafi Street which will also remain open, while road users coming from Al Shafi Street will use the mandatory exit to Al Qalah intersection.

Al Wajbah Roundabout, however, will remain open in the meantime, along with Al Wajbah Road and the road leading to Qatar Foundation.

In addition, road users coming from Al Qalah intersection and heading to Al Shafi Street will have to reach Al Wajbah Roundabout, take a U-Turn and then use the right-in junction leading to Al Shafi Street.

While road users coming from Al Shafi Street and heading to Al Wajbah Roundabout can use the right-out junction leading to Al Qalah Junction, then take a U-Turn to Al Wajbah Roundabout.

This traffic diversion is a fundamental part for starting the construction works of the first phase of the construction and upgrade of the Al Rayyan Road project. The new road, which will be constructed, is on the same alignment as the existing road, which requires its removal at the first place.

This project is part of the Expressway Program implemented by Ashghal, which aims at creating a long-term, sustainable road network that links all areas in Qatar.

Ashghal will install road signs

to advice motorists of the diversion.

Al Rayyan Park Ashghal has announced the closure of a section of Al Rayyan Park (Al Busat Al Akhdar), adjacent to Al Rayyan Road for reconstruction work.

During the partial closure, there will be redevelopment work in the park itself. It will represent the first phase of a significant upgrade to be carried out by Ashghal in co-ordination with the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning. The work will be concluded in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The redevelopment work will renovate various facilities at the park, including the fence, the walkways and the lighting system. A jogging track will be built at the park.

28

Construction

SITES

Tenders

ASHGHAL TENDERS AND AWARDED TENDERS Companies Eligible to Tender: (1) Qatari Companies Only (2) Joint Venture (JV) Companies, which includes a Qatari Company having a minimum of 51%, share holding of the JV (3) Non-Qatari Companies (4) Not Applicable * All financial values are in QAR

Tender No.

Type

Tender Title

Participants

Issuing Date

Closing Date

Category

GTC

Refurbishment and Upgrading Works for Various Pumping Station CP770 (IA/13-14/C/12/G)

Qatari Companies Only

14-Jan-15

10-Mar-15

Drainage

PWA/GTC/074/1415

GTC

Post Contract Professional Consultancy Services For Construction of Administrative Offices, Garage and Labor Accommodation In Wadi Al Mazzroaa Zone (Jarie Al Samar) BA/14-15/S/087/G

Consultants

14-Jan-15

17-Feb-15

Building

PWA/STC/033/1415

STC

Modification of MCC, Motor & Auxiliaries for Pumping Station PS 3 (AA-D/14-15/OM/1672/S)

Qatari Companies Only

14-Jan-15

12-Feb-15

Drainage

PWA/GTC/064/1415

GTC

Construction, Completion & Maintenance of Proposed Administrative Offices, Garage & Labor Accommodation at Wadi Al Mazroua Zone ( Jarie Al Samar) (BA/13-14/C/087/G)

Qatari Companies Only Joint Venture

3-Dec-14

3-Feb-15

Building

PWA/ITC/034/1415

ITC

Construction of Additional Generator Rooms at Al Daayen Municipality (BA/14-15/C/011/I)

Qatari Companies Only

31-Dec-14

1-Feb-15

Building

PWA/STC/038/1415

STC

Supply of Pneumatic and Mechanical Plugs and Accessories for Foul Sewer Cleaning, Civil workshop and wet well cleaning groups (AA/D/14-15/OM/1692/S)

Qatari Companies Only

31-Dec-14

29-Jan-15

Drainage

PWA/STC/036/1415

STC

Supply of General Electrical Items for Pumping Stations (AA-D/14-15/OM/1657-1.05/S)

Qatari Companies Only

24-Dec-14

29-Jan-15

Drainage

PWA/GTC/073/1415

General Conditions of Tenders - Full Documents for the Tender can be obtained from Contracts Department (CD) against a Non–refundable fee paid to PWA Account No. (0013-001813-052), Qatar National Bank together with a copy of the Company Registration and a Company Authorization letter.

- Project document may be examined at Al-Faisal Tower(1), Ground Floor, Al Corniche before purchasing from PWA. - Each Tender must be accompanied by a Tender Bond, either in the form of a “Certified Check” or a “Tender Bond’’ issued by a Bank acceptable to the PWA” in the amount mentioned above valid for (120 days). Any Tender received without the proper guarantee will not be considered.

