BPME SPEAKS TO CHANDRA DAKE ABOUT REGIONAL WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES, THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF COP28 ON WATER AGENDAS AND SUSTAINABLE NATURE- AND TECH-BASED WATER SECURITY SOLUTIONS
The KEZAD Group and SWS Holding have agreed to collaborate on polished water processing and distribution in Abu Dhabi
12 The Big Picture
A wrap-up of the biggest international construction news stories for the month
CBRE’s Taimur Khan says that strong levels of demand across sectors continue to underpin the UAE’s real estate market
18 Analysis
A Procore report has revealed that the GCC construction industry has the highest level of confidence in the EMEA region
Jason Saundalkar speaks to Chandra Dake about regional water security challenges, the potential impact of COP28 on water sustainability and game-changing nature- and tech-based solutions
Ritz-Carlton Residences
Big Project ME speaks to Khamas Hospitality’s Pawan Kachro about the firm’s new luxury residential project, the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Dubai
36 Comment
Ducab Group CEO Mohammad Almutawa says to incentivise change, businesses need policy support to see their products preferentially priced
38 Comment
James Baker, CEO at Graphene@Manchester says that Graphene disruption opens doors to a sustainable future for concrete
40
Arada has completed 585 homes within The Boulevard which is part of the Sharjah-based developer’s larger Aljada mega-community
It’s been a brilliant journey so far working on Big Project Middle East (BPME), with perhaps my proudest achievement to date being the incredibly well received second edition of the Energy & Sustainability Summit.
With 31 speakers and over 215 in attendance, the day was awash with thought provoking discussions, interesting data and the odd contradiction. I, for one, was pleased to hear about the attention, knowledge and resources being brought to bear on decarbonisation across sectors and staving off catastrophic climate change.
You could argue that it’s a case of too little too late - and there’s certainly been enough warnings about how close we are to the point of no return - but I think it’s worth celebrating the achievements and progress made thus far.
While I’m fully aware there’s a long road ahead for us as species, the impressive levels of collaboration between groups including government, owners, operators, academia, specialists, consultants, contractors and suppliers, gives me hope for the future.
As a matter of fact, in the run up to the event, it became obvious people across the
aforementioned groups are passionate about driving sustainable change, and are eager to collaborate for the good of the planet. From a personal standpoint, when I did run into the odd roadblock with sourcing speakers or with regards to wrapping my head around a particular topic, it was great to experience how eager people were to get involved and pass on contacts or knowledge. If the level of willingness and collaboration that I experienced while organising this event is the same around the world, then – at the risk of jinxing matters – I’m confident we will solve the decarbonisation and sustainability puzzles with time to spare. After all, in the past when the world has had to come together around a climate-related issue, we’ve managed incredible results. Just a couple of decades ago, acid rain and the hole in the ozone layer were serious worries and today, we’re well on our way to successfully putting both issues to bed. Going forward, BPME will continue to shine a light on these and other issues. In fact, I’ve just expanded the agenda for our inaugural Future of Water Summit, and look forward to bringing together thought leaders on a new date on the 6th of September. Until then, stay safe and do get in touch if you’d like to get involved.
Jason Saundalkar HEAD OF CONTENT
jason.s@cpitrademedia.com MEConstructionNews
of 12 t, together with a powerful 66 m boom. That reduces
BPME SPEAKS TO CHANDRA DAKE ABOUT REGIONAL WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES, THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF COP28 ON WATER AGENDAS AND SUSTAINABLE NATURE- AND TECH-BASED WATER SECURITY SOLUTIONS
ON THE COVER
Big Project ME discusses the future of water with Chandra Dake
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CONSTRUCTION
Global construction machinery to achieve CAGR of 9% in 2023
ANALYSIS: Saudi real estate is experiencing a dynamic expansion
CONSTRUCTION
CSCEC rated as world’s ‘most valuable’ construction brand
PROPERTY
Prestige One Developments launches new projects
INTERVIEW: Broadening business horizons
CONSTRUCTION
Hyatt signs MoU for KSA beach and mountain resorts
EXPERTS: Green hydrogen – Six core considerations to keep your project on track
INFRASTRUCTURE
Kuwait’s MEWRE awards
Mitsubishi Power optimisation contract for key facility
Are Architects becoming replaceable? The growth of Smart, AI-led software is putting design in everyone’s hands.
ENERGY
Hatta hydroelectric plant
70% complete says DSCE
The facility valued at US $387m is said to be on track for completion in Q4 2024
CONSTRUCTION
Development of $523mn third phase of Al Falah housing project commences
The Al Falah project was first launched in 2012 and has already provided citizens with 4,857 homes
PROPERTY
Azizi appoints Peri for its Beachfront 1 project Beachfront 1 comprises three 14-storey developments totalling 439-units
INFRASTRUCTURE
Our port is now open for business, says NEOM
FINANCE
Dubai retains number one position for attracting FDI
INFRASTRUCTURE
KEZAD Group and SWS to develop pilot polished water plant project
CONSTRUCTION
GCC Construction industry has highest level of confidence in EMEA
‘How We Build Now’ benchmark report by construction management software provider Procore Technologies, Inc.
ENERGY
Dubai biogas-to-energy project now completed
High-tech new initiative at Warsan can generate 44,250 MWh of electricity per year
CONSTRUCTION
Restoration of Deira Clocktower roundabout has begun
Aframework agreement has been signed between Khalifa Economic Zones Abu DhabiKEZAD Group and Sustainable Water Solutions Holding Company (SWS). As per the terms of the deal, the firms will cooperate on the development and operation of a pilot polished water plant, as well as polished water distribution to industries in KEZAD Musaffah. The partnership between the two entities aims to enhance the circular economy and sustainable water solutions in line with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, a statement from KEZAD Group said. SWS specialises in transforming water and recycled water into a valuable resource that contributes to
the economy and improves quality of life. The local portfolio of SWS Holding includes Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions (ADSWS), which is said to be the sole entity behind all wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse in the emirate. With over 1,341,000m3 collected daily through an extensive 12,000km network supported by over 200 pumping stations and 42 treatment plants, the company says that it works towards reducing the pressure on natural water resources and promotes sustainability and value creation.
The signing ceremony between the two entities took place at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi, where the agreement was signed by Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO of SWS Holding and Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed,
CEO of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, in the presence of a number of senior management members from both parties.
“While adhering to our commitment to sustainability, KEZAD Group is always looking for opportunities to improve the resources available to its clients. The Polished Water Plant is a sustainable solution that will deliver a significant amount of usable water to clients daily, adding great value to the existing industrial sector, and supporting the vision of our wise leadership in providing environmentfriendly solutions for industry. Such measures are necessary as we look for ways to support the viability of industry, while aligning with our government’s vision for economic diversification,” said Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group.
A number of industrial clients within KEZAD Musaffah would greatly benefit from the availability of polished water. By filtering and treating the Treated Sewerage Effluent (TSE), it will remove additional impurities and contaminants, generating non-potable water, suitable for industrial use, the statement added.
The firm noted, that the polishing plant offers industries cost-effective access to premium recycled water, reducing reliance on potable water
sources. As an increasingly sustainable water management solution, it helps lower the carbon footprint of many industrial sectors and promotes environmental consciousness. This initiative will preserve potable water for the burgeoning UAE population and propel the nation towards its sustainability objectives.
Commenting on the agreement, Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO of SWS Holding, said, “The partnership between KEZAD and SWS leverages our combined potential to advance the UAE’s sustainability ambitions, particularly through the development and operation of the stateof-the-art TSE Polishing plant. Together,
Collaboration
The partnership between the two entities aims to enhance the circular economy and sustainable water solutions in line with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.
we will pioneer innovative, low-carbon water solutions that promote water circularity and optimise operations. Our commitment to supporting customers and partners enables us to create value for communities, protect our invaluable ecosystems, and contribute to the UAE's 2030 Green Agenda.”
Masters of water SWS and ADSWS is said to be the sole entity behind all wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse in Abu Dhabi. Its facilities include 12,000km of network, 200 pumping stations and 42 treatment plants.
