Construction Sites | January Issue no. 78

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

I ssue N o .78 - J anuary 2014

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

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Construction

SITES

Qatar

Framework of contracts for Local Roads and Drainage Projects Program

Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has held a series of industry briefings with representatives from contracting companies to examine the framework of contracts strategy for the implementation of its nationwide Local Roads and Drainage Program.

More than 500 officials representing 75 qualified companies attended the three-day event which aimed to outline the details of framework of contracts passed by Ashghal to develop over 200 projects within its Local Roads and Drainage Program.

The framework of contracts is the conclusion of a comprehensive pre-qualification process Ashghal conducted for contractors willing to cooperate with the Authority.

As part of the process, 75 qualified companies have been approved to implement construction and development projects under the Local Roads and Drainage Program within the next five to seven years.

In the opening speech of the first session, Eng Saoud Al Tamimi, Manager of Roads Projects Department, greeted the participants on behalf of Ashghal President Eng Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi and Infrastructure Affairs Director Eng Jalal

Salhi and congratulated the qualified companies for their accession to the Framework of Contracts.

He highlighted the importance of the Framework of Contracts as “an important step towards the implementation of the Local Roads and Drainage Program”.

Ashghal has adopted the Framework of Contracts to expedite the implementation of construction and development projects within the scope of the Local Roads and Drainage Program.

Qualified companies will be awarded contracts to implement works assigned by Ashghal according to the approved prices previously submitted by the companies. This speeds up the selection process for contractors and ensures fast delivery in accordance with the international quality standards.

The Framework of Contracts also aims to enhance the role of Qatari companies and develop their capacity.

Under the framework process, the main criteria for the selection process is the need for the successful bidders to be either a Qatari-registered company or a joint venture of an international firm with a Qa-

tari partner who owns not less than 50% of the shares of the company.

The Framework of Contracts will allow Qatari companies gain the experience they need to participate in larger projects in the future.

Through this system, Ashghal will be able to process the preliminary approvals and prior agreements that have been concluded with the participat-

The new framework speeds up the selection process for the contractors ing contractors.

This, in turn, will reduce the time required to award contracts for the implementation of projects.

In this context, Ashghal has initiated agreements allowing qualified companies to implement field visits to sites covered by the Local Roads and Drainage Program, thus speeding up the purchase of services and contracts according to the general plan of the work program adopted in late 2011.

In the past, the program’s implementation works were announced after the designing process and each indi-

vidual project was tendered separately resulting in delays in implementation.

However, the Framework of Contracts ensures pre-qualification process for contractors and then evaluation of qualified contractors to carry out the program as a whole on the basis of sets of works. Each stage of the bidding process comes with specific criteria determined by the terms of agreement.

The new Framework of Contracts enables qualified contractors to purchase materials they need for implementing the projects in a shorter time and to price according to rate charts provided by contractors during the early stages of the contract.

To provide high performance, quality, safety and environ-

mental standards, the Framework of Contracts includes conditions and general obligations, price charts, job applications and other procedures for each of the qualified contractors.

The number and values of the sets of works, geographic locations of projects and the size of contractors will be taken into consideration during the selection of contractors and the assignment of work.

The Framework of Contracts for the Local Roads and Drainage Program is an important and positive factor that supports the implementation of projects, not because it contributes to accelerating the pace of works, but also because it enhances the mechanisms for implementation of projects which will contribute

to the development and improvement of local roads and drainage in Qatar.

Ashghal’s Local Roads and Drainage Program is designed to upgrade and maintain the roads and drainage network across the country.

It also comes as part of Ashghal’s plan to develop the country’s infrastructure to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 which includes the implementation of more than 200 projects spread across the country over the next five to seven years.

The aim of this project is to develop the existing infrastructure through modernizing existing roads and upgrading the comprehensive sewage networks, water, and electricity in line with international standards.

Saoud Al Tamimi, Manager of Roads Projects Department at Ashghal, gave the opening speech at the three-day event which aimed to outline the details of framework of contracts passed by Ashghal to develop over 200 projects within its Local Roads and Drainage Program

Qatar Shell signs deals with three local firms

Qatar Shell has enhanced its supply chain by adding three more local companies to supply products and services to the Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) plant, which has been built in partnership with Qatar Petroleum (QP).

Contracts to this effect have been signed by Qatar Shell.

The move, in association with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), aims to help bolster the state’s private sector.

The contracts come less than a year after QDB partnered with Qatar Shell to provide local companies and manufacturers access to specific business opportunities.

The manufacturing of personal protective equipment contract was awarded to Qatari Industrial Equipment; the heat exchanger re-tubing contract to GEA Batignolles Technologies Thermiques Qatar and the translation services contract to Snow Comms Conceptual Communications and Events.

Qatar Shell Chairman and Managing Director Wael Sawan signed the contracts with the three local companies in the presence of QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser alKhalifa.

Commenting on the initiative, Al Khalifa said that QDB played a vital role in encouraging private sector companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through

providing financial aid, support and opportunities.

“QDB has launched this joint initiative as a clear example of what can be done to enhance opportunities for the SME sector, in coordination with leading international companies, such as Qatar Shell, to enable the private sector to capitalize on available opportunities, which will benefit all stakeholders,” Al Khalifa said.

“SMEs grow and flourish through acquiring such contracts. Similarly, global companies and customers get the services they need from a local source, which means quality can be controlled and assured, and QDB can achieve its goal in developing the private sector,” he added.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sawan said: “We are very proud that our partnership with QDB has resulted in the successful award of contracts to three SMEs to be the supplier of choice to Qatar Shell and the Pearl GTL plant.

“The companies joining us have been shortlisted from 26 local SMEs which registered their interest. Besides their commercial viability, the three winners were selected based on their ability to adhere to Shell’s technical standards and global tendering process, which have been developed over years of dedicated work on the world’s largest energy

Qatar Shell Chairman and Managing Director Wael Sawan signing a contract with the representative of one of three local companies.

projects.”

Sawan said that Qatar Shell aimed to support the National Development Strategy and to help the state fulfill its National Vision 2030 by empowering local SMEs to compete internationally.

“We are looking forward to announcing additional business opportunities for local companies in 2014,” he said.

In May 2013, QDB and Qatar Shell held a workshop where more than 100 local Qatari SMEs were presented with

Officials of Shell Qatar and QDB after awarding Pearl GTL supply contracts to three local companies.

four specific business opportunities that would allow them to become the supplier of choice for the Pearl GTL plant.

Qatar Shell is still in the negotiation stage for the fourth business opportunity which is the manufacturing of stud bolts.

SMEs and entrepreneurs that participated in the May workshop were also briefed on the financial support options made available to them by QDB through their variety of finance products and solutions, Qatar Shell’s tendering process as well as the challenges and opportunities in the SME sector.

As the leading development bank in Qatar with mandate to support Qatari SMEs, QDB worked with their wide network of local partner banks to attract the attending Qatari companies.

Following the announcement of the business opportunities,

a total of 26 local companies registered their interest in May. Seventeen passed the prequalification stage, 12 submitted their bids and three were finally selected based on their commercial bids and technical capability.

All registered companies are added to a database where they will receive invitations to future workshops and business opportunities.

Pearl GTL, based in the Ras Laffan Industrial City, is the world’s largest gas to liquids plant and cements Qatar’s position as the GTL capital of the world.

As a partner of Qatar Petroleum in helping monetize Qatar’s gas resources, Qatar Shell “is committed to SME and local development – not merely as an aspect of social responsibility but because it makes good business sense”.

SITES Ashghal unveils design of Sharq Crossing project Construction

Qatar

T

he Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has unveiled the design plan of one of Qatar’s largest infrastructure projects - the long-awaited Sharq Crossing comprising three bridges interconnected by subsea tunnels spanning a 10km stretch.

When completed in 2021, it will link Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) with the city’s cultural district of Katara in the north and the downtown central business district of West Bay. Work will start from 2015, Ashghal President Engineer Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi told a press conference at Katara in the presence of Minister

of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz al Thani, Central Municipal Council Chairman Saoud bin Abdullah Al Hinzab and US Ambassador Susan L Ziadeh.

“The crossing is a vital part of Ashghal’s comprehensive road network plan,” he said.

Al Mawlawi called Sharq Crossing “an engineering challenge”.

“It is billed to be one of the most important global technological accomplishments.”

The three interconnected bridges will be named West Bay, Cultural City and Al Sharq. The most intricately designed of the three bridges,

West Bay, will be a two-deck arched structure incorporating a recreational park that can be accessed via an elevated walkway and a funicular cableway. It will contain hospitality and recreation facilities offering panoramic views of Doha’s skyline.

Implementing the most stringent international design standards, the Sharq Crossing bridges have been designed with a minimum number of supports to reduce long-term impact to the marine environment.

The crossing’s subsea connected tunnel links will provide an expressway of three lanes in each direction between Hamad International Airport and West Bay and two lanes in each direction between West Bay and Lusail.

The crossing tunnels have been designed to meet strict international traffic management and safety requirements. To further enhance safety criteria, heavy goods vehicles will be excluded from

Project name: Sharq Crossing Client: Ashghal Architect: Santiago Calatrava Engineer (concept design phase): Santiago Calatrava Start of construction: Estimated 2014 Completion date: Estimated 2021 Dimensions: Total fixed link length: 12km Bridge spans: West Bay Bridge-700m clear span.

Al Sharq Bridge-300m central span (600m total length) Cultural City Bridge-150m-200m per span (1,310 m total length) Immersed tube tunnel lengths: 5.3km in total.

Cut and cover tunnel lengths: 2.65km in total.

Sustainability and environmental aspects in construction sector

S

panish Business Council (SBC), in collaboration with Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD) and LALIVE in Qatar, hosted an event to discuss sustainability and environmental aspects in construction.

LALIVE gave an overview of health, safety and environmental legal aspects in construction contracts and of the legal framework in Qatar and envisioned changes to the current system.

LALIVE said that it had already seen significant changes and construction companies were now aware of their responsibilities regarding environment, health and safety and the legal obligations that go with it.

In a presentation on developments in 2013, Melina Lodra outlined the draft on the occupational health and safety law and stated that the local Ministry Of Health said the technical committee working on the draft said that it was at an advanced stage.

“The new version of the Qatar Construction Specifications (QCS) is also more comprehensive and has its own chapter for Health and Safety in the specifications.” Lodra said the Ministry had stated that more training would be offered in this aspect.

Llodra is counsel at LALIVE, an independent, full-service Swiss law firm renowned for

its experience in international legal matters. She specializes in corporate and commercial law, with a special focus on international projects and cross border transactions including Qatar and Mena.

Llodra’s work includes advising Qatari and foreign clients doing business in Qatar and other Mena countries in connection with significant international transactions with particular emphasis on the construction, infrastructure, energy, life sciences and TMT sectors.

‘Green’ law The second part of the presentation covered “Environmental Legal Aspects in Construction Contracts”. This was delivered by Ramy Saleh, also from LALIVE. He commenced with the Law 30 of 2002 that outlined the responsibilities and liabilities with regards to environment.

Saleh explained that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that was required prior to the start of a project was quite a critical step and the Ministry was very serious about it.

The results cannot easily be revoked.

Saleh is a Senior Associate at LALIVE in Qatar. He is a bilingual corporate and commercial lawyer with over six years’ experience working in Qatar.

He focuses his practice on construction and infrastructure projects, insurance cov-

erage issues for construction projects.

He has been involved in negotiating design professionals, construction contracts and various public tenders for government related projects.

He regularly provides counsel and legal advice on the establishment of joint ventures, employment, sponsorship and various operational matters with local and international companies established in Qatar.

Eco-vision • Maintaining a balance between construction sector needs and protecting the environment • Ensure the quality of environmental health and safety • Propose and develop policy and legislation that protect the environment Initiatives Environmental initiatives form part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 and a number of international conventions and agreements.

Qatar takes them quite seriously as evidenced in 2012 when it played host to the UN Summit on Climate Change and the COP 18. The Qatar National Vision is geared towards sustainability and Qatar has been keen to host a “zero carbon” World Cup in 2022.

accessing Sharq Crossing.

Ashghal has appointed Brigadier Yacoub Al Kazem as a supervisor on the project. Al Kazem stressed that health and safety had been carefully considered across all aspects of the crossing and specifically tunnel design, combining enhanced fire-resistant structures with ventilation, smoke exhaust and dedicated pressurized escape routes.

“It is designed to ensure highest standards of safety.

The whole structure is quake

and fire-resistant,” said Al Kazem.

He said the project would provide between 10,000 and 15,000 job opportunities.

He said the first tender would be issued in eight months.

This eight-month period would be used to study the sea bed, undertake topographic surveys and related assessments.

Ashghal has appointed Fluor Corporation as the program management consultant for construction supervision of

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Sharq Crossing.

Ashghal will brief this year international companies about the project details and requirements.

Al Mawlawi encouraged local companies to form joint ventures with experienced international companies to tender for the project, adding that each bridge would probably have a different contractor.

He declined to announce the project’s estimated cost, saying it’s “still under study”.

4

Construction

Safety Matters

Towards safer cities, towns and communities

Last December the Middle East was hit with its heaviest snow storms in 60 years. The storm extended from Turkey to Egypt, with parts of Cairo experiencing their first recorded snowfall for years. The storm exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Syria. UN officials expressed fears that the snow was leading to widespread flooding in the Gaza Strip. While Qatar has escaped such harsh winter conditions, it doesn’t mean that the Gulf country needn’t be wary of extreme climate in the future. In this article Felino A Palafox Jr looks into the relation between urban planning, architecture and natural disasters. While Palafox focuses on his home country, the Philippines, there are lessons to be learnt for any nation.

In my over 40-year experience as an architect and urban planner, I have been quite vocal about the lack of focus by the Philippines, my home country, to consistently provide resilient and sustainable infrastructures and buildings to combat the prevalent issues in planning and housing in its cities, especially since it is the third most vulnerable nation in the world to natural disasters.

Being situated in a region within the Pacific Ring of Fire primarily calls for vigilance in disaster preparedness.

Protection of life and the enhancement of the built environment are the foremost responsibilities of architects, urban planners and engineers. As part of its attempts to push its accountability towards nature, God and country, Palafox Asso-

ciates prepared a list of recommendations on urban planning, architecture and engineering to address hazards towards safer cities, townsand communities.

These recommendations were expounded and further developed hand-in-hand by the government, the people and the experts. The past administration was given this list after the catastrophic storm Ondoy which crippled most of Manila in September 2009. In the first week of the subsequent administration, the same recommendations were reiterated.

In the midst of several disasters and emergencies, awareness must be given due priority.

The 10-year program One of the most important parts of the recommendations that we sent Malacañang in 2010 after the devastation of Ondoy and the earthquake in Haiti was a 10-year program. To be accomplished from 2010 to 2020, this program is an initial and tentative plan.

The government must promote flood-proof, fireproof, and earthquake-resistant measures by designating open spaces as evacuation places in urban areas, develop and strengthen facilities which can be used as comfortable disaster-proof living zones by creating individual citizen awareness for disaster prevention and response.

Among the adaptation and mitigation measures proposed by Palafox Associates is the regular deepening of silted lakes, rivers, creeks and other waterways, coupled with pollution abatement measures and proper solid waste management.

This way, our water bodies can hold more flood water and reduce flood levels.

More importantly, however, is

the need to update Daniel Burnham’s 1905 plan for Metro Manila, the 2004 MMEIRS Report, the 1976-1977 MMETROPLAN and the 2003 Manila Megalopolis Concept Plan 2020 to serve as guidelines for the LGUs, national government and the citizens to follow.

Immediate action However, since mitigation measures like flood control and drainage infrastructure being

made by the government will most likely see results more than 10 years from now, it is imperative that we try to provide immediate mitigation measures since our country gets its fair share of natural disasters.

By identifying the areas liable to disasters, auditing the codes and controlling development in these areas by imposing restrictions and regulations will help save lives.

Special attention should be given to the Laguna Lake and

Pasig River, where essential adaptive infrastructures should be constructed such as the Parañaque spillway and road dikes around Laguna Lake.

This spillway will flush floodwaters out of the low-lying areas more quickly and thus prevent lasting damage to properties.

Quakes and floods In the aftermath of the Bohol and Cebu earthquake last October 15, it has been brought

to light how some of the buildings affected in the earthquake were not structurally fit enough to withstand a high intensity earthquake.

These brittle skeletons were laid bare after the earthquake and exposed the grim truth that cheap, substandard materials and shortcuts in labor procedures were employed in the structures, and worsened by the bureaucracy and red tape in securing building permits.

