The Big Picture

01 UNITED KINGDOM Atkins becomes first global engineering consultancy to achieve BSI Kitemark for BIM

Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has become the first global engineering consultancy to achieve certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for Building Information Modelling (BIM) compliance across its operations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

In a statement, Atkins said that the BSI Kitemark for BIM incorporates international BIM standards (ISO 19650) – 1, 2 and PAS 1192-3,5. It ensures all projects adopt a fully collaborative and consistent BIM process throughout the whole project lifecycle.

04 SOMALILAND Somaliland bridge opened

The first bridge built as part of the BerberaHargeisa corridor project in Somaliland has been inaugurated according to the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

The strategic initiative was financed by the UAE’s $89.9mn grant programme provided for the country in 2017.

At 105m long, the bridge is one of the longest along the Berbera-Hargeisa corridor. It connects the strategic port of Berbera with Hargeisa, Addis Ababa, as well as other East African countries, facilitating economic cooperation and enhancing trade.

The project has been carried out at a cost of $71.4m.

02 UNITED KINGDOM Steve Ryder appointed as Marr Contracting’s GM of International Operations

Marr Contracting International has announced the appointment of Steve Ryder as general manager of its growing international operations.

Based out of London, Ryder will assume responsibility for managing the business’ UK-based team in transitioning pipeline international projects from contract negotiations through to operational workstreams for delivery.

Ryder has spent 30 years working predominantly across the petrochemical and thermal sectors.

05 EGYPT Anchorage Investments launches $2bn project in Suez Canal Economic Zone

Anchorage Investments, a company operating in the development, investment, and operation of industrial projects in the petrochemical sector, has said that it is preparing to embark on the engineering and construction of its Anchor Benitoite project in the industrial zone of the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The project has an investment cost of more than $2 billion, and Anchorage will issue a tender to select the main engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the project.

03 FINLAND Finland’s Metso Outotec signs $26m Turkish plan agreement

Metso Outotec, the Finnish industrial major, has said that it has signed an agreement for the delivery of a $26 million siderite calcination plant to Hekimhan Madencilik a subsidiary of Koloğlu Holding, located in Malatya, Turkey.

The plant, with an annual capacity of 600,000 tonnes of calcined siderite, is expected to start production in the second half of 2023. The scope of delivery consists of system design, equipment engineering, manufacturing and supply, and advisory services for the installation of the plant.

06 SAUDI ARABIA KSA announces 60+ water projects worth $9.33bn

Saudi Arabia has announced more than 60 water projects worth a total of $9.33 billion, positioning the Kingdom as the world’s largest water desalination market, a top official has said.

Speaking at the 3rd MENA Desalination Projects Forum 2022 in Abu Dhabi, Engineer Khaled Al Qureshi, CEO of Saudi Water Partnership Company, said that once completed, these projects will increase the Kingdom’s desalination capacity to 7.5 million cu m of water per day by 2027, from 2.54 million cu m per day in 2021, nearly tripling the capacity within six years.

01

02 03

05

06 07 08

09

04

07 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Metito secures $120m sustainabilitylinked loan to support ambitions

Metito, the global water and alternative energy management solutions provider, has said that it has secured a US$120 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL) to support its mission of developing sustainable water management solutions and a cleaner environment.

HSBC Bank Middle East acted as the Coordinator, Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner for the loan. As the ESG coordinator, HSBC helped Metito in linking four ambitious Sustainability Performance Targets (SPT).

08 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Aldar announces Louvre-branded residences

Aldar Properties has announced what is billed as a world-first partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi. The deal will see the world’s first Louvrebranded residences take shape on Saadiyat Island. The residential project will feature 400 apartments.

Spanning an area of 242,000sqm, Saadiyat Grove will boast immersive retail, entertainment, and leisure spaces. Including the newly launched project, Saadiyat Grove will feature approximately 3,000 residential units, two hotels and co-working spaces for new enterprises and start-ups.

09 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Al Hamra launches $272m Falcon Island residential project

Al Hamra has announced a new luxury villa project called Falcon Island. The islandbased freehold residential project will be developed at a cost of $272m and is said to reaffirm the future development plans and vision of Al Hamra and the northern emirate. The project will take shape in the Al Hamra Village residential community.

Falcon Island is set to be completed within two years of its launch, which will be implemented in phases. The North Island will be unveiled as Phase 1 consisting of 240 villas, ranging from two to seven-bedrooms.