- The Tender shall be submitted in two separate sealed envelopes (technical and financial offer) and both envelopes must be enclosed in a third sealed envelope which shall bear the tender number, subject and closing date.

- All Tenders shall be submitted in original and one copy or they will not be acceptance.

Tenders shall be delivered at or sent to arrive not later than 1.00pm local Doha time on the closing date and deposited in the relevant Tender Box of concerned Tenders Committee’s Chairman at PWA. - The successful Tenderer shall provide a Performance Bond in amount of ten (10%) percent of the Contract Price endorsed by an approved local bank in Qatar.

- For further queries about any of the tenders, please communicate in writing to the Contracts Department by Fax.: (+974) 44950777

TENDERS

Please note that any information mentioned on this table are as per the listed companies’ tender advertisements, without any responsibility of the magazine.

Tender Number

Type

Subject

Entity

Close Date

Value

Envelopes System

Tender Fees (QRs)

538 /2014-2015

Central Tenders

Supply and maintenance of Medical equipments for vet clinics

Ministry of Enviroment

2/3/15

180000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

300

537 /2014-2015

Central Tenders

Website construction , electronic and mobile services

Ministry of Enviroment

23/02/2015

360000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

300

Central Tenders

Assistance request for environmental consultant experts house for checking works execution for three years

Ministry of Enviroment

23/02/2015

630000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

300

81 /2014-2015

Local Tenders

Supply of food stuff items at call of order system for two years

Supreme Council for Judiciary

15/02/2015

26000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

79 /2014-2015

Local Tenders

Maintenance works for A/C and cooling equipments for several mosques at Al Dafna for three years

Ministry of Endowment & Islamic Affairs

15/02/2015

24000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

78 /2014-2015

Local Tenders

Maintenance works for A/C , fridges and fans for three years

Ministry of Enviroment

15/02/2015

45000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

524 /2014-2015

Central Tenders

Implementation of facilities works for Losail Intl. Karting Circuit

QMMF

2/2/15

1600000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

300

535 /2014-2015

Central Tenders

Maintenance works for Ministry buildings

Ministry of Enviroment

2/2/15

480000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

300

534 /2014-2015

Central Tenders

Cleaning and guesting works for mininstry buildings for three years

Ministry of Enviroment

2/2/15

480000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

300

533 /2014-2015

Central Tenders

Replace,installation and maintenance of fire systems

Ministry of Enviroment

2/2/15

150000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

300

Local Tenders

Operating ,management and maintenance of air quality surveillance stations

Ministry of Enviroment

1/2/15

120000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

75 /2014-2015

Local Tenders

Software upgrading for Printing , publishing and Radio cast Dept

The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage

1/2/15

120000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

77 /2014-2015

Local Tenders

Supply of Mobile vehicle for air quality surveillance

Ministry of Enviroment

1/2/15

75000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

536 /2014-2015

76 /2014-2015

Tenders Conditions: - You can get a copy of the documents of this tender / tenders of the Central Tenders Committee during official hours, against payment of the tender documents witch you can retrieve it.

- Must be accompanied with the tender a letter of guarantee bank / certified check from a bank operating in the State of Qatar, as indicated above for a period of temporary deposit on 120.

- The offer must be valid for a period of ninety days from the date of the opening of envelopes.

- Will be the last date for submission of tenders is twelve o’clock on the morning of the closure, and will not pay attention to any tender received after the deadline.

- Tenders deposited in the box of the Central Tenders Committee, located in Muntazah - Rawabi Street, to be inside the stamped and sealed envelopes and addressed to the Chairman of the Tenders Committee competent (central / local) showing the number, type of the tender and the subject.

- The Central Tenders Committee invites bidders or their representatives to attend the opening of the envelopes and read the price on the day following the date of the closure during the office hours.

- To obtain tender / tenders documents highlight above must be to mentioned authorization letter from the company / institution.

- For inquiries, please contact Tel: 44378192 /225 /143 /149.