There may be building officials and government engineers who do not review the structural calculations/seismic analysis of particular projects reportedly because of bribes.

When designing a building, performance-based design should be used. Among them, implementing an “under reinforced system” on the structural design of a building to see the cue of failure/cracks on the concrete before it reaches its maximum tolerable stage, follow technical specifications provided by the structural engineer.

Routine inspection and structural audit of buildings, particularly the old ones, should be done. If evaluated unsafe, it should be immediately demolished.

Seismic evaluation and rehabilitation designs of existing buildings using carbon fiber and

dampers should be integrated.

Developers should identify the location of fault lines within the vicinity so that the structural engineers can make adjustments in their structural design.

For those living in coastal areas, there should be a provision for the construction, improvement, and security of residents in case of tsunamis. Anti-tidal wave facilities like breakwaters and embankments and geotechnical studies should be included.

In terms of infrastructure, evacuation sites should be at least 10 hectares and 1 square meter per evacuee, and construction of quakeproof conduits with utility tunnels, safety devices and facilities should be done as well.

It has been predicted that if Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas are hit again by another severe earthquake, a large percentage of the cities will be destroyed, along with large human losses.

In November 8 last year, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Internationally known as Haiyan) devastated the central Philippines.

With wind speeds of 315 kilometer per hour (kph), one of the highest recorded, it brought an unprecedented storm surge which cost thousands of lives and massive destruction of infrastructures, farms and other properties.

Buildings in the Philippines are only designed to sustain maximum wind velocities of 250kph as per National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP), and the tall buildings are tuned based on this principle.

Thus, wind tunnel tests are necessary to test the building’s durability. However, the building code must be revisited with concerns to performance and sustainability standards.

For flood-prone areas, required infrastructures include securing water supply stations within 1.5-2km from every household, while roads should have permeable pavements. Parks and apartment complexes should enable non-building spaces as multi-purpose flood control lakes. Buildings should have underground water holding capacities as well.

Due to the rising sea level, finding out past flood records and promoting vertical and adaptive architecture can minimize flood damage in the lowlands. By enabling the sewerage systems to store rainwater and installing filtration boxes, the drainage systems are strengthened. To prevent landslides caused by heavy rainfall, sand-arresting works and reforestation are

Felino A Palafox Jr Architect Felino ”Jun” Palafox Jr. is the Principal Architect and Managing Partner of Palagfox Associated, a multidisciplinary firm founded in 1989. Known for his advocacies for the environment, Arch. Palafox is the presidentelect for the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP for 2013 and 2014. He has lectured in Harvard University, MIT, Asian Institute of Management, and in 16 other countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. He earned his Architecture degree from the University of Santo Tomas and his Masters in Environmental Planning from the University of the Philippines. He also holds seven diplomas from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

needed.

Urbanization has caused the lowering of the areas’ waterholding capacities of the bodies of waters like rivers and lakes.

The resulting increase in the amount of rainwater, mud and garbage flowing directly into these waterways has increased damages. There should be extensive measures to control the flow of the said wastes.

It is essential to recognize disaster prevention as a basic tenet in urban planning, development and construction.

Education and accumulation of policies and measures create or redevelop our towns and cities safe to live in, work, shop, dine, worship and learn. A public-private partnership is much needed.

The biggest challenge architects, designers, engineers and planners face in developing countries today is redefining the architecture and planning of the rapid urbanization to meet the demands of the growing economy and population.

As the number of disasters brought about by climate change, inadequate infrastructure and obsolete practices in planning, zoning and urban development increase, our response to the built environment will reflect how we perceive our immediate surroundings as well as our roles as its caretakers and stewards for future generations.

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Construction

SITES

Project Update

Qatar’s railway projects put on the fast track Qatar Rail aims at bringing about a tangible shift in transportation projects, leading three vital developments in Qatar: the Doha Metro, the long -distance passenger and freight rail and the Lusail Light Rail Transit

W

ork on the Doha Metro project is progressing as scheduled with that of the Lusail Light Rail Transit reaching an advanced stage.

Qatar Rail’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, recently revealed that Qatar Rail had already signed several agreements, worth over $32 billion, to proceed with the preliminary works for the Doha Metro project and the Lusail Light Rail Transit.

“The long-distance passenger and freight rail transportation system, which will cover 350 kilometers in distance at a speed ranging between 220 and 350 kilometers/hour for passenger trains and nearing 120 kilometers/hour for freight trains, is under technical and commercial evaluation by expert consultants,” Al Muhannadi added.

With regards to the Lusail Light Rail Transit, a senior Qatar Rail official said the company had finalized the tunneling works and completed over 60 % of the structure for drilling works for its stations.

Additionally, 50% of the structure of the bridge overseeing Al Khor and the Lusail Light Rail Transit, which is slated to be officially delivered by 2017, has been set up.

The Lusail Light Rail Transit is composed of four lines, extending to 30.5 kilometers in total, among which are 19 kilometers are at ground level, 10 kilometers underground and one kilometer above the ground, in addition to a 0.5 kilometers track between two high-rises.

The overall project consists of a fleet of 34 trains and 37 stations, 24 of which are on ground level, 10 underground, one is located on the bridge level and two connecting two high-rises.

Speaking on the progress of the long-distance passenger and freight rail project, Al Bishri explained the project consisted of three different categories: a shuttle service for GCC transit passengers and travelers, transportation services for locals and freight transport services for international and domestic routes.

The project will be executed over four phases - with plans to initiate the enabling works in 2015 and complete the fourth and final phase in 2030 - and its network being extended to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the New Doha Port and the new Hamad International Airport.

The project’s first phase entails connecting Doha with Mesaieed and the Saudi Arabia border. The second phase will link west Doha to Hamad International Airport and Bahrain. The third phase will link Doha and west Doha to Ras

Laffan.

The fourth phase will consist of building the remaining lines for passenger and freight transport.

A modern and efficient transportation network

equipment and logistics solutions that are capable of timely delivery,” said Al Subaie.

“Significant investments have gone into Qatar’s transportation and shipping infrastructure, including the construction of the New Doha International Airport, the New Doha port, and several mega cities such as Lusail and Al Muhannadi: There Musheireb. the railway netis a real need for an “Additionally, work project, estimated to integrated and com- cost around $35 billion, entails plans to extend shipping prehensive transportation network in railways by 325 kilometers and to connect Qatar’s rail Qatar networks to those of other GCC countries,” he said.

Qatar Rail aims at bringing about a tangible shift in transportation projects, leadQatar Railways Company (Qa- ing three vital developments tar Rail), the company over- in Qatar: the Doha Metro, seeing the construction of the Qatar’s integrated railway network, has unveiled the overall technical progress of the network’s developments, stressing on its alignment with the state’s National Vision 2030 during a media tour which included a conference featuring a series of speeches by the company’s engineering experts as well as a presentation on the company’s projects and their contribution to providing a modern and efficient transportation network that is capable of keeping pace with the growing needs of the Qatari population.

“Qatar is undertaking a number of mega-projects in order to accomplish its National Vision 2030,” commented Engineer Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Turki Al Subaie, the Managing Director of Qatar Rail.

“These projects require a world-class transportation

the long -distance passenger and freight rail and the Lusail Light Rail Transit, which will work in full integration to connect Qatar’s key areas with each other and with their vital extensions - whereby the Doha Metro will link the capital’s inner and outer areas such as Lusail city, the New Doha International Airport, the Education City and the West Bay area.

Al Subaie stressed the role Qatar Rail’s railway network projects would play in reshaping Qatar’s infrastructure, ranking among the worldclass, pioneering and modern railway projects in the region, placing Qatar among the world’s most advanced countries in the transportation sector.

“Whether through construc-

tion, design or other complementary and accompanying works and projects, Qatar Rail has provided the private sector with a great deal of business and labor opportunities through its developments,” he said.

“Among the company’s most ambitious objectives is the significant participation of Qatari private sector to the railway network projects.”

“Qatar Rail will directly contribute to the National Vision’s four key pillars: Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Human Development and Social Development,” added Al Subaie.

Qatar Rail’s projects would create over 104 job opportunities for the Qatar’s private sector, he explained, with forecasts to generate over

$38 billion in potential revenues.

Moreover, the company is committed to preserving Qatar’s natural ecosystem and environment by building an eco-friendly infrastructure for its railway network.

Driving the transport industry forward On a related note, Engineer Hamad El Bishri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Program Officer at Qatar Rail, recapped the progress of the company’s current projects, highlighting the Qatari government’s sizeable investments into the country’s infrastructure over the few coming years, 25 % of which will pour solely into Qatar Rail’s transportation sector.

“Qatar Rail’s developments

Project Update

Construction

will serve a double purpose, linking the Green Line to the Long Distance passenger rail in addition to its current trajectory.

The project’s second phase, extending to 152 kilometers in total length (47 kilometers underground, 76 kilometers above ground level, and 29 kilometers on ground level) and encompassing nearly 56 stations, will be delivered by 2026.

Advanced technology

are essential for the state’s urban fabric, consistently working to meet the society’s growing needs for sustainable development: public transport has become a bare infrastructural necessity for any developed market, whereby metro networks have largely contributed to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, pollution and time-wasting traffic jams.

“Qatar will be no exception, as the Doha Metro project will not only improve the Qatari people’s quality of life but will also create ample opportunities for Qatari investors and industry professionals,” he said, adding that the Doha Metro made up an essential share of the Qatari railway network.

Linking key locations

Al Muhannadi: The first stage of Doha Metro projects entails the setting up of 37 stations covering Qatar’s key locations and vital areas

The Doha Metro network consists of four lines extended to 354 kilometers across the Greater Doha area, connecting the city’s two central points with larger commercial, residential and dynamic areas in Downtown Doha, and operating underground in busy areas, and on-and-

above the ground levels in the suburbs.

The network will also cover over 90 stations (currently amounting to 93), two of which are central and located in the city of Musheireb and Education city.

The metro lines will be distributed as follows: - Red Line (coastal line) will traverse Wakrah City, the Doha International Airport, Musheireb, Katara, The Pearl, and Qatar University routes.

- Gold Line (History Line), bound from east to west, connects the airport’s northern part with Souk Waqef, Musheireb, Bin Mahmoud, Al Sadd and Al Waab - Green Line (Education Line) trails the Al Rayyan Road and connects Education City – the very center of Qatar’s educational projects and achievements – with Musheireb and Hamad Hospital.

- Blue Line (City Line) which is a semi-circular line that connects residential and commercial areas in the West Bay and the northern part of Airport City with the main C-Ring Road.

Additionally, the network will connect the Red, Gold, Green and Blue Lines with each other which will be implemented in two phases.

The Doha Metro project will usher requirements of the increasing population growth in Qatar, where the Red Line – South will link Doha to Musheireb which will be the Major Station and the intersection of all metro lines.

The Doha Metro Project will also operate underground in the center of the city.

The Red Line will link Downtown Doha to the business

hub area in West Bay – extending underground to reach the new Lusail city- while its Southern extension will connect Doha to the center of Musheireb, which itself is the intersection point for all the Doha Metro lines as well as its central station.

The Gold Line will link connect the Hamad International Airport to Qatar’s new national museum, Musheireb central station, and the heart of Doha.

Meanwhile, the Green Line will transport passengers to football stadiums that will be built in preparation for the World Cup 2022.

Indeed, the Doha Metro was designed to keep pace with the growing needs and size of the Qatari population, its aesthetic features fitted to Qatar’s cultural heritage and reflecting historic Islamic architecture; the network’s stations interior design characterized by the use of Vaulted Spaces and pearl-like materials, creating a sense of familiarity and warmth to Qatari commuters.

The Doha Metro project will be conducted over two stages: the first, scheduled to be completed in 2019, entails the setup of 37 stations – among which the Musheireb Station, located in the heart of Doha, will be the metro network’s headquarters and the intersection point for three of its four lines (Red, Green and Gold) – covering 84 kilometers in total length (96 kilometers underground, 11 kilometers above ground level, and 4 kilometers on ground level).

In future, Al Bishri explained, the Education City station

Al Bishri: Qatar Rail will deploy advanced tunnel boring machines using earth pressure balance technology and will utilize world-class machinery that has been tailor-designed for Qatar’s geographical nature.

The metro lines will operate underground in areas located in the heart of Doha. Qatar Rail will employ advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) using Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) technology for the tunneling works for these underground operations, whereby a circular cutting ring will break into underground surfaces, creating cylinder cavities for the tunnels.

“The debris of this process will then be transferred, through the tunnels, to a ‘dish’ as the ring moves forward and cuts through underground concrete, supported by a hydraulic functioning system.

“This mechanism enables not only seamless setup of underground tunnels but proper use of the demolished concrete as a supporting layer to the tunnels’ protection shield ,” explained Al Bishri, adding that the drilling and cavitation machinery ranked among the best in the world and had been tailor-designed for Qatar’s geographical nature.

This machinery will be spread across 10 locations in Qatar – with the disc as the only visible part of the work for un-

derground tunnels – whereby four cavitation machines will be deployed at Al Bidda station, two of which will traverse the underground route toward the Musheireb station. The remaining two will cross the road to the center of West Bay through the southern part of West Gulf station.

The creation of underground tunnels will include the provision of logistical supplies to operate the EPB-powered machinery, and will be split into two phases: the first will involve underground cavitation works and the second the setup of a proper underground infrastructure.

Qatar Rail will fully scan areas for underground tunnels before any drilling and excavation works take place, asserted Al Bishri, as it will set up several control and monitoring posts across these areas and take precautionary measures in the face of any unforeseen problems or events; such measures include a balancing act of underground cement injections under buildings surrounding the underground stations, if needed.

In fact, the EPB technology will allow the company to conduct the works for underground tunnels with little impact on residential areas located above and around these tunnels.

Moreover, Qatar Rail’s TBMs for tunneling have been used in major cities worldwide (including London, Paris, New York, Zurich, Cairo, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi), and is in accordance with world-class safety and security standards for both the project’s crew and Qatari residents.

As such, Al Bishri assured that the works for underground tunnels will not disrupt Qatari residents’ daily lives.

Eco-friendly programs On another front, the Qatar Rail development program will offer time-saving and environment-friendly benefits: the time to cover the distance from the Musheireb area to Al Rayyan Stadium is estimated at 39 minutes by car compared to 23.5 minutes by metro, Al Muhannadi explained.

While the approximate quantity of carbon dioxide emission saved by metro transport for this distance is 2.8 kilograms –enough energy to

SITES

7

light a lamp for 850 hours.

Likewise, commuting from Musheireb to Qatar University consumes 28 minutes by car, whereas by metro, it takes 18 minutes and saves 1.9 kilograms in carbon dioxide – enough energy to operate a television set for 200 hours in eight days.

Similarly, a trip from Musheireb to Education City consumes 28 minutes by car and emits 1.8 kilograms of carbon dioxide, whereas it is estimated at 16 minutes by metro.

Preserving Qatar’s natural landscape

Al Muhannadi: Qatar Rail’s projects will contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and traffic jams

Over the past 18 months, Qatar Rail has conducted a 15-volume intensive study over 100 square kilometers of the state’s territory, evaluating the possible environmental impact and footprint of the railway network project during and after its completion.

Results of the study have steered Qatar Rail towards the right decisions around the overall development of the network and toward a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Environment to ensure that its projects are certified and permits granted on the basis of its compliance with the ministry’s standards and requirements.

Qatar Rail will continuously strive to achieve world-class environmental management standards of construction, operations and development in the Middle East region: the Doha Metro’s contribution to reducing carbon footprint in Qatar is just one example.

When the Doha Metro operates in full capacity by 2030, it is expected that 17,000 cars would be off the street, which means that Qatar will be saving 107,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions just about enough energy to fly around the world 21 times.

10

Construction

SITES

Legal

Letters of Intent Introduction This article considers the interpretation and use of letters of intent within the context of the delivery of construction projects in Qatar. It is very difficult to ascertain clear principles in relation to letters of intent. There are no formal rules governing such letters and general rules are difficult to apply. Whether a letter of intent is binding or not depends on general principles of contract formation enshrined in Law No. 22 of 2004 (the “Qatar Civil Code”) and factual context. Each matter needs to be looked at individually, on its own merits; each case will turn on the precise circumstances before and after a letter of intent was signed, and the words in that letter. A letter of intent is an indication of a party’s intention to enter into a contractual relationship with another party in the future. In most circumstances, the parties will intend that the letter of intent be binding, at least to some degree, and the question of legal effect of a letter of intent is the focus of this article.

What is a letter of intent?

The term “letter of intent” has no legal significance. It is ordinarily defined as “the expression in writing of a party’s present intention to enter into a contract in the future” but creates no liability in regard to that future contract. Construed in a factual context and depending on its terms, the letter may or may not be legally binding.

