Big Project ME January 2024

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212 January 2024

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1

CONTENTS

January 2024

08

14

18

24

30

36

ANALYSIS

FEATURES

INSIGHT

08 The Briefing

18 In Profile

36 Comment

12 The Big Picture

Big Project ME speaks to Kareem Farah about the ECC Group’s success in 2023, market trends and decarbonising construction globally with Desert Board

NEOM has announced a new wellness-focused community that is expected to house 3,000 residents

A wrap-up of the biggest international construction news stories for the month

14 Market Report

Bahrain’s commercial office and retail sectors continue to witness development with several projects due to complete soon says CBRE’s Heather Longden

Sustainable Growth

24 In Profile

Staying True to its Vision

Khansaheb’s Steve Flint talks to BPME’s Jason Saundalkar about the contractor’s long-term vision, how it weathered market headwinds, its customer focused strategy, and looking after its people

Chandra Dake, CEO of Dake Rechsand outlines seven key sustainability trends that GCC companies must watch out for in 2024

38 Comment

Jotun Paints UAE’s Kjetil Urheim on the value of paints in achieving Green Building Standards in the UAE

40 Final Update

Samana Developers hands over Samana Golf Avenue in Dubai Studio City

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

2

WELCOME

Introduction

Recognising Excellence

O

n behalf of the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team, I wish you all a happy, safe and prosperous New Year! I hope you all enjoyed downtime over the holidays, ahead of what I’m sure will be another year that’ll run at a breakneck pace.

The year starts off with a bang for the BPME team as we bookend 2023 by recognising excellence in the industry, with the 14th edition of the Big Project Middle East Awards.

The gala dinner event will take place on 22 January at the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai, and - as those of you who’ve nominated for past editions of the awards well know – we’re doing things differently this time around. All our categories were revamped extensively, and I’m pleased to report that’s already had a substantial impact in terms of the nominations we received for people, companies, and projects – over 150 nominations were submitted!

The revamp was triggered by a number of drivers, including expanding our focus on the industry, and giving companies large and small, old and new, a fair shake at taking home a highly coveted Big Project ME Award.

January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

It also made sense to do it this year rather than wait for a milestone – like 2024’s 15th edition of the BPME Awards – because, as you know, in 2023 we launched the ME Digital Construction Awards. The first edition was a hit with so many of you in the industry that bringing it back as an annual event to highlight and recognise excellence with regards to technology and its adoption exclusively, was a no brainer.

Coming back to the BPME Awards, I can’t wait for 22 January to come around, so we can honor everyone that made the shortlist, and crown our winners. Putting this edition together has already given the team and I a number of ideas on what we want to do next year; the idea of voting’s been floated on some specific categories, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on that (alongside nomination driven categories) next time around. Feel free to drop me an email on Jason.s@ cpitrademedia.com with your thoughts.

Soon after the awards, we’ll be hosting another industry staple – the BPME Golf Day. Scheduled to take place on 31 January, the event will return to the Trump International Golf Club, and will be the first of what I hope will be many informal networking events that BP has planned for the new year. See you out there!

Jason Saundalkar HEAD OF CONTENT

jason.s@cpitrademedia.com MEConstructionNews me-construction-news

“The Big Project ME Awards has proved itself to be among the most distinguished in the industry with leading players in construction from the region participating. Al Naboodah Construction Group are delighted to be a part of this gathering of eminent industry professionals”.

Senan Abdullah Al Naboodah

Managing Director Al Naboodah Construction Group

The Awards Now in its 14th year, Big Project ME’s Excellence in Construction Awards has significantly expanded its scope of focus on contractors, developers, operators, projects, sustainability and individuals, and welcomes nominations from across the MENA region.

Big Project Middle East (BPME) is one of the most recognised construction focused trade publications in the region, so winning an award means earning a wellrecognised and highly valued badge of excellence.

The Categories 31 awards are up for grabs at Big Project ME’s Excellence in Construction Awards, reflecting the full scope and size of the built environment. This year’s categories are broken into several groups including: Individual Awards; Sustainability Awards; Developer Awards; Contractor Award and Project Awards.

22 January 2024 Ritz Carlton JBR / Dubai

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Licensed by Dubai Development Authority

212 January 2024

MEConstructionNews.com

THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTION

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Editorial HEAD OF CONTENT Jason Saundalkar

Sustainable Growth

KAREEM FARAH OUTLINES THE ECC GROUP'S SUCCESS IN 2023, MARKET TRENDS, AND DECARBONISING CONSTRUCTION GLOBALLY WITH DESERT BOARD

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INTERVIEW: Building the Blueprint for a Sustainable Tomorrow

TECHNOLOGY

Nesma wins $13.3mn for safety systems at Sindalah

ENERGY

Rabt power transmission project under way in Oman

EVENT: 14th edition of Big Project ME Golf Day to take place on 31 January 2024

CONSTRUCTION

Azizi’s Pearl on schedule for Q1 2024 completion

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FEATURED NEWS

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MOST POPULAR INFRASTRUCTURE

US $90mn contract awarded for improvement of Umm Suqeim Street Project The project follows on from works completed by the RTA in 2013 and 2020

CONSTRUCTION

Abu Dhabi allocates US $17.7bn for new projects

SUSTAINABILITY

KAPP calls for bids for renewable energy project Once complete, the solar PV project will boast a net capacity of 1,100MW CONSTRUCTION

Consortium of Saudi Archirodon and DEME wins NEOM port contract CONSTRUCTION

US $336mn expansion of Sharjah International Airport gets underway The expansion will separate the arrivals from the departures and offer new systems and facilities CONSTRUCTION

Residential project announced for King Salman Energy Park INFRASTRUCTURE

Alstom to build world’s longest battery-operated tramway in AlUla 17-station network to be built by Alstom and connect region’s cultural hubs

CONSULTANT

CONSTRUCTION

Saudi Arabia to invest US $92bn into transforming Riyadh ahead of Expo 2030 Princess Haifa said plans are afoot to transform Riyadh into one of the most sustainable cities by 2030

ADNH and Marriott join forces for major hotel rebranding

CONSTRUCTION

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Oman Cultural Complex to be developed at cost of US $383mn MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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THE BRIEFING

NEOM

NEOM announces new wellness-focused community SAUDI ARABIA

The new community is expected to house 3,000 residents and will boast a number of state of the art facilities focused in active living and wellness January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

N

orlana has been announced by the Board of Directors of NEOM. The new development is billed as an ‘ultra-modern active lifestyle community’ and is the latest addition to the evolving regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia.

Set to take shape on the Gulf of Aqaba’s coastline, Norlana aims to create a unique environment where an exclusive community of 3,000 residents will enjoy contemporary luxury fused

with advanced technology, setting a pioneering standard for sustainable modern living, said a statement.

Within this planned contemporary community portfolio of 711 residential properties, Norlana will offer deluxe mansions, spacious apartments and beach villas integrated with the surrounding dunes, bringing residents closer to serene nature.

The development is expected to boast a state-of-the-art 120-berth marina that will serve as an international hub for

THE BRIEFING

superyachts, with water taxi services available for residents and guests. The superyacht members club will be a place where like-minded yachting enthusiasts can unwind and enjoy exceptional dining experiences and service while taking in waterfront views, the firm outlined.

Norlana will also feature an 18hole golf course which will be nestled amongst the region’s mountains, with an equestrian and polo center with world-class facilities nearby. The development’s amenities aim to also cater to a diverse range of water sports, including sailing and diving, for residents and guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural environment.

World-class marina The development is expected to boast a state-of-the-art 120-berth marina that will serve as an international hub for superyachts.

Giga-project Saudi Crown Prince His Highness Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud originally launched NEOM in 2017, with an estimated development cost in excess of US $500bn.

The project has been designed to redefine contemporary and active living.

With sport, health and wellbeing at the core of the community, residents and guests will have every opportunity to experience their passions in this magnificent and environmentally sustainable setting, the firm stated.

Aligned with NEOM’s existing commitment to conservation, Norlana will complement its coastal location and be delivered innovatively and sustainably, the firm pointed out.

With a focus on preserving the surrounding land and marine environments, Norlana will offer the pinnacle of ultra-luxury modern

9

living through a harmonious blend of nature and technology.

News of the development follows the recent announcements of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, and Utamo which are also sustainable tourism destinations located in the Gulf of Aqaba.

NEOM was launched in 2017 by Saudi Crown Prince His Highness Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and was estimated to cost in excess of US $500bn. Plans unveiled at the time said that the majority of the giga-project would be completed by 2039. NEOM is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, which is dedicated to developing the economic zone of NEOM.

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

10

THE BRIEFING

Following a successful model DIP Angola has been designed following the Dubai Investments Park masterplan and model in the UAE.

Dubai Investments launches Dubai Investments Park Angola January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

THE BRIEFING

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

The 2,000ha mixed-use development will stand as a unique and integrated residential, commercial and industrial hub

D

ubai Investments has announced Dubai Investments Park (DIP) Angola. The launch of the mixeduse development marks the firm’s first major foray into Africa.

According to the firm, DIP Angola will occupy 2,000ha and will serve as a unique integrated mixed-use residential, commercial and industrial hub in Angola.

The development will comprise 3km of coastline and a 2km stretch of sandy beach, presenting a canvas for versatile master planning. The area's topography allows for the seamless integration of industrial, commercial, and residential zones, while preserving natural beauty.

