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194 July 2022

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THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTION

No More Excuses

NET ZERO ADVOCATES AND SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS AT THE ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT TELL THE INDUSTRY THAT IT HAS TO CHANGE NOW, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

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CONTENTS

July 2022

ANALYSIS

FEATURES

INSIGHT

Event Review

Comments

Final Update

The Briefing

ACCIONA shares insights about working with concrete at hot environments, while Atkins discuss the findings of their Engineering Net Zero for the GCC report

The Big Picture

Market Report

A wrap-up of the biggest local, regional and international construction news stories

Savills examines the Q1 2022 revival of the Bahraini real estate sector

Analysis

Ibrahim Imam of PlanRadar shares five golden rules for quality assurance in construction

In Profile Abdullatif Albitawi

Gavin Davids speaks to Abdullatif Albitawi, director of Emirates Green Building Council about the importance of pushing the Net Zero agenda forwards

Site Visit Urban Oasis by Missoni

Big Project ME visits Urban Oasis by Missoni with Ziad Al Chaar to hear why the luxury residential project is crucial to Dar Al Arkan

Big Project ME recaps the events of the day at the Energy & Sustainability Summit which was held on June 21, 2022 at the St Regis The Palm

The industry’s leading experts share their thoughts and opinions about the construction industry

Etihad Rail signs agreement for manufacture and supply of passenger trains as work on final pack of Stage Two of UAE Rail Network progresses

MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

WELCOME

Introduction

Are we ready to change?

he only place to start this month’s column is with the Energy & Sustainability Summit, the response to which has both humbled and excited me. I say humbled, because I have been taken aback by the positivity and engagement from attendees and speakers who have gone out of their way to share their feedback and excitement, both in person, via email and on social media. It’s clear to see that these are topics that have resonated with industry professionals and there is a huge appetite for change within the sector. It is this desire to change that excites me, because when there is a collective will for change, great things can be achieved. With the next two COP events scheduled to be held in Egypt and UAE, there is an impetus from regional governments to show that they are taking decarbonisation and sustainable development seriously. This will open up huge opportunities for the AEC sector as they will now have clients who will be willing to go the extra mile and spend just a bit more to make

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

sure that they’re in line with government mandates. It feels like we’re on the verge of a green building revolution, which could set an example for the rest of the world – if that’s not exciting, I don’t know what is! Of course, one by-product of this desire to improve is that the sector will be looking at different ways of doing things, and that will inevitably lead to the widescale adoption of technology, in my opinion. This is why, on September 14, 2022, we will be revamping our existing ME BIM Summit into the Digital Construction Summit – a change that we hope will reflect the greater scope and adoption of technology in the regional construction sector. Rather than just focusing on BIM, the Digital Construction will focus on how Data, Software, Artificial Intelligence, Automation and other construction technologies will all come together in the near future to completely reshape the way we think about the construction process. Do get in touch with us if this is something you’re passionate about!

Gavin Davids

HEAD OF EDITORIAL & CONTENT gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com @MECN_Gavin MEConstructionNews me-construction-news

Construction and asset management software helping organisations digitally transform their asset lifecycle

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No More Excuses

NET ZERO ADVOCATES AND SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS AT THE ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT TELL THE INDUSTRY THAT IT HAS TO CHANGE NOW, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE ON THE COVER

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Date

23 Nov

Venue

Riyadh, KSA

Website

constructionintelsummit.com

R I YA D H / K S A

Understanding the complexities of making Vision 2030 a reality 23 Nov 2022 | Live

About the

Construction Intel Summit KSA

Make

Work on a number of large-scale, iconic construction projects is well underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of its Vision 2030 blueprint. While the Kingdom’s leadership aims to transform the country, it also wants to be mindful of what this transition means for its people, its culture and its environment.

Meet representatives from the industry and engage with a captive audience of decision makers and influencers, who are involved in purchasing or specifying products and services. Our sponsorship packages offer you a wide range of opportunities adapted to your needs and the level of visibility that you want to reach.

Connections

Therefore, as the GCC’s largest country moves towards a more diverse and sustainable economy, it is essential that the global construction industry equips itself with the knowledge and insight to grasp the unprecedented opportunities presented to them by Saudi Arabia’s transformation. This is why the Construction Intel Summit KSA is coming to Riyadh on 23 November, 2022. The third edition, and the first live iteration of the Construction Intel Summit KSA aims to inform and educate attendees about the massive opportunities that remain across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Complimentary

Networking

Opportunity

Get in touch

This event presents you with an opportunity to interact and connect with regional industry decision makers and influencers. There are several innovative ways to sponsor and participate from speaking opportunities to branding, interactive live polls to presentations. Contact us for detailed information.

Content

Sponsorship

Gavin Davids | +971 4 375 5480 gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com

Jude Slann | +971 4 375 5714 jude.slann@cpitrademedia.com

Event Partners SILVER SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

SUPPORTING PARTNER

ational

ngineering

PRESENTED BY

ureau

Architectural & Engineering Consultants

ONLINE

MOST POPULAR CONSTRUCTION

Umm Alqura for Development & Construction announces 71,000sqm mall in western Makkah The mall is being developed as part of the Masar destination, a cultural project taking shape in western Makkah

PROPERTY

Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty to manage sales of 1 Residences

INFRASTRUCTURE

TRSDC and ARCHIRODON complete installation of last connecting piece for crucial Shura Bridge project 1.2km bridge will connect project’s hub island of Shura to the mainland across the Al Wajh lagoon

MACHINERY

CONSTRUCTION

GMMCO Limited becomes distributor for JLG in South and Eastern India

DAMAC and de GRISOGONO launch Safa Two tower Safa Two will feature extensive green features across living units and public spaces including a ‘Fog Forest’ at the crown of the tower OPINION

How the UAE is future-proofing by being a Metaverse champion

CONSTRUCTION

Azizi to begin handover of Creek Views I in Dubai Healthcare City The residential project has received its civil defence and building completion certificates MACHINERY

MACHINERY

Hyundai expands heavy construction range with two articulated dump trucks The HA30A and HA45A have a compact chassis design and are built around a full-time six-wheel drive concept that improves driving conditions on terrain

Critical debates in the Diversity and Inclusion agendas: lobbying for real-time change

25 October 2022 Dubai UAE

Tadano harmonises telescopic boom crawler line

MACHINERY

Husqvarna Construction introduces new range of demolition robots | MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

THE BRIEFING

Concrete

Concrete Control MIDDLE EAST

Jose Vera-Agullo, ACCIONA R&D Concrete Manager, shares his insights on how to keep concrete cool while working in hightemperature areas July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

uilding with concrete in very hot places, such as the Middle East, poses specific challenges. At high temperatures, the water in the concrete mix evaporates quickly, and this can affect the workability and strength once it sets. A second risk in high temperatures concerns the chemical reaction that takes place once cement is mixed with sand, gravel, and water to form concrete. This chemical reaction produces heat, and if the temperature of the mix rises above 70ºC and/or if the temperature difference between the concrete structure core

and the surface goes above 20ºC, cracks could arise as the concrete sets, which weakens the resulting structure. As a result, the temperature of the concrete mix must be carefully controlled throughout the building process and while it sets and cures to ensure the resulting structure is sound. At ACCIONA, our global project teams work closely with the company’s concrete specialists at the Technical Services Department in Madrid to optimise the temperature and hydration of the concrete mix and ensure that it meets the project’s technical requirements, including strength and

40˚C

When ambient temperatures soar above 40ºC, experts recommend halting work

THE BRIEFING

durability. Every project is different, which means that ACCIONA’s concrete specialists are much in demand, sometimes flying to the site of big projects to make their calculations. They examine the quality of the local cement, the gravel and sand that will go into the input, the variation in temperature and humidity during the duration of the construction phase, as large, complex projects can take several years to complete. In the UAE, where we were responsible for building the extension of the Dubai Metro Route 2020, concrete specialists were on hand to advise on the exact heat of hydration and temperature of the concrete mix at each phase of the project. During very hot days, we added ice flakes to the concrete mix to keep it cool during transport to the construction site and to control the chemical reaction as the cement set. The technicians use specialist software based on finite element method to conduct simulations and predict how the concrete will behave as it cures. These calculations are then used on site to control the temperature and hydration of the mix. Another tool used by our concrete specialists are temperature smart and wireless sensors. These are deployed at every stage of the process: they measure and transmit data on the temperature of the materials before mixing, during transport, and while it is poured and set. At high temperatures, concrete sets too quickly, making it difficult to pour, handle and give shape to a structure. If it sets too quickly, cold joints can emerge between successive layers of concrete, and this may also weaken the structure. Getting the hydration and temperature right is therefore critical to the success of the building process. The Dubai metro extension used 270,706 cubic metres of concrete during construction. For other big projects such as the Shuqaiq 3 reverse osmosis desalination plant in Saudi Arabia, already in operation, the total amount of concrete used during its construction was 80,000 cubic meters. Shuqaiq 3 has a capacity of 450M litres of potable water per day, enough to meet the needs of two million people.