SWS Holding jointly with KEZAD Group will supervise the development and operations of the polishing plant, which will be capable of treating a 20,000m3 influent daily. Through the partnership, the parties will conduct a series of feasibility studies and technical site visits to enable manufacturing industries to access cost-effective recycled water, the statement concluded.
The Polished Water Plant is a sustainable solution that will deliver a significant amount of usable water, adding great value to the existing industrial sector, and supporting the vision of our wise leadership in providing environment-friendly solutions for industry”
MIDDLE EAST
With this strategy, the RTA aims to contribute to mitigating climate change and minimise its carbon footprint across three areas: public transportation, buildings and related facilities, and waste management.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out its ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy, which makes it the first Middle Eastern agency to develop a longterm strategy for migrating towards Net Zero emission public transport by 2050.
The new strategy is said to be aligned with the UAE’s preparations for COP28 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, and is a part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to advance sustainability maturity levels in roads and transportation and achieve global leadership in sustainable mobility. It seeks to bolster the flexibility of public transport infrastructure and its impact on climate change in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, transitioning from pledges to tangible achievements.
Consistent with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate the emirate’s status as one of the
world’s top urban economies, the RTA’s new strategy aims to achieve multiple objectives over the coming years. The primary objectives include the decarbonisation of all taxis, limousines, and public buses, designing buildings with near-zero energy consumption, sourcing energy from renewable sources, and eliminating municipal waste by sending zero waste to landfills.
The strategy will result in reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10m tonnes and realising financial savings worth US $900mn in comparison to current operations.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA said, “The new strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to sustainability within RTA. Its primary objective is to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time,
The RTA has unveiled its longterm strategy to transition to Net Zero emissions public transport by 2050
10M
The strategy will result in reducing emissions by 10m tonnes and realising financial savings worth US $900mn
it contributes to realising the RTA’s mission of achieving global leadership in smooth and sustainable mobility, through innovative roads and transport services that elevate the customer experience to world-class standards.”
“The new strategy encompasses ten initiatives, covering various RTA sectors and agencies, in addition to partnerships with the private sector that contribute to implementing the strategy over five years. The strategy will review, adjust and align future goals with changing circumstances.”
“Under the theme ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’, the strategy is aligned with the UAE’s commitments to environmental and sustainability goals at global, national and local levels such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is also consistent with national strategies such as the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, The UAE’s Green Agenda –2030, National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2050 and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050,” he elaborated.
“The strategy is also linked to local initiatives, such as Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030, the Clean Energy Strategy 2050, Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy
2030, the waste management plan in Dubai, Dubai Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and other relevant strategies, agreements and initiatives,” Al Tayer continued.
The RTA’s Board of Executive Directors reflected on various aspects, opportunities, and challenges associated with the new strategy and its implementation. These include the costs of novel green technologies, the distribution of targets and their review over time, the importance of
Comprehensive goals
The primary objectives include the decarbonisation of all taxis, limousines, and public buses, designing buildings with near-zero energy consumption, sourcing energy from renewable sources, and more.
the availability of energy technology providers, particularly for electric buses and hydrogen fuel production stations, and other factors that contribute to the execution of the new strategy.
Commenting on the unveiling of the strategy, Serco Middle East’s Operations Director for Transport Samantha Rowles remarked, “This news is a major step forward for sustainability in the UAE. Dubai’s RTA has taken a bold and ambitious step to mitigate climate change and minimise its carbon footprint across public transportation, buildings and related facilities and waste management. As the first Middle Eastern agency to highlight its long-term strategy, this will provide a catalyst for others to follow suit, and its efforts to operate with a purposeled vision should be applauded.”
“The steps to Net Zero public transport is a welcome move, and with that in mind, it will be important to ensure that the customer experience remains world-class. Dubai has a real opportunity to set the agenda for environmentally friendly modes of transport, and in the lead up to COP28, with all eyes of the world on the region, it will be vital to ensure that the customer experience operates to the highest level,” she concluded.
Dubai has a real opportunity to set the agenda for environmentally friendly modes of transport, and in the lead up to COP28, with all eyes of the world on the region, it will be vital to ensure that the customer experience operates to the highest level”
The Centerm Expansion Project at DP World Vancouver has been completed as per DP World. The project aims to increase throughput by 60% and position British Columbia as a leader in sustainable trade. The terminal can now handle 1.5m TEUs a year, compared to 900,000 TEUs previously, while adding 15% to the terminal’s overall footprint.
As per DP World, the project reduces the terminal’s environmental impact by adding capacity forships to connect to electrical shore power and converting its diesel yard cranes to electric ones.
Two Nemetschek Group solutions (Allplan and Solibri) have been deployed by the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) to create a digital twin of the Köhlbrand Bridge in Hamburg, Germany. The smartBRIDGE Hamburg project aims to enable more effective maintenance and operations of the bridge, and will make it possible for authorities to implement predictive maintenance.
Allplan and Solibri were used to create a detailed model of the bridge that enabled continuous real-time monitoring to identify repairs and minimise disruption to traffic, the HPA stated.
California-based start-up SpaceCrete has developed an admixture and inline-delivery system that allows 3D printing (or rapid slip forming) with standard pumpable concrete. The company is the brainchild of civil engineer and serial inventor Michael Butler.
The SpaceCrete system is said to use inline mixing to modify the pumped concrete with a special admixture called 3D-Admix.
According to Butler only 0.25% of 3D-Admix is required to transform normal concrete into SpaceCrete.
A deal to carry out research into lowercarbon construction products has been inked by Cemex France and Ecocem, a supplier of reduced-carbon cement.
From June 2023, the two firms said they will begin trials of reducedcarbon products at 10 of Cemex’s French readymix plants. The ultimate aim is to be able to offer ‘lowcarbon’ mixes throughout France and into other European markets.
Ecocem said it uses ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as a partial substitute for traditional cement.
Sweco has been appointed to carry out a feasibility study and preliminary research into a proposed network of hydrogen and CO2 pipelines in Ghent and Antwerp by energy infrastructure firm Fluxys Belgium. The feasibility study assignment covers about 70km of pipeline. Sweco’s contract is also said to includes design, environment impact assessment and safety coordination.
According to a report, as the demand for hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel increases, the ports of Ghent and Antwerp have been earmarked as important hubs for hydrogen distribution across Europe.
Developer Lamda Developments has named the main contractor for its 200m tall Riviera Tower, which is billed as Greece’s first skyscraper. A joint venture (JV) between Bouygues Batiment International and Greek contractor Intrakat has been given the nod for the project.
The JV has already provided consulting services for the project through early contractor involvement ECI and a two-stage tender process. The tower has been designed by Norman Foster and will form the centrepiece of Lamda’s Elinikon development.
Plans to build the largest bridge in Africa have been unveiled by Tanzania. The 50km structure will connect the mainland to the Zanzibar islands in a bid to boost trade and economy. The move is said to align with goals to diversify the economy of the Zanzibar islands.
Deputy Works and Transport Minister Godfrey Kasekenya said the government was talking to prospective Chinese investors about plans to finance the bridge between the coastal city of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Outside of tourism, the island’s economy is said to almost exclusively revolve around agriculture and fishing.
08
Kowepo has signed a contract with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) for a 500MW solar plant in the Manah region of the sultanate.
The project was awarded by OPWP in two separate orders – Manah 1 (500MW) and Manah 2 (500MW), and once completed, it will be the largest solar power plant in Oman.
The Manah 1 project will be developed by Kowepo and EDF-R at an investment of US $452mn, while Manah 2 will be taken care of by a consortium of Jinko Power from China and Sembcorp from Singapore.
Chinese construction giant China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) brand value was up by 16% to US $31.9bn in 2022. Thanks to this, the firm retained its position as the most valuable brand in the global engineering & construction sector, according to a new analysis by brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance.
