Big Project ME January 2019

Publication licensed by Dubai Production City

154

JANUARY 2019 meconstructionnews.com

THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTION

“We’ve got an unWavering commitment to dubai.

We’ve got a longterm vieW about development here” Rahail aslam, ceo of select Group, talks about taking on tough maRket conditions and using them to his advantage

Structural design is the art of making buildings stand as efficiently and as simply as possible.

I believe that the fundamental question in structural engineering is not, “can we build this?” but rather, “how can we best build it?” Good structural design relies on structural models and physical principles to develop an intuitive design that ensures safety, respects the architect’s vision, and can be efficiently constructed.

Hiba Jaber

Lead Structural Engineer

© 2018 LACASA Architects & Engineering Consultants All Rights Reserved

I’m Hiba Jaber and I am a

Lead StructuraL engineer

www.lacasa.com www.lacasa.ae

Contents

Issue 154 January 2019 07

18

26

36

53

62

14 Smart Cities 2.0

40

04 MEConstructionNews.com OnlIne

The biggest stories from Big Project Middle East’s home on the web

analysIs

Angitha Pradeep looks at how city information modelling will be the next step for smart cities

cOMMenT

A moral and legal obligation

Tatjana Stepanova outlines why organisations need to start taking worker welfare seriously

07 Sharjah allocates 2019 budget 18 Rahail Aslam

42 Middle East Electricity 2019

10 Eagle Hills enters Ethiopia

44 Top Tenders

The bIg pIcTure

Sharjah allocates 23% of $7bn budget for 2019 to infrastructure development projects InTernaTIOnal news

Abu Dhabi property developer enters the Ethiopian market with La Gare in Addis Ababa

In prOfIle

Big Project ME catches up with the CEO of Select Group to hear about how the developer is building on its successes in 2018

26 Capital Development sITe VIsIT

Big Project ME visits S&T Real Estate’s The Waterfront project in Muscat, Oman

12 KSA office market review - 2018 34 Preserving history MarkeT repOrT

TechnOlOgy

Knight Frank report examines the 2018 performance of key cities in the Kingdom’s office real estate market

Mohammad Saleh reveals how technology was used to save a historic city in KSA

shOw preVIew

Big Project ME previews the 2019 edition of Middle East Electricity Tenders

Big Project ME lists the Middle East’s biggest construction tenders for January 2019

48 Green and Innovative Technology in Construction lasT wOrd

Ujjwal Goel outlines the need for the construction industry to go green January 2019 1

Introduction

New Beginnings

H

ello and welcome to 2019! The year just past certainly flew by. It seems like we barely had a chance to catch our breath at the start of 2018 before we were plunged straight into the mix, with high-profile projects from around the region being completed, new ones being announced, and major contracts being awarded.

While it did seem like it would be business as usual for the year, once the industry settled into its natural rhythms it quickly became apparent that there were several challenges facing the construction industry all around the region.

Chief among these were the lack of liquidity in the market and the issues around delayed payments.

As we being 2019, these remain the two primary concerns for the construction industry, but what has changed is the market’s response to them. Within the industry, there seems to be an acknowledgement that the old ways of doing business just won’t work anymore. To that end, we’re seeing contractors beginning to embrace construction technologies that will improve efficiencies and reduce time lost, while developers are more actively involved in their projects, often working directly with the contractor to ensure that they get the best value for their money.

These are massive steps forward, as developing a culture of collaboration and communication between industry stakeholders will surely lead to fewer disputes, delays and budget overruns. It’s a promising trend, and I hope it’s one that will continue.

2 January 2019

GROUP MANAGING DIRectOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 eDItORIAL DIRectOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 eDItORIAL eDItOR GAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5480 SUB eDItOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVeRtISING cOMMeRcIAL DIRectOR JUDE SLANN jude.slann@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5714 DeSIGN ARt DIRectOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DeSIGNeR PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY

Closer to home, we at CPI Trade Media’s Construction division have got plenty planned for the months ahead. We’re currently looking at launching two new events – one centred around the retail and hospitality development sector as well as, most excitingly, a fully-fledged summit around last year’s tremendously successful Women in Construction initiative.

Of course, we’re going to be back with our latest editions of the BIM and Value Engineering Summits, which I’m sure will continue to receive the strong support they’ve received over the last few years.

On that note, I’d like to sign off by wishing all of our readers a happy and prosperous new year. Good luck in 2019!

percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOtOGRAPHY MAkSYM PORIECHkIN MARKetING MARKetING MANAGeR SHEENA SAPSfORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 cIRcULAtION & PRODUctION PRODUctION MANAGeR VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DIStRIBUtION MANAGeR PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WeB DeVeLOPMeNt MOHAMMAD AWAIS SADIq SIDDIqUI FOUNDeR DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINteD BY RASHID PRINTING PRESS LLC PUBLISHeD BY

Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing fZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE

Gavin Davids editor gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com @MecN_Gavin

www.cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2019 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

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The Big Picture

Comfortable lifestyle The goal of the 2019 budget is to ensure all of Sharjah’s residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, says Waleed Al Sayegh, director general of Sharjah Central Finance Department.