To control the temperature of materials in very hot climates, options include storing them under cover to shield them from the sun; using cold air cannons to lower the ambient temperature; and spraying some of the materials with a mist of cold water. Insulating the storage silos, using heat-reflecting roofs, cooling silos with water, and building silos with double walls in which cold water can circulate are other methods that can keep materials cool before mixing. One of the techniques deployed to adapt to the high temperatures of the

In demand ACCIONA’s concrete specialists often fly to the site of major projects to make their calculations and assist with the concrete mix.

Major pour The Shuqaiq 3 project in Saudi Arabia used 80,000 cu m of concrete during its construction.

Gulf is the timing of concrete pouring and the frequency. Very often we time the concrete pours to start after the sun sets, to avoid direct sunlight and day-time high temperatures. We also couple this, under the guidance of our specialists, with specific quantities of concrete, depending on the shape and size of the pour, to ensure the curing time falls within the appropriate hours. In extreme temperatures – an increasingly frequent occurrence due to global warming – concrete mixing trucks can be sprayed with liquid nitrogen to keep temperatures low during transport from the concrete plant to the project site. Concrete mixers are sometimes painted white to reflect heat or are covered with insulating materials to avoid excessive heating during transport. In the Middle East, our project teams prefer to work in the cool hours of the day or at night to better control the temperature of the concrete mix. When ambient temperatures soar above 40ºC, or during windy days that accelerate evaporation, the technical experts recommend halting work as casting could be compromised. On site, our teams have covered casting structures with tarpaulins to shield them from the sun, used cold air cannons to slow down the curing process, and when needed, spraying structures with water or curing agents to avoid concrete drying out too fast. In fact, it is great to see that our people design solutions to optimise construction processes, as well as new technologies and materials that are more efficient at the work site, to reduce the potential impact on nature. MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

THE BRIEFING

The Race to Net Zero MIDDLE EAST

Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East & Africa of Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, reflects on the impact of the Group’s recently released report, Engineering Net Zero for the GCC, and what the region needs to do to achieve their carbon neutrality ambitions

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

ountries globally are implementing long term strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, promote circular economy practices and ensure that their future-focused planning enables measures to minimise their carbon footprint. A key question is whether planning has been done holistically and whether there is sufficient urgency in those plans to meet the communicated net zero targets. Within the GCC, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have committed to becoming Net Zero and have announced their respective targets. It was also announced during COP26 that the upcoming two meetings will be held in the Middle East – Egypt in 2022 and the UAE in 2023, which aligns with the respective governments’ commitment towards accelerating their journey towards achieving a Net Zero Carbon future.

Meeting net zero targets takes time, effective policies, engineering advancements and of course government will-power. Time is not a luxury on offer but having target dates for Net Zero will motivate GCC countries to focus on planning schedules and accelerate build times, especially for energy systems. To meet their Net Zero targets, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have each released strategies that provide key milestones at either a country or, for the UAE, emirate level. To help the region achieve its Net Zero targets, The SNC-Lavalin Group, including Atkins and Faithful+Gould, has launched the “Engineering Net Zero in the GCC” report that outlines challenges, opportunities, and key recommendations to decarbonise the energy, built environment, and transport sectors. Globally, the company has developed the ‘Engineering Net Zero’ (ENZ) programme, which focuses on leading the engineering industry to

THE BRIEFING

achieve Net Zero Carbon as rapidly as possible, by helping clients manage climate risks and build climate resilience. ENERGY TRANSITION The ongoing energy transition within the GCC is the foundation of governments Net Zero strategies. Decisions around heavy industry, the built environment or transport, directly influence opportunities within the energy sector. GCC countries are developing a mix of utility-scale solar, wind, waste-to-energy, and nuclear power as part of their planned lowcarbon energy mix. It is possible that build rates of both generation and grid integration projects, which must be considered in conjunction, may need to accelerate to meet government timelines. The size and pace of clean energy targets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly when put into context of each country’s net zero targets, leaves no room for slow decision-making. Given the complexity of government plans, combined with the changing grid-connected energy mix that will include firm and intermittent power along with storage, countries will need an energy system architect (ESA) to enable decision making. An Energy System Architect (ESA) will ensure well-engineered plans can meet the net zero energy challenge which involves optimising the use of natural resources while overseeing decarbonisation strategies at the same time. SUSTAINABLE CITIES Sustainable urban master planning is a key aspect of future net zero strategies. Sustainable cities need to consider liveability, work and access to essential services by a range of non-car and roadbased modes. Conscious design and planning that achieve Net Zero goals need to appreciate life-centric approaches to the built environment. Delivering high performance-built environment solutions for new and existing urban environments is a critical activity and will be at the forefront of decarbonising cities in the GCC. To help reduce carbon emissions for existing buildings, the company has developed DecarbonomicsTM, a datadriven solution to decarbonise the built environment in a cost-effective way to

A holistic and joined up perspective is fundamental to transitioning to Net Zero in the most effective way and shaping a more sustainable and global future first approach across the region” Picking up pace The construction sector is picking up the pace for digitalisation as clients demand more digital clarity and the financial benefits become obvious, says Campbell Gray.

Meeting the challenge Countries will need energy system architects to enable decision making and ensuring plans meet the net zero challenge.

2023

The UAE will host COP28 in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on the economic case for inclusive climate action

enable asset owners to contribute to demand reduction and net zero goals. Digital technologies will introduce new approaches to the construction process and provide data that can be analysed, understood and acted upon. The construction sector has been slow to digitalise, but the pace is accelerating, especially as more case studies reach the market on the benefits and as clients demand more digital clarity. Modular construction and green high performance building materials, including 3D printing, green cements, green steel using carbon capture, will clearly play a key role in decarbonising the built environment for new developments, but we need to move quicker TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY GCC countries, in particular Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, have invested heavily in their transport networks in the past decade, but there can be no denying that for internal travel all countries are still heavily reliant on petrol-based car ownership and use, as well as road-based freight. Among other reasons, this is due to the rapid growth of cities and communities that have been designed around the car. Land-based public transport networks will play a major role in achieving GCC countries’ Net Zero strategies. Existing metro and tram networks are not yet extensive, however, and new lines are

needed that go to more locations if mass transit is to contribute significantly to a decarbonised transport network. In addition, over the coming decades other technology options such as Hyperloop and maglev can induce much less friction than conventional rail systems and require less power to cover the same distance. The electric power for these systems, if they ever come to fruition, will need to come from clean sources for them to contribute to being a low carbon transport system. Aviation can actively electrify airport ground vehicles and install more solar power for use in terminals while longer-term research focuses on alternative or cleaner fuels for aircraft, including hydrogen. In conclusion, achieving Net Zero targets in the GCC is a complex mission that will require ongoing government drive, clear strategies and measurable plans, collaboration between key stakeholders, a willingness to invest in new technologies and an understanding of the various interdependencies across industries within each country. The energy, transport and built environment sectors are interconnected, and Net Zero decisions and policies on one, will have a direct and indirect impact on another. A holistic and joined up perspective is fundamental to transitioning to Net Zero in the most effective way and shaping a more sustainable and global future first approach across the region. MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

THE BIG PICTURE

01 UNITED KINGDOM

03 SWEDEN

Cundall names Carole O’Neil as Global Managing Partner

Husqvarna Construction introduces new range of demolition robots

Carole O’Neil has been announced as Global Managing Partner for multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy Cundall. O’Neil assumes the role on 1 July, 2022, taking over from Tomás Neeson, who served as Managing Partner for eight years and will now act as Chair of Cundall’s Partners. O’Neil first joined the firm in 2007 and is said to have helped Cundall grow from 450 people to over 1,000 people in 21 offices. She has been a part of Cundall’s Management Board for over a decade and has played a pivotal role supporting the business’s leadership over the years.

02 NORWAY

Oslo tops overall sustainable city index The fifth edition of Arcadis’ Sustainable Cities Index (SCI) has revealed that Oslo has clinched the first spot in its ‘Overall’ ranking. Stockholm, Tokyo, Copenhagen, and Berlin were ranked at second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. The SCI ranks 100 global cities on three different pillars of sustainability: Planet (environmental), People (social), and Profit (economic). The report noted that Oslo ranked first in terms of Planet, 17th in People and 39th in Profit. The top five cities in the Planet pillar were: Oslo, Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Berlin.

Husqvarna Construction, part of Husqvarna Group, has launched a new range of demolition robots, the DXR 145, DXR 275, DXR 305 and DXR 315. The new range offer on average, a power increase above 20%, allowing the user to get more demolition work done, faster and in a more efficient manner. The machines are also expected to improve power levels in difficult conditions. They also feature an all-new remote-control unit that enables more precise operation and gives an overview of machine status.

04 EGYPT

06 SAUDI ARABIA

SNC-Lavalin wins four-year contract for $1.8bn SaudiEgypt power project

Abengoa begins commissioning for 600,000cu/m Jubail 3A desal plant

SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a four-year project management office (PMO) and engineering design review services contract by The Saudi Electric Company and The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Corporation. The deal will see the firm support the Saudi-Egypt power grids project. The firm’s PMO mandate includes supervising the design and execution of the project, and involves supervision of contractors throughout the engineering, construction and commissioning phases.