As one of the largest construction companies in the world by overall revenue, China State Construction Engineering Corporation saw another year of brand value growth in the post-pandemic era.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
continue its performance trajectory over the course of the year. Where we are likely to see a slowdown, it will be driven by a shortage of supply, primarily in the industrial, office and prime retail sectors,” states Taimur Khan, Head of Research – MENA at CBRE.
Building on last year’s momentum, the UAE’s real estate market had a very strong start to the year, with high levels of activity being tracked in the first quarter of 2023 across several sectors.
“The UAE’s real estate market has maintained strong levels of demand during the first quarter of 2023, which has continued to underpin performance across all sectors. Whilst we do expect moderation in growth rates going forward, we anticipate that the market will
Looking at the UAE’s office sector figures, rental performance in Abu Dhabi’s occupier market continued to improve, with average Prime, Grade A and Grade B rents recording growth rates of 19.1%, 8.8%, and 10.7% respectively in the year to Q1 2023. In Dubai, the total number of new Ejari (lease) registrations in Q1 reached 22,802, up 60.5% from the previous year.
Given these elevated activity levels and limited availability of supply, occupancy within Dubai’s office market has significantly improved, from 80.6% in Q1 2022 to 91.2% in Q1 2023. These increased occupancy levels have underpinned growth in rental rates, with average Prime, Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C asking rents rising by 20.2%, 13.5%, 18.7%,
and 28.7%, respectively. Free zone areas have been the focus of occupier activity, and this will likely remain the case over the reminder of the year, particularly with the introduction of the 9.0% Federal Corporate Tax, where we expect free zones to hold certain advantages.
In the residential sector, average apartment prices in Abu Dhabi increased by 1.4% in the year to March 2023, and average villa prices increased by 1.6%. In the rental market, Abu Dhabi’s average apartment rents dropped by 0.7% over the same period, while villa rents grew by 1.1%. In terms of transaction volumes, 2,194 residential transactions have been registered in Abu Dhabi in Q1, an increase of 72.2% from the previous year.
On the supply front, in the year to date to March 2023, only 272 units were delivered, with new stock in Al Raha Beach and Shams Abu Dhabi accounting for all of this new stock. 7,306 units are anticipated to be completed over the remainder of year, with 52.2% of this upcoming supply being located in Yas Island, Al Sowwah, and Al Maryah Island.
In Dubai, average property prices increased by 12.8% in the year to March 2023, where
According to CBRE’s Taimur Khan, strong levels of demand across sectors continue to underpin the UAE’s real estate market
average apartment prices rose by 12.4% and average villa prices rose by 14.8%. While these average apartment sales rates still sit at 17.1% below the highs witnessed in late 2014, several core and prime communities have long surpassed their 2014 levels. On the other hand, average villa sales rates have already surpassed the record highs of 2014 by 0.7%.
On the back of rental rates reaching significant levels, we have started seeing a slight moderation in the rental market. Rents in Dubai’s residential market rose by 26.3% in the 12 months through March 2023, down from the 27.7% growth rate registered the previous month. Over the same period, average apartment and villa rents grew by 26.3% and 26.2%, respectively. The total
number of rental contracts registered increased by 8.9% from the year prior, reaching a total of 148,882 contracts. Nonetheless, elevated rental rates have significantly impacted demand.
In the first quarter of 2023 and compared to the same period last year, the number of new registrations dropped by 12.6%, whereas renewals grew by 29.7%, highlighting the fact that tenants are less willing to move, particularly when considering the potential higher rents when relocating. In terms of transaction volumes, a total of 29,332 residential transactions have been recorded in Dubai in the first quarter. This is the highest total ever registered during the first quarter of the year and a year-on-year to Q1 2023 growth of 52.4%.
In terms of supply, 9,833 new units are estimated to have been delivered in Dubai in the first quarter of 2023, with 56.2% of this supply located in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Business Bay. A further 55,261 units are under construction and expected to be handed over by year-end, although materialisation rates are expected to be lower. Of this new stock, 36.9% is scheduled to be delivered in Meydan One, District Seven, and Business Bay.
Looking at the hospitality sector, the total number of international visitors to Dubai totaled 4.7m in the year to date to March 2023, up 17.6% from a year earlier. However, notwithstanding
this considerable growth, this headline figure remains 1.7% below the same period in 2019.
Despite the average occupancy rate marginally increasing by 0.6 percentage points, year-on-year, in the year to date to March 2023, ADRs have registered a drop of 2.2% and average RevPARs decreased by 1.5%. Notwithstanding this softening of KPIs, the UAE’s average ADRs during the same period stood at 17.6% above the 2019 pre-pandemic levels. This has been supported by higher ADRs in Sharjah, Dubai, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, which have registered growth rates of 23.0%, 17.0%, 12.6%, and 9.4%, respectively.
In terms of occupancy, the majority of cities are still marginally below their respective 2019 levels. Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are the only two locations to have registered increases, with their occupancy rates increasing by 5.9 percentage points and 2.6 percentage points, respectively. According to recent data published by STR Global in March 2023, there are 119,505 keys in the pipeline within the MENA region, down by 5.8% from a year earlier. The UAE accounts for a significant proportion of this pipeline, with a total of 22,324 keys planned, the second highest after Saudi Arabia.
In the retail sector, leasing activity remained relatively solid. In Abu Dhabi, 8,028 rental
contracts have been registered as of Q1 2023, marking a year-on-year growth of 6.5%. The development of entertainment and experienceled offerings, such as those on Yas Island and Saadiyat Grove, are complementing core offerings in existing locations near Downtown Abu Dhabi. More so, over the quarter we have seen rising activity levels from new market entrants as well as existing occupiers expanding their footprint.
In Dubai, the total number of retail registrations has dropped by 0.9% in the year to Q1 2023, reaching a total of 23,094 registrations. Demand in Dubai’s retail market continues to largely stem from the food & beverage industry, particularly licensed operators. The market in Dubai remains very much landlordfavoured, with landlords being more stringent on incentives and biased towards concepts willing to commit to longer lease terms. In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, core and prime locations are still the primary areas that occupiers are focusing on, however, the scarcity of quality stock remains the main challenge being faced.
In the 12 months to March 2023, average retail rents in Dubai have grown by 41.1%, reaching an average of $121.7 per sqft. This growth has been supported by increasing rental rates in regional and super-regional stock. In Abu Dhabi, rents
have registered a year-on-year to Q1 2023 growth of 5.6% to reach an average of $510.6 per sqm.
The UAE’s industrial and logistics sector continued to showcase strong leasing activity as well, specifically in the automotive, e-commerce, consumer goods, manufacturing, and the SME sectors.
In Q1 2023, the total number of rental registrations in Abu Dhabi has increased by 8.5%, while in Dubai, it grew by 4.7% yearon-year. The lack of new development over recent years, paired with the elevated levels of demand from both new and existing market players, has led to a scarcity of quality stock in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. As a result, we saw average rents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai grow by 5.9% and 16.2%, respectively, in the year to the first quarter of 2023.
Moving forward and given the prevailing market conditions, particularly the lack of supply and substantial levels of demand, additional increases in rental rates are expected. More so, despite this sector having considerable development prospects, the main challenge continues to be the lack of infrastructure to carry out such projects, with appropriate power infrastructure availability being particularly acute.
Whilst we do expect moderation in growth rates going forward, we anticipate that the market will continue its performance trajectory over the course of the year. Where we are likely to see a slowdown, it will be driven by a shortage of supply”
On April 25, ZWorld Dubai UAE 2023 was successfully held at the esteemed Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. The event aimed to strengthen the relationship between ZWSOFT and its UAE partners and provide valuable insights into ZWSOFT’s strategies for the Middle East and African region. Additionally, the ZWSOFT team unveiled the highly-anticipated ZWCAD 2024.
The event featured inspiring speeches by the ZWSOFT team, including Vice President: Kingdom Lin, International Business Director: Owen Ou, Regional Director: Johnson He, Country Manager: Vivek Kaushik. They highlighted ZWSOFT’s unwavering commitment to the UAE market and outlined the company’s ambitious growth plans in the region.