The development aims to become a tourism and industrial hub, with sustainable development aligned with the Angola Ministry of Environment (MINAMB), the statement added.

“DIP Angola stands as a momentous milestone, representing the group's premier endeavor at such a grand scale, signifying the beginning of a journey towards global expansion. This strategic step reaffirms the group's unwavering belief in Africa's promising economic terrain, aiming to catalyse sustainable growth and progress across the continent. It underscores Dubai Investments’ steadfast dedication to utilising its expertise in crafting prosperous mixed-use developments.

DIP Angola presents a prime prospect for investors seeking diversification and business expansion within a burgeoning

11

economy that holds immense potential for large-scale industries, providing direct pathways to extensive markets across the broader African landscape,” said Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments PJSC. The project will take shape in the Dande Municipality, Bengo Province, 50km from the national capital Luanda and 33km west of the provincial capital, Caxito. A robust regional transportation network will ensure excellent connectivity for both local and international visitors, the statement explained.

Dubai Investments said it will develop the infrastructure and lease land to developers and investors in creating a cohesive mixed-use development as it progresses with the establishment of DIP Angola. This envisioned community will harmoniously blend residential, commercial, and industrial zones, underlining inclusivity and a myriad of amenities such as communal parks and leisure facilities, redefining recreational spaces. The blueprint encompasses an 18-hole golf course and various housing choices, all strategically positioned near vibrant retail and industrial hubs, the firm said.

The project is being undertaken

by Dubai Investments International Angola, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments. The launch of the development is said to demonstrate the group’s commitment to sustainability by integrating innovative environment practices.

The project is also said to be in alignment with the Ministry of Environment’s regulations for environmental protection and conservation, and adheres to the United Nations’ Sustainability Goals (SDGs). It achieves this through integrated renewable energy, smart water management, innovative landscaping, and other futureproofed sustainable initiatives.

Modelled after the Dubai Investments Park model in the UAE, DIP Angola represents an evolution of the blueprint, and incorporates and elevates all of its facets to create a more refined and comprehensive mixed-use development, the firm said.

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

12

THE BIG PICTURE

01 IRELAND

03 ESTONIA

Plans unveiled for solar energy farm in Ireland

Tender for highspeed rail in Estonia launched

Plans to develop a 190MW solar energy farm at a cost of US $219mn in County Meath, Ireland have been announced by GP Joule’s Irish subsidiary. If permissions are secured, the Blackhall Solar farm project could become one of the country’s largest solar developments.

The proposed solar farm will harness renewable energy from a site covering 205ha and extending over three land parcels. According to the proposal, the Blackhall Solar Farm could generate enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes.

02 UNITED KINGDOM

Contracts awarded for Lower Thames Crossing project A US $1.65bn contract has been awarded by National Highways to Bouygues Travaux Publics and J Murphy & Sons to construct the ‘largest bored tunnels in the UK’.

The $13.4bn Lower Thames Crossing contract for tunnel boring is said to be the final major award for the road link between Kent and Essex. The contract also includes the tunnel systems, portal buildings and approach roads.

BMJV is a JV comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS and J Murphy & Sons, supported by consulting engineers Mott McDonald and Ove Arup & Partners.

04 UKRAINE

06 KUWAIT

US $983mn deal signed for Ukraine airport project A US $983mn MoU has been signed by Korea Airports Corporation and Hyundai Engineering & Construction with Ukraine’s Boryspil International Airport Corporation.

The MoU outlines the reconstruction and expansion of the terminal and runway at Kyiv International Airport.

The agreement calls for sharing of information and exploring projects to restore Boryspil International Airport.

The MoU also calls for Boryspil airport authority to provide project information and support to ensure seamless operations during the reconstruction.

January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

Tenders have been announced by Rail Baltica for the construction of 53km of high-speed rail in Estonia. The estimated total cost of the published tenders is approximately US $437mn.

The tender, which was published late in December 2023, outlines the construction of the underlying infrastructure and intersections for 52.6km of the line.

It is said to cover development of five mainline sections in the Harju and Rapla counties: Soodevahe – Kangru; Kangru – Saku; Saku – Harju/Rapla county border; Hagudi – Alu; Alu – Kärpla.

05 JORDAN

Masdar to develop 1GW wind project with BESS in Jordan A joint development agreement has been inked between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The agreement will see the development of a one-gigawatt (GW) wind project with a battery energy storage system (BESS).

Masdar said that it has also inked a deal to explore the feasibility of establishing a green hydrogen plant near the Port of Aqaba. Once developed, the plant will use desalinated seawater and dedicated renewable power to produce cost-competitive hydrogen.

Construction of T2 at Kuwait International Airport progressing at pace Civil aviation authorities have said steady progress is being made on the new passenger terminal building (T2) at Kuwait International Airport.

Works on Phase One are said to be 73% complete, with 68.1% of works complete on Phase Two, as per Acting Director General for (Civil Aviation) Saad Al Otaibi.

The development projects in the airport, as well as the modernisation work of existing infrastructure in the air transport sector in the country will continue, he stated.

THE BIG PICTURE

13

03

02 01

04

05

06

07

08

08 PHILIPPINES

07 SAUDI ARABIA

Alstom to build world’s longest battery-operated tramway

Alstom has signed a major contract with The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to build what’s billed as the world’s longest battery-operated tramway, running 22.4km, in the ancient city of AlUla. Featuring 17 strategically located stations, the fully integrated turnkey tramway system will be fitted with 20 advanced Citadis trams. These will be equipped with the Mitrac B battery solution, and also feature innovative, fast, and invisible SRS ground-based static charging systems, said a statement.

US $2.1bn in financing approved for Philippines bridge project The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US $2.1bn in financing for a new bridge project. The 32.15km Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) will connect the Bataan and Cavite provinces across Manila Bay in the Philippines.

Once complete, it will ease traffic in Metro Manila, allowing for the better movement of people and goods, increasing economic productivity in Luzon. The BCIB project is billed as one of the government’s flagship infrastructure projects in the country.

09 AUSTRALIA

US $2.4bn tunnelling contract awarded to CPB Contractors, Acciona and Ghella

09

A US $2.4bn tunnelling package on the Suburban Rail Loop East public transport project in Melbourne, Australia has been awarded to a consortium of three contractors. It comprises Cimic Group subsidiary CPB Contractors, Acciona and Ghella.

The contractors are responsible for tunnelling on a 16km section of the line’s 26km twin tunnels as part of the Suburban Connect consortium.The confirmation came after they were named preferred bidders in September 2023.

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

14

MARKET REPORT

Industry Outlook

Bahrain Q3 2023 Performance in the Spotlight

BAHRAIN

Bahrain’s commercial office and retail sectors continue to witness development with several projects due to complete soon says CBRE’s Heather Longden January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

B

ahrain’s GDP growth forecast for 2023 was lowered to 1.7%, down from 2.2% and according to Oxford Economics, weaker oil sector growth has underpinned this slow down. Non-oil GDP is expected to remain resilient, where in the year to Q1 2023 the sector recorded growth of 3.5%.

There were a total of 5,145 real estate transactions in Bahrain in Q3 2023, down marginally by 2.5% from a quarter earlier last year.

When comparing the volume of transactions in the year to date, however, there was an increase of 5.1% in the first 9 months of 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.

According to Fraser Institute’s 2023 Economic Freedom of the World Report, Bahrain ranked 45th out of 165 countries, up two places from 47th in the previous year.

Bahrain’s rating stood at 7.44 and maintained its place as the most economically free country in the GCC. Manama also placed first globally in AIRINC’s Financial Ranking of the 2023 Global 150 Cities Index for the fifth consecutive year. The financial metrics assess salary data, cost of living, and taxes.

BAHRAIN RESIDENTIAL PERFORMANCE

Quoted residential rates performance was mixed in Q3 2023. When compared to Q3 2022, all but quoted apartment sales, which

MARKET REPORT

15

BAHRAIN TOTAL Q3 YTD REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TOTAL TRANSACTIONS

20,000

40%

16,000

20%

12,000

0%

8,000

-20%

4,000

-40% 2019

2020

fell by 1.7%, increased. Apartment rents increased by 3.2%, while villa rents and sales also increased by 4.3% and 1.2% respectively.

Looking at quarter-on-quarter (QOQ) change, rental rates fell across apartments and villas, while sales rates grew, compared to Q2 2023. In the mid-to-high-end segment, apartment rents fell by 2.5% QOQ, while villa rents fell by 0.3%. Sales wise, apartment and villa rates grew by 1.0% and 3.9% QOQ. In September, Eagle Hills completed construction of Marassi Park, a 249-unit, luxury residential development in Marassi Al Bahrain on Diyar Al Muharraq, ready for handover during Q4 2023. The property, which is the fifth project to be delivered in the development, has 25,500sqm GFA, sea views, and is within a short walk of both Marassi Beach and the yet-to-open Marassi Galleria shopping mall.

Source: CBRE Research, SLRB Data, STR Data, Oxford Economics

% CHANGE

2021

2023

2022

OFFICE SEGMENT

In the commercial office sector, average rents have remained constant in the Grade A category overall in the year to Q3 2023, as supply growth is not being met with the required demand from local or international occupiers, and vacancy rates remain relatively high.

Taking a regional view, office rents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have seen significant increases in the Grade A category, where in the year to Q3 2023 the average rental increase was recorded as 11.4% for all surveyed cities.