Letters of intent may fall into three broad categories: 1. A true letter of intent, which simply expresses an intention to form contractual relations in the future and creates no binding obligations on either party. These letters usually contain an express exclusion of an intention to create legally binding relations; they may be called “letters of comfort”.

2. A letter of intent incorporating interim contractual arrangements, which expresses an intent, but also authorises works on a specific and limited basis (for instance, mobilisation or site preparation works). Whether or not this letter constitutes a contract is determined by the Qatar Civil Code contract formation principles and the level of detail contained in its terms as to work scope, and limits on time and cost.

3. A letter of intent sufficient to form a contract for an entire project. This letter may record all the elements necessary to form a contract and contain all essential agreed terms with regard to all envisaged works. It may also be construed as an in-

terim contract, based on tender documents, that has come into existence immediately.

Although letters of intent are frequently used by Employers and Contractors alike, there is no standardised form; they come in all sorts of forms, ranging from a one paragraph directive to many pages of complex instructions, resembling written contracts. Letters of intent are a question of substance rather than form.

Purpose: In what circumstances can a letter of intent be used?

Often, the primary commercial purpose of a letter of intent is to mobilise a Contractor prior to a date when the formal construction contract is ready for signature. This can prove beneficial when, for example, lengthy delays in obtaining approvals and permissions are envisaged or when allowing for a long lead in time for ordering materials. A letter of intent may be given to a subcontractor by a Contractor already operating under its own letter of intent.

All too often, unfortunately, letters of intent arise out of the failure, avoidance or the postponement of dealing with difficult questions as to the makeup of the contract and the correct contract documents.

There are, however, a broad spectrum of good commercial reasons for entering into a letter of intent, including: 1. When key facets of the contract are agreed or there are agreed mechanisms by which they can be determined, and in particular: work scope, price, start and finish dates and broad programme.

2. To establish a non-binding outline of what the parties have agreed in principle, whilst limiting overall expenditure and duration of an initial commitment.

3. There are good reasons to start work in advance of finalisation of all the contract documents.

4. To incorporate a selection of legally binding provisions such as a confidentiality clause or a covenant to negotiate in good faith.

Where the reasons are sensible and genuine, it is worth stating these in the letter itself.

Is it a contract?

The greatest danger is in confusing letters of intent that create no rights and liabilities, with those that do. There can be no prior assumptions. Use of the term “letter of intent” is not sufficient, on its own, to rebut the presumption of binding legal effect. Accordingly, a letter of intent which may not be intended to be binding may be interpreted as being so if it complies with various requisite contractual formalities.

Equally, a letter of intent that

Alexa Hall Associate

Laura Warren

“Alexa Hall is an Associate with the international law firm, Clyde & Co LLP, being based in the firm’s Doha branch, part of the Middle East Projects and Construction Group . She is also a member of the Society of Construction Law (Gulf) in Qatar. Alexa has experience of a mix of contentious and noncontentious construction and projects work spanning across a broad spectrum of sector specialisms.

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.

may be intended to be, and indeed appear to be, by virtue of the inclusion of certain key provisions, binding, may not create any obligations on the parties at all (often referred to as an “agreement to agree”).

Whether the conclusion of a letter of intent gives rise to any, and if any, what, liability is a question of fact to be considered in light of legal analysis of the requirements for preparation and formation of a contract under the Qatar Civil Code.

In keeping with the orthodox requirements for a contract (offer and acceptance – note the common law requirement for “consideration” is not a facet of Qatari law), Article 64 of the Qatar Civil Code provides: “A contract will be concluded as soon as an offer is met by an acceptance if its object and cause are deemed to be legal, without prejudice to the requirements of the law in respect of any special conditions for concluding certain documents.”

Further, Article 79 of the Qatar Civil Code states: “If the contracting parties agree on all substantive matters in a contract and reserve certain matters of detail for agreement at a later date and they do not stipulate that the contract should not be concluded in the event of nonagreement thereon, the contract will be deemed to have been concluded.”

Article 79 goes on to state that: “If a difference arises regarding the issues that have not been agreed upon, the court will rule on them in accordance with the nature of the transaction, the provisions of the law, custom and the principles of justice.”

Other relevant provisions of the Qatar Civil Code include Article 169, which deals with interpretation of a contract. Article 169(1) provides: “If the terms of a contract are clear, it will not be permitted to deviate from them by interpret-

ing them in order to ascertain the will of the parties.”

Article 169(2) is also relevant: “However, if there is a case for interpreting the contract, the common intention of the contracting parties must be examined without being restricted to the literal meaning of the terms, while being guided in that respect by the nature of the exchange and by such trust and confidence as should exist between the parties, in accordance with custom in respect of such transactions.”

As a result, a judge or arbitrator, when interpreting the meaning and affect of letters of intent governed by Qatar law, may consider the “common intention of the contracting parties” rather than the “literal meaning of the terms”, in accordance with the Qatar Civil Code. The key element when considering whether a letter of intent is an enforceable contract is whether the parties intended to be legally bound.

By way of assistance: 1. If parties wish to avoid creating any legal effect, include an express exclusion clause which is clearly determinative of the parties’ intentions.

Parties often use the term “subject to contract” in order to indicate that there is no contractual intent and that final terms have not yet been finalised.

However, be wary of relying solely on inclusion of “subject to contract” without legal advice: this is not a term of art in this jurisdiction and the intention to exclude legal relations must be clear.

2. Conduct of the parties after sending the letter may invalidate/ impact the effect of wording which purports to exclude binding legal relations.

3. If the parties do intend that the letter constitute a binding contract, the terms within the letter should be sufficiently

clear and cover all key elements of the contract/ transaction. This might include, for instance, specification of a clear scope of limited works, a time period beyond which liability under the letter will not extend and definition of the circumstances in which it terminates, or a maximum sum payable under its terms. If the letter is intended to be partially binding, clearly state which provisions are to be binding.

4. The fact that the letter of intent contemplates the execution of a formal contract is not necessarily conclusive of its nonbinding character. It may result in no contract, and in such circumstances, a judge or arbitrator may nevertheless impose an obligation on the party making the request to pay a reasonable sum for work that has been completed pursuant to that request.

5. Other relevant factors include the size, importance and complexity of the project; some projects may be considered to be so large, complex and important, that a subsequent contract is essential.

It is also worth mentioning that a letter of intent could give rise to an obligation to negotiate in good faith, as enunciated under Article 172 of the Qatar Civil Code. This will create obligations which must be observed both before and after signing the letter of intent, including, for example, a duty to observe reasonable diligence in the performance of pre-contractual and contractual obligations, or to maintain ethical standards of behaviour.

The Risks Some of the legal and commercial risks for both parties associated with letters of intent are as follows: 1. The parties may not know what legal effect they want the letter to have, and may only discover this after the event, in a court of law.

2. Generally, the parties may want the letter to be interpreted in a specific way, which is not obvious from the words used. Letters of intent may inadvertently become legally binding if not drafted carefully.

3. Conversely, the letter may fail to properly reflect the parties’ intentions to create a legal binding contract. Parties will enjoy the certainty of benefits and protections contained in a formally signed contract, which a letter of intent, if construed as non-binding, will fail to give.

4. The discussions required to agree a letter of in-

tent can waste time – it may delay detailed negotiations which may cause wasted expenditure.

It is generally thought that a Contractor or Subcontractor who undertakes work under a letter of intent does so at risk.

This is not always the case, and in fact, it can be the party issuing the letter that is more often at risk. For instance, an Employer may be left with weakened bargaining power as a Contractor may have little incentive to sign a formal, more detailed contract, having regarding itself as “on board”.

Depending on its terms, there may be no right for the Employer to terminate the letter of intent in the usual circumstances contained in an appropriate standard form contract, or no security will be obtained to cover breach by a Contractor (bonds or parent company guarantees).

When trying to decide whether to enter into a letter of intent, rather than a contract, one must consider these risks in the context of the advantages (outlined above) associated with use of a letter of intent in a market place which commonly demands urgency in commencement of works on large scale projects.

Conclusion Given the significant commercial pressures which impose a need for letters of intent, it would be improper to advise in favour of dispensing with them entirely. However, letters of intent do require considerable care in their preparation and use, and we caution against entering into these letters without having sought proper legal advice as to how the letter might be drafted in order to satisfy both parties’ commercial and legal requirements and minimise risk. A letter of intent should attempt to combine the flexibility associated with the absence of a formal contract, with the security/ risk transfer which a contract provides. Of course, it is no means certain that it would be successful in this if a Court or Tribunal ever considered its terms in detail.

Note: All Qatari Laws (save for those issued by the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) to regulate its own business) are issued in Arabic and there are no official translations, therefore for the purposes of drafting this article we have used our own translation and interpreted the same in the context of Qatari regulation and current market practice.

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

12

Construction

SITES

Region

Governments more aware of district Hard and soft construction and landscaping products to go on show cooling benefits

, from exhibitors about their products, launches and offers * be kept up to date with industry trends and developments, UAE municipality plans and new regional tenders.

Running in conjunction with the Outdoor Design, Build and Supply Show is the Urban Agenda 2020 Conference.

Now that Dubai has won the rights to host Expo 2020, all eyes will be on the city as it prepares itself for an influx of new businesses, residents and visitors through new infrastructure and services.

Leading experts and technology providers gathered to share and discuss the latest district cooling technologies, solutions and products for the region during the fifth annual Middle East District Cooling Summit in Doha.

Held under the patronage of HE Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy & Industry and Chairman & Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum, the three-day summit was inaugurated by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) President Essa Bin Hilal Al Kuwari.

Organized by the Utilities Division of Fleming Gulf, one of the leading providers of business intelligence through industry specific conferences, webinars and skills enhancement training courses, this year’s edition included a two-day (November 26, 27) conference program that featured industry leaders, case studies, interactive panel discussions, round-tables and a networking reception.

After the conference, an intensive workshop was conducted on the last day (November 28), comprising sessions that are based on hands-on activities and exercises.

The summit was attended by more than 300 participants and delegates, comprising high-ranking company officials and technology experts

,

The Outdoor Design, Build and Supply Show, scheduled to be held at Dubai World Trade Center from March 31 to April 2 this year, is the Middle East’s only dedicated exhibition showcasing a wide range of hard and soft construction and landscaping products and services including: landscape contractors, outdoor lighting, recreation and park equipment, water features, playground equipment, flooring solutions, irrigation and water management innovations, horticulture, planning and design services, among others.

Visitors may register for their free passes to meet all the key players in planning and preparing Dubai’s outdoor space in the run-up to Expo 2020.

The free ticket will give exclusive access to: *on-floor seminar sessions focusing on the most pressing issues and topics in the landscape contracting and associated sectors *receive regular news

URBAN AGENDA 2020 will look at the “how to” of preparations for Expo 2020 - how Dubai Municipality is planning for it and how your company can get involved.

Attending the event will give you the tools you need to plan for new city developments, understand new technologies, and benefit from handson workshops and network with Dubai government officials and their consultants The Outdoor Design, Build and Supply Show will be hosted by the Dubai Municipality.

Firms vie for share of $78 billion GCC engineering market

W

ith $398 billion of projects in the GCC currently in a pre-execution stage, design consultancy firms gear up to take their share of the $78 billion engineering and design market.

More than a third of the work is in Saudi Arabia followed by Kuwait and the UAE with 35, 18 and 17% respectively.

Based on projects awarded in the GCC during 2013, Dar Al Handasah claimed the top spot followed closely by Omrania, Egis, Dornier Consulting, IBI Group, Perkins + Will, Aecom, Technip and Hyder Consulting.

The construction (building) sector represents the largest opportunity with 35% of projects, followed by transport and oil sectors with 18 and 17% respectively.

With a noticeable increase in investor sentiment after the UAE won the right to host Expo 2020, a flurry of new projects in the leisure, entertainment and hospitality sectors around the new Maktoum International Airport is expected.

The announcement that the E311 highway will be extended all the way to Abu Dhabi is the first of a number of major infrastructure projects to develop along the corridor between the Maktoum International Airport in Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Air-

port. companies will lock in experiThe public sector in the GCC enced personnel. Salaries will has awarded more than $40 undoubtedly increase, one of billion worth of projects dur- a number of factors which will ing 2013 in the transportation ultimately increase cost and sector alone. Included in the in turn negatively affect the list are the light rail projects feasibility of many construcin Riyadh and Doha as well tion projects. as rail projects in the UAE and MEED Cost Indices published Saudi Arabia plus a number of its fourth quarter 2013 fivemajor road networks across year escalation forecast for most of the GCC countries. the UAE. “Our forecast, which “This year will see this number is conservative in nature, inincrease by more than 25% dicates that the cost of conwith more rail projects and struction to owners and deGCC: Share upgrades. of value of velopers projects will at increase pre-­‐ major road network by more Almost a third ofexecuIon these proj30% over the next five by cthan ountry ects are in Qatar followed by years,” said Emil Rademeyer, 6% the General Manager of MEED Saudi Arabia, Oman and 11% UAE,” said Julian Herbert, Di- Cost Indices.

Saudi Arabia 35% the project market heatrector of MEED Projects.

“With Kuwait The major challenge 13% facing en- ing up in Saudi Arabia, Qatar gineering companies is finding and the UAE, the UAE risk exists Oman enough experienced staff who that we could experience can meet client requirements hyperinflation. ThisQatar could ul17% Bahrain escasuch as local experience and18% timately push annual the flexibility to relocate to lation into double digits, a various cities in the GCC. stark reminder of what had

Along with the inflationary happened between 2005 and

pressure which grows as the 2008.”

market heats up, engineering 3%

GCC: Share of value of projects at pre-­‐execuIon by country

5% Construc\on

5%

Transport

6% 35%

Oil Power

12%

Industrial Water

16% 18%

Gas Chemical

from more than 20 countries.

George Berbari, Chief Executive Officer of DC Pro Engineering in the UAE, who was the summit chairman, said: “With experts from the region and all over the world having presented and discussed the benefits of district cooling, this summit has made governments more aware of the significance of district cooling in curbing power demand increases and its positive impact on environment and national resources.”

He noted that Dubai had already implemented strict regulations for district cooling and Qatar’s Kahramaa had established a dedicated district cooling division that mandated the use of nondesalinated water, along with plans of introducing new and important district cooling regulations.

“As the district cooling industry is getting more efficient than ever before, with 0.85 kw/ton achieved today compared to 1.0 kw/ton 10 years ago, it is also evolving to include tri-generation of power, cooling and heating integrated with renewable solar and deep geothermal energy to provide a comprehensive solution,” he added.

On the second day of the summit, Salah Nezar, Sustainability Director for Qatar Project Management (QPM), the proj-

ect management partners of the event, made a presentation on “Innovative cooling for green thinking”.

Included in his presentation were detailed discussions on why there was a need for outdoor cooling in Qatar, a passive solutions layout, solar cooling solution outlines and challenges and opportunities.

At the close of his presentation, he noted that while outdoor cooling solution was viable, it was also quite challenging.

Also, he felt that the architectural and landscape aspects of the solution were as important as the engineering approach and that solar radiation mitigation was the most important factor in minimizing heat gain.

Furthermore, Nezar stated that an evaporative cooling approach was not a viable solution during the hot season and that containing cold air streams within the target zone was the most critical factor in developing an air delivery system for outdoor cooling solution.

Nezar’s presentation was part of Session 5 which opened with a keynote presentation

by Berbari who tackled the issue of “Tri-generation integrated with renewable energy will be at the leading edge of sustainable and economically feasible future technologies.

Dubai Expo 2020 bid set to bring $35 billion contracts As the UAE celebrates the from large developers such as and the construction of the main Expo 2020 centre close successful bid of Expo 2020 Emaar and TDIC. Dubai, a positive sentiment During the first nine months to the Maktoum International has returned to the country’s of 2013, the cost of key con- Airport. construction market and to struction materials in the UAE The bulk of the new megahas increased on average by projects expected to be anDubai in particular. nounced over the next few According to regional project 7%. tracker MEED Projects, the to- If a flood of new projects months will be from large tal value of contracts awarded comes to market as a result of scale developers such as the Esuccessful in the UAE during 2013 willDubai xpo 2020 bExpo id set 2020 to bid, Meraas, Emaar, Nakheel, along with the award close out at approximatelybring $35 billion contracts of mega Dubai Properties and Damac. $30 billion. projects in Doha, Riyadh and logging every single site where UAE celebrates the successful id of Expo 2020 Daubai, a positive sentiment returned to on Jeddah, there is a brisk that new building ishas planned, “We expect this number to in-As the the country’s construction market and to Dubai in particular. escalation could negatively hold or under execution inUthe crease significantly over theAccording to regional project tracker MEED Projects, the total value of contracts awarded in the AE 2013 will close feasibility out at approximately $30 billion. UAE.

affect the of many Details, including GPS next few years as the mar-during “We expect this number to increase significantly over the next few years as the market takes full new oschemes. co-ordinates and site photoket takes full advantage ofadvantage f Dubai’s successful bid,” said Julian Herbert, Director of MEED Projects. on projects already announced, MEED Projects pgraphs redicts that the total value of contracts to be Developers and contractors have been captured Dubai’s successful bid,” saidBased awarded in 2014 will probably eclipse the 2013 number to reach $35 billion. willalso beexpected keeping a close eye on for over 1,100 projects worth Julian Herbert, Director ofHerbert that a number of new developments would be announced on the back of the successful Dubai Expo to 2020 bid. escalation avoid the hyper $10 million and above.