One of the most anticipated moments was the exclusive product demo of the ZWCAD 2024 by Karan Singh, Technical Manager. ZWCAD is a powerful and cost-effective CAD software that empowers professionals from the ‘architecture engineering & construction’ industries. The demo showcased the exciting new features and enhancements in ZWCAD 2024 version, with which architects, drafters and engineers can streamline their workflow and enjoy smooth designing experience while reducing costs.
ZWCAD 2024 introduces abundant new features and
improvements that enhance productivity and efficiency for designers. Notably, with Flexiblock the users can apply rules to a ‘Block’ to configure properties to change the appearance of the block reference. FlexiBlock allows users to define custom ‘Parameters’ and ‘Actions’ to manage ‘Block’ efficiently and speed up the designing workflow.
The newly-added ‘Point Cloud Attach’ feature enables users to attach, and manage point cloud data with ease, enhancing design accuracy in industries like surveying and mapping.
The ‘Area Table’ function can perform area calculations on the selected object area to generate an area table.
Furthermore, ZWCAD 2024 sets new performance standards with Multithreading optimisation, hardware acceleration, and incremental saving, delivering faster file operations and an
unmatched CAD experience.
Another highlight of the event was the ZWSOFT Middle East & Africa Partner Awards 2022 Ceremony, where ZWSOFT recognised the outstanding achievements of its partners in the UAE over the past year. This celebration of success acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by ZWSOFT’s partners in driving growth and delivering exceptional service to customers in the region.
“We are delighted by the resounding success of ZWorld Dubai UAE 2023, which has greatly strengthened our partnership with UAE partners,” said Kingdom Lin, Vice President at ZWSOFT. “ZWCAD 2024 is a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of professionals in various industries, empowering them to achieve remarkable results.”
By continuously innovating and delivering cutting-edge products
like ZWCAD and ZW3D, ZWSOFT aims to empower designers and engineers, maximising work efficiency and unleashing their creativity. ZWSOFT remains dedicated to working closely with partners to better serve customers in the Middle East and African region with advanced CAD/CAE/CAM solutions.
Since 1998, ZWSOFT CO., LTD. (Guangzhou) has been providing CAD/CAE/CAM solutions for designers and engineers worldwide. With over 1.4 million customers from more than 90 countries across various industries, ZWSOFT has been established as one of the leading providers of design solutions. Its main objective is to provide reliable All-in-One CAx solutions at an affordable price that allows users to streamline complex workflows.
MIDDLE EAST
Despite economic headwinds plaguing the global construction industry, the UAE and Saudi Arabia appear to challenge the status quo. The vast majority (93%) of construction decision makers in the two countries are confident about the market conditions over the next 12 months. Nearly nine out of 10 (88%) of these professionals also expect the number and value of projects completed by their companies to increase over this period.
The findings are part of the new ‘How We Build Now’ benchmark report commissioned by construction management software provider Procore Technologies. Surveying 201 decisionmakers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the research examined the sentiment of the industry, its level of digital maturity and the challenges
and opportunities facing firms as they seek to drive sustainability, productivity, profit, and performance.
Embodying the region’s characteristic tenacity, rather than caving into economic and industry volatility, the large majority (80%) of construction decision makers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia say these pressures have instead prompted an increase in their digital transformation investment over the past three to six months, with over a quarter (26%) saying it has driven a significant increase.
Moreover, in the UAE, this increase appears to follow considerable investments that have already been made in technology solutions, as a high of 20% of respondents in the country (this is actually more than double when compared to Germany
A Procore report has revealed that the GCC construction industry has the highest level of confidence in the EMEA region
and France) described themselves as digital-first businesses.
A motivation for this digitalisation could be the benefits it brings to preconstruction. Regional respondents gave ‘Implementing best practice process and protocol in pre-construction’ as the most popular choice to improve productivity and profitability within their business. Technologies, particularly construction management platforms, play a major role in making this a reality – helping unify teams, reduce project risks, drive visibility and increase the chances of predictable outcomes. This is evidenced in such platforms being a key technology that 34% of UAE and Saudi construction companies plan to deploy in the next 12 months.
Although good progress has been made by many businesses towards digital transformation, there is still some way to go before all construction businesses
in the region enjoy the benefits of full digitalisation that fully integrated, onesource-of-truth construction platforms offer. As noted above, over four in 10 (43%) are only now starting out on the journey. For regional comparison, 40% of firms in UAE are just starting out; in Saudi Arabia the figure is 47%.
The goal of digital transformation is clearly fixed in the sights of construction business leaders who are already using next-generation technologies like internet of things (47%), artificial intelligence and machine learning (43%) and drones (40%) to transform their operations. That level of technology investment is set to accelerate further with businesses in the region planning to introduce extended reality (56%), next generation BIM (50%), robotics (48%) and 3D printing (45%) in the next 12 months.
Unsurprisingly, the potential for cost savings is another driver of digital transformation in the sector, as the perennial proliferation of rework continues to derail the industry’s path to profit. Respondents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia revealed that, on average, a quarter of a typical project’s time was spent on rework or rectifying issues. This challenge could be balanced out by investing in solutions that enable construction firms to capture, integrate, and standardise data more efficiently, which respondents stated would potentially enable them to save over a quarter (26%) of their organisation’s total spend on projects.
“Despite the existing macroeconomic challenges and obstacles, there is a clear regional resilience and the availability of work is not a concern in this regard. Instead, construction companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are focused on the crucial objective of maximising profitability and ensuring timely project completion,” said Mohamed Swidan, Head of the Middle East & North Africa at Procore.
“By enhancing visibility into project parameters for all stakeholders, and improving decision making, construction management platforms are emerging as a key enabler of this objective. It’s clear that regional organisations recognise this, as approximately a third (34%) of Middle East construction firms are planning to introduce
construction management platforms in the next 12 months,” he added.
Following the success of COP27 in Egypt last year, and with the upcoming edition of the conference set to take place in the UAE in the last quarter of 2023, sustainability has been a key theme for regional governments and businesses. This is perhaps why Procore’s report found the UAE and Saudi Arabia to be the most globally aware of the challenges pertaining to sustainability, with 91% of regional respondents saying decarbonisation of construction projects will be an important challenge within the next three years. However, firms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not only recognising the challenge – they are also rising to address it. At present, 43% already follow the ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System standard, and a further 45% intend to become compliant within the next 12 months.
“The construction industry understands the vital role of data in enhancing decision-making, visibility, security, and client satisfaction, as well as promoting sustainability. The continued investments in digital transformation not only enhance the industry’s efficiency and financial performance in the present, but also equip it with the capability to adapt to unforeseen challenges and meet future expectations,” concluded Swidan.
93% of construction decision makers are confident about the market conditions over the next 12 monthsDigital driver The large majority of construction decision makers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia say that market pressures have prompted an increase in their digital transformation investments.
JASON SAUNDALKAR SPEAKS TO DAKE RECHSAND CEO, CHANDRA DAKE , ABOUT REGIONAL WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES, THE IMPACT OF COP28 ON WATER SUSTAINABILITY AND GAME-CHANGING NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
arlier in the year, at the 2023 United Nations Water Conference, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, discussed the UAE’s comprehensive and actionorientated approach towards water sustainability and its impact on the country’s security and economywide roadmap to achieve Net Zero emissions. She also confirmed that the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which is scheduled to take place in Dubai later in the year, will place water security and sustainability front and centre on the global climate action agenda.
“We look forward to harnessing the positive momentum generated by the Water Action Decade, the UN 2023 Water Conference, and the Water Action Agenda when we welcome the world for COP28 in November,” she noted.
The focus on water sustainability and security is crucial as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the most water-scare regions in the
world. A report published by the World Economic Forum in early 2023, said the following of the region: ‘For years, the water crisis has exacerbated conflict and political tensions. Moreover, the issue continues to significantly impact the health and wellbeing of people in the area, especially women and children. In fact, according to UNICEF, nearly 90% of children in the region live in areas of high or extremely high water stress.’