Bahrain currently has some of the lowest office occupancy costs in the region, and it is anticipated that with new stock coming on stream in 2024 and 2025, average rental rates and occupancy are likely to be impacted, although we expect the flight to quality to continue. This is driven by office occupiers

in lower grade space taking advantage of affordable commercial terms for Grade A space.

We are continuing to witness development in the flexible office sub-segment in Bahrain, including the opening of a new co-working space during Q3 2023. HQ, located in Seef Mall, comprises 1,085sqm of varying workplace solutions, including hot desks, offices and event spaces, as well as Commercial Registration (CR) options, which is mandatory to set up a business in Bahrain.

HOSPITALITY IN BAHRAIN

Key performance indicators for the hospitality sector demonstrated improvements. STR data year-on-year in the year to September 2023 shows that average hotel occupancy in Manama was up by 5.9% compared to the same period in 2022, with RevPARs

BAHRAIN RESIDENTIAL RATES, YoY% CHANGE TO Q3 2023

GCC YoY% CHANGE IN AVERAGE OFFICE RENTAL RATES

4%

15%

3%

12%

2% 9% 1% 6% 0% 3%

-1% -2%

Apartment rents

Apartment sales

Villa rents

Villa sales

Bahrain Grade A

Riyadh Grade A

Jeddah Grade A

Abu Dhabi Grade A

Dubai Grade A

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

16

MARKET REPORT

TOURISM KPIs, YoY% CHANGE OCCUPANCY

ADR

REVPAR

6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% -1%

Bahrain

Manama

also up 4.9% YoY. This is despite average daily rates (ADRs) falling slightly at 1.0%.

In July 2023, it was announced that Edamah broke ground on two boutique hotels at Bilaj Al Jazayer - the four-star Avani and five-star Tivoli, both scheduled to open in 2025. Upon completion, the Bilaj Al Jazayer mixed-use 1.3m sqm development master plan will also comprise residential villas and apartments, retail and F&B, entertainment and offices along the 3km beachfront.

Fraser Suites is also expanding its offering in the Kingdom, signing with Seef Properties to operate in Al Liwan in Hamala.

The new offering will provide 63 serviced apartment units, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, over three floors. The serviced apartment component was expected to open in Q4 2023.

RETAIL MARKET

The retail market continues to witness development of new stock within both the destination mall and neighbourhood plaza categories. Marassi Mall is now due to open in February 2024, which will introduce approximately 116,000sqm of GLA. The Avenues Phase 2, which will add circa 40,000sqm is also set to complete this year.

During Q3 2023, a number of new announcements were made, including Edamah’s renovation of Reef Mall in Malkiya, the launch of TimeOut Market at Bahrain City Centre, which is due to open later in 2024, and the news of Lulu Hypermarkets to be opened in a variety of locations, including the Avenues, Manama Centre, and Diyar Al Muharraq.

While there are concerns over the significant pipeline supply and the impact

on rental rates, take up of space in key new projects and growth in consumer spending provide a more optimistic view of the market.

Heather Longden, Director - Advisory & Transactions, at CBRE in Bahrain concludes, “We’ve seen slight uplifts in Bahrain’s hospitality and residential sectors in Q3 2023. In the residential market, although performance was mixed and quoted apartment sales rates dropped marginally YoY, average quoted residential rents increased along with villa sales rates across the geographies. In the hospitality sector, occupancy rates increased by 5.9% compared to the same period in 2022 and RevPARs also grew by 4.9% in Manama. Other aspects of the market remained stable, as the commercial office and retail sectors continue to witness development with prominent projects due to complete soon, which will add to existing stock.”

BAHRAIN ESTIMATED CONSUMER SPENDING, ANNUAL % CHANGE 4%

2%

0%

-2%

-4%

-6%

2019

January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

2020

2021

2022

2023

17

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January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

IN PROFILE

19

ECC

Sustainable Growth ECC’S KAREEM FARAH TALKS TO BPME’S JASON SAUNDALKAR ABOUT THE ECC GROUP’S SUCCESS IN 2023, MARKET TRENDS AND DECARBONISING CONSTRUCTION GLOBALLY WITH DESERT BOARD

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

20

IN PROFILE

ubai-headquartered Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) has constantly broken new ground in the built environment, from being one of the first companies in the UAE to adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM) across its operations and projects, to rolling out a Common Data Environment, and being the first contractor in the country to earn the BIM Kitemark Certification from BSI, and receiving the BIM ISO certification from the same body.

The ECC Group, which comprises Abanos, ECC Fit Out and Construction, Desert Board, Aurora Real Estate Development, United Masters Electromechanical, and others, saw a great deal of success in 2023. Kareem Farah, CEO of ECC tells Big Project Middle East that the group as a whole picked up more projects last year than it has in the past seven years, in line with the growth of the real estate segment in the UAE, and its key markets.

“We definitely see the market advancing; the construction division has picked up a lot of work, along with ABANOS and Prime Metal Industries (PMI). We’re pushing them to now take on more work outside of ECC, so we can open up work to our supply chain. We like to balance things out with the supply chain, so we’re not just giving everything to our sister companies. Then you have United Masters Electromechanical, our MEP company, they’ve also taken a lot of work on from outside of ECC, mainly from other construction companies. Of course, we’re being very careful about who we work with, because as much as the market is booming, you still have to be very selective over which contractors, clients and consultants you work with. We can definitely grow faster but our reputation is everything to us, so strategically, we’re growing at a tempered more organic pace,” says Farah.

Farah points out that the UAE has been the key driver for the group’s January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

growth in 2023 and notes that he’s keen to keep focused on the country, and maintain ECC’s reputation by continuing to deliver quality work.

“We’re quite happy with what’s going on in the UAE. Reputation is everything to us, typically the more you grow, the more difficult it is to control quality.

We are in the process of setting up systems, so that we’ve got a centralised office that monitors all of our sites. With technology such as modern dashboards and data harvesting, we can monitor things more closely and maintain our quality and reputation. As we evolve, it will become a lot easier to monitor projects and quality, so in the future we’ll look at overseas markets but we’re happy in the UAE, and like the direction that the country is moving in,” he remarks.

Discussing the market and trends that emerged in 2023, Farah is quick to point out the growth in the luxury residential segment with regards to villas, particularly in Dubai. “There’s a big shortage of luxury villas, and developers are trying to attend to that shortage. We’ve also won a lot of residential towers, so residential is still the driving force for the market. People are now more switched on with regards to the quality of the final

Completed works ECC previously completed the Vida Hotel & Residence for its client, Dubai Creek Harbour (Emaar).

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Vida Hotel & Residence comprises one hotel building (46m) and one branded apartment high-rise building (170m)

product, so developers are becoming more stringent, and strict on their snagging processes, so that the product they are handing over is of high quality.”

“Smart buildings are also becoming more prominent. Developers are putting technology in their buildings and homes, and with the latter, are connecting homes to users’ smartphones. With regards to sustainability, the push for sustainable development and decarbonisation is not where I’d like to see it - it can definitely be stronger. With the conclusion of COP28, I think that will happen. As they’ve always done in the past, the leaders of the UAE are eager to put the country on the map, and they are keen to show that although the UAE is an oil generating country, it is serious about sustainability. Hosting COP28 showed the country was serious, and I think more focus on sustainability will come on stream this year, and it will be driven by government rather than developers and end users. I think they’re trying to make it much more attractive for developers to build sustainable buildings, and schemes could be put in place with banks where lower interest rates are offered, if it’s for a sustainable project.”

Asked whether these trends will continue through 2024 or if he anticipates changes, Farah responds, “There’s more projects coming online and there’s still appetite in the market in terms of residential projects. I see the luxury segment growing, but I do feel that the affordable segment of real estate has slowed down a bit. With the demographics that we have in the country and the amount of new money that’s come into the market from wealthy families, who have decided to make the country their base has been incredible.

I think it’s going to continue, which will keep driving luxury developments, particularly when it comes to villas.”

CONTINUED INVESTMENTS INTO TECHNOLOGY

ECC and its sister concerns have made a name for themselves by being early adopters of technology. Going forward, Farah says the group will continue investing in technology and people to boost efficiency and quality.

“We’ve been investing in technology for years and now have our own in-house

IN PROFILE

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As they’ve always done in the past, the leaders of the UAE are eager to put the country on the map, and they are keen to show that although the UAE is an oil generating country, it is serious about sustainability.

COP28 showed the country was serious” coding team so that we can create our own systems and processes. One of the big issues with technology is the sheer amount of it – it can be overwhelming and more so when it comes to customisation.

We’ve appointed in-house coders to create what we need, and we are trying to digitalise as much as possible, do away with paper and automate wherever it is possible. We brought in RPAS (robotic process analysis) and they do the legwork

on a lot of processes, so instead of a person entering information into a system manually, the bot will do it, and it’ll do it eight times faster. It’s important to keep an eye on all the new technology that’s coming out, and adopt what will give you an edge. We use technology to make sure standards are maintained, and you can do the same thing with safety.”

“BIM is ever advancing and we’re continuously driving forward with it,

Ongoing works The firm has completed 16 buildings in Phase 1 & 2 of Dubai Creek Harbour, and is engaged with Phase 3 on 14 structures, along with Phase 4 and 5 for 16 buildings on a design & build basis.

although there are still issues around the technology – if you don’t have your entire supply chain on BIM, it becomes a little irrelevant, so we’re trying to drive down that route. As one of the few design and build (D&B) companies (there’s maybe three or four that can do it right), we’ve noticed that we’ve won a lot more projects on a D&B basis. Our track record proves that we can finish projects on time or ahead of schedule thanks to going down the D&B route, where we are on-board with a consultant and we have control.”