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

05 EGYPT

ACWA Power consortium to develop 1.1GW wind project in Egypt

A consortium led by ACWA Power has announced the signing of a project agreement to develop a 1.1GW wind project in Egypt, at an investment value of $1.5bn. The consortium, comprising of ACWA Power and Hassan Allam Holding, will work together during the development phase to complete the site studies and secure the financing of the facility. The wind project is the largest single contracted wind farm in the Middle East region and is one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world.

Abengoa has announced that commissioning has started on the 600,000cu/m day Jubail 3A desalination plant for ACWA Power. The firm said the project is being carried out in a consortium with engineering and construction firm SEPCOIII. The Jubail 3A desalination plant has already started pumping seawater to the pre-treatment successfully as part of the tests at the start of commissioning. Once this phase has been passed, as well as all required contractual tests, the plant will enter commercial operation.

THE BIG PICTURE

04 05

08 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

07 SAUDI ARABIA

Umm Alqura for Development & Construction announces 71,000sqm Masar Mall $719mn will be invested into a new shopping destination according to Umm Alqura for Development & Construction Company. The 71,000sqm Masar Mall is due for completion in 2026. The strategic partnership is with Saudi-based Hamat Holding. The retail development will provide more than 130,000sqm of shopping space, suitable for various activities.

WSP Middle East announces two senior appointments to Property & Buildings business

WSP Middle East has announced two leadership appointments within its regional Property & Buildings business. The move follows the creation of the dedicated Integrated Design Delivery (IDD) and Integrated Construction Delivery (ICD) teams. Russell Hughes is the of Head of Integrated Design Delivery – Property & Buildings, while Graham White has taken on the role of Head of Integrated Construction Delivery – Property & Buildings.

09 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

JIIC awards CSCEC ME $60m Souk Al Jubail contract The Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) has awarded a contract worth $60mn to the Middle East unit of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the construction of townhouses within the Souk Al Jubail community on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi. As part of the contract, CSCEC will undertake a range of infrastructure works, including sub-structure, superstructure, MEP works, finishing, facades and landscaping, amongst others, over a 22-month contract. Souk Al Jubail is located in the heart of the $2.72bn Jubail Island project.

MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

THE BIG PICTURE

15 11 12

16 14

10 SAUDI ARABIA

12 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

NEOM awards contracts for transport and utility infrastructure projects

Azizi begins handover of Creek Views I in Dubai Healthcare City

NEOM has awarded drill and blast tunnelling contracts for work on one of the largest transportation and utility infrastructure projects in the world. The first contract was awarded to FCC Construction/China State Construction Engineering Corporation/Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting Company Joint Venture (FCC/CSCEC/SAJCO JV); while the second contract went to a JV between Samsung C&T Corporation /Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd/ Saudi Archirodon Company (SHAJV).

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

13 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Lynnette Sacchetto joins Allsopp & Allsopp as first director of Data & Digital Transformation Lynnette Sacchetto has joined Allsopp & Allsopp as Director of Data and Digital Transformation. The move is in line with the company’s push to make an impact on the betterment of the Dubai real estate market. It is the first UAE brokerage to take the step to invest in data and research. The appointment follows the recent announcement from the Dubai Land Department that all real estate data will be open to the public.

Developer Azizi Developments has secured both civil defence and building completion certificates for its Creek Views I developer in Dubai Healthcare City, thus commencing handover proceedings to investors. The handover of units is scheduled for the coming weeks. Creek Views I consists of a total of 634 residential units, comprising of 396 studios, 218 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom apartments, as well as 33,341sqft of retail space. It added that Creek Views I is one of 42 projects – comprising of a total of 8,895 units – that it plans to complete this year.

THE BIG PICTURE

14 OMAN

IKEA opens doors to first flagship store in Oman 11 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

DAMAC and de GRISOGONO launch Safa Two tower DAMAC Properties has announced the launch of Safa Two, also in association with Swiss luxury jeweller, de GRISOGONO. The 80+ storey twin-tower development will feature designs based off de GRISOGONO’s signature styles and there will be an underlying scarlet theme, a statement said. Designed as one, both towers will be interlinked at the base, middle and crown by unique defining features, including a ‘ruby heart’ at the centre, up on the 60th floor, which will feature a floating pool with views of the Dubai skyline.

IKEA opened the doors to its first flagship store at Oman Avenues Mall on June 19, 2022. The two-storey, 25,000sqm outlet includes ‘cutting-edge customer experience technology and will offer inspirational and unique home furnishing ideas.’ In light of the changing retail landscape, the Oman Avenues Mall has embarked on an all-encompassing transformational journey to stay relevant, Al Taher Group, the developers behind the mall, said. This has included macroscale infrastructure augmentation, a statement from the group noted.

15 IRAQ

Dewan launches design competition for Iraqi rehab centre Dewan Architects + Engineers has invited architects and engineers from around the globe to submit building design proposals for a rehabilitation centre for terror victims in Iraq. The competition is part of the Tamayouz Excellence Award programme. The first prize of six-months employment at Dewan is renewable up to one year with a salary of $2,720 month or a cash alternative of $6,000. The second prize is $3,000 plus a certificate of award and the third is $1,000, plus a certificate of award.

17 SOUTH KOREA

Hyundai expands heavy construction range 16 INDIA

JLG appoints GMMCO Limited as distributor in South and Eastern India

JLG Industries has announced the appointment of GMMCO Limited as its distributor for South and Eastern India. GMMCO Limited will be responsible for sales, marketing, training and after sale service for the full range of JLG products. GMMCO Limited, which has its headquarters in Chennai, will serve rental companies as well as end users in construction, manufacturing, and logistics. The partnership will focus on enhancing safety protocols and regulations at work sites.

Hyundai Construction Equipment has introduced two articulated dump truck models to its growing line of heavy construction and earthmoving equipment. The HA30A and HA45A have rated payloads of 28 tonnes and 41 tonnes respectively. Aimed at the popular 30 and 45-tonne sectors, the HA30A and HA45A are built around a full-time six-wheel drive concept, with front and rear limited slip differentials and a longitudinal differential that can be manually locked, for maximum drive and traction on difficult terrain.

18 JAPAN

Komatsu to acquire Swedish attachments manufacturer Komatsu Forest AB, a wholly owned subsidiary in Sweden, Komatsu Ltd, is set to acquire Bracke Forest AB, which develops, manufactures, and sells applicationspecific attachments for silviculture. The company said in a statement that it is planning to close the acquisition on 1 July 2022, on the condition that all necessary procedures for closing are completed. Since 2014, Bracke and Komatsu have engaged in joint development by sharing respective technologies and experience accumulated over the years, respectively in forest and construction machines.

MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

MARKET REPORT

Industry outlook

Bahrain Market Review – Q1 2022

BAHRAIN

Savills examines the performance of Bahrain’s real estate sectors in Q1 2022 as economic activity sees a revival in the Kingdom

apital values across the residential real estate segment have remained largely stable across Bahrain on a quarterly basis, according to Savills Q1 2022 Bahrain Market in Minutes report. However, when compared annually, the capital value index for apartments and villas dropped by an average 1.2% and 2.6%, respectively. Demand for rental properties across villas and townhouses has remained strong across

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

Bahrain during Q1 2022. This led to a marginal rental price increase of 1.5% to 2.0% y-o-y across the high-end and the low-end segment. Rents across apartments on the other hand have largely remained stable on a quarterly basis. A revival in economic activity followed by a strong push from the government and a general improvement in market sentiment has led to an increase in demand for office space across the city, consequently leading to an increase in asset pricing, according to the report. The stability that was witnessed in the office rental market in 2021 extended into the first quarter of this year supported by the low-end segment, recording a 1.6% y-o-y price increase. However, the mid-end sector’s price correction has sustained, with the y-o-y rental price decreasing 5.5%. Hashim Kadhem, head of professional services, Savills Bahrain said: “We have noted an increase in inquiries from prospective tenants in relation to the Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) credentials of current office stock with higher interest

for those possessing sustainability accreditations. Given the demand-supply imbalance in the market, developments which incorporate these demands will claim a larger share of the market going forward.” The recovery also continues in the retail and tourism space. The number of mall visitors rose by 26.9% y-o-y in Q1 2022 while the volume of commercial licenses issued increased by 35.4% y-o-y. On the back of Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2022, international tourist arrivals increased by 50% in Q1 compared with the same period in 2019. Speaking on the outlook for the industrial and logistics sector, Swapnil Pillai, Associate Director Research, Middle East added: “Bahrain has launched the fastest Global Sea-to-Air Logistics Hub in the region with only a two-hour turnaround time for all containers. This means that products can reach customers in half the time it took earlier and at 40% of the cost. This move is likely to significantly improve Bahrain’s position as a hub for logistics activity in the future.”