MEED Projects. investors upbeat about Dubai’s future and property prices increasing at their fastest pace since cost escalation witnessed dur- The programme has revealed Based on projects alreadyWith the 2008, the real-­‐estate market seems set to lead growth in the construction market. improvement in the construction over the lnot ast two years w as largely driven previously by the boom years mofarket 2007 only that many announced, MEED ProjectsThe ing investment and a handful of projects from large developers such as Emaar and TDIC. and 2008. on hold projects are being predicts that the total valueinfrastructure During the first nine months of 2013, the cost of key construction materials in the UAE has increased major infrastruc- recovered, but that there are of contracts to be awarded inon aSome verage by of 7%. the

lood of nprojects ew projects comes to market as over a result o200 f the successful Expo 2previously 020 bid, along with the expected to 300 unre2014 will probably eclipse theIf a fture award of mega projects in Doha, Riyadh and Jeddah, there is a risk that escalation could negatively the next few years include the corded projects at an early 2013 number to reach $35affect the feasibility of many new schemes.

Developers and contractors will Dubai be keeping a close eye stage. on escalation to avoid projects the hyper cost expansion of the Metro These will apbillion. escalation witnessed during the boom years of 2007 and 2008.

Red line; new concourses pear infew MEED Projects proHerbert also expected that aSome of the m ajor infrastructure projects expected over the next years include the expansion of Dubai Metro Red line; new opened concourses aMakt the recently opened Maktoum the recently gressively overInternational the nextAirport; two to number of new developmentsthe at interchanges on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed road; and the construction of the main Expo 2020 toum Airport; would be announced on thecentre close to tInternational he Maktoum International Airport. three months. bulk of the new megaprojects expected to be announced over the next few months will be from on the Sheikh back of the successful DubaiThe interchanges large scale developers such as Meraas, Emaar, Nakheel, Dubai Properties and Damac.

Mohammed bin Zayed road; Expo 2020 bid.

With investors upbeat about Dubai’s future and property prices increasing at their fastest pace since the 2008, the real-estate market seems set to lead growth in the construction market.

The improvement in the construction market over the last two years was largely driven by infrastructure investment and a handful of projects Between August and November, MEED Projects undertook a programme of visiting and

Exclusiveg

13

Green Buildin

Why materials matter in photovoltaics CS speaks to Dr Stephan Padlewski, Marketing Manager, EMEA, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, on the importance of materials as they impact the longevity and reliability of PV systems to help meet the region’s fast growing demand for renewable energy DuPont has been in the business of providing specialty materials to the solar industry for over 30 years. Of the 400 million solar panels estimated to have been installed since 1975, half of them (200 million or so) have DuPont materials inside them.

DuPont has in fact 5 trillion panel hours of real world experience to its credit. In 2012 alone DuPont sold over $1 billion in materials to the PV industry, ranking the company number one as a supplier of specialty materials to this growing market.

Such experience and a track record spanning more than 30 years place DuPont in a credible position to express opinions and comment on the solar market, where it is heading and what are the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

CS speaks to Dr Stephan Padlewski, Marketing Manager, EMEA, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions on the importance of materials as they impact the longevity and reliability of PV systems to help meet the region’s fast-growing demand for renewable energy.

In a presentation during the recent Qatar Solar Summit, Dr Padlewski addressed challenges being faced by the local solar industry.

“The Middle East has high levels of ultra violet (UV) exposure and temperature differences between day and night that can cause considerable damage to solar panels, compromising their power output, reliability and durability, if the key materials they are made with are not able to withstand these environmental stresses,” said Dr Padlewski.

“In order for the regional solar energy industry to grow sustainably, it is important for solar investors to understand what impact materials selection has and which materials will help ensure reliable panel performance.”

The solar industry is on track to become a $100 billion market by 2015.

Solar energy is the most abundant energy resource on earth – 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the earth continuously. That’s more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use. Bringing innovations to market products and technology harnessing that power is essential.

Over the next several years, the industry estimates 20% average annual growth in solar system installations. Solar is expected to be a $100 billon industry by 2015.

In 2012, over 30.8GW of new solar power generating capacity was installed globally.

Market data points to a similar amount being installed this year.

Solar has come a long way from a decade ago. Solar project developers are ben-

efitting from a flow of cheap solar panels.

On the other side of supply chain, producers of solar panels are facing great challenges. Over-capacity (by some estimates another 20 GW in 2013) has put severe strains on the many manufacturers of solar panels. Photon International, a leading consulting firm, predicts that consolidation will reduce the number of suppliers from 256 in 2011 to fewer than 50 by 2016.

The market outlook looks good. With only 0.4% of the global electrical generation coming from solar today, there are huge opportunities ahead.

Grid parity has already been achieved in some areas. By 2016, we expect to reach grid parity in many parts of the world. To maintain this progress, solar installations must continue to deliver a reliable source of energy as well as an attractive return on investment.

Renewed attention is now being paid to long-term reliability and quality.

This is an area which can have profound effects on investment returns but also the credibility of solar as a viable and sustainable energy source.

Solar installations must continue to deliver a reliable source of energy and attractive return on investment DuPont got involved with the PV industry through the development of silicon purification process for AT&T Bell labs in 1954.

We later introduced EVA in the 60s, a key ingredient for encapsulants still widely used for PV applications, Tedlar PVF film in the 70s for backsheet fabrication and in the 90s came Solamet silver metallization pastes for PV cell fabrication.

Today we have PV modules that have been operating for over 35 years thanks to DuPont materials.

It is not only about providing materials but also about supplying cell process knowledge and the interaction with materials, so we should expect to

see increasing dependence on materials suppliers for processes, technical support and roadmaps that provide higher performance products.

The solar panel production capacity expansion has over the last years by far exceeded the demand market. We have witnessed fast falling prices for solar panels that have put a serious crunch on manufacturer’s margins and pressure to cut corners. There is a race for survival amongst solar panel manufacturing companies.

The unfortunate consequences of these serious pressures are that quality standards in the production of solar panels have been compromised by many suppliers. This is really more of a recent phenomenon and something that everyone who is participating in the industry should be concerned with.

The solar industry is no longer a niche market, but a fully-fledged part of the global energy mix and after many decades of evolving to this point, it can ill afford a tarnished reputation.

Qatar’s solar future Qatar aims to generate 20%

of its energy from renewable sources by 2024. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is to become the first carbon-neutral world cup using solar energy for the air conditioning of the stadiums and the fan zones.

With an annual direct normal irradiance (DNI) of 2008 kWh/m2/year and an average sunshine duration of 9.4 hours/day, solar energy makes perfect sense in the country, paired with continuous energy efficiency and energy production improvements to meet the growing demand for energy in a costeffective manner.

As a company whose scientific innovations enable improved energy efficiency, delivery and generation, DuPont has a valuable opportunity to provide thought leadership in the area of applied science within the energy sector.

Rather than focusing on a particular form of energy, DuPont advocates an inclusive position in which all types of energy, from fossil fuels to renewables, must be harnessed and used efficiently.

Dr Padlewski outlines the strategies of collaboration in

order to secure solar energy future. These are: • Developing renewablysourced alternatives - non petroleum based energy options can help stabilize the markets and value chains, yet they need to be economically viable and environmentally sound • Collaborating – from conservation through adoption of alternative energy sources, we need government, academics and the value chain to work together • Improving efficiency - we need to conserve to not only protect the resources we have, but to reduce costs • Acting locally – reliable energy sources must be tailored to unique, local conditions.

Local climate conditions put strains on solar panels. Solutions?

With global energy demand expected to double by 2050, few needs are as pressing as expanding the global energy mix. Scientific innovations are key to meeting modern needs with new sources of energy, including photovoltaic (solar) energy.

DuPont’s role in Qatar in photovoltaics will be to initially advise downstream players in the value chain (engineering procurement and construction companies - EPCs - project developers and investors) of the critical role photovoltaic materials play in helping to increase the efficiency, reliability and lifetime of PV systems, whilst reducing their overall total system costs.

Qatar’s climatic conditions are harsh, with high levels of UV, humidity from the proximity to the sea and sand dusting. These factors place increased stress on solar panels which are expected to

last for 25 years in the field.

It is therefore crucial that investors and project developers understand how they can mitigate their risk.

1. Think in terms of levelized cost of energy (LCOE) vs. cost-per-watt.

LCOE is a substantially more precise and comprehensive way to describe cost of ownership and, generally, is the standard method used to calculate energy costs using other technologies.

Think in terms of lifetime, efficiency and system cost, because these factors contribute to lowering LCOE. 2. Ensure your system utilizes proven bill-of-materials, system design and manufacturing practices.

It is important to consider the environment and weather conditions where your system will be installed; the particular application of your system; and, how you plan to maintain and monitor your system.

3. Know what materials are in your module - because all modules are not created equal. There are big performance differences and you need to be clear about what you need. Specify to performance standards and make sure you get what you have paid for. Request that your module manufacturer certify that the materials used will meet the performance standard you specified.

4. Work with well-established industry leaders - up and down the value chain - who will prevail long-term and who will continue to invest and advance the technology that advances and protects the industry.

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Company offers innovative concrete reinforcement products to Qatari market Environment friendly, noncorroding, non-metallic, lighter than steel reinforcement solutions for concrete: that’s what ReforceTech company promises to deliver.

Made from Basalt Fiber Composite, the company claims the product offers several unique properties that enable advances to the civil engineering field.

“The ReforceTech reinforcement is corrosion-free and has considerable lower density in addition to higher tensile strength compared to steel.

This enables designers to create cost-effective and innovative structural solutions,” saysReroceTech Qatar General

Manager Ehab Abu-Salim.

In 2011, the Norwegian companyReforceTech made a joint venture with Al Hodaifi Company and process technology companyto introduce the product to the Qatari market.

“Right now we import the raw materials through supply agreements with most of the leading continuous basalt fiber producers, but in future we aim to fabricate locally from raw material sorted out from the Gulf region in our 10,000 square meters factory in the New Industrial Area,” Abu-Salim explains.

Being an innovative product doesn’t mean that Basalt Fi-

ber Reinforcement is not a well established product. The product is given Certificate of Fitness by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is approved with design guidelines for offshore and marine concrete structures.

ReforceTech has two base technologies with multiple patents and patents pending.

ReforceTech is using its patented process to produce ReforceTech Reinforcement.

According to Abu-Salim, compared to other available composite manufacturing processes, ReforceTech’s process is eco-friendly as it doesn’t require the high amount of energy needed for

Sustain(able) BIM

manufacturing of other types of reinforcement.

He points out that the product is cost efficient too as savings range between 10 to 20% compared to steel reinforcement.

Abu-Salim thinks that its non corrosion properties makes Basalt Fiber Reinforcement ideal for water front developments that are on the rise in Qatar. The company has two main product types on offer right now in Qatar.

Fiber Reinforced Polymer BFRP Mini Bars are an engineered macro fiber reinforcement designed to improve concrete structural strength through uniform distribution throughout the concrete matrix.

From volcanic basalt stone, thin basalt fibers are combined in ReforceTech’s patented process to create strong Mini Bars.

The Mini Bars are engineered to create the optimal mechanical bond and cut to the prescribed length to achieve the desired concrete products performance.

The Mini Bars greatly increase the toughness and strength of concrete.

They also enable thinner sections, lower weight products, easier installation and transportation.

They are suitable for aggressive chloride environments

and transform concrete from a brittle material requiring steel reinforcement to a ductile concrete with tensile strength capacity.

The environment presents many challenges due to the harsh conditions under which structures must be built to survive. That’s where BFRP technology can help. The bars have zero corrosion, are nonconductive, non-magnetic and lowweight, which enable easy handling at manufacturing plant or construction site.

Moreover, there is 33 to 48% less CO2 emission in final concrete structures due to material optimization. The reduced concrete cover layer enables less concrete weight and lighter structures.

Labour saving techniques also optimize total element costs through innovative geometries and construction kits.

The final product has longer lifetime and lower lifecycle costs.

By Teodor Pop BIM Manager, NCS Qatar The architecture, engineering and construction industry is nowadays being reshaped by two increasingly important concepts: sustainable design and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

As the World Commission on the Environment and Development stated in its report to the UN back in 1987: “Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

In truth, the process of building ecologicalconstructions is nothing new, quite the opposite: all over the world, along the history of humankind, builders demonstrated their aptitudes in choosing materials and designs fit for the local climate conditions.

Starting with the 20th century though, as technologies like heating, artificial lighting, ventilation, etc. flourished, the construction industry developed buildings with no real empathy towards local geographical conditions.

It is only in the last decade or so when AECO (architecture, engineering, construction and owner-operated) professionals moved back on the path of ecological responsibility.

As a result of governmental initiatives and efforts of various research organizations, we have nowadays more than 30 green building rating systems available internation

ally, with some of the most important and widely used being: BREEAM (UK), LEED (US) and GSAS/QSAS (Mena).

Most of these rating systems require extensive engineering of the building in order to achieve the “green certificate” status. This is where BIM comes to the rescue.

To describe it in a nutshell, BIM is a process that can be used bythe construction industry professionalsto create better designs and enhance communication among all project stakeholders.

The exclusive advantage offered through the means of a BIM methodologyis the ability to construct a building twice: once virtually, using various software tools, and then physically, on-site.

Through such a two-step approach we can gain various benefits like: reduce conflicts between disciplines, reduce errors and material waste, increase the ability to test and choose the optimum solution, increase precision in fabrication, increase productivity and efficiency.

As a vehicle for such paybacks the adoption of a BIM workflow becomes essential for any sustainable project.

According to the 2008 statistics published by the US Department of Energy, America’s buildings contribute to 39% of the country’s total CO2 emissions, including 18% from commercial sector and 20.8% from residential

sector.

Buildings are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and the incorporated energy of producing construction materialsas well as the construction process in itselfassociate to the high carbon footprint of the whole lifecycle of any building.

That is why designers, builders and owners alike should take on the responsibility ofrestructuring and implementing essentialchanges all across the construction industry model as to support the green goals of our modern society.

In fact, realistically in line with the increased awareness about the global climate change, McGraw-Hill Construction is reporting that the size of the US green building market will reach $135 billion by 2015.

Thus it is becoming indispensable for AECO professionals to be up-to-date with the latest technological developments of the BIM tools available on the market, tools which will support their activities encompassing industry’s sustainable goals.

For those interested into some practical applications of using a BIM approach for sustainable design, I’ll exemplify here only a few of the most common uses: *Energy analysis: Advancements in the capabilities of engineering software give us already the ability to pre-

Façade wall 33M by 11M

Teodor Pop BIM Manager, NCS Qatar

dict daylight accurately on an annual basis. We can use the BIM model to properly choose the orientation of the building, estimate our annual energy consumption as well as getdata aboutthe viability of each system: electrical, HVAC, piping, etc. After we have all the systems defined, we canthen tweak the model in order to optimize the performance of each system individually. *Bill of quantities: You’ll have to agree that computers are excellent at counting. Since we have detailed in our BIM

model all the objects like floors, walls, windows, doors, columns, etc., we can easily interrogate our model for those elements and derive the numbers or volume of each.

We can then work with our suppliers to establish the exact cost and quantities of the materials required for our project while making sure weeffectivelyreduce waste.

It is reasonable to say that the combined integration of BIM and sustainability concepts can help us pick up the pace towards reaching the goal of

having a healthy planet.

From our part, we as an industry must go green, meaning we have to work at making our built environment more sustainable.

There is no future if we do not change the ways in which we build and shape our world, if we do not create better and more sustainable buildings that are more efficient for the building owners and arehealthier for us as well as for the environment. And as such, BIM is not an option any more – it becomes mandatory.