- For more information about the Central Tenders Committee ,tenders and auctions are being posed by the Committee You can visit the site on the Internet www.ctc.gov.qa

Morden is one of the leading companies in scaffolding and formwork. We believe that success can only be achieved through interaction with the customers. We have all systems for scaffolding and formwork with all accessories. we make technical support for our customers in all projects and we have a professional sales team with high experience in this field.

Regent Hotel

Double Coupler

Al Ghanem Apartment

Swivel Coupler

Board Retaining Clamp

Ezdan Mall

Putlog Coupler

Timber H20

Tel: +974 44272344. +974 40374324 Fax: +974 44272344 P.O. Box: 15104 – Doha – Qatar (Opposite Abu Hamour Petrol Station) Email: info@mordenscaff.com mordenconstruction@yahoo.com

www.mordenscaff.com

Events

2015

CALENDAR

Qatar Covertech 2015 The International Exhibition for Wall and Floor Covering Technologies Organizer: Ibhar for Conferences & Exhibitions Event date (s): 4 – 6 February Venue: Doha Exhibition Centre Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44175230 Fax: +974 44175266 Email: expo@ibharqatar.com Website: www.qatarcovertech.com 7th Annual Façade Design & engineering Organizer: IQPC Event date (s): 22 – 25 February Venue: InterContinental Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 364 2975 Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Website: http://www.facadedesignmena.com 12th Annual Qatar Projects Conference Organizer: MEED Event date (s): 10 – 11 March Venue: Grand Hyatt Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 (0)4 8180 217 Fax: +971 (0)4 4234 830 Email: meedevents@meed.com Website: www.qatarprojectsconference.com The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Forum Organizer: Fleming Gulf Event date (s): 24 – 25 March Venue: TBA Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +91 9164989507 Fax: +91 80 49005100

SITES

3rd Qatar Pool and SPA (QPS) Exhibition Organizer: Heights Exhibitions and Conferences Event date (s): 24 – 25 March Venue: TBA Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4016 4184 Fax: +974 4016 4182 Email: qps@htsxpo.com Website: www.htsxpo.com/qps.aspx The Outdoor Design & Build Show 2015 Organizer: Streamline Marketing Group Event date (s): 13 – 15 April Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 4475357 Fax: +971 4 4475334 Email: odbs@theoutdoorshow.ae Website: www.theoutdoorshow.ae Arab Future Cities Summit Qatar 2015 Organizer: Expotrade Middle East FZ LLC Event Date (s): 13 – 14 April Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +9714 4542135 Fax: +9714 4542136 Email: marketing@expotrade-me.com Website: www.arabfuturecities.com Project Qatar 2015 Organizer: IFP Qatar Event date (s): 4 – 7 May Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44329900 Fax: +974 44432891 Email: info@ifpqatar.com Website:www.projectqatar.com Qatar StoneTech Organizer: IFP Qatar Event date (s): 4 – 7 May Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)

Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44329900 Fax: +974 44432891 Email: info@ifpqatar.com Website:www.qatarstone-tech.com

Event date (s): 18 – 21 May Venue: St. Regis Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 364 2975 Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Website: www.worldstadiumcongress.com

11th Trans Middle East Doha 2015 Organizer: Transport Events Event date (s): 6 – 7 May Venue: Intercontinental Doha Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +60 87 426 022 Fax: +60 87 426 223 Email: enquiries@transportevents.com Website: www.transportevents.com

MEED Construction Leadership Summit Organizer: MEED Event date (s): 27 May Location: Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 8180 217 Fax: +971 (0)4 4234 830 Email: meedevents@meed.com Website: www.constructionleadershipsummit.com

Future BIM Implementation Organizer: Advanced Conferences & Meetings FZ-LLC Event date (s): 6 – 7 May Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 361 4001 Fax: +971 4 361 4554 Email:opportunities@acm-events.com Website:www.futurebimqatar.com

MEED Quality Awards for Projects, in association with Mashreq Organizer: MEED Event date (s): 27 May Location: Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 8180 217 Fax: +971 (0)4 4234 830 Email: meedevents@meed.com Website: www.constructionleadershipsummit.com

Cityscape Qatar 2015 Organizer: Informa Exhibitions Middle East Event date (s): 11 – 13 May Venue: Doha Exhibition Centre Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 (0) 4 336 5161 Fax: +971 (0) 4 335 1891 Email: info@cityscapeqatar.com Website: www.cityscapeqatar.com