The upshot is the region’s governments are committed to addressing this critical challenge, with some already acting vigorously on their respective water-focused
strategies to drive positive, sustainability-focused change.
Participation from the private sector on this issue is also growing and here, Big Project ME caught up with Chandra Dake, CEO of Dake Rechsand, who describes himself as an advocate of innovation and sustainability, with a focus on food security and water conservation.
As a company, Dake Rechsand is focused on sustainable technologies and nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration. The firm is said to have a VERRA-listed program and sets high standards for climate action and sustainable development. In recent years, it has developed several innovative solutions for water conservation and sustainable farming. In 2022, the firm launched a carbon sequestration program of 11m trees in the GCC region, which is listed on VERRA.
Discussing COP28 and the potential impact it may have on government policies in relation to construction practices and the usage/re-use of water in the region and beyond, Dake says, “COP28’s focus on water security is likely to influence global policies significantly. It’s anticipated to drive governments to reconsider their approach to construction practices by incorporating sustainability as a core principle. This implies fostering
The emphasis on water security at such a highprofile event could also stimulate advancements in technology and innovation, leading to the development of new solutions for water conservation and management”
buildings and cities that are not only energy-efficient but also water-efficient.”
“The conference is expected to propel the concept of water reuse into the policy mainstream, encouraging practices like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. The emphasis on water security at such a high-profile event could also stimulate advancements in technology and innovation, leading to the development of new solutions for water conservation and management.”
Pressed for his thoughts on what he’d personally like to see come out of the global conference in terms of water security, he notes, “I’d like to see COP28 catalyse global commitment to holistic water management strategies. I hope it encourages policies favouring urban planning designs like Sponge Cities, which prioritise water conservation, efficient use, and reuse. Additionally, I’d like to see more funding for technological innovation in water security including water harvesting, recycling, and purification systems.”
“Finally, I believe the conference should emphasise educating the
As the region seeks to address food security, authorities are investing into irrigation systems to create green circular fields in the desert.
11M
public about the importance of water security in the context of climate change, as informed communities are key to implementing and supporting these initiatives,” he continues.
The MENA region’s water-related challenges are the result of multiple drivers, some natural but many created by humans. The latter, while unfortunate, also means that definitive action could have a positive impact. Sharing his thoughts on the challenges GCC governments and municipalities are grappling with, Dake notes, there are several issues including:
• Water scarcity: The GCC region, being predominantly arid, suffers from a chronic lack of freshwater sources. Water demand is high due to the rapid population growth, urbanisation and industrialisation
• Over-reliance on desalination and technological solutions: To overcome water scarcity, the GCC heavily relies on desalination and novel technologies like cloud
seeding. While effective, these methods are energy-intensive, pose environmental challenges (such as brine disposal), and can lead to unintended consequences like excessive rainfall and flooding
• Water consumption: The percapita water consumption in the GCC is one of the highest globally, driven by lifestyle practices and the need for excessive agricultural irrigation due to the arid climate
• Climate change and technological interventions: Rising temperatures increase water demand and exacerbate evaporation rates, reducing available water supplies. Additionally, climate change, coupled with cloud seeding, is leading to unpredictable weather patterns and an increased risk of flash floods
• Infrastructure: Many areas lack the necessary infrastructure to adequately manage and distribute water resources, leading to inefficiencies and water losses
• The driving force behind these challenges is a combination of natural
In 2022, the firm launched a carbon sequestration program of 11m trees in the GCC region
conditions (aridity, climate change), socio-economic factors (rapid population growth, urbanisation), technological interventions, and policy issues (inefficient water management and use practices)
Asked about the current solutions regional governments and municipalities have unveiled to meet the aforementioned challenges, Dake outlines:
• Cloud seeding: Governments have used cloud seeding to increase rainfall. While this has resulted in increased water supplies, it has also caused unexpected excessive rainfall and flooding, disrupting public life
• Water recycling: Some GCC countries have begun implementing water recycling for agricultural and landscaping use. This is a promising initiative but needs to be scaled up to make a significant impact
• Infrastructure improvements: Governments are investing in infrastructure to improve
water distribution and storage, including dams to control floods. However, rapid urbanisation often outpaces these improvements
• Sponge Cities: Some cities are experimenting with Sponge City concepts, integrating green spaces that can absorb, store, and purify rainwater. While still in its early stages in the GCC, this could be a highly effective solution He elaborates, “While these solutions have been partially successful, there needs to be a more integrated, sustainable approach towards water management that takes into account both water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, including excessive rainfall and flooding. This should involve reducing reliance on energy-intensive processes, expanding water recycling, and incorporating innovative urban planning concepts like Sponge cities.”
In recent times, several new concepts
and innovations have been unveiled, which have the potential to be a significant game-changer that supports governments and municipalities in responding to water-related challenges, while simultaneously enabling authorities to maintain their commitments to Net Zero goals.
Commenting on the Sponge City concept, Dake explains, “There are several promising innovations on the horizon, one of which we are particularly excited about: The concept of Sponge Cities. These cities are designed to naturally absorb, clean, and use rainfall in an efficient and sustainable manner, much like a sponge. This is achieved through the use of permeable surfaces and green infrastructure, which reduce runoff, increase water retention, and allow for natural filtration and groundwater recharge.”
“Our proprietary Breathable Sand technology is a crucial part of this solution. It facilitates the creation of large permeable surfaces that can
COP28’s focus on water security is likely to influence global policies significantly. It’s anticipated to drive governments to reconsider their approach to construction practices by incorporating sustainability as a core principle”Current approaches To overcome water scarcity, GCC countries rely on desalination and cloud seeding technology, which create other challenges.
90% Nearly 90% of children in the MENA region live in areas of high or extremely high water stress
absorb water quickly and efficiently, reducing flooding and allowing for the efficient use and reuse of water. This approach not only addresses the challenges of water scarcity and flood management but also aligns with sustainability and Net Zero goals. It reduces reliance on energy-intensive water management solutions, promotes biodiversity, improves air quality, and contributes to carbon sequestration through increased green spaces.”
He adds, “Furthermore, Sponge Cities contribute to the circular economy, another key aspect of sustainability and Net Zero goals, by reusing rainwater and reducing the demand for freshwater resources. So, innovations like Sponge Cities, powered by advanced technologies can significantly support governments and municipalities in their quest to address water-related challenges.”
Elaborating on the Sponge Cities concept further, Dake says, “This is a forward-thinking solution to urban planning and stormwater management that tackles the challenges posed by urbanisation and climate change. The aim is to create a sustainable urban water management system that reduces runoff, improves water quality, and increases green spaces, promoting a resilient and liveable environment. By utilising technology such as permeable roads and pavements, Honeycomb water storage, rain gardens, and groundwater recharging, Sponge Cities implement integrated stormwater management to mimic the natural water cycle.”
“The use of grey infrastructure in stormwater management is also crucial for a comprehensive and integrated solution to complex challenges and preparing for climate change. Sponge Cities alleviate flooding, water resources shortage, and stormwater pollution, enhancing the ecological environment, biodiversity, and the urban living experience.”
Nature-based solutions such as Sponge Cities are increasingly being looked at with regards to solving existing challenges, whilst enabling authorities to achieve their sustainable goals. Asked for his take on the importance of these solutions, Dake says that
nature-based solutions are actually pivotal for sustainable development.
In response to why these solutions have yet to see wide scale adoption, he points out, “The adoption of these solutions in the GCC faces hurdles such as a lack of awareness and coordinated action. Increased education, public-private partnerships, and streamlined policies can enhance the acceptance and implementation of nature-based solutions.”
Greywater reuse can alleviate some of the pressure on a city’s water sources, however this concept seems to have limited rollout within the region thus far.
Pressed for his thoughts on the reason behind this, Dake responds, “Limited traction of greywater reuse in the region primarily stems from a lack of awareness and misconceptions surrounding its safety and utility. There’s a prevalent phobia concerning the use of recycled water, inhibiting wider adoption.”