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Green Buildin

“Your Safety is Our Mission and Vision…”

At World Atlas Trading Company, we believe that safety comes first.

Our Safety Personal Product or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was designed with you in our minds.

We trust that personal protection is one of the important factors to secure the workers from exposure to occupational hazards. Our mission is to reduce workplace accidents and injuries which are very vital in a construction site environment.

Today’s contractors as well as owners of companies face various risks when they undertake a project, that is why, we, at World Atlas Trading Company considers the most significant factor in a construction project – Safety.

“WARRIOR” is the brand you can trust created by World Atlas Trading Company (WAT-

SAFETY GLOVES SERIES

CO), offers safety products that protect workers and employees to guarantee their safety in a potentially hazardous working environment around construction sites. In choosing the right safety product supplier, it is very essential to protect the hard tasked workers to accomplish the construction project on the desired time and budget, hence, WARRIOR high performance safety products are committed to your health and safety (HS) requirements.

And as the word “WARRIOR” implies, “we aggressively engaged in the general sense of safety” – as expressed

by WATCO Manager.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is also a form of “self defense art” – “defending and guarding ourselves against the dangers of our surroundings”.

SAFETY SHOES SERIES

Here at WATCO, we use the highest quality materials specified accordingly to the international safety standards and custom made to meet the construction industries need in Qatar. Personal Protective

SAFETY GOGGLE SERIES

Equipment (PPE) contains coverall, helmet, safety shoes and several protective clothing, and because we care for everyone’s safety not only on construction sites but also to people around them,

SAFETY HARNESS SERIES

FIRE

we provide traffic alarm safety products.

While serving as a barrier between the worker and the hazard, PPE is used by workers in various work condition.

“WARRIOR” products has adopted the product range consisting of obligatory items defined by International HS Standards. Our protective clothing comes up in several styles.

It was designed for a number of specific purposes, available in different sizes, colors and developed to the last detail to serve the construction sector.

World Atlas Trading Company has experienced professionals in addition to sales and support staff. All working as one team to provide the needs and requirements of clients and customers with the best possible service with the most competitive prices. Having

FIGHTING SERIES

gained thorough experience through North Africa, GCC region, the near East and the United States of America, WATCO is in a comfortable position allowing to identify customer’s needs and to explore opportunities that correspond to customer’s goals and ambitions.

“WARRIOR” is a safety product brand which is entrusted to ensure the construction worker’s safety at cost effective value without compromising on the quality. To consider the construction worker’s safety today, is to save their lives tomorrow!

For us, World Atlas Trading – “our vision is to have all customers and partners, as well as employees arrive home safely after a working day. And in the near future to become a safety leader in the trading industry”.

SAFETY COVERALL SERIES

SAFETY EARMUFF AND PLUG SERIES

w w w . w a r r i o r s a f e t y . c o m

H I G H

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

P E R F O R M A N C E

USA UNITED GLOBE TRADING Tel: + 1559 2414881 CA-USA ugtc.usa@gmail.com

S A F E T Y

LIBYA 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

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C LE A N & G REEN C LE A N & G REEN

Green Buildin

Maximum comfort and minimum consumption.

Maximum comfort and minimum consumption.

-

-

TOTO aims to reduce CO2 emissions from plumbing products

I

t might seem as a tiny detail, but choosing the right faucet can result in huge water and energy savings. Research estimates that bathroom and kitchen faucets account for 16 percent of the water used in an American home. In a typical house, faucets run for around 8 minutes a day and consume nearly 11 gallons of water per person per day.

The consumption is unlikely to be different in Qatar.

As a leading manufacturer of plumbing products, the TOTO Group’s integrated all in One Auto Faucet promises to Improve livability, benefit the natural system and achieve significant energy and water savings. Nabina ceramic is

the sole distributor of Toto products in Qatar The product is part of TOTO GREEN CHALLENGE to significantly accelerate conventional environmental activities.

“To promote environmental activities in the three key perspectives of product and services, manufacturing and social contributions, and human resource development, we have established quantitative targets for our Action Plan that lasts until the year 2017 - our 100th anniversary”, the company stated.

TOTO Green Challenge The global environment is changing at a rate beyond our expectations. Plumbing products, alongside household electrical appliances,

account for the majority of CO2 emitted from the home.

As a leading manufacturer of plumbing products, TOTO promotes its TOTO GREEN CHALLENGE to significantly accelerate conventional environmental activities.

This involves a review of all corporate activities with a view toward achieving stringent quantitative targets by 2017.

Product-related initiatives include a focus on “reducing CO2 emissions from plumbing products” and “purifying the air with Hydrotect.” We have devised an easy-to-understand vision of the future and a roadmap outlining how to get there, aiming to expand activities encompassing the entire housing construction industry on a global scale.

The suggested faucet is a compact infrared sensor; one of the smallest sensors in the world. It’s aesthetically pleasing design with spout senses for human motions only. Moreover, the faucet precisely tempers water and regulates its flow, while the thermostatic controller enhances the comfort of users.

Electricity is generated by the built-in power generator unit when the water flows through it. The electricity stored in the capacitor can be used for dai-

ly operation. The ECOPOWER self-generating hydropower system gets stronger with each use, adding years to lifecycle.

Engineered to require no electricity or routine disposable battery replacement, Eco-Power products are the perfect marriage of handsfree operation, low maintenance and sophisticated design.

Water Saving An integrated sensor is able to detect hand movement

and thus ensure that just the right amount of water is dispensed. It’s so finely tuned that it only registers hand movement directly below the spout and therefore does not activate the water flow when you’re cleaning the wash basin TOTO aerated bubble technology, adds air to the water enlarging them and causing them to increase in volume. This enables the water consumption to reduce by half from 4.0 L/ min to 2L/

min while retaining the same washing experience.

Energy Saving Without the need of batteries replacement, this helps to reduce daily maintenance and create an eco friendly environment. Without the need of cabling and wiring, this helps to reduce cost and energy.

Since the product is self powered, the electrical cabling is not required . So the energy saving and cost savings are the benefits.

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Green Buildin

Yellowstone

Top Green - LEED

Made with a minimum of 80% recycled pre-consumer material and may contribute to obtain LEED points.

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Green Buildin

Green Building Products to Shape 2014

A

•

Reducing VOC Emission

Paints with low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) for better indoor air quality.

•

Reducing Hazardous Material

Paints free of Lead, Formaldehydes and APEO (Alkylphenol ethoxylates).

•

Reducing Energy Consumption

Paints with high solar reflective index to reduce the thermal load inside buildings and save electrical power on AC systems.

•

Reducing Waste

Paints with proven high durability therefore longer service life span to reduce the need for maintenance and re-coating.

•

Reducing Health Hazards

Paints with antibacterial and antifungal properties to ensure hygiene aspects of the contact surfaces wherever needed.

Sigma Paints launches a range of eco-friendly painting and coating solutions Staying clear of the ‘volume’ race, since its inception Sigma Paints Middle East has focused on quality and innovation, which has seen the introduction of some of the most pioneering paint solutions to the region.

The leading Global paint company continues to showcase its innovative spirit with its latest projects: In line with the green building regulations being implemented across the GCC, that encourage owners and developers to adopt eco-friendly painting and coating solutions. Sigma Paints has launched its “unprecedented zero VOC (volatile organic compounds)” paint system.

“VOCs are chemicals that readily vaporise at room temperature. Their molecular structures include a very wide range of individual substances, such as hydrocarbons, halocarbons and oxygenates, which can be harmful to the environment and human health. Our new Sigmacryl Ecoplus zero VOC range consists of water-based products that do not contain any substances that are harmful to humans or the environment, as well as being odour free” explains Malcolm Page, General Manager Qatar at Sigma Paints Middle East.

Sigma Paints Middle East has also launched Sigmacare, an innovative solution for the region’s healthcare industry, which is not only environment-friendly but also addresses the risk of contamination in such sensitive areas. Sigmacare includes a range of specifically selected,

high-performing, environmentfriendly paints for the individual areas within healthcare facilities that, combined with colour solutions, promotes the well-being of patients, visitors and staff in the healthcare industry.

The concept comprises a wide range of environment-friendly, anti-fungal and “lifetime” antibacterial paint systems including Sigmacryl Premium ABF, a waterborne finish based on silver ion technology; Sigmacryl Flat and Silk AF, a waterborne finish paint with a low volatile organic compound (VOC) composition, which is resistant to mould and algae; and Sigmacryl Ecoplus Matt and Satin, which enjoys excellent opacity, is odourless and has high scrub resistance, he states.

In addition to the functional aspects of maintaining and promoting health and hygiene, Sigmacare is integrated with the Colour and Lifestyle concept where particular attention is given to the beneficial psychological and positive influences of colour. These products confirm yet again Sigma Paints’ commitment to environmental protection and its constant search for sustainable and green products, Page adds.

Other innovations include applying an all-new solvent free coating system for the maintenance of buried pipelines without requiring excavation.

“At Sigma Paints, we aim for innovative products and new ideas. We feel like a market leader when competitors look

at our newest developments and wish they got there first,” remarks Malcolm Page, General Manager Qatar at Sigma Paints Middle East.

“When people ask me if I want Sigma Paints to be a market leader in its field, I will reply that I want our organisation to be recognised as a market leader for innovative concepts”, he added.

Page says the company’s constant search for ground-breaking quality products is what sets it apart from the rest.

In the past few years, Sigma has launched some revolutionary concepts within the Middle Eastern market. The introduction of NPS (nanometric painting system) technology which resists dirt and dust, amongst other benefits, confirmed once again that Sigma Paints was a world pioneer in its sector, he adds.

“The word nanotechnology is usually associated with the development of high-performance electronic devices, such as computers or mobile phones. However we are very proud that we have managed to use this kind of technology within the paint industry.

“The unique quality of Sigma Guardian Nano Paint is its dustand sand-repellent characteristics. This is a distinctive feature that is vital in the extreme weather conditions prevalent in the Middle East. The power of nanotechnology provides a universal exterior protection and for all homes, properties and buildings in the GCC” Page said.

nytime you build whether you are renovating an existing building or constructing a new one, you make choices. And those choices have a big impact on the health and comfort of the people who use your building, construction cost, our community and our environment. They have a big impact on Earth.

A Green building is the result of many sustainable choices; especially it attends to the way your building uses energy, materials and affects its sites.

Hempel’s Purearth is a 5 point strategy aimed towards developing sustainable & Eco-friendly products. Because small changes add up, every choice you make contributes to making our planet more pure.

Reducing VOC emissions: Volatile organic Compounds (VOCs )are identified as one of the major health perils arising out of paint applications. Employing the advanced available technologies and through a stringent control over the constituents, Hempel has been able to develop products like Topaz Zero which has zero VOC content, yet it provides magnificent finishes and beautiful texture.

Reducing hazardous material: Hempel’s desire for a greener tomorrow, backed by extensive

R&D, has inspired them to develop paints which have zero content of traditional hazardous raw materials.Hempel’s Topaz Zero contains zero level of lead, APEOs and formaldehydes, on the other hand it is also free from any ozone depleting contaminants thereby keeping the environment healthy and green.

Reducing energy consumption: Hempel contributes to worldwide efforts of lowering the level of energy consumption. Hempel’s Contex Thermogaurd® is an exterior paint which significantly lowers down the inside temperature bringing down the energy requirements of the building for cooling. Hempel strongly believes that we should strive for a pure and flawless environment for the generations to come and this can be achieved through lowering the levels of Carbon footprints Reducing waste: Hempel is committed to mini-

mize waste at each step of our business processes and through the products which we offer. With superior quality raw material and refined production techniques we have been able to develop paints with excellent durability which maximizes the re-coating interval and keeps the surfaces safe for a longer period of time.

Reducing health hazards: Hempel has developed paints which have very prominent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Hempel Topaz Zero is one such product which is free from any kind of toxins and resists mold, fungal and bacterial growth, at the same time it has excellent washability and weathering properties.

Health of the consumers is a primary concern at Hempel and we make constant efforts to develop and provide paints which stays true to our promise of greener products.

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Green Buildin

Yellowstone

ECO-SENSITIVE BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE

Top Green is manufactured with 80% recycled preconsumption material, CERTIFIED BY BUREAU VERITAS. It is an entirely green tile, taking sustainability into account throughout the production process. Top Green contributes to sustainability in buildings according to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system.

Green Living

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Green Buildin

HYGIENE

MANAGEMENT by

Qatar Intercare Technical Services can be credited as an industry leader in the business of innovative, professional hygiene solutions in the Middle East. Starting with just two employees in 1999, today Qatar Intercare has grown phenomenally, both in status and rank.

Setting rigid standards of quality with a flexible product line and services, Qatar Intercare aims to take the edge off its competitors.

Specialized products and hi-tech dispensing systems ensures that the company adheres to its mission of introducing innovative methods and effective cleaning solutions to its clients.

With a strong commitment to “Service with Integrity” policy, Qatar Intercare continues to fulfill its promise of providing stateof-the-art and modern day solutions to meet the demands of all its customers.

Mission Statement

For more information please contact:

Qatar Intercare Technical Services Co.

Salwa Road (next to Tyseer Petrol Station), Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44694951 - 44694952 - 55823250 - 55895049 Fax: +974 44694950 email: sales@qatarintercare.com / retail@qatarintercare.com www.qatarintercare.com

• Make a distinctive contribution towards enhancing the quality of life.

• Progressive involvement towards hygiene control.

• Introduce innovative and enduring solutions to every sanitation challenge.

• Excellence in performance and quality.

• Aspire at all times to deliver and raise our own standards.

• Create awareness and educate customers in the proper and effective use of hygiene systems and chemicals.

QGBC and MEFMA launch a new initiative

A

new initiative has been launched in Qatar to promote, educate and empower facilities management experts in the area of sustainable practices.

A Facilities Management Interest Group has been set up by the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) and the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA) as a platform for professionals to meet, discuss and share best practices.

The Facilities Management Interest Group was officially launched in Doha on December 11 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding by QGBC and MEFMA. The new group has a clear agenda and will drive change via practical and innovative initiatives that are both affordable and sustainable.

The group will also determine whether regulatory changes are needed for the facilities management industry in Qatar.

The group is the first joint initiative of QGBC and MEFMA, marking the start of a commitment to develop outreach activities on sustainability and to promote educational activities to advance the level of their members within the

A view of the participants at the launch of the Facilities Management Interest Group

industry and wider community.

QGBC Director Engineer Meshal Al Shamari expressed his enthusiasm at the collaboration with MEFMA. “QGBC’s main goal is to raise awareness and understanding of sustainability and green buildings throughout Qatar,” he said.

“We will achieve this, by establishing close ties with organisations already in the sustainability industry. We are delighted to collaborate with MEFMA in order to maximise the utilisation of our joint resources, expertise and industry networks. Education, training and promotion of sustainable facilities management will form the basis for our future joint pro-

grams in Qatar and beyond.”

Ali Al Suwaidi, a member of MEFMA’s Board of Directors, also welcomed the shared commitment of QGBC and MEFMA. “We are pleased to enter into this agreement with QGBC as it brings us closer to realising a sustainable and greener future for us all,” he said.

The group will be co-chaired

by Richard Jowsey, Head of Operations at MMG Qatar, and his colleague Gavin Posnett.

They are tasked with bringing together professionals from the built environment, including facilities management providers, construction and design specialists, to lobby for sustainable solutions to benefit the future growth of

Qatar.

“I am hugely excited about the launch of the Facilities Management Interest Group,” said Jowsey.

“Facilities management is about delivering exceptional performance within boundaries that the organisation can afford. With guidance from both MEFMA and QGBC, the group aims to introduce change through self-regulation, with the goal of promoting changes to policy and governance.”

“As a founding member of MEFMA, the group is something we wholeheartedly support and is a perfect union due to our long-standing association with QGBC. I believe that this group will boost the industry in a positive way.

Sustainable facilities management solutions are vital for growth, and we are very excited to be involved in promoting changes to policy that will help drive Qatar’s success,” he added.

The Facilities Management Interest Group will also be acting as a focus group for a dedicated research project that QGBC, in partnership with Texas A&M University, is undertaking with the aim of “developing a standard for high performance buildings in Qatar”.

“Qatar continues to add to the built environment at an amazing pace. And therefore, this only adds to the demand placed on power and water infrastructure along with the existing buildings in Qatar,” said John A Bryant, Ph.D., P.E. from Texas A&M University and the Lead Prin-

cipal Investigator on the research project, sponsored by the Qatar National Research Foundation.

“Questions arose about how buildings actually perform from an energy perspective.

Further questions led us to the operations of these buildings and the effect that facility managers have on the energy performance on their buildings.”