1st Qatar International Stadium Construction Exhibition Organizer: Pavilion Exhibitions & Conferences Event date(s): 7 – 10 June Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44118688 Fax: +974 44116866 Email: info@qisc-expo.com Website: www.qisc-expo.com

Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2015 Organizer: Expotrade Middle East FZ LLC Event Date (s): 11 – 12 May Venue: Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort and Spa Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +9714 4542135 Fax: +9714 4542136 Email: marketing@expotrade-me.com Website: www.smartskyscrapers.com

4th Annual Underground Infrastructure and Deep Foundations Organizer: IQPC Event date (s): 7 – 10 June Venue: InterContinental Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 364 2975 Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Website: www.undergroundfoundations.com

World Stadium Congress Organizer: IQPC

w w w. w a r r i o r s a f e t y. c o m QATAR WORLD ATLAS TRADING Tel: +974 44981666 Fax: + 974 44981333 info-qtr@warriorsafety.com

UAE EMIRATES GATE BM & SAFETY Tel: +971 4299 7555 Fax: +971 42997070 emigate@emirates.net.ae

29

OF EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Email: sobia.jameel@fleminggulf.com Website: http://energy.fleminggulf.com/energy-efficiencyconservation-forum

Drainage and Sewerage Middle East Organizer: IQPC Event date (s): 1 – 4 February Venue: InterContinental Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 364 2975 Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Website: www.drainageandsewerageme.com

Construction

H I G H

P E R F O R M A N C E

USA

United Globe Trading Co. 2611 W. Woodland Drive., Anaheim, Ca 92801 T: 1-714-527-0300 F: 1-714-527-0310 M: 1-559-241-4881 ugtc.usa@gmail.com

LIBYA

S A F E T Y

HOME OF TOOLS Tel: 218 6190 82212 BENGHAZI-LIBYA info@homeoftools.com

P R O D U C T S

IRAQ

AL-USOOL GENERAL TRADING COMPANY LTSD Tel: + 964 7198 741 BAGHDAD- IRAQ info@usoolgroup.com

30

Construction

SITES

Project Focus

NOTE: Whilst we take pride in keeping our Consultants Database with the most up-to-date information, please note that the above information is provided by the Consultants mentioned in the list; therefore QCS in not responsible for any incorrect data.

Consultant

Client

Main Contractor

Value Range (QR) Million

Project Status

Type of Project

M/s. Commercial Development

M/s. Arabtec

500-750

Piling & Shoring

Hotel and Office Buildings

Audit Bureau Towers

M/s. Al Attiya Group Trading Co.

Not Appointed

400-600

Tender Stage

Offices / Residential Towers

Al Waab Mall

M/s. Qatar Industrial Services

Man Enterprize, Qatar

300-400

Under Construction

Mall

Q-Tel

Not Appointed

250-350

Tender Stage

Technical

Mr. Mohamed Abdel Ghani Al Mansouri

Not Appointed

200-300

Under Design

Shopping Mall & Office Tower

Ghanem Al Hodaifi

Not Appointed

600-800

Detail Stage

Office Building

Qatar Islamic Bank

AFQCO & REDCO - Al Mana

1.2-1.4 bn

Under Construction

Residential Towers

Business Trading Company

IDC

400-500

Under Construction

Shopping Mall

Al Malki Real Estate Investments

Satal Qatar Contracting

N/A

Under Construction

Hotel

Ghanem Office Building at Salwa Road

Ghanem Al Thani Holding

Ramco

N/A

Under Construction

Office Building

Marsa Malaz Hotel at the Pear Qatar (Main Works)

Alfardan Properties Co.

CDC

N/A

Under Construction

Hotel

Mazaya Qatar Real Extate Development QSC

Sinohydro Group Limited

N/A

Under Construction

Residential

Qatar Airways

Redco International

N/A

Under Construction

Residential Building

Al Sarh Real Estate WLL

CRC

N/A

Under Construction

Residential

Sh. Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani

REDCO – Al Mana

N/A

Under Construction

Office Building

Mr. Abdullah Abu Salah

Shannon Engineering

N/A

Under Construction

Office Tower

Ahmed Abed El Aziz Al Baker

Construction and Reconstruction Co.