Sharjah’s 2019 budget allocates 23% of $7bn to infrastructure-focused projects Budget by Sharjah ruler sees 10% year-on-year growth compared to 2018 Sharjah’s 2019 budget of $7bn was recently announced, after approval by HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The budget shows 10% y-o-y growth compared to 2018, with the bulk of it allotted to salaries. 23% focuses on the development and improvement of Sharjah’s infrastructure, with 41% committed to the economic development sector.

Another 22% each is dedicated to capital projects and social development. Social support and assistance account for 11%, with 600 citizen jobs presumed to be created during the period.

The budget estimates that Sharjah government revenues will grow by 20% in 2019.

Waleed Al Sayegh, directorgeneral of Sharjah Central Finance Department (SCFD), said: “The budget of 2019 is based on an objective comprehension of the directives of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah and it is a strategic tool that translates the vision and strategy of the government.”

He also said that while focusing on the growth and modernisation of the emirate, this process involves medium-term spending and linking the budget to the economic and social indicators laid out by Dr Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi.

“With the 2019 budget, our goal is for all of Sharjah’s residents to enjoy a comfortable life,” Al Sayegh added.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of SCFD, added:

10% Sharjah’s y-o-y growth

23% Focused on infrastructure development

$7bn

Sharjah’s 2019 budget

“The budget indicators are all in line with international standards from inflation and sector expenditure, as well as other economic indicators. We have also developed a more strategic expenditure framework within governmental departments.

“The 2019 budget will ensure that the emirate of Sharjah continues to grow and develop for it to become a major player on the world economic map. It will also ensure the financial stability of the emirate while taking into account the business costs for both local and international investors.”

In line with the UAE 2021 vision, the 2019 budget also aims to encourage citizens to “strengthen their role in the sustainable building and development of the emirate”.

January 2019 7

The Big Picture

Promoting future relations and inbound tourism The Japanese pavilion at Expo 2020 will serve as a launchpad to develop and promote future relations and inbound tourism to Japan.

Japan unveils Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion

Pavilion will be an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) has unveiled the design for its country’s pavilion for the Expo 2020 Dubai.

It is reported to be a “detailed and dynamic space with reverence to Arabic design and culture”, as well as symbolising “the connection of the Middle East with Japan’s history”. Meanwhile, its geometry and design will showcase a façade encompassing Arabesque and Japanese Asanoha patterns.

The pavilion is themed ‘The Crosspoint for the Future’ and will have a presentation of water, wind, shadow and light, along with Japanese environmental aesthetics, to give visitors an experience of resolutions that can be achieved by harmony between people, ideas and technology, the official statement said.

During the launch event, Tomiyasu Nakamura,

commissioner general of the Japanese Section, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “By encouraging and inspiring the next generation to take initiative in the development of future solutions, the Japan pavilion will exist as a centripetal force to connect and communicate the vision of our potential in leading a future society based on the spirit, techniques, culture and elements unique to Japan. We are delighted with the concept and design of the Japanese pavilion and are certain it will add value to the prestige and legacy that global expos represent.”

Tetsuya Azuma, vicecommissioner general of Japanese Section, Expo 2020 Dubai, commented: “As the first international registered exhibition to be held in the Middle East and Africa region, Expo 2020 Dubai represents enormous opportunity

for global exhibitors like Japan to showcase our social, cultural and economic initiatives to the global community. The unveiling of Japan’s Expo 2020 stand will help to leverage the pavilion’s unique presence as a launchpad to develop and promote future relations and inbound tourism.”

The statement also said that under the concept of ‘Join’, visitors of all types can experience Japanese hospitality and gather under one roof to unite in the spirit of Omotenashi. Tourists at the pavilion will have the opportunity to experience Japanese traditions, culture and art through a sensory experience using the latest technologies, while the pavilion will also encourage visitors to find possibilities for co-creation to face future global challenges.

The Netherlands pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai was also

unveiled in December 2018, with its theme being ‘Uniting Water, Energy and Food’. The pavilion will have the ability to produce its own water, renewable energy and organic mushrooms.

The project will be worth $22.1m and will be built by V8 Architects, Kossmann.dejong and Witteveen+Bos – all Dutch firms. Swiss firm Expomobilia will also be involved.

The pavilion will have a massive cone-like structure covered with plants and will concentrate on the connection between water, energy and food, aiming to shed light on global issues such as water scarcity, food scarcity and rising energy demands.

The pavilion will be built entirely from locally available materials and all materials will be returned or resold to the industry once it has been dismantled.