He continues, “With proper treatment, greywater can be effectively used for urban greening and reducing carbon-intensive watering practices. To achieve this objective, concerted efforts towards public education and dispelling myths are needed. Additionally, the implementation of clear, stringent regulations around greywater treatment and use can foster public trust and encourage wider adoption.”
Dake reckons COP28 has the potential to significantly elevate awareness of water-related challenges and potential solutions, and is keen to find out what the global conference brings.
He concludes, “We eagerly anticipate COP28 for critical dialogue on global climate actions. We believe that collaborative discussions and knowledge sharing are integral to advancing sustainable solutions. As a firm, Dake Rechsand is committed to actively participating and fostering discussions around innovative approaches such as Sponge Cities. We’re excited to share our expertise and engage in meaningful conversations to collectively address the pressing challenges of water scarcity and climate change.”
BIG PROJECT ME TALKS TO PAWAN KACHRO, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KHAMAS HOSPITALITY ABOUT WHAT SETS THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES IN BUSINESS BAY APART FROM THE OTHER LUXURY DEVELOPMENTS DECORATING DUBAI’S ICONIC SKYLINE, THE CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY, AND WHY HUMAN RESOURCES ARE VITAL TO COMBINING LUXURY AND SUSTAINABILITY
ubai’s position as a global luxury hub has been reinforced in recent years, as the ‘city of gold’ continues to attract affluent travellers, shoppers, and investors. The remarkable growth of the luxury segment can be especially felt within the real estate sector, which has seen unparalleled progression.
One of the companies to capitalise on previous and current growth trends in Dubai is the Khamas Group, which today has over 120 ventures under its umbrella in the UAE alone. Over the years, the firm has grown into other territories and countries, and has made a name for itself in the real estate development, contracting and construction, hotel and hospitality, FMCG, manufacturing, franchising and education sectors.
Sharing his observations on Dubai’s attractiveness as a city to live and/or visit, Pawan Kachro, Managing Director of Khamas Hospitality says, “First and foremost, Dubai is a destination that attracts high-net-worth individuals from around the world. These individuals
seek out top-notch experiences that include personalised service, exclusive amenities, and unique offerings.”
Recently, Dubai has witnessed a significant increase in the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) who have become critical drivers of the luxury segment in the last 12 months alone. They seek exclusive and personalised luxury experiences, including high-end fashion, real estate, gourmet dining, and bespoke services.
Project delivery
Secondly, Kachro says, Dubai has established itself as a business and leisure travel hub, further fuelling demand for luxury hospitality. The emirate’s booming tourism sector has been instrumental in the growth of its luxury segment, with the city having invested in world-class infrastructure and iconic landmarks. According to the 2023 edition of The Wealth Report from global property consultancy Knight Frank, Dubai leads for the second year running of the 100 prime markets tracked in their Prime International Residential Index (PIRI 100), cementing its status as a second home hub for global UHNWIs, assisted by numerous visa initiatives.
Responding to these trends, Kachro says Khamas Hospitality has been increasingly focusing on staying ahead of the curve by continuously innovating and delivering exceptional experiences in the form of high-quality properties that offer personalised services. The latest product of this innovative approach is the The Ritz-Carlton Residences Dubai in Business Bay.
Nestled in the Business Bay district, Kachro describes the collection of 73 furnished apartments and penthouses as “a testament to modern cosmopolitan living”.
He notes, “As you step into The Ritz-Carlton Residences, you’ll be captivated by the seamless blend of form and function, creating spaces that exude comfort and luxury. Each residence has been thoughtfully designed to optimise space utilisation, boasting clean, modernist aesthetics infused with elegant design cues. This allows the buyer to infuse their personal touch, making it a true reflection of their unique style.”
The layout for the project, as explained by Kachro, features a variety of generously proportioned accommodations, including 13 one-bedroom residences, 26 twobedroom residences, 24 three-bedroom residences, two grand three-bedroom penthouses, and a four-bedroom villa.
“Each unit has been meticulously crafted to embody a passion for quality and a sophisticated approach to modern living, promising an unparalleled
experience for the owner and esteemed future residents,” adds Kachro.
Scheduled for completion and handover in the second quarter of 2025, the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Dubai is in the midst of its sales phase. Kachro says the overwhelming interest generated among prospective buyers is a testament to the allure of these residences, and people are excited to take this journey that is shaping the future of luxury living.
“Each residence at The RitzCarlton Residences, Dubai, Business Bay allows people to embrace a lifestyle that epitomises exclusivity and elegance,” he further reiterates.
In the sea of luxury developments that comprise the city’s skyline, Kachro underlines that several features will
Full serviced
The project is the only standalone RitzCarlton Residences in the city that will offer its residents all the benefits of luxury apartment living and hotel services.
set The Ritz-Carlton Residences project stand apart from other hospitality projects in Dubai.
“First and foremost, it is the only standalone Ritz-Carlton Residences property in the city that offers a fully serviced residence experience. This means that residents can enjoy all the benefits of living in a luxury apartment, while also having access to world-class hotel services and amenities,” he explains.
The location at the heart of Business Bay, one of the city’s most sought-after locations, is another critical aspect that makes the property stand out, Kachro states. “This gives our residents easy access to Dubai’s key business, leisure, and cultural destinations.” He says the property features a stunning design, luxurious amenities, and personalised services, all of which combine to deliver an exceptional living experience.
73 Total number of apartments and penthouses
Each residence has been thoughtfully designed to optimise space utilisation, boasting clean, modernist aesthetics infused with elegant design cues. This allows the buyer to infuse their personal touch, making it a true reflection of their unique style”
For Kachro, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Dubai project represents the epitome of opulence, where affordability takes a back seat to unparalleled luxury.
He comments, “Our unwavering commitment lies in providing extraordinary experiences to our esteemed guests and to providing worldclass luxury hospitality experiences in Dubai. We have dedicated substantial resources to craft a property that embodies the pinnacle of design, an extensive array of amenities, and tailor-made service. Our aim is always to deliver exceptional value to our buyers, while ensuring that we remain competitive in the marketplace.”
Altogether, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Business Bay is a development by Kappa Acca Real Estate, a subsidiary
Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2025
of the Khamas Group. The Khamas Group also collaborated with Marriott International to ensure the development stands among the most prestigious in the country. Knight Frank, an independent real estate consultancy in Dubai, represents Khamas Group in the venture.
The journey towards the unapologetic level of opulence the project offers was not without complications. Developing the project posed several challenges, Kachro shares, which the project stakeholders aimed to overcome collectively.
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the property met the brand’s exacting standards, while also considering the local market’s unique needs and preferences.
“We overcame this challenge by working closely with The Ritz-Carlton team to ensure that every aspect
of the property was designed to deliver the brand’s signature luxury experience, while also catering to the needs and preferences of our guests in Dubai,” he points out.
Another challenge was navigating the complex regulatory environment in Dubai, Kachro says, adding that they worked closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the project fully complies with all regulations and requirements.
For Kachro, the customer is at the heart of everything his firm does. “Our top priority is delivering on our clients’ unique desires for luxury, amenities, and services. We meticulously cater to the needs and preferences of our discerning buyers, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to maintain our leading edge. Our collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton brand ensures
that our projects consistently meet the brand’s stringent standards of excellence and give residents the highest standard of living,” he highlights.
Khamas continuously strives to elevate the living experience at its projects in Dubai, says Kachro. “Our commitment to innovation drives us to explore new avenues and invest in cutting-edge technologies and amenities. By doing so, we guarantee that our esteemed guests have access to the finest and most advanced luxuries in the realm of hospitality.”
Kachro points out that sustainability is critical to their operations and that they take the environmental impact very seriously.
“We have implemented several measures to minimise our environmental impact, including using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, water-saving technologies, and waste reduction programs.” Additionally, he says they are continuously exploring new ways to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainability in their ongoing projects.
The company’s intention to combine the elements of luxury, innovation and sustainability is commendable, and for Kachro, human resources
on the ground are the key to its successful long-term execution.