MARKET REPORT

MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

50%

International tourist arrivals on the back of Formula 1 increased by 50% in Q1 compared with the same period in 2019

Bahrain has launched the fastest Global Sea-toAir Logistics Hub in the region with only a 2-hour turnaround time

26.9%

Recovery across the retail sector continued with the number of mall visitors up by 26.9% y-o-y in Q1 2022

Bahrain was recently ranked 15th overall among 50 of the world’s most competitive emerging markets

55%

Occupancy rates across four- and five-star hotels reached 55% in Q1 2022 as per the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority

BAHRAIN RESIDENTIAL SALES INDICES, 2020-2022 APARTMENT

VILLA

100 95 90 85 Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

Q4 2021

Q1 2022

Q4 2021

Q1 2022

BAHRAIN RESIDENTIAL RENTAL INDICES, 2020-2022 APARTMENT

VILLA

100 95 90 85 Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

A revival in economic activity followed by a strong push from the government and a general improvement in market sentiment has led to an increase in demand for office space across the city, consequently leading to an increase in asset pricing” BAHRAIN RESIDENTIAL RENTAL INDICES, 2020-2022 RENTAL

SALES

105 100

Source: Savills

95 90 Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

Q4 2021

Q1 2022

MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

ANALYSIS

Quality Assurance

Five Golden Rules to Ensure Quality in Construction MIDDLE EAST

Ibrahim Imam, co-founder, groupco-CEO, CEO MENA & APAC at PlanRadar, outlines how contractors can take steps improve quality assurance on their projects

he UAE construction industry is comprised of various sectors including commercial, residential, industrial, geotechnical, infrastructure, as well as energy and utilities. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the UAE July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

construction industry is expected to reach a value of USS$133.53 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 4.69% over the forecast period from now to 2027. By 2050, close to 68% of the world’s population will be residing in urban environments and hence the need to focus on smart cities and sustainable construction is now felt more than ever. According to the UAE Vision 2030, Sustainable Development Goals have been proposed to sectors like industry, innovation & infrastructure, sustainable cities & communities, etc. In order to achieve these goals, it is of utmost importance to accelerate implementation of quality assurance in UAE construction projects. In today’s day and age, modern construction companies face fierce competition to stay ahead of the curve and to be able to capture market share in this ever-evolving world. To be able to achieve this, qualified contractors are under tremendous pressure to adapt and aid the construction professionals with

the right tools to be able to deliver the job timely and efficiently as well as establish their offering to potential customers as well as position themselves as a strong partner to deliver the right product with not only right price but also with reliability over high quality of completed projects. When quality construction is not focused on from the beginning, it results in cosmetic defects to structural failures, and everything in between which then leads to project delays that can cost the companies up to 20% more than the estimated cost. By creating ‘rules’ for minimum quality that are set as standards for specific projects or within the entire organisation, project delays due to unforeseen errors can be prevented in advance. Here, not only the right choice and quality of materials or the right equipment play a major role, but also the standardisation of processes in project management up to clear guidelines for health and safety come into play. By building quality into decisionmaking throughout the projects, companies can be confident that

Setting standards If quality construction is not focused on from the beginning, it can lead to project delays that can dramatically increase estimated costs.

68% of the world’s population will be residing in urban environments by 2050

ANALYSIS

they are ordering the right materials, using the correct equipment and everyone knows what to expect. Achieving quality in construction is a time-consuming and intensive process. It’s about constantly checking decisions and work meet the quality assurance standards set. The promise of quality assurance also plays a huge role in establishing strong & long last partnership between all project partners. Here are five golden rules for quality assurance on construction projects: 1. Clear definitions of ‘quality’: Everyone working on a project needs to clearly understand what you mean by ‘quality’ and what your expectations are. Document the details and explain them to all subcontractors, suppliers and project managers. For example, you might decide you want especially high standards of sound insulation (above the legal minimum of 45dB in new builds, as per the code of practice based on BS 8233:1999). You’d therefore want subcontractors to be aware of this when they are making purchasing decisions around insulation material. 2. Planning, design, and development of plans: Designers and project managers must conduct thorough assessments of plans, check for clashes and avoid cutting corners. If you can identify and fix issues now, there is less chance of delays occurring during the build itself. Recently, BIM technology has been shown to help with quality in construction by automatically checking for clashes. 3. Material purchasing: It’s vital to ensure that all materials and equipment purchased meet your standards. Buying cheaper, lower-quality materials may save money in the short term but could result in problems later. Quality assurance when buying also involves verifying whether your suppliers are truly capable of meeting your demand. 4. Continuous interaction during build: All project participants must be able to communicate, discuss issues and verify progress. Quality in construction relies on the site manager constantly monitoring the works, ensuring it meets your pre-agreed definitions of quality. 5. Handover and snagging: Once the structure itself is up, quality assurance also comes into play at the defect management and handover stage.

This is about conducting checks to ensure the as-built structure meets your expected quality standards. At present, much construction quality assurance relies on manual processes, especially during the building and inspection stages. The site manager conducts frequent inspections of the site, monitoring whether workers are meeting quality assurance standards. But this is a time-consuming and inefficient process. However, a new generation of construction quality management software aims to make this much more efficient. With construction quality management software, companies get access to

Clear definitions Everyone working on a project must have a clear definition and understanding of what quality means, says Ibrahim Iman.

Quality assurance Construction quality management software can ensure instant reporting and verification on site, as well as constant communication with all stakeholders.

tools that support quality assurance processes which then empowers them to make faster, easier and more efficient decisions to achieve the highest quality assurance standards. Additionally, everyone working on a project can get access to a powerful app on their smartphone or desktop which helps them to meet a variety of quality standards, including: Plan comparisons: If the architect’s plan changes, this information feeds through instantaneously to everyone on the project – rather than needing to wait for a paper blueprint to arrive. Task management: The software lets site managers assign tasks to individual workers then verify if the work was done to the required standard. The workers can take photos or videos of their completed jobs to get this verified. Report generation: Quality assurance report templates can be instantly generated by site managers so all stakeholders can review progress. These status reports can also reveal emerging quality issues and remedial action can be taken. Building inspections: Verify work has been completed to your quality requirements and report on any issues directly on the blueprint itself. Communication: Quality in construction relies on constant communication and rapid responses to queries. An app like PlanRadar means all project participants can ask questions as they arise.

MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

IN PROFILE

Emirates GBC

Council for Change ABDULLATIF ALBITAWI, DIRECTOR OF THE EMIRATES GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, OUTLINES HOW THE ORGANISATION IS HELPING THE UAE’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT TRANSITION TOWARDS NET ZERO AND A GREENER FUTURE | MEConstructionNews.com | MEConstructionNews.com October July 20222021

MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

IN PROFILE

t is estimated that 39% of all global CO2 emissions can be attributed to the building and construction industries, with heating, cooling and lighting, the very basics of what people need from buildings, accounting for 28% of carbon emissions. These figures highlight the importance of making our buildings more energy efficient and setting the industry on a path towards achieving net zero. By doing so, the global built environment can start being an active contributor to the fight against global warming, rather than one of the biggest contributors towards it. In order to facilitate this evolution, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launched the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment in 2018 at the Global Climate Action Summit. The Commitment challenges governments and businesses to operate new buildings at net zero by 2030 and advocates for all buildings to operate at net zero by 2050. Within just a year of this initiative being brought forward, 31 businesses, 26

Net Zero advocate Abdullatif Albitawi says that the EGBC’s role is to be an advocate and driver for the UAE’s net zero agenda to the construction and real estate sectors.

2006

Year the EmiratesGBC was formed

cities and six states and regions worldwide signed on, including UAE based retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, amongst others. For the UAE, the organisation tasked with overseeing how companies implement and maintain the standards required of them by the Commitment is the Emirates Green Building Council. Formed in 2006, it is a non-government organisation that serves to promote and educate about sustainability in the built environment. Endorsed by the WorldGBC, the EmiratesGBC is the UAE’s official Green Building Council, with around 150 members, representing thousands of individuals interested and involved in

Green Building in the UAE and beyond. As such, aside from its other duties, the Council operates as an assessor of eligibility for the Commitment in the UAE and works under the umbrella of the WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment Taskforce. As part of its advocacy for the Net Zero Buildings Agenda, the Council has implemented a number of initiatives within the local market to promote it, while also tracking carbon metrics to assess energy efficiency and renewable energy performance. These activities range from corporate and government engagement, through to training and awareness sessions. One such initiative was the launch of the Net Zero Centre of Excellence in 2018 as a think thank and accelerator to advance net zero carbon buildings in the UAE. The aim of the Centre is to: • Provide a platform for government, academia, civil society, and the private sector to learn and share knowledge on net zero buildings. • Support future building regulations and the industry towards decarbonisation of the building sector by the global timeline of 2050. • Offer tools and resources to advance the net zero movement in the UAE. The launch of the Centre has been met with a positive response from the UAE’s construction industry, and Abdullatif AlBitawi, the current director of the Emirates Green Building Council,

Interest is certainly growing amongst stakeholders. Some are very serious towards sustainability in the building sector and have taken initiatives and implemented actions, whereas others are still considering the shift towards it” July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

IN PROFILE

tells Big Project ME that there has been a discernible shift in momentum when adopting green building principles. “Interest is certainly growing amongst stakeholders. Some are very serious towards sustainability in the building sector and have taken initiatives and implemented actions, whereas others are still considering the shift towards it,” he says. “The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment calls on the building and construction sector to take action to decarbonise the built environment, inspire others to take similar action, and to remove the barriers to implementation. While we do not enforce it, we encourage organisations to sign up to it and assess their eligibility to join.”