Pressed for his thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) and whether ECC is deploying it, Farah comments, “We’re at the early stages of AI in construction and all the other sectors but, it’s moving at a fantastic pace; give it a year or two and it’ll be a completely different ballgame. At ECC we are looking for an AI engineer, and we’ll either bring in a consultant to help us with that or we’ll hire our own person, who will look at our systems and processes, and look at how we can automate things and bring in AI to boost efficiency and quality.

AI is primed to be a game changer in all industries, not just construction.”

LEADING DECARBONISATION EFFORTS WITH DESERT BOARD

ECC has been focused on enhancing sustainability and decarbonisation within MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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its internal operations and projects, with Farah stating that the company has looked at multiple avenues over the years.

“We’re looking at every option that’s available. I had a conversation with a company about deploying battery storage systems onsite that help take load off the onsite generators. We’re also looking at renewable sources for jobsites, including solar powered generators which are now at a different level of advancement compared to when we first looked at them back in 2012. Back then, those generators were fine for powering site offices but when it came to heavy machinery, like tower cranes, when the cranes came under load from lifting materials etc, it caused problems for those generators. That’s been resolved now so we’re looking into them again.”

“Solar power is also being looked at for all our offices and factories. With regards to our fleet, we considered electric vehicles but I don’t think the infrastructure is there just yet – there’s not enough infrastructure that it’s straightforward to charge a lot of vehicles. The infrastructure has to get better before we can consider electric for a fleet like ours, so we’re instead looking at hybrid vehicles.”

Here, Farah, notes that the group’s biggest push for sustainability is through the introduction and launch of Desert Board. The company aims to pioneer a carbon negative future January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

Two tower development The Grand Bleu Tower is located at the Dubai Harbour, Beach Front in Dubai and is being developed at a cost of US $174mn.

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The Grand Bleu Tower project comprises two towers and will offer 649 residential apartments

in the built environment through the world’s first wooden boards made from annually generated palm biomass.

“Post COP28, I reckon that the environmental governance and processes that you have in western countries around carbon credentials will be adopted by the UAE in the next one or two years, in line with its vision to be more sustainable and achieve Net Zero. So, then if a company adds carbon into the atmosphere, it has to go to another company which is a ‘carbon net’ or a ‘carbon sink’, to buy carbon credits and offset the carbon it is emitting. Even though this hasn’t been adopted or mandated by the government, we’re looking to bring in a consultant to work with us on this.”

“With Desert Board being part of the group we have an advantage. We actually had an international body come in and do an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) analysis on Desert Board; the results showed it’s actually a carbon sink because of the amount of Carbon Captured through Photosynthesis by the Date Palm Tree. Typically all the boards that have been used traditionally in the UAE are imported – nothing is made locally. We are the first company to locally make wood from residual palm biomass. The palm tree is significant to the UAE and the broader region, and with Desert Board, we’ve found a way to fully

utilise this iconic tree at an industrial scale in the pursuit of sustainability.”

He adds, “In fact, due to the carbon credentials associated with our Palm Stand Boards (PSB), Desert Board is able to give construction stakeholders that previously used particle boards (PB) a sustainable option that will enable their projects to accumulate LEED points.”

Farah notes that the PSBs have a number of potential applications and have already been used to great effect.

“For COP28, we built a lot of stands using Desert Board’s PSBs. We have furniture in the office made from the material but it can also be used for fire rated doors, flooring, cabinetry, and even construction within ECC, the shuttering boards that we use are PSBs from Desert Board rather importing boards from other countries. Our PSBs can actually be used up to 40 times; this is in contrast to traditional shuttering boards which can only be used 10 to 15 times and then have to be disposed of.”

Desert Board’s PSB range is comparable in cost to what is currently being imported and used in the construction space.

The firm’s PSBs can also be recycled after they’ve been used, creating a circular economy, Farah explains.

Asked about the strategy to roll out Desert Board to the market, Farah notes that it’s being driven from the top down.

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“We’re directly engaging with authorities and decisionmakers and the great news is there is eagerness to promote local product that comes from an icon of the country. We’ve been told that our PSBs are equivalent to oriented strand boards (OSB) that are used in Europe and the United States. OSBs are usually made from pinewood, rubberwood or bamboo and other types of wood sourced from trees. To make those OSBs you have to cut down trees, which means if there are restrictions on cutting down those trees, there will be a deficit in supply.”

“With Desert Board, our PSBs are made from annually generated palm biomass – we prune the dead fronds as necessary to preserve the overall health of the tree. Those fronds, surprisingly enough take decades to degrade. Palm fronds can actually sit in landfills for 10s or even 100s of years, though they are sometimes either buried or burned. The latter results in the creation of CO2 but instead, through Desert Board, we take those fronds and create our PSBs.” He continues, “We’re working with Emaar and we’re using the boards for doors, internal doors and even fire rated doors; we have certifications where we can create 60 minute and 90 minute fire rated doors with our PSB. The boards are also being used for cabinets and kitchens by developers including Emaar, Select Group

and Aldar. As they are all prominent and well respected companies in the industry, we are confident more developers will learn about the great and unique qualities of PSB helping to drive sustainability within their development strategy. Our fantastic marketing team is highlighting the PSB range across the global market; given its potential to drive significant decarbonisation in the built environment, we are starting to see incredible traction across the GCC and broader Middle East, Africa, Europe, the United States, and Canada. We have ambitious plans for Desert Board and we are confident that we will capture a global audience.”

Discussing sustainable alternatives to existing materials that are used in construction, Farah says Desert Board has multiple roles to play going forward. “The biggest emitters of carbon in the built environment are cement, concrete and steel, and those will continue to be used on projects to varying degrees going forward.

However, our Desert Board PSB range could be an alternative in many cases; for example, we’ve built a two storey house purely from our PSB which showcases that the boards are strong enough to withstand structural load – there’s no concrete or steel other than in the foundation. This is just a prototype home and we are working with authorities to get the product certified for this sort of use. In the west, a

Made from palm fronds Desert Board takes annually generated palm biomass (dead fronds), which would otherwise end up in landfills for 10s or 100s of years, and uses it to create its PSBs.

230

La Reserve Residences’ features 230 units, including 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom residential units

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lot of homes are built from wood, so it’s a case of educating the market about moving away from the mentality of exclusively using concrete and steel. We’re hopeful of achieving this via consistent education and by showcasing our proof of concept.”

Farah says that in 2024, Desert Board will be a key focus for him and ECC’s management, and they have plans to scale up its production, with a view to seeing it used across the globe.

“Desert Board has the potential to become the flagship business within our group. The inspiration behind this venture stems from a genuine and altruistic idea, representing a legacy project that has been 20 years in the making for our chairman, Mr. Hatem Farah. It embodies his desire to contribute to the nation where he made his home, and through the support and opportunities the UAE has provided, he was able to build a successful group of companies. Our chairman holds deep admiration and respect for the country’s rulers while recognising the significance of palm trees, which were especially important to the Founding Father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed. Desert Board serves as his expression of passion, to solve challenges in the construction industry associated with climate change, and gratitude. A way of reciprocating the nation’s substantial contribution to his success.”

Desert Board has the potential to become the flagship business within our group. The inspiration behind this venture stems from a genuine and altruistic idea, representing a legacy project that has been 20 years in the making” MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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IN PROFILE

Khansaheb

Staying True to its Vision KHANSAHEB’S STEVE FLINT TALKS TO BPME’S JASON SAUNDALKAR ABOUT THE CONTRACTOR’S LONG-TERM VISION, HOW IT WEATHERED MARKET HEADWINDS, ITS CUSTOMER FOCUSED STRATEGY, AND LOOKING AFTER ITS PEOPLE

January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

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MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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onstruction companies are vital to the development and growth of cities and countries, and make a major contribution to the development of infrastructure, the built environment and the economy.

Today, there are only a handful of firms in the United Arab Emirates that can say they’ve had a significant hand in development, dating back to before the country was officially founded.

Khansaheb Civil Engineering is a successful, local family owned construction firm, established in 1935, which predates the founding of the UAE by 36 years. Over the years, it has made major contributions to the development of the UAE, with an enviable portfolio of successful major projects delivered across the emirates. This portfolio comprises everything from essential infrastructure to iconic developments, major retail, and hospitality projects, residential, commercial, industrial,

January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

including early strategic projects such as; the Al Maktoum Hospital (Dubai’s first hospital), the Al Maqta Causeway linking Abu Dhabi island with the mainland, the Clock Tower Roundabout; Sharjah Airport; the Trade Centre Underpass; the Dubai International Convention Centre, the Ruler’s Court in Bur Dubai, through to iconic developments such as: Wafi, Raffles Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, the Beach at JBR, Bab Al Shams and, over the years, major re-development of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

The company has also constructed major infrastructure projects throughout the country, including highways, bridges, infrastructure for residential developments such as Al Furjan, and major infrastructure works at DIP and DP World, in addition to leisure developments such as: the Jumeirah Estates Golf course; the Dubai tennis stadium, and Al Badia Golf Club to name but a few.

