Engineering Contracting Company Successful Practices

Engineering Contracting Company (ECC)became the first construction firm in the MENA region to be awarded ISO 18404 certification

Anew added value was added to the record of the Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) as it culminated its journey as a pioneer in the field of contracting via the establishment of the flexible construction system that it started in 2018. The company has been approved by the British Standards Organisation (BSI) and the International Organisation for Standards (ISO), as the first contracting company in the Middle East and North Africa that fulfills the requirements and standards required by ISO 18404, related to the requirements for the implementation of flexible systems in the facilities and the personnel supervising the organisation of the systems.

The company established a unique system in 2018, which sought to improve work practices and positively impact the company. These principles contributed to identifying and reducing waste factors, thus enhancing value for the customer. A flexible structure like this is usually adopted by manufacturing companies.

ECC succeeded in adopting these principles as one of its construction practices and was proactive in using them within this field.

As a result, the company recently celebrated obtaining the ISO 18404 certification, making it the first contracting company to be granted this certificate in the Arab region, the Middle East, and North Africa. Accordingly, a ceremony was held on 15 February, in the company’s central headquarters. It was attended by many personalities in the field of engineering and contracting, as well as representatives from BSI. In the group, Engineer Samer Abu Daqqa, in turn, gave a presentation wherein he talked about all the steps and procedures that he followed with his team, the challenges he faced, and the mechanism of overcoming them by following a systematic and elaborate plan, which resulted in the company obtaining this distinction and appreciation from ISO. The ceremony concluded with the handing over of certificates and photography of the attendees.

01

Doosan Bobcat provides $1m worth of equipment to earthquake-hit areas of Turkey

Doosan Bobcat has said it will provide construction equipment for relief and recovery activities in the earthquake-stricken areas of Turkey.

The company said that US $1mn worth of equipment would be promptly delivered through its dealer network, so as to be of practical help in lifesaving activities in affected areas, and to help restore critical infrastructure such as collapsed buildings and roads, as well as to help clear rubble from collapsed buildings and structures.

02

Masdar opens office in Baku, Azerbaijan

Masdar has opened an office in Baku, Azerbaijan. The move supports the development of the country’s renewable energy sector and Masdar will work closely with the government and other stakeholders.

Azerbaijan plans to increase its installed power capacity to 30% from renewable sources by 2030, to diversify its economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government has also targeted the development of renewable energy sources as a strategic priority as it looks to establish Azerbaijan as a green energy producer and exporter.

Atkins awarded 5-year contract for PM services on The Line

Atkins has been appointed as a delivery partner organisation for The Line at NEOM in Saudi Arabia. The consultancy has been awarded a five-year contract, under a framework agreement, for consultancy services on the linear development.

Atkins will provide project and construction management consultancy services for the design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of the project, together with the management of the critical interfaces that the linear city shares with adjacent NEOM projects and logistics.

Dubai Future Foundation and MIT launch Middle East’s first-ever Senseable City Lab

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has signed an agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to launch the region’s first-ever Senseable City Lab, a global MIT initiative that researches and tests pilot projects for planning urbanisation and the rapid growth of cities.

Senseable City Lab conducts interdisciplinary research in Singapore, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Lagos, and now Dubai.

DGDA achieves 30 million hours accidentfree milestone

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has achieved a major health and safety milestone, clocking more than 30m man-hours of accident-free working, across a 19,181-strong workforce.

During that timeframe, the DGDA team said it also used more than 1,200 pieces of heavy equipment at its project site.

The milestone reflects the commitment to providing a safe working environment and validates the implementation of the OHS department’s comprehensive measures to mitigate risks, ensuring the well-being of people in the workplace.

Arada successfully closes $50m second tap of $450m sukuk

Sharjah-based developer Arada has successfully closed a US$50 million second tap of its existing $450 million sukuk, which was issued last June and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The five-year tap is the UAE developer’s third approach to the capital markets in the last nine months and the investor re-offer yield was posted at 8.488%. \

Mashreq acted as sole manager and bookrunner for the second tap.

Arada’s second tap follows a first tap executed in October 2022 for US$100 million

Aldar and Dubai Holding form JV to develop Dubai projects

Aldar Properties has signed an agreement with Dubai Holding to set up a joint venture (JV) entity for developing new living experiences across prime locations in Dubai. The firms said that the agreement, which marks Aldar’s entry into the Dubai real estate market, is part of the developer’s broader expansion strategy into new markets.

The JV will develop new communities in three locations across a total area of 38.2m sqft. These communities will be located in the suburban areas of Dubai, along the E311 and E611 corridors.

Raja Alameddine appointed as CEO of MENA region for Colliers

Raja Alameddine has been appointed Chief Executive Officer in the MENA region for Colliers, the firm has announced. The firm said it partnered with physical asset management company Eltizam Group in early 2022, and now sits within the iREC Holdings division, which is part of the Eltizam Group.

Alameddine has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and is an expert in various asset classes, including master-planned cities and large-scale mixed-use communities.

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JLL appoints Larry Baker lead data centre business in MENA

JLL has appointed Larry Baker as the Director of Data Centre Solutions, Project & Development Services Middle East & Africa. He will lead and develop JLL’s data centre projects across the region from Dubai.

Baker’s appointment will help JLL address the upsurge in demand for specialist data centre projects and development services in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), while aligning with its global data centre client’s local requirements.

He has more than 30 years of experience delivering data centre and missioncritical facilities around the globe.