Coming from a background in chemical engineering and energy studies, Albitawi was one of the first qualified energy engineers in Jordan. Although he only took on his current role a few months ago, he is no strange to taking the lead. In addition to his work with EmiratesGBC, Albitawi is also a member of the Energy Institute and serves as the honorary vice chair of the Institute’s Middle East branch. He is also a Specialist Fellow of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) and has served in many positions across the Institute. With more than 22 years of experience under his belt in the pharmaceuticals, chemical and manufacturing industries, in both managerial and consultative positions, he has cultivated hands-

39%

of all global CO2 emissions can be attributed to the building and construction industries

on experience in process technology and safety, energy and environment management, quality management and assurance, operations and energy management and sustainability practices. As such, he is perhaps one of the bestplaced people in the UAE’s construction industry to comment on the paradigm shift that is occurring when it comes to the integration of technologies, efficiencies and sustainability. “The UAE has high ambitions when it comes to sustainability and decarbonisation, but they also have leadership commitments and engagements. This is very important to be able to achieve their ambitions. This country invites everyone to contribute and take on a role, while providing MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

IN PROFILE

an encouraging hub for corporates, organisations and individuals. “The government decides and puts the strategies and main goals, but it also engages with every interested party to help them achieve these goals. I personally think that the UAE can achieve these ambitions, but there is a lot more work and thinking needed,” he asserts. “Regionally, the UAE was the first to announce its ambitious national Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. Cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are all taking serious and active steps. The journey has just started, and it will certainly need more efforts and collaboration between all stakeholders.” To that end, Albitawi outlines some of the programmes and initiatives put in place by EmiratesGBC and the Net Zero Centre of Excellence that have helped drive change in the built environment as being: • An embodied carbon workgroup which contains a number of experts and construction professionals who will be working together on number of programs and studies related to the subject. • EmiratesGBC has partnered with Bionova Ltd, developer of One Click LCA. The partnership is based on raising awareness around embodied carbon, with an objective of transforming the market towards low carbon design, construction and manufacturing practices.

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

The UAE has high ambitions when it comes to sustainability and decarbonisation, but they also have leadership commitments and engagements. This is very important to be able to achieve their ambitions” Sharing knowledge As part of EGBC’s commitment to sharing knowledge and information with the industry, Albitawi spoke at the Energy & Sustainability Summit.

150

The GBC has around 150 members

• Furthermore, EmiratesGBC is partnering with international organisations to offer net zero certificates. “I personally believe that a lack of knowledge and information is the biggest roadblock (towards transforming the industry). But also, understanding what needs to be done and the funding to achieve that is no less important. “We work closely with our members and the government to be a link and a thinktank that produces solutions and guidelines,” he says, adding that EmiratesGBC is also very keen to conduct studies and

research that will make the necessary information and data easily available. “It is very important to consider net zero in the early stages of a project’s lifecycle – architects and engineers can play a key role in making these projects more viable. Technology has always played a role and will always play a key role in the advancement of human life. Artificial intelligence, digitalisation and other technologies can enhance and facilitate achieving the industry’s sustainability ambitions by providing a wealth of analysed data, improving efficiencies and smarter monitoring, to mention a few examples,” he states in conclusion.

A Bukhatir Group Company

September July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com 2021 | MEConstructionNews.com

SITE VISIT

Urban Oasis by Missoni PROJECT NAME: Urban Oasis by Missoni DEVELOPER: Dar Al Arkan PROJECT ENGINEER: LACASA MAIN CONTRACTOR: Delta Emirates Contracting NUMBER OF UNITS: 455 PROJECT VALUE: $217.7 million

Making a Mark ZIAD AL CHAAR, VICE CHAIRMAN OF DAR AL ARKAN, TAKES BIG PROJECT ME ON A TOUR OF URBAN OASIS BY MISSONI, THE SAUDI ARABIAN DEVELOPER’S FIRST PROJECT OUTSIDE OF THE KINGDOM, AND REVEALS WHY THE RESIDENTIAL TOWER IS SO IMPORTANT TO IT’S GLOBAL EXPANSION PLANS | August | July 2022 MEConstructionNews.com MEConstructionNews.com 2021

SITE VISIT

arly in October 2021, Dar Al Arkan, the highly-regarded Saudi Arabian real estate developer, unveiled the first project of its regional expansion strategy, and its first project in the UAE – Urban Oasis by Missoni, a luxury residential tower in Dubai. Located in close proximity to Downtown Dubai’s major attractions, such as Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, the project is situated directly on Dubai Water Canal and is being built in collaboration with Missoni, the luxury Italian fashion house known for its bright colours and zigzag motifs, stripes and wave patterns. The launch of the $217.7 million development also marked a major step forward for the Italian luxury brand, as the bespoke living spaces have been designed by the fashion brand’s Missoni Home line, which is dedicated to interiors, decors, and furnishings – a first in the Arab World. Construction of the 38-storey tower was already well underway when the unveiling announcement was made, and work on the project is set to be

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

From a financial perspective, we have one of the strongest balance sheets amongst most of the developers in Dubai, which gives a very important sense of trust that we give to customers who buy from us” completed before the end of 2023. The building consists of 455 highend one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a limited number of four-bedroom penthouses, all with luxury interiors by Missoni. These penthouse apartments are accessible by private elevator and come fully fitted with high-end Missoni fixtures and décor elements, while the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments also come in a variety of sizes, complete with luxury facilities and services, Dar Al Arkan says. These include amenities such as a swimming pool, a children’s play area, car parking, a fully equipped

A step forwards Urban Oasis by Missoni marks the first entry of the luxury Italian brand into the Arab World.

Number of floors in the tower

gymnasium, as well as round-theclock security services, it adds. With the Saudi developer now ramping up its international expansion plans, Big Project ME visited the Urban Oasis by Missoni project site with Ziad Al Chaar, the vice chairman of Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, to learn why the project is vital for the company’s global expansion plans. Having topped out the tower in April 2022, the project is well on track to meet its scheduled completion data, Al Chaar says, adding that nearly 88% of the tower has been sold to a diverse range of homeowners and investors from all over the world, with around 55 nationalities represented. “This was the first project for Dar Al Arkan outside of Saudi Arabia, so it has received a lot of special attention from everybody at the company. [We want to make sure] that the project gets delivered on time, and that it is delivered to the highest specifications of the company, as well as to the requirements of Missoni as a brand,” he tells Big Project ME. “This was the starting point of our global expansion. We now have a company called Dar Al Arkan Global, which is specialised in real estate development and investment outside of Saudi Arabia, which is in addition to a 28-year-old company that is one of the biggest real estate developers in the Kingdom.

SITE VISIT

“Since we started this project, we now have two additional projects in Dubai – one is the Dar Al Arkan Pagani Tower, which will be 80 units and one of the highest spec’d towers in Dubai. The third one is the W Residences which has also been a very big success because of the location and the choice of the co-brand. People trust Dar Al Arkan because they are getting to know us – from a financial perspective, we have one of the strongest balance sheets amongst most of the developers in Dubai, which gives a very important sense of trust that we give to customers who buy from us,” Al Chaar highlights, adding that the developer is highly regarded because it paces itself.

Creative interiors While the exterior of the building has been designed to fit in with its surroundings, the developer and its co-brand partner have been creative with designing the interior spaces.

455

Total number of units available

Even if there is strong demand and positive sentiment in a sector, there is no rush to launch projects into the market all at once, he explains. “We like to pace ourselves per city, so that we’re sure we’re delivering to the quality and expectations of our potential clients. If you look back to 2017, we only really had real estate in Saud Arabia, with mainly Saudi clients. Now, we have 55 nationalities in our customer base, and we have projects in Dubai, Sarajevo in Bosnia, and we’re starting a key, iconic masterplan in Muscat, Oman. We’re also starting in Qatar, and we have opened offices in Beijing and London and are looking at projects in those cities.”

As the first project outside of Saudi Arabia, Al Chaar says that the developer did not want to be too extravagant with the design of the building, preferring to keep the flamboyance to the interiors instead. Rather, the development team went with an external structure that blends in with the overall style of Downtown Dubai, while still being efficient and eye catching. “However, we got very creative when it came to the interior design of the project. We worked with Mrs Rosita Missoni herself – she was actually in this mock-up (that we’re showing customers) about four months ago, inspecting the way things are being designed. Take the MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

SITE VISIT

lobby for example, you’re going to see a very colourfully aggressive lobby, which was designed by Mrs Missoni as well. There is a lot of interaction from the brand because they like interior design. “This is the value of co-branding, when the brand owner interacts with you on every element. This is what the customer expects when they buy a co-branded apartment – they expect uniqueness, a limited series of real estate. You cannot build just any apartment and then put a stamp on the lobby (of the co-brand). You will lose credibility,” he asserts. He adds that he expects the project to finish construction approximately July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

Expecting uniqueness Customers expect a unique, limited series offering when buying units that have been built with a co-brand.