The first phase of the project is the examination of various buildings to determine the gap between actual energy performance and design expectations.

Project members will then interview facilities management directors and operators in order to identify their contribution as one component in the total energy performance of buildings.

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Construction

SITES

Focus

Back-to-back contracts under Qatari law The Qatari civil code allows a contractor to sublet either whole or part of the works

I

n almost every large construction project, the main contractor hires a number of subcontractors to perform particular tasks as part of the whole project.

Hence, the project is delivered in practice by various separate parties, each in a specific field of expertise.

From a legal perspective, while the employer enters into one agreement with the contractor for a specific scope of works, the latter concludes separate contracts with the subcontractors who carry out the work according to the specifications indicated in the main contract.

Although there is not any direct contractual link between the employer and the subcontractor, the subcontract works shall be executed in accordance with the main contract’s specifications, terms, completion dates, etc.

Therefore, the main contractor, having assumed responsibility for all aspects of the project vis-à-vis the employer, will aim in turn to pass on its obligations and liabilities to its subcontractors via a contractual arrangement known as a “back-to-back” scheme¹.

In order to secure a “back-toback” outcome downstream, the contractor adopts usually a drafting shortcut (by reference) which attempts to flow down obligations from the main contract.

For example, a subcontract provides: “The subcontractor agrees to be bound to the contractor by the like obligations by which the contractor is bound to the employer under the main contract unless otherwise varied in this subcontract and the subcontractor acknowledges that it has been provided with a copy of the main contract”.

Another clause states: “.... the provisions of the prime contract, plans, specifications, addendums, change orders, and other documents that comprise the prime contract are incorporated into this subcontract with the same force and effect as though set forth in full.”

Specific aspects When the contractor uses the back-to-back scheme in order to fully align the obligations undertaken by the subcontractor to those undertaken by himself under the main contract, he may indicate

also that payment to the subcontractor will be conditional upon the main contractor receiving payment under the main contract.

These contingent payment clauses are also known as “pay-when-paid” and “pay-ifpaid” clauses.

On the one hand, a “paywhen-paid” clause requires the subcontractor to delay his receipt of payment until the main contractor has had a sufficient period of time to collect payment from the Employer.

For example: The Contractor shall make progress payments to the Subcontractor within 30 days after the Contractor has received payment from the Employer in respect of the Work, the subject of the Subcontractor’s claim.”

On the other hand, a “pay-ifpaid” clause creates a condition precedent to the main contractor’s obligation to pay, shifting the entire risk of the Employer’s non-payment to the subcontractor (i.e., the obligation of the contractor to pay its subcontractor does not arise at all until the contractor has been paid by the owner).

For example, “Receipt of payment by the Contractor from the Owner for the Subcontract Work is a condition precedent to payment by the Contractor to the Subcontractor. The Subcontractor hereby acknowledges that it relies on the credit of the Owner, not the Contractor for payment of Subcontract Work”.

General principles In Qatar, subcontracts are governed by the general prin-

ciples of the contract as provided in the Qatari Civil Code (law No 22 of 2004) as well as by specific articles 701 and 702 within a chapter on contract for works which govern the relationships between employers, contractors, subcontractors and architects(articles 682 to 715 of the Civil Code).

As per article 701 of the Qatari Civil Code, nothing prevents the contractor from hiring one or several subcontractors unless a clause in the main contract prohibits him openly from doing so, or where the nature of the works is such that the contractor must personally perform it.

In other words, the Qatari civil code allows a contractor to sublet either whole or part of the works.

Nonetheless, the main contractor remains fully responsible to the Employer with respect to the work executed by the subcontractor.

Also, the main contractor is obliged to pay the subcontractor in accordance with the contract between the main contractor and subcontractor regardless of any issue that could arise between the main contractor and the Employer.

Regarding “back-to-back” payment clauses, no court in the State of Qatar has addressed yet the issue and no legal provision directly states whether such clauses are valid or not.

“Back-to-back” is not a legal term and may not mean much to a Qatari judge or to a dispute resolution authority under Qatari law, if its substance is not reflected in the

subcontract with an express explanation of what clauses of the main contract are to apply by analogy or verbatim to the subcontract.

However, these clauses may be validated by the Courts as establishing a conditional obligation of payment rather than a pure obligation, under articles 154 and 285 of the Qatari Civil Code.

The Qatari courts will generally look to uphold the basic principle of freedom of contract (i.e. the parties are free to agree on the contractual terms that govern their contract including any express conditions, unless the terms are perceived to be manifestly unfair or incompatible with requirements of the Qatari Civil Code. (see Article 154 Civil Code)².

Hence, to the contrary of a “pure” contractual obligation, a “conditional” obligation is an undertaking superseded by a condition under which it was created and which is not yet accomplished. (see Article 288 Civil Code)³.

A recent ruling from Dubai of 2013 may give us some additional indications in this respect.

In a legal case submitted to the Dubai court of first instance, a subcontractor specialized in glass and aluminum installation filed a case against the main contractor claiming an outstanding amount plus legal interests after the completion of the works and the issuance of a completion certificate.

In the subcontract, a “paywhen-paid” clause has been inserted as an agreement

between the parties that the amount owed to the subcontractor will be paid when the contractor’s dues are paid by the project owner.

Following the appointment of an expert, the Dubai court of first instance ordered the contractor to pay the outstanding amount as calculated by the expert in his report in addition to the payment of legal interest without any consideration to the payment mechanism agreed contractually between the parties.

As the contractor’s dues were not settled by the project owner and an arbitration case was pending to receive them, the contractor decided to appeal the ruling of Dubai Court of first instance, considering that the case submitted by the subcontractor was premature because of the nonfulfillment of the condition precedent.

The Dubai Court of appeal examined the clause and found that the claimant and the respondent concluded in their agreement that all terms of the subcontract shall be performed back-to-back with the main contract, the claimant did not object to the clause and acknowledged that the project progress payments were received on a “paywhen-paid” basis.

Therefore, the contractor’s obligation is subject to a condition precedent and the subcontractor cannot claim outstanding payments as long as that condition has not been fulfilled.

The Court of appeal overturned the ruling of the Court of first instance and dismissed the case of the subcontractor as premature.

Conclusion Back-to-back payment clauses such as “pay-when-paid” are considered valid and enforceable under Qatari law.

Such term, which states that the subcontractor will be paid when the contractor is paid, is a clear indication that unless and until the contractor is paid the subcontractor has no right to be paid.

The subcontractor will have to wait until the contractor is paid but does not give up the right to recover against the contractor if the Employer never pays the contractor.

Otherwise, it shall be considered “unfair”, contrary to the principle of “good faith”, speculative character, and

Dr Minas Khatchadourian Doha Dr Minas Khatchadourian is specialized in commercial and construction arbitration and litigation.

He is the Executive Director of the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He regularly conducts arbitration work in different jurisdictions subject to all the main international institutional rules.

He can be reached at drminas@ qcci.org

disfavored by the Courts. ¹ In 2011, in responseto the increasing importance of the use of subcontractors, FIDIC has publishedthe Conditions of Subcontract for Construction of Building and Engineering Works designed by the Employer. Such Subcontract is drafted on a “back to back” basis with the Main Contract, with the Subcontractor obliged to perform “all the obligations and liabilities of the Contractor under the Main Contract” insofar as relevant to the Subcontract works. See also the NEC Purple Form, FCEC Blue Form, DOM/1, and DOM/2forms. ² Article 154 of the Qatari Civil Code states: 1) The contract may contain any condition acceptable to the two parties unless it is legally prohibited or inconsistent with public order or morals.

2) If the condition contained in the contract is illegitimate, the condition shall be invalid while the contract shall be valid. If either party proves that he would not have accepted the contract without such condition, the contract shall be invalid. ³Article 288.1 of the Qatari Civil Code states: A suspensive conditional obligation shall not be enforceable unless the condition is realized.

(Under Qatari Law, a condition is either suspensive or resolutory to an obligation)

SITES Construction Machinery and Equipment Experts Discuss the Future of the Industry in the Region News

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Construction

ith the third edition of INTERMAT Middle East approaching, participating exhibitors – Diego Bertati, Service and Field Manager - Gulf Area, CIFA, and York Liang, President, LiuGong Machinery Middle East (FZE)- discuss the future of the construction industry in the Middle East and their participation at the event.

According to a report published by Standard Chartered, Dubai is expected to spend around $9 billion to fund its growth plans for the event.

Furthermore, according to an EC Harris study, the UAE is projected to spend $329 billion on major construction projects by 2030, boosting the UAE’s recession-hit construction sector through additional investments in infrastructure development. Big construction projects, which cost over $1 billion, are due to peak in the UAE by 2016, and projects worth $40 billion are due for delivery in 2016.

When asked about the countries and the sectors in the Middle East that CIFA expects to see most growth in terms of construction, Diego Bertati Service and Field Manager Gulf Area, CIFA, said: “In Saudi Arabia, we know there are

very big projects to build new cities, so perspectives are good. For the UAE we think that, after the boom in 20072008, we should see a stable market for the coming years especially with the upcoming Expo2020 in Dubai. Oman is also a very interesting market for construction, even more than Qatar. In terms of sectors, surely big infrastructure projects and underground works are the ones that show most growth potential at present.”

“We think that currently, Lebanon and Syria are difficult markets to approach because of the political situation. For other Middle Eastern countries it is very important to have the right partners for distribution otherwise it gets difficult to enter the market”, he added.

“With the rebuilding project for Iraq in development and the World Cup in to be held in Qatar, we see Iraq and Qatar as the two major countries in the Middle East that would show grow thin terms of construction. Of course the UAE will also be on the list now that it has won the bid for Expo 2020. In general construction will grow. As far as countries that are difficult to enter, Qatar seems to be a difficult country for us to

enter”, LiuGong’s President, York Liang, stated.

In the UAE the latest and most important construction products CIFA is working on are the: Samsung Wastewater Project and University City in Abu Dhabi.

CIFA at this year’s INTERMAT edition will be showcasing their truck pump model K38L acquired by the customer “New Mix”. Describing the model and its features in details, Diego Bertati, said: “The K38L truck mounted concrete pump is the perfect choice for small and medium sites.

With a 4-sections-boom it combines ease of use with a compact truck layout. It is adequate also when a relevant delivery capacity is needed: bridges and deep pours, car parking and basements. The pump can be equipped both with an open loop and closed loop pumping unit to reach the highest performances.”

Speaking of their participation at INTERMAT Middle East, Diego Bertati, said: “We look forward to participating at the next edition of INTERMAT Middle East with the aim of gaining different perspectives and visibility from other countries – especially since a lot of people come for the exhibition from other GCC countries. It also provides us with

an occasion to invite customers, so participating at the event is beneficial for us.”

“We strongly believe that INTERMAT Middle East is a professional event dedicated to equipment and is good platform for construction players, such as our company. Since brand awareness of Chinese

construction machinery remains low, last year’s edition of the exhibition allowed us to present our brand and create awareness, thereby increasing the appeal for our products. At the coming year’s edition we will be showcasing a number of products such as wheel loader, excavators,

roller, backhoe loader, mobile crane amongst many others.

Also, an increasing number of LiuGong products will be launched in the MENA region with tailored configuration, keeping in mind the high temperature and dust”, York Liang added.

No 1 Wheel Loader Producer in the World now in Qatar LiuGong Wheel Loaders provide exactly what you need: durability and reliability from proven technologies with its Cummins engine and ZF transmission as well as high quality manufacturing. Coupled with an unprecedented 2-year, 4,000-hour manufacturer warranty, LiuGong Wheel Loaders are truly engineered for superior performance. www.liugong.com :‫ وﻳﺐ‬- lg@alattiyamotors.com :‫ ﺑﺮﻳﺪ اﻟﻴﻜﺘﺮوﻧﻲ‬- 9499 4403 :‫ ﻓﺎﻛﺲ‬- 9444 4403 +974 :‫ ﻫﺎﺗﻒ‬- ‫ أﻣﺎم ﻣﺆﺳﺴﺔ ﺣﻤﺪ اﻟﻄﺒﻴﺔ‬،‫ ﻃﺮﻳﻖ اﻟﺮﻳﺎن‬:‫اﻟﻤﺮﻛﺰ اﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻲ‬ MAIN OFFICE: Al Rayyan Road,opposite Hamad Hospital - Tel. +974 4403 9444 - Fax. 4403 9499 - email:lg@alattiyamotors.com, website: www.liugong.com

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Construction

SITES

News

Doha summit to show best practice in city development Doha will once again play host to the Middle East’s premier smart cities event, Arab Future Cities Summit, at Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel on April 7 and 8 this year.

The event, held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Abdul Rahman Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister for Municipality and Urban Planning, will attract more than 300 high-profile executives to discuss the progress and requirements for constructing smart cities across the Mena region.

With a focus on knowledgesharing and networking, the third annual Arab Future Cities Summit 2014 will showcase best practice strategies and opportunities in the pipeline for city development through presentations from local thought-leaders and international smart city experts and the innovative solutions that will integrate citizens, systems and services.

The World Economic Forum has ranked Qatar as the most competitive economy in the Middle East region and placed it at 13th position globally based on a high-quality institutional framework, stable macroeconomic conditions and an efficient goods market.

Sustainable development is one of the key pillars of the

vision that aims at safeguarding natural resources through various initiatives by the public and private sector, and driving this mission, Qatar has promised to deliver a carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Arab Future Cities Summit 2014 will connect government authorities, developers, urban planners, investors, academics, cutting-edge technologists and international experts interested in contributing to the development of

Qatar’s cities.

Expotrade Middle East, the organizers of the event, see the summit as an “ideal platform to share and showcase innovations and solutions that will provide direction towards sustainable city development in the Middle East market and is a must-attend for key stakeholders committed to creating smarter cities”.

To learn more about the summit, visit www.arabfuturecities.com

MAN Truck & Bus displays innovative product portfolio

M

AN Truck & Bus innovative product portfolio and services, aimed at reducing the total costs of ownership (TCO) for companies to help them become consistently efficient with their transport fleets, have been showcased at Trans4 the International Transport and Logistics Industry Exhibition in Qatar.

Being experts in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the MAN product portfolio consists of various applications within the industry offering a variety of transport solutions from tippers to transit mixers, from water tankers to concrete pumps, from flat deck cranes to specialized drill rigs – in wheel drive configurations of 4x2, 4x4, 6x2, 6x4, 6x6, 8x4 and 8x8.

During the exhibition, MAN has also revealed its latest range of heavy duty construction vehicles – the TGS World Wide – and its wide range of public transport solutions for city, intercity and long-distance passenger transport.

“Trans4 - The International Transport and Logistics Industry Exhibition is a prominent platform for us to showcase MAN’s product innovation and highlight MAN’s commitment to supporting the development of infrastructure in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Sheikh Fahed Bin Mohammed Bin Fa-

hed Al-Thani, Vice Chairman, FAHED Group of Companies, owner of Qatar International Automobiles (QIA), the exclusive distributor of MAN Truck & Bus. “With a diverse product range from trucks to buses and a world-class service and support network, MAN is well positioned to serve our customers in Qatar and improve on our significant market share of 42 per cent in the commercial vehicle segment,” added Sheikh Fahed.

According to David van Graan, Head of the MAN Center Middle East and Vice President Sales & Marketing, “the Trans4 exhibition in Qatar is a significant opportunity for us to showcase our insights into

chassis for off-road applications as well to meet tough operating conditions in the Middle East.

The TGS WW 4x2 has a new cabin with more space and features for driver comfort with high quality interiors. It has an intelligent MAN BrakeMatic system, which features Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS).

It also has the ability to control an ABS/EBS equipped trailer via the on-board computer while being fitted with Anti-Slip Control (ASR) and differential lock for better traction.

Fuel consumption gets reduced through the latest transportation requirements fuel consumption. common rail technology enand our wide product port- MAN combines those fea- gines available in EURO2 and folio with a compelling array tures with its strong traction EURO3. of vehicles to meet customer needs in Qatar.

“MAN has been in Qatar for 10 years and we are committed to this market and to supporting the infrastructure requirements of the country with our innovative and technologically advanced products through our valued partner Qatar International Automobiles”.

The MAN TGS WW 4x2 tractor head, displayed at the MAN stand, combines traction and short haul operations for more efficiency. The specifications cater to construction as well as urban transport applications and help to reduce

Operating costs for the TGS WW 4x2 is very low and it has long service intervals due to less wear and tear and GCC specifications for extreme hot weather conditions.

“QIA has played a significant role within the Fahed Group to bring the latest transport solutions in partnership with world-class companies like MAN,” said Sheikh Fahed.