675

Under Construction

Office Building

Private Investor

Orientals Enterprises

N/A

Under Construction

Residential

Shiekh Abdullah Bin Naser Al Thani

Construction and Reconstruction Co.

85

Under Construction

Commercial

MOI

Hassanesco Co.

N/A

Under Construction

Mixed Use

Shk/Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani

Construction and Reconstruction Co.

205

Under Construction

Commercial / Residential

Tricon International

Atlantic Contracting Co.

150

Under Construction

Hotels

Al Hodaifi Group

Not appointed

30-40 Million

Design stage

Office Building

El Eida

Not appointed

5-10 Million

Design stage

Villa

Doha Education Centre

Not appointed

30-50 Million

Design stage

Education

Step 1 International Academy

Step 1 International Academy

Not appointed

20-40 Million

Design stage

School

5 Hotel Towers adjacent to City Center Marriott Rensance, Marriott Courtyard, Shangri La, Rotana & Merweb

Al Rayyan Holding Company

Al Habtour

3.5 Billion

Marriott Rensance & Marriott Courtyard in handing over and the other 3 Hotels are under construction

Hotels

Real Estate Services Group

SEG

800

Construction Stage

Mixed Use Towers

Al Shereef Enterprises

Dorra Contracting

350

Construction Stage

Mixed Use Towers

PWA

Tag Engineering & Contracting

120

Under Construction

Media Complex

MOI

Not Appointed

N/A

Design Stage

Educational Complex

Health Care Centers (Pacakge 4 & 5)

PWA

ITC/UCE

600

Under Construction

Medical Centers

Construction of Head Quarters Bldg. for Ministry of Interior

MOI

WCT

N/A

Under Construction

Administrative and Office Building

Alaqaria

Arcon

169

Under Construction

Mixed Use

Qatar Navigation

Not Appointed

N/A

Design Stage

Warehouses

IBA GROUP

Not Appointed

400

Design Stage

Commercial / Offices Towers

Mr. Saeed Ben Zayed El-Khayareen

Al-Huda

200-250

Under Construction

Office Building

Fahd Suite - Apartment Hotel

FBA GROUP

Not Appointed

200

Detail Stage

Shopping Mall & Office Tower

IBA Hotel

IBA GROUP

Not Appointed

200

Under Construction

Hotel

ALYSJ

ALYSJ

106 million

under construction

Labor Accomodation

Al Aween Fit out

Alaween

B5

N/A

under construction

fit out

Hotel Ramada

Noor Ali Mohamed

Not Appointed

N/A

DC-2 Stage

Hotel

QNB

Not Appointed

20 million

under construction

Bank

Sheikh Badr Khalifa Al Thani

Al Batra

80 million

under construction

Residential Building

MOFA

Not Appointed

N/A

Design Stage

Government Building

QDS

Not Appointed

600

Permit Stage

Driving Academy

Gulf Pearls Company

Gulf Pearl

40 Million

Design Stage

Residential Building

ACES

Not Appointed

20 Million

Tender Stage

Industrial Building

Sh. Ahmad bin Hamad Al Thani

NA

54,000,000.00

Service Design

Commercial

Regency Real Estate

NA

38,000,000.00

Design Stage

Office Building

Rabban Group

NA

126,319,000.00

Design stage

Mixed Use Building

FV7 - Multi Purpose Hall / Art Centre

Regency Real Estate

NA

67,500,000.00

Design stage

Commercial

C6 - Lusail

Regency Real Estate

NA

165,540,000.00

Design stage

Mixed Use Building

C4 - Lusail

Regency Real Estate

NA

108,070,000.00

Design stage

Hotel Apartments

Foxhills - A29

Fursan Real Estate

NA

20,091,000.00

Design stage

Residential Building

Foxhills - A30

Fursan Real Estate

NA

32,627,000.00

Design stage

Residential Building

Foxhills - A13

Regency Real Estate

NA

24,918,000.00

Design stage

Residential Building

Foxhills - D04

Regency Real Estate

NA

25,273,000.00

Design stage

Residential Building

Foxhills - D14

Regency Real Estate

NA

23,150,000.00

Design stage

Residential Building

Foxhills - D21

Regency Real Estate

NA

27,472,000.00

Design stage

Residential Building

Foxhills - D49

Regency Real Estate

NA

29,299,000.00

Design stage

Residential Building

Nasser Obeidan

NA

2,371,000.00

Tender Stage

Office Building

Project Title

Twin Towers

Mesiemer Manarat Lusail Al Hodaifi Tower II Five Residential Towers at Viva Bahriya at the Pear (project management)