88%

Percentage of units sold so far

three months ahead of schedule, in September or October of this year. This will then give the development team more time for snagging and handover. Al Chaar states that the success and speed of delivery for the project was down to the longstanding relationship between the developer and the various project stakeholders, which allowed them to work efficiently and effectively together. The concept design for the project was carried out by a designer who has worked on a number of projects in Downtown Dubai, but once that was complete, LACASA was brought in for the schematic and detailed design,

he reveals. The main contractor for the project was Delta Emirates, while SAIFCO handled the MEP works. Opaal Interiors were interior design consultants on the project as well. “Frankly, (we chose LACASA) because we’ve worked with them before, and they have many projects in Downtown Dubai. They know how to optimise the GFA and the sellable area. They are people we’ve dealt with before and it’s the same thing with the contractor – our construction team and I have worked with them previously (on different projects) and we saw how they perform, and that they also work properly with the nominated subcontractors given.”

SITE VISIT

Markets may go up and down, but mainly from a financial or geopolitical perspective, the attractiveness of Dubai as a place to buy a first or second home, or a vacation or business home, is still valid” With the project now close to completion and work well underway on other projects in Dubai, Al Chaar is able to reflect on what it is that makes Dar Al Arkan’s properties an attractive investment opportunity for people around the world. In addition, there are identifying touches through the property that identify it as a Dar Al Arkan development, Al Chaar points out. He explains that while the company is still working on building its DNA in terms of its global expansion, there is a clear criterion for the types of projects that are undertaken outside of Saudi Arabia. “Our speciality is second homes, vacation homes or special purpose homes. This is the category we’re in and we won’t be deviating from that. The second element is that all of our projects will have a key location, which will make sure that there is a low supply of units within the city. This is why, for example, when you see us in Dubai, we’re either only on the water or in Downtown. “Our criteria is to always select locations where we can build projects where the supply is limited – that is how we planned our expansion. This will be a key ingredient of Dar Al Arkan – that you can always be sure that you’re buying something unique and with a limited supply. In real estate, from a psychological and economic benefit, it’s always good to know you’re buying something that is low in supply.”

The response to Urban Oasis reflects that approach, Al Chaar says, pointing out that close to 88% of the project has been sold to investors and homeowners from around the world, with most of them citing the location, brand name and strengths of the developer as reasons for investing their money into the project. However, it is in Dubai where he feels that the market will continue to have the most potential for the company, pointing out that while there’s plenty of competition, there’s also still a lot of opportunities available to developers. “Dubai still has a lot of bandwidth in terms of attracting demand and building demand, and in bringing more people

Statement project Ziad Al Chaar says that Urban Oasis by Missoni is a statement project for Dar Al Arkan as it is the developer’s first outside of Saudi Arabia.

2023

Scheduled completion date for the project

to the city. People think that we have millions of units, but since the law of freehold ownership started in 2002, till date, all of the developers in Dubai have barely delivered a million units. “In a strategic geographic location like Dubai, which has many incentives for people to buy and invest in it – from safety and security to stability of the currency being pegged to the dollar, to the golden visas and the tax-free environment, and you have more than 150 nationalities buying here, then I’m sorry, but a million units is nothing. The capacity for Dubai to build more and attract more people is still very much in line with what we started in 2002. Markets may go up and down, but mainly from a financial or geopolitical perspective, the attractiveness of Dubai as a place to buy a first or second home, or a vacation or business home, is still valid. Compare us to any travel or second home hub across the world and our prices are still very competitive. “Our taxes are still very competitive, the cost of ownership and maintaining a house in Dubai is very competitive, and the safety and security that you feel is incomparable to any other hub across the globe. “This was one of the main attractants to us starting our operations in Dubai, and we continue to acquire more projects here, because we are convinced about the demand parameters of this city,” he concludes.

MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

THE OBEROI / DUBAI / UAE

Digital construction tools to improve delivery and operations in the smart build environment 14 Sept 2022

About the

Digital Construction Summit

Our

Welcome to the evolved, dynamic, and rebranded Digital Construction Summit, formerly the ME BIM Summit, which will take place in September 2022. A host of highly curated panel discussions, seminars, workshops, an interactive exhibition and networking activities will be put together to connect leading minds to examine the ongoing evolution of the construction industry in the middle east.

Our mission as the media arm of the industry is to continue the education, process and support of digitisation by creating a network filled with informative content and knowledge.

Over the last nine years, the ME BIM Summit has grown from strength to strength and as the digital transformation of the regional construction industry continues to gather pace, the scope of the event has grown beyond BIM and embraced all aspects of the digital construction journey.

We want to connect the minds from aspiring students all the way to the leaders in position today and to equip the decision makers of tomorrow with how all the digital tools available will help the built environment.

Mission

Equipping the

Future Leaders

In the wake of the pandemic, construction firms have awoken to the true power of digitalisation and are now heavily investing in technology to speed up their transformations into industry powerhouses of the future. We want to facilitate and energise this conversation, to help create a better, more inclusive, and adaptive smarter construction eco-system.

Participation

Get in touch

Participate by exhibiting, creating a workshop, join a panel discussion or run a demonstration – whichever way – it’s a lucrative platform to get connected. Contact us now to learn more about this opportunity to interact and connect with regional industry decision makers and influencers.

Content

Opportunity

Sponsorship Jude Slann | +971 4 375 5714 jude.slann@cpitrademedia.com Raed Kaedbey | +971 4 375 5715 raed.kaedbey@cpitrademedia.com

Date

Venue

14 Sept

The Oberoi

Website

2022.digitalconstructionsummit.com

Complimentary

2022

Agenda

Connecting

We believe content empowers us and our speakers seek to provoke insightful debate and shed light on current trends, challenges and solutions.

Connecting young minds, innovators and entrepreneurs to the principles and leading minds within the current built environment ensuring equal understanding throughout the chain.

Investment

Knowledge

Across the Board

and Expertise

The importance of funding and investment in technology and digital tools through start-ups, SMEs, enterprise and government level.

Knowledge and expertise sharing are vital for success across an industry; discussing challenges and experiences that can be overcome in the future with digital adoption, education and new normal ways of working.

Tomorrows leaders

Future

Power In the wake of the pandemic, construction firms have awoken to the true power of digitalisation and are now heavily investing in technology to speed up their transformations into industry powerhouses of the future.

2022

Event Partners GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

PRESENTED BY

BRONZE SPONSOR

EVENT REVIEW

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

EVENT REVIEW

Time to take Action

Big Project ME recaps the events of the day at the inaugural Energy & Sustainability Summit, which was held on June 21, 2022 at the St Regis The Palm

n June 21, 2022, the inaugural edition of the Energy & Sustainability Summit was held at the St Regis The Palm on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. With close to 200 delegates in attendance, a packed line up of speakers and presenters shared insights and debated a variety of topics around sustainability, green building and achieving net-zero in the construction industry. Led by Big Project Middle East’s Head of Editorial and Content, Gavin Davids, the Summit focused on three key themes: Facilitating the Energy Transition;

Project Development in the Age of Sustainability; and Achieving NetZero – What it means to be a Carbon Neutral Construction Company. Following a welcome address by Davids, the Summit was kicked off by Abdullatif Albitawi, director of Emirates Green Building Council, who shared the council’s vision of Decarbonising Buildings and Advancing NetZero with a packed audience of industry representatives. “This presentation was about the Net Zero Centre of Excellence that the council launched in 2018. It’s a platform for all professionals, organisations, and individuals to come together and work together

to promote the Net Zero movement in the UAE. It gave an idea to the audience about what we are doing and allows those organisations and companies who are really keen and interested in achieving Net Zero, to work together and spread the word to others in the region,” he told Big Project ME after his presentation, while also expressing the hope that the industry would become more collaborative and supportive so as to reach their net zero targets. Following on from that presentation, the day’s first panel discussion was begun, with Sachin Kerur, head of Middle East Region for Reed Smith. Focusing on why the region’s economies are investing

heavily into the transition away from oil, the panellists discussed the huge economic opportunities on offer, why renewables are key to boosting the region’s power generation capacity, and a host of other topics. Kerur was joined by Louise Collins, head of Project and Development Services UAE and head of Engineering and Energy MEA at JLL; Anita Nouri, CEO and Business Development director at Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability; Hamzeh Buqaei, manager of the Germany Energy Academy, Al Hussein Technical University in Jordan; David Haboubi, head of Nuclear and Net-Zero Energy