Over its 90-year history the company has experienced many changes in the UAE and in particular significant changes in the construction market. Big Project Middle East recently caught up with Steve Flint the Managing Director of Khansaheb Civil Engineering to find out how the construction major

Iconic projects Khansaheb’s portfolio of delivered projects comprises some of the most iconic in the country, including the Bab Al Shams resort in Dubai.

1935

The company was established in 1935 and is responsible for many major projects in the UAE

has weathered these changing market conditions, and to get his thoughts on the current market conditions and what the future holds for Khansaheb.

Discussing the firm’s longevity and recipe for success, Flint says, “The Khansaheb family (our owners) provide the longevity, continuity, leadership and direction and have over many years determined the culture of our business.

Our owners’ vision has always been first and foremost to ‘provide excellent service for our customers, and to contribute to the development of the nation’. The Khansaheb family and our business has a well-earned reputation for being honest, open, ethical, fair and reasonable, and good people to do business with. Our customers are loyal and trust us to deliver their projects on time and to very high standards of quality; consequently more than 80% of our business is repeat business.”

The Khansaheb business principles are simple and effective: deliver for our customers; look after our people; look after our suppliers and subcontractors, and provide a professional service, Flint outlines.

“We recognise we are only as good as the people we employ. We encourage our people to develop long and happy

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Khansaheb is a well-respected, family owned business and what’s important to the family and the directors of the business, is that the business continues to deliver value to its customers, while looking after its people, subcontractors and suppliers” careers with Khansaheb, and we provide development opportunities, structured training and experience, followed by recognition and reward. Consequently, a large proportion of our staff and workforce have been with us for a very long time, their experience, expertise, hard work, dedication and loyalty is a major cornerstone of our success. Our people also understand what we call the ‘Khansaheb Way of Working’.”

He adds, “We depend on specialist subcontractors and suppliers, so our policy is to be fair and reasonable in all of our business dealings, and treat our suppliers and subcontractors in the way in which we would hope to be treated by our customers. We also work closely with our supply chain to ensure they are aligned with our values and understand the Khansaheb Way of Working.”

Flint elaborates, “We have encouraged and engendered an organisational culture that puts health and safety and quality above profit. Of course, we are a business and we need to make a profit and we are accountable to our shareholders. Our construction projects are the ‘product’ we deliver to customers and if we deliver our projects well (efficiently, within the agreed programme and with high standards of quality), then experience tells us we should be able to return a modest profit.”

“We have established industry leading standards of health and safety on projects, and in our factories and workplaces, and maintain them consistently. Through this, we create discipline and ultimately create and maintain an environment, which is conducive to producing very high quality workmanship. Maintaining a safe, tidy and clean work environment and strong discipline, is conducive to high productivity and efficiency. This supports our ability to deliver our projects in line with the programme. Delivery on time is a critical success factor for Khansaheb and for our customers,” Flint continues.

Given its long history in the UAE, Khansaheb has seen changes and influences that have impacted the market.

Pressed for his thoughts on the most significant, Flint says, “The impact of the global financial crisis saw things change overnight; major international contractors had to downsize their businesses to reduce costs and address a much-reduced market. Almost all the major projects which were onsite ground to a halt, with projects being suspended and contractors were faced with non-payment and longterm debts; we had to accept (at best) long term payment plans, with even reputable clients. From this point on there was a dramatic shift in behaviour within our market, and it became extremely difficult to do business as a contractor.”

Solid contribution Each of the firm’s business units contributes to its bottom line, and is focused on delivering quality work on time to its customers.

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One of the firm’s iconic projects is the fivestar, 120key Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

“Other geo-political events resulted in ongoing de-stabilisation in neighbouring countries across the Middle East. This made the region unattractive to major construction companies, particularly the large international organisations.

Dubai and the UAE remained the one beacon of light, continuing to offer a safe, secure stable business environment.

That said, over the past ten years we have seen a lot of major international contractors exit our market, and we have also seen some high-profile regional contractors go out of business. The impact of this on our marketplace and the competition profile has been profound.”

Flint continues, “The simple fact was over the period 2010 to 2020 there was not enough work and far too many contractors (of varying standards), which led to a fiercely competitive market place with clients and consultants who were focused on driving down tender prices, and insisting upon terms and conditions of contract that were extremely one sided and onerous.

Similarly, getting payment certificates and getting paid on time became a major cause for concern for most contractors and sub-contractors. These behaviours, as well as the contractors who were prepared to accept the onerous terms and conditions of contract and take on contracts at below cost, created extremely MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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difficult trading conditions, and this led to a number of contractors and subcontractors going out of business.”

Flint explains the business was sustained in large part due to long standing relationships with key clients and loyal customers who valued the Khansaheb business model. He shares, “We have remained true to our vision, our values and our business principles, in addition we have a well-structured business model, which has been tried and tested over a long period of time.

Our business model is designed to serve our customers. Within Khansaheb Civil Engineering we have a number of business units each offering a different specialist service: construction; roads and infrastructure; interior fit-out; joinery, and mechanical electrical and plumbing (MEP). In addition, we have a significant facilities management business providing total FM services to our customers.”

“The range of services can be combined to provide our customers with a one-stop-shop self-delivery service, which has all the benefits of being fully co-ordinated and fully resourced in-house. Alternatively, each business unit can offer customers a direct service. Our customers like and trust the Khansaheb self-delivery model and recognise it provides significant benefits for the project, the business

Our strategy is customer focused, so it’s not to win more and more work and get bigger and bigger. We’ll focus on delivery, ensuring our projects are delivered on time, getting the quality right, and maintaining our health and safety standards” January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

model is also flexible and provides us with a range of sectors, customers and projects to choose from,” he comments.

“The whole is greater than the sum of the parts,” he states and points out that each different business unit within Khansaheb makes a significant contribution to the performance of the company. “Fortunately, we also have owners who are pragmatic, and who have seen what happens to construction companies that chase turnover. We have no aspiration to be the biggest, we stick to what we

Long term staff The firm notes a large portion of its staff and workface have been with the company for a very long time, and understands the ‘Khansaheb Way of Working’.

Investing in staff Khansaheb says it will continue investing in its people, noting that improvements in personal performance is directly related to improvement in business performance.

are good at and focus on delivering for our customers,” Flint points out.

Post pandemic, the residential segment in the UAE’s key markets has been booming, which has had a positive impact on the construction market.

Sharing his thoughts on the residential market and how it has impacted the segment, Flint says, “Developers today want a proven contractor they can trust to deliver on their vision, and deliver the very high quality that their customers expect and they want certainty around delivery on time.”

“We have been approached by a number of developers over the past two years wanting to do business with us on an exclusive basis. We continue to be very selective about which projects we take on and we like to get to know new customers well before entering into a contract. If we can get engaged with the client and the design team from a very early stage, we believe we can influence the design in a positive way and reduce cost and time for the client. This takes a very collaborative approach by all stakeholders, and it takes time. However, time spent at the pre-construction stage of a contract is time well spent. It is the personal relationships and the chemistry between team members, excellent teamwork and a very collaborative approach which makes a project successful.”

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“Notwithstanding the current opportunities in the high-end luxury residential market, we continue to be loyal to our long term customers operating in other sectors of the market. We do not want ‘too many eggs in one basket’. The residential market may be impacted by the increases in the cost of borrowing and the experts in that sector are predicting it may slow down during the last quarter of 2024, however there continues to be a lot of investment in this sector.”

He adds, “We have worked for a long time with government institutions and quasi-government developers to deliver landmark projects and developments that continue to enhance the built environment in Dubai. Similarly, we have long term business relationships with large local conglomerates such as MAF and other well established local family organisations. We are pleased to see that our long-term customers have also started investing again across all sectors.

We will continue to focus on working with and supporting our long-term customers. Like us, we believe they are here to stay through thick and thin.”

Discussing the firm’s strategy for 2024, Flint reveals, “Our strategy is customer focused, so it’s not to win more and more work and get bigger and bigger.

Key project One of the contractor’s key ongoing projects in Dubai is the Serenia Living residential development, which is taking shape on the Palm Jumeirah.

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Serenia Living consists of 4 midrise towers offering a limited number of luxury apartments

We’ll focus on delivery, ensuring our projects are delivered on time, getting the quality right, and critical to our success is maintaining our health and safety standards. As stated earlier, we believe that excellent health and safety standards and discipline are directly linked to quality and productivity, all of which leads to efficiency and delivery on time.

Achieve this and we will have satisfied customers, which leads to repeat business and a sustainable business model.”

In support of its strategy, Flint says Khansaheb will continue to invest in its people, in training, development, recognition and rewards. “Improving personal performance leads to job satisfaction, career development, commitment and longevity of employment. Improvement in personal performance is directly related to improvement in business performance.”

Flint notes that the contractor finished 2023 on a high note, with a solid forward order book and some great opportunities in the pipeline for 2024/ 25 and beyond. “We manage our business through a wide ranging business plan which is aimed at delivering on the vision of our owners and remaining true to our values and our business principles,” he says.

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Making his closing remarks, Flint says, “Khansaheb is a well-respected, family owned business and what’s important to the family and the directors of the business, is that the business continues to deliver value to its customers, while looking after its people, subcontractors and suppliers, all of whom come together to provide professional services to our customers. In return we have some very loyal customers with whom we have built long term business relationships that are mutually beneficial to all stakeholders.”