10 17

11 12

13

15

16 14

10 EGYPT Dewan Architects + Engineers aims to elevate presence in Egypt

The CEO of Dewan Architects + Engineers says that his firm’s recent move can make a positive contribution to the Egyptian market following the opening of its newest office in Cairo at the end of 2021.

Dewan’s latest branch is located east of the Egyptian capital in the 5th Settlement area.

The office will take on projects with a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on architecture design, engineering design, post-contract supervision, project management and master-planning.

11 SAUDI ARABIA JCDC acquires site for Phase One of $20.4bn Jeddah Central project

The Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) has inked a deal with the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute to acquire a prime site for Phase One of its $20.4bn Jeddah Central project, formerly known as New Jeddah Downtown. The project is being developed on 5.7m sqm of land overlooking the Red Sea. The masterplan features four landmarks – an opera house, museum, sports stadium and oceanarium. The project is expected to enable private sector participation. The first phase of the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.

12 QATAR Dar Al Arkan and Qetaifan Projects launch Elie Saabdesigned project

Les Vagues residences by ELIE SAAB have been unveiled by Dar Al Arkan, the Saudi Arabian real-estate company, during an event held in Doha, Qatar in collaboration with Qetaifan Projects.

The exclusive residences by the worldrenowned designer reflect the ‘sophisticated elegance and exceptional detailing that ELIE SAAB is recognised for in fashion and lifestyle, setting new standards for modern luxury living in Qatar’.

Les Vagues feature 70 one, two and three-bedroom sea-front residencies.

13 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Select Group launches Peninsula Three in Dubai’s Business Bay

Select Group has announced the launch of its latest project, Peninsula Three, a 49-storey modern residential development located in Dubai’s thriving Business Bay district.

Set to complete construction by 2025, the new property is the fourth series of residences within Select Group’s first large-scale community-focused waterfront masterplan. The residential tower has been designed by award-winning architectural firm Killa Design and has a 50th floor viewing deck. Residents will be able to avail of a wide array of amenities, such as co-working spaces, a gym and lap pool.

16 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Roof slab concrete works completed for Zada Tower

The successful completion of roof slab concrete works for Zada Tower has been announced by Damac Properties. Although the balance superstructure works including the top roof and parapet were slated for completion in March 2022, works were completed ahead of schedule in December 2021, Damac explained.

Approximately 23,910cu/m of concrete and 4,402 tonnes of steel were used to complete the superstructure works, while 580,840 man-hours were so far invested into construction works, the Dubai-based developer added.

14 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Shurooq provides updates on $544m Sharjah Sustainable City project and $23m Al Hira project

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) said its $544 million Sharjah Sustainable City project’s Phase Two is scheduled for delivery in March 2023.

The project is being developed in partnership with Diamond Developers.

It added that its $23.6 million Al Hira Beach will open in Q2 this year. It runs for 3.5km along the shoreline in the Al Fisht area of Sharjah.

17 UZBEKISTAN ACWA Power breaks ground on Uzbekistani wind project

ACWA Power has broken ground on a 100MW wind project in the Karatau district, Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan. The Nukus wind project is being built at an investment of $108mn and is set to reach financial close by Q3, 2022.

The project is ACWA Power’s fourth facility in Uzbekistan. The company’s in-country portfolio also includes a combined cycle gas turbine plant and two wind projects. Once the project achieves commercial operation in 2024, it will contribute 1.25% to Uzbekistan’s overall renewable energy goals.

15 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Bloom Holding launches 4,000 home community in Abu Dhabi

Developer Bloom Holding has launched Bloom Living, which is billed as an integrated and inclusive community in Abu Dhabi. Spread over 2.2m sqm, it will feature over 4,000 homes including a selection of villas, townhouses and apartments to suit the unique needs of residents of all generations.

The community aims to bring together residents of all ages, cultures, and ethnicities, to deliver a superior living experience that promotes genuine human connection. Bloom Living’s Town Centre will feature a plaza with several F&B and retail outlets.

18 AUSTRALIA Mastt raises $6.94m as it builds overseas expansion plans

Mastt, the construction technology startup, has raised USD$6.94 million, less than 12 months after its seed round, as it aims to almost double its headcount and continue expansion abroad.

The round was led by VC firm OIF Ventures, with participation from Assignar co-founder and CEO Sean McCreanor, Assignar chief revenue officer Chris Peterson and Mastt’s own chief technology officer David Jablonski. Existing investors Artesian, Significant Early Venture Capital, Investible and Gravel Road Ventures, also contributed to the heavily oversubscribed round.