GOLD SPONSOR

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SUPPORTING PARTNER

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EVENT REVIEW

at SNC-Lavalin; and Samiullah Khan, COO of Saif Air Tech. “At the outset of the discussion, the general sentiment was that the energy industry is moving at a significant pace in its transition to clean forms of energy, and that the current global geopolitical issues will not hinder energy transition. Indeed, it was felt that the current energy transition programmes could actually be a direct route to energy security in the future,” Kerur told Big Project ME after leading the discussion. “There was much positivity about the competitive advantages that the MENA region affords the construction and engineering industries. Each panellist highlighted local benchmark projects in the build environment. There was also a lively debate relating to clean hydrogen, carbon neutral fossil fuels, and the significance of battery storage projects and energy storage technology. “What was evident from the perspective of the panellists was that regional energy transition will require major overhaul and expansion of related infrastructure, storage facilities and grids. In addition, there needs to be major capacity building in terms of upscaling research and development, education, technician and project management skills. This was seen as a potential constraint in the energy transition programme unless tackled early,” he added. Following the panel discussion, Kareem Farah, CEO of Engineering Contracting Company (ECC), came on stage for a very well received presentation about Desert Board, the world’s first Engineered Wooden Board made from palm waste. This presentation received a lot of positive feedback from attendees, with several members of the audience engaging with Farah during the Q&A session and during the networking break. The Summit kicked off its second session with a panel discussion

The general sentiment was that the energy industry is moving at a significant pace in its transition to clean forms of energy, and that the current global geopolitical issues will not hinder energy transition” hosted by Ghina Annan, senior Sustainability Specialist at Stantec, who led panellists Ian Williamson, chief projects officer at The Red Sea Development Company; Karim El-Jisr, chief sustainability officer at Diamond Developers, Jesùs Sancho, director general – Middle East for ACCIONA; Dr Ioannis Spanos, director of Sustainability at KEO International Consultants; and Başar Kayali, general manager of ALEC Energy; in a discussion about how developers, consultants and contractors are collaborating to implement sustainable design principles across their projects. “To envision a sustainable future is to envision green cities, clean energy, and protected natural resources. The crucial role of project management, thus, prevails. Proper implementation

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

is a key to accelerating sustainable development of societies. The rising age of sustainability demands that project managers incorporate the environmental, social, economic, and political aspects into one design framework that can cater to our vision of sustainable cities,” said Ghina Annan after hosting the panel discussion. “This process, however, is not without its challenges. Be it due to planning, project stages, client demands, team dynamic, labour shortage, or external factors, sustainable project design and implementation faces numerous hurdles. The Energy and Sustainability Summit presented a deeper look into project management in the age of sustainability inclusive of current trends, strategies, and challenges present, as well as their outlook. “The principal key takeaways involved defining project strategies and incorporating sustainability at a very early stage, setting reasonable projects targets, implementing the right sustainable strategies, and finally tracking and reporting progress. The biggest challenge highlighted in discussed projects is to get it right up front as there are many different types of risks encountered: Technical, financial, legal, regulatory etc. Essentially, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have set path to become zero-carbon economies by 2050. Hence, the top priority now would be achieving energy transition and climate action goals through increasing energy efficiency, decarbonising power generation with renewables and shifting building loads towards electricity and low-carbon synthetic fuels,” she added. “Given the current opportunities, all project investments should consider solutions needed to mitigate and avoid dangerous climate change significant impacts. The enthusiasm of investors, designers, developers and stakeholders should

be matched with political action while involving decision makers, increasing understanding of sustainability and climate change and creating awareness about the need for society to adapt.” Up next was a presentation by Samiullah Khan, COO of Saif Air Tech, who shared insights into how improving indoor air quality can have a significant impact on the wellness, productivity and health of occupants, while also impacting on the overall efficiency and performance of a building. After a break for lunch, the third and final session of the day began, with Gavin Davids leading Ian Williamson; Matthew Tribe, managing director – Buildings and Places Middle East for Atkins; Jonathan Spear, Transport Policy and Strategy Advisor, also for Atkins; and Dr Pablo Izquierdo, Energy Efficiency manager at the

Be it due to planning, project stages, client demands, team dynamic, labour shortage, or external factors, sustainable project design and implementation faces numerous hurdles”

EVENT REVIEW

Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office at Ras Al Khaimah Municipality; in a discussion about the major interdependencies between the Energy Sector, the Built Environment Sector, and the Transport and Mobility Sectors. The panellists highlighted the opportunities, risks and recommendations for each sector to drive the net-zero agenda in the GCC, while also discussing the role the built environment can play in tackling the climate crisis, and how the decarbonisation of the region’s energy and transport systems is vital to achieving Net Zero ambitions. “I was talking about the need to integrate land use and transport planning to deliver truly sustainable cities, as well as the practicalities of delivering the evolution of the electric vehicle over the next decade,” said Jonathan Spear to Big Project ME after his panel. “We also discussed some of the real problems and issues that we would need to confront to decarbonise road transport. Finally, one of the points made was that it’s not just about technology in order to decarbonise transport, we also need behavioural change and to manage demand, as well as investing in other smart technologies.” Furthermore, he stressed that the world is in a climate emergency and that the industry should not view decarbonisation as a ‘2050 Agenda’ but as something that needs to be tackled immediately. He also touched up on the launch of the Engineering Net Zero Report at the end of the Panel Discussion, highlighting its significance towards the region’s net zero agendas. “What we’ve tried to do in the report is really bring the Net Zero

You can only create a business case when you bring the Environment, Social Impact and Governance together. That ESG is the underlying factor for the Net Zero transition” agenda to the GCC. We’ve set out the baseline of what countries are currently committing to, or trying to do, but we’ve also tried to make practical recommendations in different sectors – the transportation sector, the built environment sector, the energy sector, city planning and so on, on what needs to be done over the next few years to promote net zero and get truly sustainable development into the region,” he explained. The penultimate event of the day was a presentation by Ali Mumtaz of The Red Sea Development Company, who shared insights into how the developer behind one of the world’s biggest regenerative

tourism projects has kept the environment and sustainability at the core of its efforts to develop the mammoth site. Over the course of his presentation, he outlined TRSDC’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and enhancement, the steps taken to identify valued environmental receptors in marine environments, and the nature of scientific studies conducted, and how they informed the design of a project asset. The final panel discussion of the day was moderated by Farah Naz, head of Innovation and ESG at AECOM Middle East and Africa. She led a panel of experts that included: Engi Jaber, CEO and managing director of Climatize Engineering Consultants; Katarina Uherova Hasbani, partner and global director of Strategy and Advisory at AESG; Mario Saab, head of Sustainability – MENA at Cundall; Tadhg O’Donovan, deputy vice principal, Academic Leadership and head of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai; and Sophia Kee, head of Future Ready – Property and Buildings at WSP Middle East. The conversation focused on the need for the construction industry to move from a compliance-focused approach to a performance-focused approach in order to advance the net zero agenda. It also took in the importance of government policy and leadership in achieving net zero targets, while panellists discussed how a circular economy can lead to sustainable infrastructure. “Today’s conference was interesting. We learnt quite a few things – the first being that we really need an actionable implementation plan for cities.

Secondly, a carbon tax will play a huge role in this transition, and thirdly, when we look at carbon, we need to true carbon, which is design carbon, construction carbon and operational carbon. Fourthly, the role of education is extremely important in educating future generations to learn about how to do the transition, and fifth, stakeholder engagement is extremely important, and this brings me to the sixth point, which is policy development – there was a huge conversation about policies needing to be required. “Policies need to be actionable, implementable, and once we have the policies to move the industry towards Net Zero transition, then the seventh point that raised was that we need proof of concepts. That means that we need small case studies of real projects for three to six months, learn from them and then go and update the policies. We need circular thinking in the industry to really create the net zero transition,” Farah Naz said as she summed up the discussion after the panel. “The last point that came up was about green finances and businesses cases. We really need to move away from the ‘business as usual’ business model, to a model that has impact investments, that talks about sustainability and social responsibilities. For me, that’s a conversation with ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance. “We didn’t really mention it in the panel, but you can only create a business case when you bring the Environment, Social Impact and Governance together. That ESG is the underlying factor for the Net Zero transition,” she concluded, ahead of the summit closing.

Watch the full day’s discussions online at: https://meconstructionnews.com/live-events MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

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Industry insight

ALI SAJWANI D-LABS

The Future is Here

ar from being just an ethereal concept, the Metaverse has, for all intents and purposes, become a reality of our time. It forms an integral part of what we now call Web3.0, the latest iteration of the world wide web that features a virtual world linked to our physical reality. In the Metaverse, the possibilities are almost endless, even more than what is considered ‘real’ in our two-dimensional world of space and time. Initially the domain of gamers, the Metaverse has broadened its boundaries to increasingly include other aspects of our lives – from dining and retail to fashion and real estate. As a sign that the Metaverse is a serious direction in which the world may be headed, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has directed the formation of a higher committee to prepare the Dubai Metaverse Strategy. The body has been tasked to lay the foundations for Dubai to be at the forefront of this future reality, today. Quoting His Highness’ official statement, he said: “We seek to transform Dubai into the world’s best city in the world to live, work, and invest. The constant development of government services is vital to achieve this goal and ensure Dubai maintains high levels of global competitiveness.” With such a focused and determined vision coming from the top echelons of the government, expect the Metaverse to become an even more palpable reality in the UAE sooner than later. Following Sheikh Mohammed’s lead, for example, Dubai Municipality has revealed plans to collaborate with the private sector to create One Human Reality, a futuristic, human-