“Attracting and retaining top talent is a key priority for us. We do this by offering competitive compensation, opportunities for growth, and a positive work environment that values diversity and inclusion,” he outlines. Kachro says the firm also provides extensive health and wellness programs and opportunities for community involvement as a means of investing in staff well-being.
For Kachro, staying updated on the latest trends and technologies in the hospitality industry is critical to his firm’s success. One way the firm aims to achieve its goal is by encouraging its staff to attend and participate in industry conferences, conducting market research, and working closely with its partners and suppliers to identify emerging trends and technologies.
“We also invest in our R&D initiatives to develop new products and services that meet the evolving needs of our guests and residents,” he states.
With the launch of The RitzCarlton Residences Dubai in Business Bay underway, Kachro says Khamas is now looking forward to strategically expanding its footprint in Dubai and other GCC markets by procuring and developing properties that cater to the ever-increasing demand for luxury hospitality.
“Our future endeavours revolve around identifying and capitalising on fresh prospects and forging partnerships that allow us to broaden our portfolio. Through this growth, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing extraordinary experiences that surpass the expectations of our cherished guests,” he concludes.
It is the only standalone RitzCarlton Residences property in the city that offers a fully serviced residence experience. This means that residents can enjoy all the benefits of living in a luxury apartment while also having access to world-class hotel services and amenities”
The second edition of Big Project ME’s Energy & Sustainability
Summit saw attendance by 214 delegates comprising government, developers, operators, consultants, contractors, industry bodies and suppliers. The summit was held at the Habtoor Grand Resort in JBR, Dubai on 23 May, and has already been green lit to return in 2024.
The event featured a keynote on achieving Net Zero delivered
by Majd Fayyad from the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, four panel discussions, one fireside chat, and two presentations.
Speakers included officials from government & municipality, developers, operators, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
The Road to COP28 panel discussion was moderated by AECOM’s Farah Nah, while panelists comprised Abdullatif Albitawi (Emirates Green Building Council); Anita Nouri (Green Energy Solutions &
Sustainability); Dr. Pablo Izquierdo (Ras Al Khaimah Municipality); Shaun Pearce (KEO International); and Professor Tadhg O’Donovan (Heriot-Watt University Dubai).
The second panel, The Future of Energy in the GCC, was moderated by Ahmed Al Najjar from the Al Ain Distribution Company and featured speakers such as Anton Shipulin (Nozomi Networks); David Haboubi (Atkins); Omnia Halawani (Griffin Project Development
Consultants); Jesús Sancho (ACCIONA); Kirsten O’Connell (Allen & Overy LLP) and Riad Bestani (ECOSquare).
The third panel discussion of the day, Net Zero Buildings of the Future, was led by JLL’s Louise Collins and featured several speakers including Dr. Ali Amiri (Egis); Dr. Paravasthu Ramaswamy Jagannathan (Sobha Realty); Hassan Ali Younes (Griffin Project Development Consultants); Karie Akeelah (Towers & Hamlins); Mayuko Totsuka (Atkins), and
Mohammed Hazem Soudan (Jacobs). The fourth panel centered on Smart & Sustainable Mobility was moderated by Roger Cruickshank (Atkins), with speakers including Dr. Fan Zhu (Bayant); Engi Jaber (Climatize Engineering Consultants); Hala Omar (Dar Al Handasah); Hamid Iravani (Parsons) and Vinay Premachandran (Powertech Mobility).
Other sessions included a fireside chat focused on a contractor’s perspective on sustainable development; the session was moderated by Big Project ME’s Jason Saundalkar with Abdul Kader Traboulsi, General Manager of Desert Board and Area Manager of ECC Group sharing his thoughts
on sustainable development and 3D printing technology.
Cristina Niculescu from Thinkproject also shared a thought-provoking presentation titled ‘Digital technologies to accelerate the deployment of clean energy solutions, towards a Net Zero future’, while a presentation titled ‘Beyond targets for meaningful decarbonsation’ was given by Mott MacDonald’s Lisa Terry.
The 2023 edition of the E&S Summit was supported by several companies including: Gold Sponsors: Atkins, KEO International Consultants; Silver Sponsors: ACCIONA, AECOM, ECC; Bronze Sponsors: AESG and Thinkproject; Supporting Partners: Climatize, Egis
Group, JLL, Mott Macdonald and Knowledge Partner: Heriot Watt University.
“The second edition of the Energy & Sustainability Summit was larger than its predecessor in terms of overall scope and attendance. With 31 high-profile speakers from government, developers, legal, consultants, contractors, technology companies and other suppliers, it’s obvious that the topics of energy and sustainability are front of mind. We look forward to building on the momentum of this conference with Big Project ME during the year, and look forward to the third edition in 2024,” concluded Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.
With 31 highprofile speakers from government, developers, legal, consultants, contractors, technology companies and other suppliers, it’s obvious that the topics of energy and sustainability are front of mind”
Looking at the various 2050 pledges and given the timescale to complete these, means change is needed now. Sustainability and decarbonisation are affecting markets today and the impacts will only become more serious. The need to address climate change, and limit its physical effects, is driving growing pressure to decarbonise and enable a sustainable economy.
Policies to achieve this will have an increasingly important impact on businesses, markets and economies. Delays in decarbonising cause a costly transition down the road, or a failed transition, where physical climate change risks result in existential risks to civilisation. Governments, producers, traders, consumers and financial players will need to factor the increasing impacts of climate change into their investment decisions and business planning.
At the moment, there is a strong demand to report requirements, particularly from supply chain partners, financials or other stakeholders wanting
to know a supplier’s carbon footprint that can then be compared with its peers. However, much of this work today is simply reporting on ‘business as usual’ conditions and many companies have not started on the changes needed to achieve decarbonisation targets. As reporting requirements are reinforced to include short-, medium- and long-term targets and milestones, they will become more difficult and complicated, but the need for real action will also become evident.
A closer look at government pledges, or Scope 3 targets from downstream sectors show many promises for largescale emission reductions as early as 2030 that will depend on major changes across the commodities sector. The mix of increased transparency through reporting and near-term publicly stated targets will drive shifts in foundational industries.
Some commodities, such as copper, lithium or nickel, will see increased demand as we move to a mineralsintensive energy system. But this will create challenges in how commodity demand can be met in a sustainable way.
To incentivise change, businesses need policy support to see their product preferentially priced says Ducab Group CEO
Mohammad Almutawa
To achieve climate pledges, some commodity value chains will need to see extensive decarbonisation in their production processes. This means huge investments are needed in research and development; companies need to start planning for this now. Organisations throughout the supply chain will have to start showing that they are delivering on their decarbonisation commitments.
Current global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are over 50Gt of CO2e (n.b. includes CO2, CH4, N2O etc., normalised to CO2 equivalents) and the accumulation of these gases in the atmosphere is causing global temperatures to rise. But there is a maximum amount of CO2 that we can put into the atmosphere (i.e. the ‘carbon budget’) and significant reductions in emissions are needed by 2030 to avoid the terrible consequences of climate change.
Due to the carbon budget, the more we emit today, the more rapid action will be needed in the future. However, there is a huge gap between what governments have pledged in their National Determined Contribution’s (NDCs) and the scope of emissions cuts needed to realise the 1.5°C or 2°C ambition and emissions continue to rise.
Basic changes to the supply side of various commodity value chains, particularly aluminium, and steel, will be extremely challenging. These commodities are ‘hard-to-abate’ for different reasons but largely it is because there is no ‘slot in’ technology available to decarbonise them. In these sectors, change cannot just rely on electrification, they need a complete transformation of the production process. However, the technologies needed do not exist at scale today, are unproven or are expensive.