“The bigger picture is that the UAE and Dubai need a healthy construction industry with competent consultants, main contractors and specialist sub-contractors, all with the capacity and expertise to support the ongoing development of the UAE and Dubai, and deliver on the vision and goals set by the leadership.”

“It is essential that clients and consultants treat contractors and specialist sub-contractors as construction partners, and that we put in place terms and conditions of contract that better reflect a partnering approach, with a more equitable sharing of risk and reward. Most importantly, we must change behaviours, such that all parties collaborate as partners and work together to achieve project goals and objectives,” he concludes.

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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Zepth

Transforming Project Management MIDDLE EAST

Big Project Middle East speaks to Zepth’s Prasoon Shrivastava about integrating AI into his firm’s construction management solution, the benefits it can offer developers and project managers, and his plans for 2024 January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

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n December 2023, construction project management specialist, Zepth announced it integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its platform, and said it represents a ‘transformative leap in the industry’. The firm said it plans to deploy 40 AI agents to reach Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) status where its machine will have human-level intelligence.

Here, Big Project Middle East speaks to Prasoon Shrivastava, Founder & CEO of Zepth about his firm’s solution and how it can support the built environment, the integration of AI and his plans for the future.

What was the trigger to launch Zepth and integrate artificial intelligence?

The launch of Zepth was driven by the need to revolutionise construction project management, and harness the transformative power of AI to tackle the industry’s multifaceted challenges.

Recognising the potential of AI in an industry marked by complexity and high stakes, and integrating it with Zepth was a strategic decision to elevate project efficiency and effectiveness.

AI in Zepth is more than just a feature; it’s a tool that reshapes every project stage. AI’s utility in

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insights. This is crucial for steering projects away from common pitfalls and risks. By leveraging AI, Zepth stands at the forefront of technological advancement in construction project management, offering solutions that are not only proactive but also predictive.

The construction management software market has a number of existing and emerging players – how does your solution compare to others on the market and what is your USP?

construction spans various project stages, including design, procurement, operations, and asset management. This capability is crucial in navigating the complexities of construction projects and ensuring efficient management.

The integration of AI contributes to risk management by identifying potential project pitfalls and enabling proactive measures to mitigate them. This foresight is invaluable in circumventing cost overruns — one of the most common challenges in the construction sector. At the heart of Zepth’s AI capability are intelligent assistants transforming vast data into actionable

Eyes on the future In 2024 the firm will focus on several initiatives as part of its quest to gather global insights that are essential for its progression towards Artificial General Intelligence.

In the competitive landscape of construction management software, Zepth carves out its unique space with a user-centric design complemented by advanced data analytics. Our platform is engineered to simplify complex project management tasks, making it intuitive for users. The integration of AI for risk mitigation addresses a wide array of construction challenges, from ensuring safety to managing costs effectively.

Zepth’s USP lies in its ability to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing industry. Unlike traditional ‘Big Tech’ solutions that have become cumbersome and outdated, Zepth is designed for today’s dynamic construction environment. We offer more than just a software solution, we provide a tool that grows and evolves with the industry’s needs.

Our approach to redefining the common data environment with stateof-the-art AI technology positions Zepth as a leader in the industry. We are committed to delivering a platform that isn’t just an improvement over existing solutions but stands as the best-in-class option for construction management. For our users, this translates to enhanced efficiency, simpler project handling, and improved decision-making capabilities, all packaged in an easy-to-use interface.

What are some of the challenges that developers/project managers encounter on their projects today? What do you believe is the root cause of these issues?

Today’s projects are inherently complex and unique, each presenting distinctive challenges to developers

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and project managers. The root of these challenges often lies in the fragmented nature of construction projects. Each project involves a myriad of elements — diverse teams, a range of machinery, vast financial resources, and various materials — all of which must work in perfect harmony. This complexity is compounded by the uniqueness of each project, where standardised solutions often fall short.

The primary challenges in construction projects include unclear objectives, scope creep, unrealistic expectations, inadequate risk management, cost overruns, time management difficulties, communication breakdowns, and safety concerns. These issues often stem from the intricate and fragmented nature of construction projects, where coordinating several moving parts is daunting.

For instance, unclear goals or objectives arise from the difficulty in aligning diverse interests and visions of various stakeholders. Scope creep often occurs due to the evolving nature of projects, where initial plans may not fully define the project’s eventual scope or complexity. Unrealistic expectations can be attributed to a lack of understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing a project to fruition.

Poor risk management, another critical issue, stems from the inherent unpredictability of managing diverse teams and resources, often in varying geographical and environmental conditions. Cost overruns and time management issues are frequently a consequence of these complexities, exacerbated by communication gaps among stakeholders.

Zepth’s AI-driven platform is designed to directly address these root causes. Providing tools for setting clear project goals and parameters, it integrates diverse interests and visions into a cohesive plan, thus mitigating the risk of scope creep and miscommunication. The platform’s predictive analytics capabilities are instrumental in anticipating and managing risks, ensuring projects stay within budget and on schedule.

In essence, Zepth offers a solution that understands and addresses the MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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deep-rooted complexities and unique nature of construction projects.

built environment – what benefits can your solution offer from a sustainability standpoint?

What benefits can your solution offer to developers/project managers, and what is the return your existing clients have experienced/tracked in terms of efficiency, time and cost savings?

Zepth’s platform is at the forefront of promoting sustainability and decarbonisation in the construction industry, a sector historically responsible for significant environmental impacts.

Our solution is designed to address these challenges head-on by enabling paperless construction and efficient resource utilisation and advocating for eco-friendly practices.

One of the foremost ways Zepth promotes sustainability is by promoting paperless construction. By digitising project management, Zepth significantly reduces the need for physical documents, cutting down on paper waste and the associated environmental footprint. This digital transition not only contributes to sustainability but also streamlines workflows, ensuring that information is easily accessible, shareable, and updatable in real time.

Efficient resource utilisation is another cornerstone of Zepth’s

Zepth’s platform offers a transformative experience for developers and project managers by creating a common data environment and a defragmented ecosystem, leading to significant efficiency, time, and cost savings. This integrated approach ensures that all project information is centralised, enhancing collaboration and decision-making across all stages of a construction project.

The platform’s AI-driven capabilities allow it to continuously improve project outcomes by efficiently detecting and mitigating risks. This leads to optimised project planning and a reduced likelihood of errors and rework that are often costly and time-consuming. By facilitating better planning, Zepth significantly boosts jobsite productivity and efficiency.

In construction, Zepth excels by bringing AI to the forefront, streamlining tasks such as site preparation and monitoring. This efficiency translates into measurable time savings. The ability to perform routine tasks more efficiently than with traditional methods not only speeds up project timelines but also frees up resources for other critical tasks.

Clients using Zepth have reported significant returns in terms of efficiency, time, and cost savings. These benefits are a direct result of the platform’s ability to provide a unified view of projects, enabling more effective management and coordination. The common data environment reduces information silos and ensures that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date and accurate project data, leading to well-informed decisions and more efficient project execution. This integrated approach ultimately results in projects that are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards.

Sustainability and the need to decarbonise is a key issue in the January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

Championing AI and AGI Prasoon Shrivastava is the Founder & CEO of Zepth.

approach to sustainability. Our platform provides tools for precise planning and resource allocation, minimising waste of materials and ensuring optimal use of manpower and machinery. This meticulous approach to resource management not only reduces the environmental impact of construction projects, but also contributes to cost savings and efficiency enhancements.

In addition, Zepth’s analytics help in forecasting and mitigating potential environmental impacts, enabling proactive measures to be taken. This predictive approach ensures that sustainability considerations are integrated throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning to completion.

Overall, our solution offers a comprehensive approach to sustainability in construction. By fostering paperless processes, efficient resource utilisation, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices, Zepth not only contributes to the environmental goals of developers and project managers but also aligns with the global need for a more sustainable and decarbonized built environment.

Walk us through how Zepth supports clients once they have made the decision to leverage your platform – do you offer training, around the clock support etc?

Once clients choose Zepth, they enter into a partnership underpinned by comprehensive support and continuous innovation. Recognising that a new platform can be a significant transition, Zepth is committed to ensuring a seamless and effective integration into clients’ existing workflows.

At the outset, Zepth provides extensive training to all users free of charge. This training is designed to be thorough yet user-friendly, ensuring that every team member, regardless of their technical expertise, can leverage the full capabilities of the platform. From basic navigation to advanced features, our training modules cover every aspect of the platform, empowering users to make the most of Zepth’s functionalities.

In addition to initial training, Zepth offers robust, continued support to

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Our platform is engineered to simplify complex project management tasks, making it intuitive for users.

The integration of AI for risk mitigation addresses a wide array of challenges, from ensuring safety to managing costs effectively” address any challenges or questions that may arise. Our support team is available around the clock, providing timely and effective solutions to ensure uninterrupted project management.

This level of support is crucial in fostering confidence among users and ensuring they can maximise the benefits of the platform.

Moreover, Zepth is continually evolving, consistently building new tools and features to enhance client experience and meet the ever-changing demands of the construction industry.

This commitment to innovation means that clients not only have a solution that meets their current needs, but also one that adapts and grows with their future requirements.

In essence, Zepth’s client support extends beyond mere problem-solving; it is about building a relationship where clients are continuously supported and empowered through training, responsive support, and a commitment to ongoing product enhancement. This holistic approach ensures that clients can fully realise the benefits of Zepth in optimising their construction management processes.