July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

centered version of the city in the Metaverse. Among the business sectors that is the first to benefit from the evolution of the Metaverse is the real estate industry. A MetaMetric Solutions report estimated that real estate sales on various Metaverse platforms reached just a little over $500mn last year. With its ever-growing popularity, sales of digital properties could reach a massive $1bn by the end of this year, the report further revealed. Another first-to-the-Metaverse market pioneer is the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, which hosted the world’s first ever economic summit, Investopia Global Investment Summit, in the Metaverse. A Dubai-based restaurant recently launched a Metaverse operation, where customers can place their orders virtually, complete their transaction with digital payments, and enjoy their meal right in the comfort of their homes. A local fashion brand likewise expanded its operations into the Metaverse to sell luxurious power suits for women and will accept cryptocurrencies as payments. Global tech and consulting firm Gartner identifies the Metaverse as among the top emerging technology trends in 2022 that will have a significant impact on how we do business, or live our lives, in the years ahead. It will spur global spending on Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), technologies closely linked to the Metaverse, to about $73bn in 2024, up from just $12bn two years ago. What makes the Metaverse a compelling proposition is that it helps create a reality that is experiential, a digital version that allows anyone to own virtual assets like land or a piece of clothing, or experience digital realities, such as the UAE wedding that took place in the Metaverse. As with any new technology, there are concerns over the security of the Metaverse reality and possible intrusions into the privacy of not just businesses but of people as well. However, given that it is powered by blockchain technology, the platform offers a measure of security to some degree. Certainly, with the proliferation of sub-technologies that will exist in the Metaverse, it could open a floodgate of vital security and data privacy concerns. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable, and can be resolved as the Metaverse unfolds. Ali Sajwani is General Manager – Operations at DAMAC and CEO of D-Labs.

MADHAV DHAR ZĀZEN PROPERTIES

Shifting Buyers’ Behaviour Shapes Rising Demand

hile rental rates are rising across the country, real estate demand continues to boom. A major shift in buying behaviour has come through as a result of the pandemic that has extended into the first quarter of the year and a greater preference is placed on completed residential units, rather than on off-plan units. This is reflected in the sales seen through the first quarter of the year as the Dubai Land Department says that 70% of all transactions were finished units. 2022 has seen more end users continue to buy across the city due to low mortgage rates as these buyers are looking for larger living spaces in low density communities. The average sales price has increased 11% in the first quarter of 2022, in comparison with the same period last year (2021), mainly due to premium villa sales. Ready apartment buildings with larger

Thanks to the leadership of Dubai, the city has become a true global destination, a business hub and a secure home base”

COMMENT

spaces and a strong community offering also performed well as stock of ready villas depleted. Apartments currently account for the majority of total completions in the first quarter of 2022, as the supply of new villas are limited due to lack of stock and pipeline. Villa stock in prime Dubai areas is limited and 2022 will see only a 3.6% of planned deliveries in prime submarkets, keeping prices at the higher end. Over 10,000 new townhouses and villas have been launched in May 2022 by large developers but handover for these developments is not expected until between the end of 2024 and 2025. Of the villas being developed, 30% of them are in luxury communities that have golf courses, like Dubai South, Dubai Hills and Arabian Ranches III and only 5% are being developed in other market locations, which will help prices in those areas stay strong. The high supply of villas and townhouses in the coming years will result in a drop in prices below the USD$1.36 million. As per the Dubai Statistics Centre, the population in Dubai was just over 3.5 million people as of April 2022, with a target of 5.8 million people by 2040, and the city is ready for it. Whether it is apartments or villas, the city is bustling with constant new developments and is ready for the growing population. A very large number of new apartment buildings, villas and townhouses are being developed throughout the year and in the coming years and are all aligned with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s 2040 Urban Master Plan in mind, with the aim of transforming the emirate, and making it more sustainable and interconnected for an overall safer and more efficient way of living for everyone.” Thanks to the leadership of Dubai, the city has become a true global destination, a business hub and a secure home base. People around the world now realize that if and when a new pandemic hits, or if there is economic or political turmoil, Dubai is the best city to be in as we have witnessed over the last couple of years. Additionally, the recent updates to the UAE Golden Visa regulation is just another great initiative that will spur investment into real estate even more, especially with the flexibility that these new rules have to offer, providing residents with a strong reason to invest in the country long term and allowing non-residents to make UAE their second home. Madhav Dhar is Co-Founder and COO of ZāZEN Properties.

ZOLTAN RENDES SUNMONEY SOLAR

Importance of a BottomUp Approach in the Current Climate Crisis

e hear or read about climate change every day, as our planet is melting at the poles and drying out in the middle as a direct consequence of our actions. Even so, a good number of people think climate change is a hoax, and an even bigger number of people believe it has or will have no impact on their lives. However, climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time. The scientific community has really been unequivocal in its assessment that human activity is the primary driver of climate change and that the consequences of inaction are dire. Unfortunately, however, the response to this crisis has been lukewarm at best. Many still view climate change as a distant problem that does not require immediate action. Others see it as an insurmountable challenge and have given up hope altogether. What we desperately require is a radical shift in our perception of climate change – from viewing it as a problem waiting to be solved to an opportunity to be seized. A bottom-up approach to combating climate change can be very effective, and this is because people are far more likely to take action if they feel personally invested in the outcome. People need to be motivated to act in their best interests. For example, when individuals come together to install solar panels, they not only lower the cost of going solar – they also

increase public awareness, create a sense of community ownership, and benefit greatly. At SunMoney, we run the largest global community solar power programme. It empowers small and individual investors to invest in small affordable portions of solar power plants, through which they can earn monthly returns while helping fund clean energy generation on a larger scale. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution, the leadership of countries will continue to do their bit, but that doesn’t mean that each and every one of us can’t do our part. We all have a role to play in combatting climate change. The way we live, what we consume, and the way we treat the planet all contribute to climate change. And if we want to stop it, or at least slow it down, we need to alter the way we live and our mindset, most importantly. Many people see this as a sacrifice. They see it as giving up their lifestyle or their comforts in order to save the planet. What if we saw it as a chance to make a difference and an opportunity to build a better future? There are measures that help curb or control climate change, and the same can be made profitable as well. So, there is a business case for climate action. This kind of thinking can turn the battle against climate change into an opportunity by incentivising the community to be more involved through everyday activities. But this movement has to come from the bottom up. Only then can it scale up to have the kind of impact we need to make a difference on a global level. It’s also crucial to remember that climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s an economic one as well. The costs of inaction are harmfully high and will only continue to rise as the effects of climate change become more severe. On the other hand, the benefits of taking action are significant. If the larger population were to take proactive action on climate change, the global economy could begin to see visible improvements in the years to come. This is a huge opportunity that we cannot afford to miss. We cannot afford to just wait for someone else to solve the problem when there is no one else but ourselves. We are not fighting the climate; we are fighting a greater enemy, ourselves. Change starts with us, within our homes and communities. Zoltan Rendes is Partner and CMO at SunMoney Solar. MEConstructionNews.com | July 2022

PROGRESS REPORT

Final update

Etihad Rail signs $326.7m agreement for manufacture and supply of passenger trains

Announcement comes as Chairman inspects progress of works on final package of Stage Two of UAE National Rail Network

tihad Rail has announced the signing of an agreement for the manufacturing and supplying of passenger trains valued at USD$326.7 million, while also confirming the progress of works on the final package of Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network. The announcement came following an inspection tour by HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, who visited the final package of Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network, July 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com

which extends for 145 kilometres from Sharjah to Fujairah Port and Ras Al Khaimah, to review the progress of rail construction works in these emirates. Accompanied by HE Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, HH witnessed the signing of an agreement between Etihad Rail and Spain’s CAF Company – a world leader in the railway sector, for designing, manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining passenger trains for the Etihad Rail project valued at $326.7 million. The agreement serves as a major step forward in the development of the UAE’s passenger transport services, in line with company’s commitment to completing the national and strategic project on schedule, and according to the best criteria and practices. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, chief executive officer of Etihad Rail, and Josu Imaz, chief executive officer Rolling Stock of CAF, in the presence of His Excellency Iñigo de Palacio, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, and officials from both sides.

Tunnel work Tracklaying works are taking place across the tunnels in the Al Hajar mountains of Fujairah Emirate.

400

Each train will have a seating capacity of over 400 passengers

The agreement was signed in Sakamkam area, where the first passenger train station will be built in the heart of Fujairah city. Under the terms of the agreement, CAF will design, manufacture, supply, and provide maintenance for passenger trains as per the European standards. Each train will have a seating capacity of more than 400 passengers, and will run up to 200 km/h. The trains, which will offer a variety of seating segments, will serve as a major addition to the public transport system in the UAE. During the visit, which started in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah and concluded in Sakamkam, His Highness inspected key landmarks on the project’s route in the final package of Stage Two of the network; starting with the rail bridge in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah, followed by a stop in Al Bithnah area in Fujairah to visit Al Bithnah bridge, then HH headed to visit a number of tunnels where he witnessed tracklaying works taking place across the tunnels in the Al Hajar Mountains of Fujairah.

CMY

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