Gulf Mall at Gharrafa

Doha Centro Hotel at Bin Mahmoud

Qatar Sidra Village Project

Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation Al Rabban Suites Hotel Apartments (3B+G+M+50Floors) Office Buildings (3B+G+22) at Lusail Marina District

Office Tower (3B+G+14Floors)

Al Baker Executive Towers Al Nour Tower Al Nasr Showroom Police Training Institute Panasonic Showroom & Residential Al Sadd Hotel

Al Hodaifi Group HQ Al Eida Villa Doha Education Centre

Shemoukh Mixed-Use Twin Tower, Al Saad

Al Jasrah Twin Tower Lusail Qatar Radio and Television Complex

Police College Academy

MIC Business & Recreation Complex

Logistic City Al Emadi Twin Towers City Tower

Golden Line Metro Project Labor Accomodation

Qatar National Bank Branches Sheikh Badr Residential Building

Qatar Embassy and Diplomat Villas in Mogadishu, Somalia

Qatar Driving School Gulf Pearl Office Building

ACES (Arab Centre for Engineers Studies)

Al Ahli Club FV9 Al Asmakh Head Office in Lusail

C5 Lusail

Office Building D-Ring

Construction

SITES

31

AL MANA & ASSOCIATES Acoustic Consultancy Services

• Noise and Vibration Control

• Noise and Vibration Monitoring • Sound Insulation • Interior Acoustics (Halls, Mosques, Auditoriums)

Sale & rental of used & brand new Generators

• Commissioning Measurement and Testing Al Mana Business Centre, Al Amir Road, P.O.B. 2255, Doha, Qatar Tel: (+974) 44684482 E-mail: admin@amaqatar.com www.amaqatar.com

Al-silliya - Mazraat Al-Atiya - Doha - Qatar

Tel :+974 66604134

e-mail: Ali@tehini.com - Info@tehini.com

www.tehini.com

Dutest Qatar W.L.L.

CRANE AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT ENGINEERS GENERAL MECHANICAL WORKS

OUR SCOPE AND SERVICES INCLUDE:

WIRE ROPES, SLINGS, HEIGHT SAFETY, INSPECTION AND TESTING, RENTALS, CRANE HIRE

4458 5480; 4469 4569; 5581 5641; 7748 7432

Email: opera,ons@dutestqatar.com, sales@dutestqatar.com

SITES C o n s t r u c t i o n

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Monthly construction news, tenders, project focus, and forthcoming exhibitions in Qatar Tel.: +974 4469 3280 - Fax: +974 4451 0428

Issue No. (91) February 2015, Doha - Qatar

Elalfy Qatar For Marble & Granite A Unique Experience

E

LALFY, one of the largest companies in the field of marble and granite, owns the latest European technologies in the marble and granite industry.

We are pleased to give our clients a brief idea about the year 2014, which was a very successful year. ELALFY has been awarded and successfully completed many valuable projects in the Qatari market, which includes the three multi-purpose halls hosting the Qatar 2015, 24th Men’s Handball World Championship.

Qatar Handball Association Complex, Lekhwiya, Doha The project has been designed as a sustainable ‘Green’ building and is being executed by two primary agencies: IGH (Architectural and Interior) and WSP Middle East (Structural, MEP and Geotechnical Engineering).

Al Sadd Sports Hall, Al-

Sadd District, Doha Design Architect : James Cubitt and Partners Contractor : Aktor S.A. Total Gross Floor Area: 52,185 sq m Scope of work: Manufacturing, supply and installation of flamed Profido paving to the area surrounding the all, marble flooring to the entrances and internal corridors and VIP, VVIP Areas Lusail Multipurpose Hall, Lusail Area: Designed by: Dar Al Handasah Consultants Main Hall Capacity: 15,300 spectators

Scope of work: Manufacturing, supply and installation of flamed granite paving 60 mm thickness to the area surrounding the hall with a total quantity of 25,000 square meters.