Talk to us about your roadmap for Zepth and what other features/technology you

are looking to integrate.

Supporting sustainable efforts Srivastav says his firm’s AI-powered solution can enable developers and project managers to transition to paperless construction and supports efficient resource utilisation.

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Zepth plans to deploy 40 AI agents to reach AGI status, where its machine will have humanlevel intelligence

Zepth’s roadmap is sharply focused on pioneering Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) in the construction management industry. We are ambitiously pushing the envelope by developing an AI Project Manager that mirrors human intelligence, making strategic data-driven decisions with unparalleled efficiency.

Our plan includes advanced AIdriven procurement modules to revolutionise resource management, ensuring maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Concurrently, we plan to integrate mixed-reality technology for a transformative jobsite management experience, merging the physical and digital worlds for enhanced project visualisation.

With a steadfast commitment to mobile and cloud-based solutions, we’re ensuring Zepth’s adaptability and scalability across diverse construction environments. Our vision is clear: to be at the forefront of innovation in the construction management industry, transforming it with intelligence, efficiency, and groundbreaking technology.

What are your plans for Zepth in 2024? What are some of your key goals?

This year Zepth is set to redefine the

landscape of AI-driven construction management, with a clear target to emerge as a leader in this space. Our focus is sharply set on advancing towards AGI, propelling our platform beyond conventional boundaries.

We plan to expand Zepth’s market presence strategically, venturing into new territories and establishing strategic partnerships to amplify our innovation and reach. These initiatives are pivotal in our quest to gather diverse global insights that are essential for our progression towards AGI. Central to our 2024 strategy is the continuous evolution of our platform.

We aim to integrate groundbreaking AI features that not only automate but also replicate human-like cognitive abilities in project management.

This new advancement is more than an upgrade; it’s a fully-fledged transformation that will revolutionise efficiency and decision-making in construction management.

Our vision for Zepth in 2024 is to lead the revolution in AI-driven construction management, and set new industry benchmarks. We are not just adapting to change; we are creating it, steering the construction industry towards a future where technology is not just a tool but a transformative force.

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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ADVERTORIAL

Thinkproject

The world’s longest immersed tunnel

Fehmarnbelt - A new green traffic corridor through Europe

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he Fehmarnbelt immersed underwater tunnel, facilitating both rail and road transport between Denmark and Germany, and measuring about 18 km in length, is a crucial element in the green transition for the European transport sector.

Fehmarnbelt: Ambitious Mega Project Immersed underwater tunnel Connecting Denmark and Germany Four-lane motorway and two electrified rail tracks 18km 7.4 billion Euros 89 underwater elements Due to open in 2029 January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

The construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel will remove a transport bottleneck between Scandinavia and Central Europe and pave the way for a new greener traffic corridor in Europe. The aim is to streamline infrastructure so that the EU’s internal market will function better and with less environmental impact.

It will facilitate the shift from transporting goods by road to utilising rail, aiming to decrease energy consumption and alleviate traffic congestion on local roads and within urban areas.

The tunnel will significantly reduce travel time for both passenger and freight traffic, thus reducing the associated fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

A SAAS SOLUTION FIT FOR THE PROJECT’S COMPLEXITY AND SCALE: PROVIDED BY THINKPROJECT

Thinkproject was awarded the software & services contract for this 7.4 bn Euro project for Femern A/S, due the company’s ability to offer a complete SaaS solution and 20 years of proven experience as the industry leader in digital

construction. Providing a highly sophisticated and secure SaaS solution, Thinkproject’s platform perfectly matches project requirements.

BIM – BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

One of the advantages for Femern A/S is that the system architecture is designed as modules to handle different aspects of data management in a Common Data Environment. There are specific modules to keep track of the delivery of design packages (Delivery Management) and to keep track of interdependencies using methods for classification, versioning, data container, packaging and linking (Design Management).

DATA MANAGEMENT AND ORGANSATION

The platform is built up out of ‘containers’ containing three elemental data building blocks: metadata, data files, and logging. The tracking can be done either by being captured as metadata, as an attachment, a reference to another container or a link to an external repository.

COMMENT

CAD, BIM, GIS, AND OPEN FORMATS

TUNNEL FACTORY

Open design data in IFC or other open formats (e.g. PDF, LandXML) can be managed in parallel with the proprietary files in one container. Viewing of point clouds and support of other types of data like pictures and spatial scannings are included. All BIM/CAD models and respective 2D drawings can be combined in coordination models for review, analysis, and archiving. The interdependencies of the design and controlling data are managed using methods for classification, versioning, data container, packaging, and linking.

89 concrete elements are produced on a 24/7 basis. Each element is 217 m long and weighs 73,000 tones and contain two tubes for the motorway, two for the railway and a service passage. The tunnel elements will be immersed in a 12 m deep tunnel trench dredged on the seabed.

Dredging the 18 km tunnel trench will produce 19 million cubic meters of soil, sand and stone which will be transformed into new beaches and land areas adjacent to the construction site.

While this tunnel symbolises a new stage of connectivity between Denmark and Germany, it also echoes the ambitious spirit of initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As the world watches the Fehmarn Belt become a reality (2029), it also looks with anticipation towards the Middle East, where Vision 2030 aims to similarly break new ground. These projects, separated by continents yet united in their ambition, remind us that our collective pursuit of progress and sustainability knows no bounds. They inspire a future where distances are shortened, economies are integrated, and possibilities are limitless.

All this is made reality through the means of digital technology which is within our reach today.

The future is now and Thinkproject is thrilled to be able to write its own chapters together with amazing organizations around the world.

WORKFLOW AUTOMATION SUPPORT

The Thinkproject environment can support the defined workflows thanks to its workflow engine flexibility. The user is guided through several steps making it easy to interact with and overview the process. Based on the defined metadata the Thinkproject environment can automatically take care of work dispatch, select the applicable reviewers, approvers etc. calculating the lead times, progress, and deviations. In a true collaborative spirit and fostering accountability, all team members and users of the system will get notified ensuring everybody is on the same page.

AUDIT PROOF ACROSS THE ASSET LIFE CYCLE

The System supports a double layered approach for logging and traceability. The full history details comprising all actions, workflow steps and progress, communications and decisions made, etc. remain available for the project team and will become part of the asset data across its life cycle.

Interested in learning more about our Solutions? Contact Cristina Niculescu, Thinkproject Managing Director for Middle East, and South Europe.

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Thinkproject’s secure SaaS solution Thinkproject’s SaaS solution for the Fehmarn Belt project is highly secure: ISO 27001 certified Data is encrypted end to end Data center is physically secured and provided with a disaster recovery plan Integrality is ensured by a dedicated security team Network traffic is encrypted for sensitive data

Profile: About Thinkproject Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Germany, Thinkproject serves more than 350,000 users in over 60 countries and is Europe’s leading SaaS provider of construction digital solutions for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Owner-operated (AECO) industry.

Thinkproject’s cloud-delivered, integrated digital solutions help customers be more efficient, cost-effective and simplify their digital transformation across the asset lifecycle, from planning, building to operating and maintaining.

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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COMMENT

Sustainability Trends

Sustainability Trends to Watch in 2024 MIDDLE EAST

Chandra Dake outlines seven key sustainability trends that GCC companies must watch out for in 2024 January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

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he World Bank estimates the GCC economy will grow by 3.6% in 2024, supported by nonoil sectors, sustained private consumption, strategic fixed investments, and accommodative fiscal policy. Despite the expected 3.9% contraction in the oil industry, GCC economies are primed for steady growth in the new year. The forecast has an economic diversification undercurrent that could be boosted with more sustainability considerations. While the governments will continue to play a decisive role in initiating sustainable transitions, the private sector could catalyse it through actionable

solutions, utmost compliance, and more. Here are 7 trends for companies to acknowledge and embrace: 1. INCREASED REGULATORY PRESSURE

Stringent regulations and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability are expected globally in 2024. That may include tighter controls on waste management, energy use, and supply chain transparency, requiring companies to comply by accurately reporting on various processes and outcomes. For example, in previous years, sustainability reporting had been limited to scope-1 emissions;

COMMENT

going forward, regulators are likely to bring scope-2 and 3 emissions into the fold, requiring companies to expand their sustainability initiatives across the value chain.

2. GREATER FOCUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

Mitigating climate change Circular economy models could accelerate as businesses seek to reduce waste, reuse resources, and create sustainable products.

While addressing climate change will remain the central focus of various sustainability initiatives, the new year will necessitate more targeted actions.

Corporate efforts toward mitigation — actions to reduce or remove GHG — along with adaptation — adapting to life in a changing climate — are expected to increase in response to the need for a targeted, more refined approach to tackling climate change.

The incorporation of circular economy models could accelerate as businesses seek to reduce waste, reuse resources, and create sustainable products. In the GCC, where several locations are on the frontlines of a changing climate, such targeted actions are understandably the way forward.

5. SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE FACTORS GAIN GROUND

Though ESG has become indispensable to business strategies in recent years, it disproportionately leans on environmental risks at the expense of social and governance factors.

That status quo is set to change in 2024, with social and governance considerations finding equal emphasis as the environment. Issues like diversity and inclusion, employee well-being, women’s workforce participation, and ethical governance will become critical to accurate ESG evaluations.