Primary aluminium production is relatively a smaller industry, with production of 69Mt in 2022. The challenge in this value chain is mainly about access to energy both in terms of quantity and cost. Globally, an average of ~14 MWh of electricity is used to produce one tonne of primary aluminium and there are considerable emissions associated with this process. Global average emissions on a Scope 1 and Scope 2 basis are 10.7tCO2e/t of primary aluminium, or about five times the average emissions intensity of steel. The power needed to produce aluminium comes from a range of sources including renewables, nuclear, natural gas and coal and, compared to blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace carbon crude steel production, there is a wide emissions range, from 2–20 tCO2e/t of primary aluminium. Approximately 2tCO2e comes from the production and consumption of anodes; therefore, even moving entirely to renewable power does not eliminate emissions and, like the steel sector, some major process changes will be needed. Key technologies to achieve deep
decarbonisation, such as inert anodes, remain in the pilot stage and carbon capture and storage (CCS) will be challenging to apply to aluminium and expensive.
The size of the incoming change is massive. Many factors, such as material availability and cost need to be addressed. When looking at renewables, the cost of storage and grid strengthening needs to be considered as a minimum, which lifts real world costs significantly. At the same time, fossil fuels have negative externalities that are largely un-costed and also receive subsidies. Within this landscape, renewable energy can generally compete with fossil fuels, but only once a realistic explicit, or implicit, carbon cost is applied to recognise these factors; carbon pricing is needed to drive widespread decarbonisation. For aluminium and other hardto-abate sectors, because of these cost influences, it is hard for a single company to individually make a switch to a low-emission process. They would be at a cost disadvantage. Thus, to incentivise change, businesses need policy support from carbon pricing, subsidy or mandates or to see their product preferentially priced. But this is not easy or cheap.
MIDDLE EAST
atching concrete dry may not be the most exciting pastime - unless it’s Graphene enhanced. Graphene – first isolated by researchers at The University of Manchester in 2004 - is the world’s first breakthrough 2D material. Its pioneering role has given Graphene iconic status
and sparked a revolution in materials science with applications from water filtration and energy storage to transport and construction – including concrete.
Graphene is helping us reimagine cement. Very soon, you will be able to choose your preferred colour, texture and features. But more importantly and even beyond the aesthetics and functionality, it’s the growing global sustainability agenda that is creating renewed interest in the potential for Graphene-enhanced concrete.
WThe prize is clear. The construction industry is facing numerous challenges in the face of Net Zero targets, and one potential route to successful evolution is through the widespread adoption of advanced materials. The cement industry has one of the highest carbon footprints of any industrial sector, producing between 8-10% of global CO2 emissions. We are
working on ways to mitigate the impact of the industry by using Graphene to substantially reduce the amount of cement, concrete and steel required in building projects – and find marketviable solutions to sustainability across the whole lifecycle of buildings and the built environment, from construction phase to operation and end-of-life.
From lab experiments to large-scale site trials, we have found our Graphene admixtures can deliver improvements in compressive, tensile and flexural strength in concrete, accelerated curing time, crack reduction and reduced water and salt permeation. Work is now ongoing towards verification and certification of Graphene-enhanced concrete to enable roll-out across the construction industry.
This follows breakthrough research by Manchester engineers who added
10% The cement industry has one of the highest carbon footprints, producing between 8-10% of global CO2 emissions
tiny amounts of Graphene to concrete (‘Concretene’). It has been demonstrated at commercial scale with our GEIC industry partners, Nationwide Engineering, that this allows for reduction of up to 30% of material from a build project without impacting on its strength or integrity. This means Concretene is not only much greener but also potentially cheaper to use.
As we now move into real-world commercialisation of Graphene, we can see the increasing industry ‘pull’ for Graphene innovation, driven by sustainability, rather than the traditional technology ‘push’ of past advanced materials innovation.
Manchester is the home of Graphene and the University is supporting research, innovation and commercialisation through Graphene@Manchester, adopting open innovation and supporting a growing ecosystem of startup companies at our accelerator hub - Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) which is based in The Masdar Building in Manchester.
This open ecosystem is essential as there are no single Graphene solutions for the problems we are addressing – there are various types of ‘Graphenes’ and 2D materials that are best suited for many and different purposes and of course with concrete, there are also many variables from local water to local climate. There is still some significant “know-how” needed to get the right formulation.
We are still at the early stages of this work with concrete but we are now accelerating into Graphene enhanced applications, including in the UAE.
Today, we are looking at Graphene enhanced polymer composite concrete (zero cement and water) with another GEIC partner, Graphene Innovations Manchester (GIM), as sustainability drives new momentum for concrete innovation, especially in the UAE.
It may not be suitable yet for highrise buildings but for road building and civil infrastructure, it has huge potential – and uses recycled plastic waste, adding another benefit of a reduction and re-use of waste materials, a growing problem in UAE and around the world.
GIM was founded by Manchester University graduate, Dr. Vivek Koncherry, who recently signed an MoU with
Quazar Investment Company to create a new company in the UAE. This will be one of the most ambitious projects to date to commercialise graphene as it fast-tracks cutting-edge R&D into large-scale manufacture – an investment vision worth a total of $1bn. This new venture will develop and produce premium, environmentallyfriendly products using advanced 2D materials, including Grapheneenhanced concrete that does not need cement or water and can be made using recycled materials. I believe this is a seminal moment for the commercialisation of Graphene as it demonstrates huge confidence in the
The group is working on ways to mitigate the impact of the industry by using Graphene to substantially reduce the amount of cement, concrete and steel required in building projects.
potential for this advanced material to lead our transition to Net Zero.
The GIM approach promises value creation and more – a smart and functional cement in different colours, textures and features, in which sensors and membranes could also be embedded – a convergence of the physical and digital aligned with the UAE’s smart city ambitions.
Of course, the construction sector will rightly ask about design codes, how a new material will be certified and its performance after 20 years. While we may not have all the data or engineering experience yet, GIM is prepared to take risks in small scale projects and is generating good results and data, and gaining a lot of confidence. I can see parallels with the adoption of carbon fibre, which is now almost ubiquitous.
The UAE is emerging as the world’s innovation lab and test bench, and we love the ambition. Abu Dhabi plays an important role within the Graphene ecosystem in which Masdar and the Khalifa University of Science and Technology are partnering with Graphene@Manchester on research and commercialisation.
Our experience is that the GEIC is a catalyst for innovation and our Manchester innovation model helps scale this and nurtures a rapid ‘make or break’ approach to testing applications. Graphene is a great fit with the UAE’s vision and has the resources and talent required - the country aims to create the future as we can see clearly, in this Year of Sustainability.
Arada has announced that it has completed 585 homes within The Boulevard, which is billed as an upscale residential complex at its Sharjah megacommunity Aljada
The nine-storey blocks are located next to Aljada’s main East Boulevard avenue – a tree-lined street boasts shops, restaurants and cafes. The Boulevard comprises three apartment blocks
that offer a range of amenities and are surrounded by green landscaping. Homes include one-, two- and threebedroom apartments, which are targeted at singles, young couples and families. All apartments at The Boulevard are said to offer smart home technology as standard, while the complex also includes a health club and a shared swimming pool, as well as a number of cafes and retail outlets at ground-floor level.
“We are pleased to announce the timely completion of The Boulevard residential complex, which occupies an exceptional location within the Aljada master community. These new buildings offer residents a modern urban lifestyle within a lively area serviced with premium facilities and plenty of green landscaping. The completion of The Boulevard brings the number of new homes completed at Aljada to over 6,300. As we move closer to completing
6,300 The Boulevard brings the number of new homes completed at Aljada to over 6,300
Aljada’s third residential phase, we look forward to welcoming thousands of new residents to this exceptional destination this year,” said Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada.
The Boulevard is located between the SABIS International School –Aljada (SIS-Aljada), which is fully completed, and the Naseej District, a new creative neighbourhood for Sharjah, which contains a cultural centre and makers’ district. It lies on the East Boulevard avenue in the same residential phase as East Village, which features 2,000 units within 16 apartment blocks. Arada announced the completion of 1,621 apartments in East Village in April 2023.
Also located within walking distance from The Boulevard complex is the Madar entertainment district and Arada CBD, a modern business district that will serve as the Emirate’s new commercial hub, the firm noted.