“It enjoys an excellent reputation among our customer base in Qatar for its commitment in exceeding their expectations over the years and I see a great opportunity to build on this reputation to further grow our market share and support the transport and logistics industry in Qatar,” he added.

SITES World-class storm water drainage system for Doha Qatar

Prompted by sustained pressure on water resources, inadequate drainage and sewerage networks and high maintenance costs, governments in the Middle East region plan to spend billions on the development of drainage, sewerage and wastewater infrastructure. Qatar’s IDRIS programme will be setting the pace with a budget that stands at $2.7 billion.

Most of Qatar’s precipitation falls in brief, heavy storms.

The ensuing flash floods cause the built-up residential areas to become waterlogged, which is why Qatar’s cities and towns need efficient storm water drainage.

Besides draining away the rain water it will also allow the authorities to collect and save the water for other uses as water becomes an increasingly scarce commodity.

The first phase of a rainwater study, commissioned by the Ministry of Municipal and Urban Planning (MMUP), has been completed, with the Minister endorsing it.

The study reviews plans for the storm water drainage system for Qatar.

The study covered Phase 1 and forms part of the drain section of the Qatar Highway Design Manual.

The work on Phase 2 will begin now. It will include climate modelling outcome and additional rainfall data from Ashghal.

Construction

At the end of Phase 2, a manual for rainfall runoff that can be used as a standard in Qatar is to be produced.

Construction Sites spoke to Eng Abdullah Al Ma’moon about the study. Al Ma’moon is a senior infrastructure engineer and the group leader for policy & research in the Infrastructure and Planning Section of the Transport & Planning Department at MMUP. He noted that around 3040% of Doha had storm water drainage.

“However, due to improper grading of the roads there is usually some flooding. Eventually all roads will have gulleys and there will be a maintenance plan in place for each sector.

Al Ma’moon added that the maintenance plan was critical as storm water drains would only work if they were well maintained and serviced regularly.

He added that one would still see flooding even in places where there were storm water drainage networks.

“But this is temporary and should cease once the entire network is completed.”

The Qatar National Vision (QNV 2030) defined longterm vision of developing a world class and sustainable infrastructure network in Qatar.

In order to achieve goals of QNV, the Ministry of Munici-

pality and Urban Planning (MMUP) has carried out a comprehensive rainfall study for estimation of design rainfall for Qatar.

This study is aimed at development of guidelines and standards for the design of storm and surface water infrastructure in Qatar.

For design and operation of water infrastructure, erosion control and many other environmental and storm water management tasks, design rainfall is a fundamental input.

The developed countries have spent millions of dollars to derive national standards of design rainfalls, generally known as intensity-durationfrequency (IDF) curves.

For Qatar, the old IDF data was developed in 1991 based on a limited data set and basic statistical approaches.

Since then there have been significant developments in statistical techniques to derive IDF data and moreover at many locations in Qatar, the length of the observed rainfall data has increased notably.

The new data is based on a larger dataset and more advanced statistical techniques than was used since the collection of the 1991 IDF curves. Therefore the new IDF data presents a solid scientific basis for storm water system design, flood and environmental studies.

During a seminar hosted by Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), experts called for strategies to effectively manage the diverse sources of water, including rainwater in Qatar.

Experts from Qatar’s construction and sustainability industry discussed the importance of capturing, storing, managing and re-using diverse sources of water.

Dr Alex Amato, Head of Sustainability at QGBC, said: “The possibility of local treatment for both black and grey water and the storage of rainwater

recycled for irrigation leads us to consider if large-scale storm water and sewage infrastructure is necessary. We need to explore whether this is the time to consider the deployment of new technologies for local water treatment that can substantially improve our built environment.”

Stephen Herd, Business Development Manager of Polypipe, emphasised the value of water management and conservation in our built environment, and explained how waste water can be utilised effectively through innovative

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systems and technologies.

He said: “We face numerous challenges in today’s urban environment, which include increased water consumption, rapid urbanisation, population growth and a lack of natural resources.

“However, water can be managed and treated differently in our built environment.

The conventional approach to storm water management is treating rainfall as waste rather than as a resource, but sustainable storm water design treats rainfall runoff as a valuable resource.”

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Construction

SITES

Focus

Conference discusses innovative concrete solutions as demand soars Large quantities of construction waste are available in Qatar which can be recycled and used, meeting the shortage of quality aggregates and reducing the country’s dependence on imported materials, the conference has been told

T

he fourth international Future Concrete Conference, held in Doha recently, addressed Qatar’s construction concerns and challenges.

Concrete demand in Qatar is expected to touch around 100 million cubic metres in the next eight years, according to Khaled Awad, Chairman of Advanced Construction and Technology Services (ACTS), the conference organizer.

“This is an important indicator about the growth of largescale construction projects underway in Qatar, which also represents a major challenge for industry players to comply with the required building standards and specifications,” Awad said.

Undersecretary and Qatar Standards, Ministry of Environment Chairman Dr Mohamed Saif Al Kuwari, delivering the keynote speech at the conference, stressed the importance of sustainability in the construction sector and its role towards achieving Qatar Vision 2030.

According to Dr Al Kuwari, large quantities of construction waste are available in Qatar which can be recycled and used, meeting the shortage of quality aggregates and reducing the country’s dependence on imported materials.

He called on stronger collaboration between the government and industry to implement a solid waste management plan targeting to recycle 38% of solid municipal waste.

Dr Al Kuwari invited the attention of concrete industry professionals to the use of recycled aggregates in construction because of reasons like shortage of local quality aggregates, dependence on imported aggregates, large quantities of construction waste in Qatar, important savings in cost and lower impact on environment.

The official pointed out that results of the evidence-based

research and its findings on the reuse of recycled aggregates adopted to Qatar and Gulf conditions would serve to update the Qatar Construction Specifications, QCS 2010 & 2014.

Titled “Innovative use of recycled and secondary aggregate materials in construction”, a collaborative internationally award winning research project by Laboratories and Standardization Affairs at the Ministry of Environment (MoE), the Transport Research Laboratory Center (TRL) and Qatar University, suggests exploiting hundreds of thousands of tons of the construction remains in Rawdat Rashed through advanced recycling and designing special asphaltic and concrete mixture to use them in constructing buildings, road foundations and in manufacturing materials such as bricks, interlocks and concrete slabs.

Speaking on research and its impact on the construction sector in Qatar during the conference, Dr Khaled Hassan, of TRL, said the performance of concrete made with alternative aggregates could be compared to that made with primary conventional aggregate and outcomes from the project used to produce guidelines on best practice and recommendations for updating Qatar Construction Specifications.

Working with its collaborative partners, Qatar Standards and Qatar University, the use of alternative aggregate in construction is being demonstrated in a full-scale building trial in support of the construction of a sustainable and green Qatar.

New aggregate materials have been used in the construction of three one-story buildings and alternative aggregates used to replace different proportions of natural aggregate in structural (C40) concrete and load-bearing concrete blocks (average

Undersecretary and Qatar Standards, Ministry of Environment Chairman Dr Mohamed Saif Al Kuwari, delivering the keynote speech.

10.4MPa).

The project aims to overcome the shortage of locally available coarse aggregate and concrete sand and to promote sustainable and green construction in Qatar.

Alternative materials were sourced from recycled aggregate such as excavation waste (EW); construction and demolition waste (CDW); secondary aggregate of incinerator bottom ash (IBA) from municipal waste; and crushed rock fines (CRF) as crushed limestone rock.

The buildings are undergoing a comprehensive testing program and will be monitored for one year in all-weather conditions.

The project team is working closely with a range of stakeholders to ensure project outcomes are practical and accepted by the industry and is an excellent example of the collaboration between government and industry, research and academia, working together to help achieve the government’s objectives of developing and implementing sustainable and green construction in Qatar.

The conference also tackled key issues on industry developments across key regional markets, with focus on Qatar infrastructure.

While the region continues to experience growth in the construction industry, Qatar has been leading the way, exhibiting a bullish outlook given its phenomenal activity in the sector.

A number of infrastructure contracts have been awarded in recent months in Qatar resulting in higher construction activity.

Business Monitor International (BMI), in its latest report, estimated the 2013-2022 average real GDP growth for Qatar at 8% a year. The report added that the country’s spending on infrastructure was expected to reach around $150 billion over the next decade, owing to the massive preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosting and in line with Qatar Vision 2030.

Infrastructure projects in the pipeline include a $40 bil-

lion plan for railways; a $20 billion investment in roads; a $15.5 billion new airport project; $8 billion to be spent on a deep-water seaport; $4 billion for stadiums and a $1 billion transport corridor project in Doha. Also, tens of thousands of hotel rooms are to be built in Qatar.

The report further saidthe Qatari government’s strong commitment to develop iconic and environmentally-friendly projects highlighted the country’s position as the most attractive business haven for investors.

Highlighting the importance of the issues discussed during the conference, Awad said: “Now on its fourth outing, Future Concrete has firmly established itself as a premier event for industry professional to retool themselves by learning from global experts about new trends and developments in the industry.

“The conference has also become an effective venue for attendees to share valuable insights with their peers about strengths, considerations and opportunities in the construction market. Organizing this annual event has become an extension of ACTS’s commitment to provide industry players with updated information to help the industry grow.”

Future Concrete 2013 featured an impressive line-up of speakers composed of experts from around the world.

Among them were Dr Mohammed Seif Al Kuwari, Undersecretary of Qatar Standards, Ministry of Environment; Nadim Wehbe, Professor at South Dakota State University, USA; Dr Jerzy Zemajtis, Senior Engineer at the American Concrete Institute ACI, USA; Dr Khaled Hassan, Regional Manager at Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)

Qatar; Dr Alaa Hassanein, Technical Manager at CH2MHILL company, USA; Eng Khaled Awad, Chairman of ACTS; Dr Gyorgy Miketa, Environmental Manager at PORRSBG-HBK Green Line Project; Nick Ecart, Senior Director at ASTM, USA; Dr Mikael Wimpffen Braestrup, Senior Engineer at the Danish consulting engineering company Rambøll; and Ghattas Kossaifi, Chairman at Ghattas Steel.

Among the key topics that were discussed were the future building code: reorganization of the ACI 318 to make it more intuitive and easier to use; the challenging work undertaken to design and implement the largest immersed tunnel in the world between Germany and Denmark; the environmental challenges in building the metro lines in Qatar; the serviceability of infrastructure under various loading parameters; the responsibility in concrete construction for infrastructure and governmental projects; the innovative practices in repair, formwork, evaluation and protection of structures; recycling in construction; and, innovative materials for challenging projects.

ACTS, which organized the conference, is a leading consulting group in the field of construction materials and geotechnical engineering.

The event was supported by American Concrete Institute (ACI), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), National Ready Mix for Concrete Association (NRMCA), Ashghal-Qatar, Al Khalij Cement Company, Corrotech-Chryso, Khalid Cement Industries Complex (KCIC), United Ready Mix Qatar, Hi-Tech Qatar Alpha Beton, Beton Qatar, Hassanesco and Ha-Be.

Technology

Construction

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NCS event demonstrates BIM capabilities in infrastructure and building lifecycles

BIM is extending its value across the lifecycle of the build environment for architecture, engineering and construction professionals

T

he use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to support all aspects of buildingrelated data, from design, through construction and commissioning, to operations and maintenance, is evolving constantly. This demands the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to be constantly updated on BIM innovations and solutions within local reach.

Locally-based company National Computer Services (NCS), which has acquired Autodesk consulting and specialization status as well as product support specialization status, is taking the lead to assist and facilitate the implementation of innovative working tools within Qatar’s construction industry.

In line with NCS’s continuing support for software solutions in architectural, engineering and construction sectors in Qatar, the company has just organized a BIM Open Day in collaboration with Autodesk, Solibri and EcoDomus.

“We offer strategic guidance to design professionals, contractors and owners who are looking to achieve more effective coordination, collaboration and communication in delivery of construction projects and projects lifecycle management,” said Teodor Pop, BIM Manager at NCS, in the keynote address during the event.

BIM is extending its value across the lifecycle of the build environment for architecture, engineering and construction professionals in building and infrastructure industries.

“BIM is a powerful, modern and an efficient way of design, construction and management of buildings and infrastructure. We address and solve the challenges a company could face whilst integrating this tool into a working process, making the shift to BIM a positive one,” pointed out Pop in his address.

BIM has changed the designbuild-operate workflow of many types of asset projects, including those in civil engineering, urban planning extending into the realm of construction for roads, bridges and railways.

At a presentation titled “BIM for infrastructure projects”, Marek Suchocki, Autodesk EMEA Sales Executive Infrastructure, listed the solutions specifically geared for BIM in infrastructure.

“BIM is not just for buildings.

The technology tools are also advancing to provide contractors with the means to enable a BIM process on an infrastructure project. The industry can use technology to plan, design, build, and manage civil and infrastruc-

The BIM Open Day in progress

ture projects using modelbased engineering and infrastructure design tools,” said Suchocki.

BIM solutions also address transportation road/highway, rail and transit projects, where they improve planning and management, using integrated geospatial analysis and generating a highly-accurate visualization.

BIM is also beneficial for water and waste water projects as it integrates water and wastewater analysis into planning and design, provides comprehensive infrastructure asset reporting while also addressing water resources, water treatment as well as distribution and collection system projects.

Due to the benefits of BIM, the application of it reaches 50% amongst construction professionals today, according to Pop. And this is due to the fact that BIM addresses different types of construction projects whatever the budget or scale of the projects is. BIM can always come up with an appropriate solution that will be profitable for the projects.

To further improve the quality of BIM performance and make the entire design process more productive, Pop presented a Solibri Model Checker, out of the box software solution that analyzes Building Information Models for integrity, quality and physical safety.

“Solibri Model Checker adds value throughout the life

cycle of the building. It is extensively used by a growing number of building owner and users, construction companies, architects and engineering firms,” highlighted Pop The system offers easy-to-use visualization with an intuitive walk-in functionality. With a single mouse click, the system X-rays the building model and reveals potential flaws and weaknesses in the design, highlights the clashing components and checks that the model complies with the building codes and organization’s best practices.

Solibri Model Checker is a valuable tool for: • Building owners checking designs against program requirements • Architects and engineers delivering cost-effectively high quality 3D building information models • Construction companies obtaining reliable and up-to-date cost estimates • Facilities Management (FM) operations for checking material life-cycle and maintainability According to several international studies, the building industry has the potential to save to 30% of building costs through improving efficiency and eliminating mistakes and delays.

Pop explained how Solibri helped construction business to accelerate BIM benefits and achieve tangible cost savings.

“Solibri Model Checker automates time consuming parts

of quality assurance and considerably raises design quality for final product with virtually zero design errors, design that suits better the need of the client, for lower cost and bigger operation profit – which means higher ROI with a better building performance,” noted Pop. The other key point that was discussed during NCS BIM Open Day was Lifecycle BIM and how to benefit from BIM data through the project’s lifecycle, mainly for effective operations and maintenance.

The operations and maintenance phase of building lifecycle results in efficiency losses of $9 billion per year, according to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in USA. This is equivalent of $.25 per square foot of managed fa-

cilities: i.e. if you are a facility owner and have 1 million square feet you lose approximately $250,000 per year due to bad data.

To mitigate this problem, Mieczyslaw Boryslawski, EcoDomus cofounder, demonstrated how EcoDomus could help clean handover data received from design & construction, and integrating various systems used for building lifecycle management, such as BIM, Building Automation Systems (BAS), Facility Management Systems (CMMS/CAFM/IWMS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

“By integrating these previously separate datasets, EcoDomus FM allows the facility manager an increased ability to analyze operational data, thus enabling a holistic approach to capital asset man-

agement,” explained Boryslawski.

In addition to the cost benefits of enhanced operational analytics that the EcoDomus BIM for facility management, operations and maintenance solution provides, other savings are easy to calculate.

For example: if a work order requires five man hours, two of which are spent researching information (how to replace spare parts, what a unit is connected to, is it still covered by warranty, etc.), imagine what the yearly savings could be if the two-man hours could be eliminated.

The EcoDomus solution provides two-hour savings.

These savings could result in millions of dollars for capital asset owners, estimated Boryslawski.