3. ENHANCED ESG REPORTING STANDARDS

Standardisation and clarity in ESG reporting are likely to improve in 2024. There will be a push towards more uniform reporting standards to make it easier to benchmark and compare ESG performance across companies and industries. Technology will be a catalyst to this development, ensuring the reporting process is data-driven, streamlined, transparent, and simplified. The reports will gain more prominence in the decisionmaking process of venture capitalists, issuing banks, and regulators. That paradigm shift in reporting is also owed to the growing consumer awareness of sustainable products.

Transparent reporting is companies’ best bet to align with consumer values and maintain market relevance.

innovations, particularly in renewable energy, energy storage, and carbon capture, will continue to drive sustainability efforts. In 2024, solutions that harness Big Data and AI will gain more traction due to their expanding applications in monitoring and managing ESG initiatives throughout their life cycle. Such solutions will have a profound impact on sustainability outcomes in traditionally conservative sectors like agriculture.

At the helm Chandra Dake, CEO of Dake Rechsand.

6. SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT

Perhaps the most consequential

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projection for 2024 is the growth in sustainable finance and investment.

Green bonds and ESG-focused investment funds have witnessed an uptrend in 2023 — which is expected to continue well into 2024, as leading players in the global financial market rally behind such asset classes.

Investors are increasingly factoring in ESG risks, transparency, and proof of sustainability before deciding whether or not a capital infusion into a startup or a deal with a company is viable.

7. COLLABORATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

In 2024, the GCC is likely to witness more cross-industry and publicprivate partnerships (PPPs). These developments will move the needle on sustainability for multiple reasons.

Firstly, cross-industry cooperation and collaboration will help reduce blind spots in the value chain and mitigate collateral damages. For example, efforts aimed at increasing greenery and sequestering carbon will not aggravate existing water scarcity. Secondly, PPPs will lead to better outcomes by reducing the red tape for private-sector companies and providing easy access to innovation for governing bodies.

4. TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS

The role of technology in sustainable transitions will increase significantly in 2024, with more ClimateTech startups entering the fray. Technological MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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COMMENT

Sustainable Buildings

Rethinking Buildings of the Future MIDDLE EAST

Jotun Paints UAE’s Kjetil Urheim on the value of paints in achieving Green Building Standards in the UAE

January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

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he United Nations Environment Program estimates that around 37% of global carbon dioxide emissions are attributable to the buildings and construction industry alone. With such a staggering statistic, stakeholders in the industry must take on the challenging duty of minimising this, and confronting the environmental challenge headon by using sustainable solutions.

In this regard, the development of green buildings has proven to be a viable solution over time because of their capacity to lessen adverse effects on the environment by utilising less energy, water, and other natural

resources; using eco-friendly materials and renewable energy sources to reduce emissions and other waste.

With the UAE leading the region in the green building space and being the first GCC country to commit to Net Zero, industry players are establishing innovative ways to achieve green building standards, even in ancillary industries like paints and coatings.

THE VALUE OF PAINT IN LEED CERTIFICATION

In today’s world, eco-friendly products that meet green building standards with proven performance and without sacrificing design offer significant advantages. Paints and coatings are one of the most inexpensive building costs on a construction or refurbishment project. In fact, on average around 2% of the costs associated are attributed to these products.

When analysed against the makeup of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification – one of the world’s most widely used green building rating systems (and a popular rating system in the UAE), paints which are sustainably produced or more eco-friendly in nature can help achieve different levels of LEED certification, and hence make it easier and possibly cheaper for developers to achieve green building certifications.

LEED has four points-based levels of certification and a building must achieve at least 40 points to be certified.

At Jotun we think sustainable paints can be eligible to contribute up to 17% of the necessary points in order to achieve the ‘certified’ degree of accreditation in the LEED certification. They can even contribute up to 9% of the total points for a ‘platinum’ rating, the highest certification level, that is over 80 points.

Considering that paints and coatings account for such a small percentage of the expenditures associated with developing a new building, this is an impressive achievement.

Therefore, innovative paints and coatings have a substantial impact on green building rating points, despite

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their relatively low share of a building’s budget. When construction companies work with paint suppliers, it is important to consider suppliers who develop paints and coatings that enable the easiest way to design, specify, protect and make buildings more aesthetic, while still being eco-friendly and adhering to green building standards.

REGULATING TEMPERATURE

Moreover, paint does not only improve a structure’s appearance, it also contributes to many unseen features of a structure. For a building to be deemed green or sustainable, it must consume the least amount of energy possible. For example, in regions with higher temperatures, such as the UAE, the extensive use of air conditioners raises energy consumption and, as a result, carbon footprint.

The use of specific hues, temperature-reducing paints, or stateof-the-art heat-protective and heatreflective paints can help address these issues, reduce temperatures of buildings and ultimately make buildings more sustainable, even though they might not be obvious to the general public.

DURABILITY

Paints with durable properties such as stain repellence, scruff resistance, dust resistance, thermal reflection, slow discolouration, crack-bridging and anti-microbial elements can help improve the longevity of buildings and its designs by minimising structural damage from heat absorption, harsh weather or even human mishaps. This enhanced durability translates into increased environmentfriendliness and resource saving by minimising the frequency of repainting needed over time.

EMISSIONS AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ )

Many interior and exterior paints typically contain high amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) - harmful chemicals that evaporate and enter the atmosphere. Volatile

Achieving LEED status Sustainable paints can be eligible to contribute up to 17% of the necessary points in order to achieve the ‘certified’ degree of accreditation in the LEED certification, says Jotun.

Advocating for sustainability Kjetil Urheim, General Manager, Jotun Paints UAE.

organic compounds are known to cause many acute medical conditions such as breathing difficulties and fatigue, and are considered in many cases as carcinogenic in the case of compounds like formaldehyde and benzenes.

Therefore, using low-VOC or VOCfree paints is more environmentally friendly and better for everyone’s health. Innovation in the paints industry towards being more sustainable now goes beyond low-VOC paints; formaldehyde abatement and free radicals’ entrapment are recent innovations that aim to enhance indoor air quality and environment eco-system.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS (EPDS)

A key element for the accumulation of points in the LEED certification is having EPDs. An EPD is a document that provides a clear view of a product’s environmental performance or environmental impact over its lifespan. It helps reduce carbon emissions by allowing users to compare the environmental impacts of various materials and products to choose the most sustainable one.

In particular, having Type III EPDs that are specific to each product or paint formulations is crucial as the LEED certification gives a full point to these EPDs for ensuring transparency

in the environmental impacts of the selected products.

LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION CREDIT CONTRIBUTIONS

When it comes to contributing towards Green Building standards like LEED, paints & coatings companies like Jotun can contribute at least towards the following LEED credits, whether it be through protective coatings, floor coatings, architectural powder coatings, decorative paints, intumescent or cellulosic fire protection or even anti-carbonation coatings for concrete protection: • If the company has products that have low VOCs, both from the liquid paint and from the applied film, points can be contributed towards the credit – Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Low-Emitting Materials • If the company has products that have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), points can be contributed towards the credit – Material & Resources Credit: Environmental Product Declarations • If the company has products that have no harmful ingredients in their product formulations, points can be contributed towards the credit – Material and Resources Credit: Material Ingredients • If the company has exterior products that have high thermal reflectivity properties, points can be contributed towards the credit – Sustainable Sites Credit: Heat Island Reduction.

MEConstructionNews.com | January 2024

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PROGRESS REPORT

Final Update

Samana Developers hands over Samana Golf Avenue The developer said it saw 600% growth in 2023 and launched 12 projects over the course of the year

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amana Developers has handed over its Samana Golf Avenue project in Dubai Studio City, which was developed at a cost of approximately US $27mn. The launch event was attended by Marwan Bin Ghalita, CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), and marked the successful completion and handover of the resort-style residential project.

According to the developer, the handover of the wellness-themed residential project is in alignment with Dubai’s 2040 New Urban

January 2024 | MEConstructionNews.com

Masterplan, and stands as a testament to Samana Developers’ commitment to creating healthy, sustainable, and vibrant communities.

The developer also said that it had experienced 600% growth and launched 12 projects as part of its ambitious 2023 roadmap. This accomplishment solidifies Samana Developers’ standing among Dubai’s top 10 fastest-growing developers, a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation in the real estate sector, the statement from the developer noted.

“Reaching an impressive 600% growth in 2023 positions us among the top 10 private developers in Dubai.

This much of growth could be possible due to our commitment to building a lifestyle which focuses on the needs of end-users and their families. The outside-the-box design concepts, affordable price tag, and luxurious living experiences have enabled us to grow our property portfolio and help

Post-pandemic customer needs The project’s design was inspired by the changing needs of residents in the post-pandemic world, said the developer.

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Samana Developers launched 12 projects as part of its 2023 roadmap

us launch projects on time,” said Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers.

He added, “In the dynamic and competitive landscape of Dubai’s real estate market, Samana Developers has earned its place among the fastest-growing developers. This recognition is a reflection of the company’s unwavering dedication to delivering quality property assets, meeting market demands, and surpassing customer expectations.”

The project’s design was inspired by the changing needs of residents in a post-pandemic world, with a focus on creating spaces that promote wellness and overall well-being. The developer said that, for the first time in Dubai, it pioneered the concept of built-in private pools in residential buildings, and successfully delivered on its promise with the handover of the Golf Avenue project. The handover is said to highlight Samana’s position in delivering innovation in design.

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