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Construction

SITES

Tenders

ASHGHAL TENDERS AND AWARDED TENDERS Type

Tender Title

Participants

Issuing Date

Closing Date

Category

PWA/ITC/019/13-14

ITC

On – Call Contract for 2 Years Supply, Installation, Replacement & Maintenance of Fire Detection & Fire Alarm System at Various Pumping Stations & Workshops for Drainage Networks O & M Department AA/ DOM/13-14/M/1573-6.06/I

Qatari only

13-Nov-13

5-Jan-14

Drainage

(2) Joint Venture (JV) Companies,

PWA/STC/037/13-14

STC

POST CONTRACT PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR SEWER EXTENSION & HOUSE CONNECTIONS AT AL JAZEERA/ QATAR TELEVISION STATIONS IA/D-HC/13-14/S/077/S

Consortium

11-Dec-13

6-Jan-14

Drainage

which includes a Qatari Company

PWA/GTC/072/13-14

GTC

POST CONTRACT PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MAIN BUILDING & ANCILLARY BUILDING FOR COAST GUARD STATIONS AT SHWIMSAH AND RAS MATBAKH,QATAR BA/13-14/S/065/G

Consortium

4-Dec-13

7-Jan-14

Building

having a minimum of 51%, share

PWA/GTC/070/13-14

GTC

CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS FOR 3 NOS. SCHOOLS AROUND DOHA AND VILLAGES BA/13-14/C/054/G

Qatari only

4-Dec-13

7-Jan-14

Building

Companies Eligible to Tender:

Tender No.

(1) Qatari Companies Only

holding of the JV (3) Non-Qatari Companies

PWA/GTC/065 /13-14

GTC

Proposed Trucks Parking at Al-Shamal BA/13-14/C/035/G

Qatari only

20-Nov-13

7-Jan-14

Building

PWA/GTC/064 /13-14

GTC

Construction of Labour Accomadation for Al Shamal Municipality BA/13-14/C/025/G

Qatari only

20-Nov-13

7-Jan-14

Building

PWA/GTC/062/13-14

GTC

IMPROVEMENT ON C – RING ROAD JUNCTIONS AND ROUNDABOUTS IA/13-14/C/036/G

Qatari only - Joint Venture

6-Nov-13

7-Jan-14

Roads

Qatari only

30-Oct-13

7-Jan-14

Building

(4) Not Applicable

PWA/GTC/059/13-14

GTC

CONSTRUCTION OF MAIN BUILDING AND ANCILLARY BUILDING FOR COAST GUARD STATIONS AT SHWAIMSAH & RAS MATBAKH, QATAR BA/13-14/C/058/G

* All financial values are in QAR

PWA/ITC/017/13-14

ITC

ASSET TAGGING AT PUMPING STATIONS AA/DOM/13-14/M/15702.06/I

Qatari only

6-Nov-13

12-Jan-14

Drainage

PWA/STC/036/13-14

STC

SUPPLY OF KSB SUBMERSIBLE PUMP SPARES FOR PUMPING STATIONS AA/DOM/13-14/M/1356-2.05/S

Qatari only

11-Dec-13

13-Jan-14

Drainage

PWA/STC/035/13-14

STC

SUPPLY OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DEVICE AA/DOM/1314/M/1360-6.06/S

Qatari only

11-Dec-13

13-Jan-14

Roads

PWA/GTC/069/13-14

GTC

POST CONTRACT PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR MODIFICATION AND ADDITIONAL WORKS TO EXISTING SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS (FIRE LIFE SAFETY CODE COMPLIANCE-PHASE 1) BA/13-14/S/037/G

Consortium

27-Nov-13

14-Jan-14

Building

PWA/ITC/024/13-14

ITC

SUPPLY OF 3” & 4” HYDRAULIC SUBMERSIBLE TRASH PUMPS WITH FULLY ENCLOSED SOUND ATTENUATED POWER UNITS TO MECHANICAL WORKSHOP FOR DRAINAGE NETWORKS O & M DEPARTMENT AA/DOM 13-14/ M/ 1339 - 2.05/ I

Qatari only

25-Dec-13

26-Jan-14

Drainage

PWA/STC/040/13-14

STC

SUPPLY OF MCC SPARES 2013-PHASE 1 AA/DOM/13-14/M/13541.05/S

Qatari only

25-Dec-13

27-Jan-14

Drainage

PWA/STC/012/13-14/R

STC

SUPPLY OF MOTORS AND BLOWERS FOR PUMPING STATIONS AA-DOM/13-14/M/1334-1.05/S

Qatari only

25-Dec-13

27-Jan-14

Drainage

PWA/GTC/068/13-14

GTC

NEW PUMPING STATION PS16N AND INTERCEPTOR SEWER CIVIL PROJECT :654 IA/13-14/C/021/G

Qatari only - Joint Venture

27-Nov-13

28-Jan-14

Drainage

PWA/GTC/067/13-14

GTC

THREE YEARS ON CALL SECONDMENT OF STAFF FOR DRAINAGE NETWORKS O&M DEPARTMENT AA/DOM/1314/M/1579/2.06/G

Consortium

27-Nov-13

28-Jan-14

Drainage

PWA/GTC/074/13-14

GTC

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PUMPING STATIONS AA/ DOM/13-14/1576-2.06/G

Qatari only - Joint Venture - Non-Qatari

11-Dec-13

4-Feb-14

Drainage

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 (QAR)

Envelopes System

Tender Fees (QRs)

542 /2013 - 2014

Central Tenders

Not mentioned

Central Tenders Committee

13/01/2014

3250000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

Local Tenders

Supply, installation, operation, application and implementation of the project to raise the operational efficiency of databases - Industry Oracle LH DB ODA Upgrade

51000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

Local Tenders

nfrastructure development for Integrative Systems connectivity and data exchange The second phase of the internal Zararh

25000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

201 /2013 - 2014

Local Tenders

Supply, installation and expansion of system servers label

Qatar News Agency

19/01/2014

40000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

205 /2013 - 2014

Local Tenders

Not mentioned

Ministry of Enviroment

19/01/2014

51000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

200 /2013 - 2014

Local Tenders

Design and implementation, supply and installation of network infrastructure

General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority

19/01/2014

70000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

543 /2013 - 2014

Central Tenders

Not mentioned

Ministry of Social Affairs

20/01/2014

240000 Q.R

TWO ENVELOPES

150

203 /2013 - 2014 202 /2013 - 2014

Ministry of Social Affairs Ministry of Social Affairs

19/01/2014 19/01/2014

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

HVAC - Plumbing & Drainage - Fire Fighting - Electrical & ELV - Energy Centers Street Lighting - Traffic Signals - Maintenance - Facility Management Established in 1974, TRAGS Engineering is recognized as the leading Grade-1 MEP Services, District Cooling and Facility Management Contractor in the State of Qatar. The scope of activities covers all aspects of building services including design, procurement, installation, testing and commissioning of multi-service installations.

In addition, the company offers 24/7 Facility Management Services to government buildings, corporations, educational, healthcare, industrial, commercial and residential sectors.

TRAGS Electrical Engineering & Air Conditioning Co. W.L.L Jaidah Tower Ist Floor, Abdul Aziz Bin Ahmed Street P.O. Box 470, Doha – Qatar Tel +974 44 41 42 11, Fax + 974 44 41 33 06 tragseng@qatar.net.qa www.trags.com

ENGINEERING

Events

Construction

2014 The 7th International Petroleum Technology Conference Organizer: Society of Petroleum Engineers Event Date (s): 19 – 22 Jan Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 4575800 Fax: +971 4 4573164 Email: iptc@iptcnet.org Website: www.iptcnet.org/2014

CALENDAR

SITES

29

OF EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) Organizer: Reed Exhibitions Event Date (s): 20 – 22 Jan Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 2 4917615 – Ext. 189 Email: dania.ghalayini@reedexpo.ae Website: www.worldfutureenergysummit. com

6th Annual Façade Design and Engineering Middle East Organizer: IQPC Event date (s): 23 – 25 Feb Venue: Oryx Rotana Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 364 2975 Fax: +971 4 363 1938 Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Website: www.facadedesignmena.com

Arab Future Cities Summit 2014 Organizer: Expotrade Middle East Event date (s): 7 – 8 April Venue: Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 454 2135 Fax: +971 4 454 2136 Email: info@expotrade-me.com Website: www.arabfuturecities.com

GCC Effective Contractor EHS Management Forum Organizer: Immensoft Business Intelligence Event Date (s): 19 – 22 Jan Venue: Al Bustan Rotana Location: Dubai, UAE Tel: +91 80 41 655 194 Email: info@imnbi.com Website: www.imnbi.com

4th Annual Roads Middle East Organizer: IQPC Event date (s): 26 - 29 Jan Venue: W Doha Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 364 2975 Fax: +971 4 363 1938 Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Website: www.roadinfrastructureme.com

Drainage and Sewerage Middle East 2014 Organizer: IQPC Event date (s): 16 – 18 Mar Venue: W Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 364 2975 Fax: +971 4 363 1938 Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Website: www.drainageandsewerageme. com

Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2014 Organizer: Expotrade Middle East Event date (s): 28 – 29 April Venue: Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & SPA Location: Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 454 2135 Fax: +971 4 454 2136 Email: info@expotrade-me.com Website: www.smartskyscrapers.com

International Water Summit (IWS) Organizer: Reed Exhibitions Event Date (s): 20 – 22 Jan Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 2 4917615 – Ext. 189 Email: dania.ghalayini@reedexpo.ae Website: http://iwsabudhabi.com/Portal/ home.aspx

The GCC Digital Security Forum Organizer: Meesa (in cooperation with AlIktissad Wal-Aamal Group) Event date (s): 4 – 5 Feb Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44362008 Mobile: +974 66092072 / +974 33177214 Email: GDSforum@iktissad.com Website: www.dgtlsecurity.com

Outdoor Design, Build & Supply Show Organizer: Streamline Marketing Group Event date (s): 31 Mar – 2 April Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Location: Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 447 5357 Fax: +971 4 447 5334 Email: Joanna@smg-online.com Website: www.theoutdoorshow.ae

4th Annual Global Petrochemicals Technology Conference Organizer: Fleming Gulf FZ LLC Event date (s): 6 – 7 May Venue: Grand Hyatt Hotel Location: Doha, Qatar Tel: +971 4 6091555 Fax: +971 4 6091589 Email: info@fleminggulf.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

CBQ

HBK

N/A

Under Construction

Commercial, Bank, Office Plaza

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 Al Thani Holding

Ramco

N/A

Under Construction

Office Building

Project Title

Twin Towers

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

Gulf Mall at Gharrafa

Doha Centro Hotel at Bin Mahmoud Ghanem Office Building at Salwa Road

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 Rabban Suites Hotel Apartments (3B+G+M+50Floors)

Al Sarh Real Estate WLL

CRC

N/A

Under Construction

Residential

Office Buildings (3B+G+22) at Lusail Marina District

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

Al Sadd Hotel

Tricon International

Atlantic Contracting Co.

150

Under Construction

Hotels

Al Hodaifi Group HQ

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

Shemoukh Mixed-Use Twin Tower, Al Saad

Real Estate Services Group

SEG

800

Construction Stage

Mixed Use Towers

Al Jasrah Twin Tower Lusail

Al Shereef Enterprises

Dorra Contracting

350

Construction Stage

Mixed Use Towers

PWA

Tag Engineering & Contracting

120

Under Construction

Media Complex

Al Mana Real Estate

N/A

100-200

Tender Stage

Mixed Use Tower

Qatar Navigation

N/A

300

Developed Design Stage

Mixed Use

Al Madaen Real Estate

A'yaan Ash'sharq

120

Construction Stage

Hotel

Qatar Olympic Committee

HBK Contracting & Trading

65 Million

Construction Stage

Sports Amenities

Msheireb Downtown Doha (Phase 2 & 3)

Msheireb Properties

Arabtec / Obayashi – HBK

N/A

Under Construction

Mixed Used

4 New Build Convenience Store Schemes

Al Meera

Al Alia Trading & Contracting Co.

130

Under Construction

Supermarket Stores

MOI

WCT

N/A

Under Construction

Administration and Office Building

ALAQARIA

Arcon

169

Under Construction

Mixed Use

Qatar Navigation

Not Appointed

N/A

Design Stage

Warehouses

Qatar Airways

Not Appointed

N/A

Design Stage

Technical Training

PWA

ITCC / Al Sraiya

350

Under Construction

Educational Buildings

Marsa Malaz Hotel at the Pear Qatar (Main Works) Qatar Sidra Village Project

Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation

Office Tower (3B+G+14Floors)

Al Baker Executive Towers Al Nour Tower Al Nasr Showroom

Police Training Institute

Panasonic Showroom & Residential

Al Eida Villa Doha Education Centre

Qatar Radio and Television Complex Markaz Almana Ford Showroom & Commercial Offices Ain Khaled Development

Sonesta 5 Star Hotel Smash Tennis Academy

Construction of Head Quarters Bldg. for Ministry of Interior

MIC Business & Recreation Complex Logistic City

New Extension Simulator Building Construction of 6 Nos. New Schools Al Emadi Twin Towers

IBA GROUP

Not Appointed

400

Design Stage

Commercial / Offices Towers

Mr. Saeed Ben Zayed El-Khayareen

Al-Huda

200-250

Under Construction

Office Building

FBA GROUP

Not Appointed

200

Detail Stage

Shopping Mall & Office Tower

IBA GROUP

Not Appointed

200

Under Construction

Hotel

Tameer Real Estate

Al Seal Trading

160

Under Construction

Residential Building

Qatar Airways

Redco

40 Million

On Going

Special or Laboratory

Mr. Mohamed Ben Zayed El-Khayareen

Al-Huda

100-120

Completed

Office Building

Al Meera

Not Appointed

N/A

Full Design Package from concept to preparation of tender documents included interior design

Mall

Equestrian Club

Not Appointed

N/A

On Going

Farm

QNB Branch Branches

QNB

Not Appointed

20 Million

Under Construction

Bank

Qatar Driving School

QDS

Not Appointed

600

Permit Stage

Driving Academy

QFCHT

Matta Contracting

20 Million

Supervision

Office Building

Gulf Pearls Company

Not Appointed

40 Million

Design Stage

Residential Building

City Tower Fahd Suite - Apartment Hotel IBA Hotel Al Attiya Compound Flight Simulator El Doha Tower

Al Meera Hazm Al Markhiya Mall Supervision of Breeding Farm near Zubara Village

Qatar Foundation for Combatting Human Trafficking Gulf Pearls Office Building

Established in 1998

Industrial Kitchen & Laundry Equipment Supply, Installation & After Sales Service • Hotels • Restaurants and Cafes • Hospitals • Central Kitchens • Catering Facilities Salwa Road - Tel: +974 4468 3040 - Fax: +974 4468 3080 - kitchenco@alayangroupqatar.com - www.kitchencoqatar.com

Construction

Qatar_Construction_Sites_Ad-ver03.indd 1

17/04/2013 8:46:55 AM

SITES

31

RIGHT PERSON IN RIGHT POSITION Executives.

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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. (78) January 2014, Doha - Qatar

Drake & Scull International wins Engineering Contract for the Mall of Qatar

Drake & Scull Qatar (DSI Qatar), a wholly owned subsidiary of Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), has won a mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contract for an approximate value of QAR 400 million for the upcoming Mall of Qatar in the Al Rayyan district of Qatar. The win is the latest in a series of multimillion commercial and residential deals signed by the company in 2013. UrbanCon Trading and Development are the main contractors on this commercial development.

Under the terms of the agreement, DSI Qatar will execute the installation of all incidental electromechanical works on the three-storey mall which will feature a hypermarket, a multiplex, five department stores and at least 20 restaurants. In addition to the car parking accommodating 7000 cars, the mall will also have its own metro station.

DSI Qatar is scheduled to start works on site in Q1 2014 and the project is slated for

Karem Akawi, Area General Manager, Drake & Scull Qatar.

completion in June 2015.

Qatar is witnessing an upsurge in project tenders and contracts awarded as there is larger construction spending geared towards achieving its ambitious infrastructure development plans to facilitate the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Given this increased government expenditure and DSI Qatar’s proven track record, the company is poised to secure more projects and significantly increase its market share.

“The Mall of Qatar is a very prestigious project award for

DSI and will build upon the Doha Land project and has a healthy backlog and a history of consistent profitability. rich experience we have in Mega Retail projects. DSI Qatar’s MEP division is a market leader and is currently executing projects across District cooling, Hospitality and Residential sectors”, Karem Akawi, Area General Manager, Drake & Scull Qatar stated.

“We also see untapped potential in the Water and Waste Water sectors and we are well placed to leverage our patented European technology through our German Subsidiary Passavant Roediger to lead the modernization of Qatar’s Infrastructure”, he added.

Earlier this year, Drake & Scull Qatar was awarded a QAR 304 million contract for a mixed-use real estate development project in Doha and a second residential project worth QAR 180 million. DSI Qatar has also been associated with several prestigious projects since the early 2006 Mall of Qatar such as the Four Seasons Hotel, the Qtel Tower and the