“Japan’s Expo 2020 stand will help to leverage the pavilion’s unique presence as a launchpad to develop and promote future inbound tourism” 8 January 2019

The Big Picture

Significant progress made on ECC projects Rawda project is currently 43% complete and 3.2% ahead of schedule Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) has announced that significant progress has been achieved with the construction of Rawda and UNA, two residential communities launched by Nshama in Town Square Dubai.

Having commenced work in February 2018 on Rawda residences, the project is currently 43% complete and heading towards an early completion in 2020, with a built-up area of 150,000sqm.

With a diverse portfolio and a track record of delivering innovative projects, the contractor said it has established a strong presence and reputation in the market.

ECC added that it will complete the Rawda project, currently 3.2% ahead of schedule, in a timely manner and within budget due to its successful adoption and implementation of BIM technology.

In a statement, the contractor said

BIM helped it plan, design, build, construct and manage building and infrastructure virtually.

Furthermore, the involvement of ECC Group’s associated companies – Abanos and PMI – helped enable greater collaboration throughout the project. The timely manner in finalising materials, coupled with excellent communication between the contractor, developer and consultant, played an integral role in the early completion of the project, the statement added.

“Town Square Dubai is a unique development for the city as it creates a new trendy, integrated neighbourhood with extremely good access to many of Dubai’s important landmarks.

I believe that our collaboration with Nshama will yield something special for the market,” said Kamal Farah, director of ECC Group.

“The Rawda and UNA projects are prime examples of this, as we have managed to surpass our anticipated work schedule by 3.2%, reaching 43% completion in a duration of nine months.

“We have leveraged on our associated companies, Abanos and PMI, to implement streamlined processes such as BIM throughout the construction process,” he added.

Consisting of four residential apartment buildings in a prime park-side location, Rawda Apartments are the tallest buildings

43%

Percentage of work completed on Rawda residences project

in Town Square Dubai. The projects offer direct access to Town Square Park, which spans an area of more than 50,000sqm and features several retail outlets and cafés.

UNA offers “destination urban living”, ECC Group said, pointing out that the project features a digitised all-purpose lobby lounge, which serves as a social hub, featuring work stations, a music room, games corner, communal smart TV, reading and work spaces.

Rawda (construction cost $128.7m) and UNA block 1 ($47.9m) consist of five towers offering 1,193 residential units featuring an assortment of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, each equipped with contemporary amenities. Abanos and PMI’s scope of work included the complete joinery as well as steel and aluminium manufacturing, supply and installation.

Something special Kamal Farah says that ECC’s collaboration with Nshama will yield “something special for the market”.

January 2019 9

The Big Picture

4

$91.2m

A new $91.2m Core Innovation Hub in the UK will help lead a transformation in the country’s construction industry

1. Raimondi appoints ZLt CRanes as soLe deaLeR Raimondi Cranes, the crane subsidiary of UAE conglomerate KBW Investments, has appointed South Africa lifting specialist ZLT Tower Cranes across eight African countries.

ZLT Tower Cranes Pty Ltd (ZLT Cranes), founded by Rob Cook and Mark Bates, will immediately act as the sole Raimondi dealer across South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, presenting the manufacturer’s luffing and topless tower cranes as well as its crane accessories.

“ZLT is proud to inaugurate our agency appointment with our first sale of a Raimondi MRT159 topless tower crane to one of South Africa’s most notable gold producers. Harmony Gold will be utilising the MRT159 at the Great Noligwa Gold Mine at Vaal Reef,” said Rob Cook, director, ZLT Tower Cranes.

Cook explained that African market demands, varying from country to country, are unified by the fact that the lifecycles of existing heavy lifting machinery are coming to a close, prompting fleet upgrades and allowing the positioning of new machines.

10 January 2019

$200bn

The US construction equipment market is expected to cross the $200bn mark, with reportable growth of 8% by 2022

2. eagLe HiLLs enteRs etHiopian maRket Abu Dhabi property developer Eagle Hills has entered the Ethiopian market by announcing La Gare, a 360,000sqm mixeduse project in Addis Ababa.

The project is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in Ethiopia, offering more than 4,000 residences, and is named after the city’s former railway

station, which took passengers from Addis Ababa to Djibouti.

La Gare will be an integrated community of residential, hospitality, retail and leisure facilities merged around the setting of a park. The development is situated next to Addis Bole International Airport and has a rail-line running along its northern edge. It will be anchored by four- and five-

star hotels supported by retail outlets, offices and residential buildings, with a focus on being pedestrian-friendly.

The government of Ethiopia, in partnership with Eagle Hills, will develop a social housing component within the master plan, where residential units will be built to permanently accommodate the residents currently living in the project site.

The Big Picture

7-8%

China is likely to see sales of excavators, loaders and dump trucks fall 7-8% in 2019, down from 30% growth in 2018, data shows

3

4. BentLey systems aCquiRes aiWoRx Bentley Systems, an infrastructure specialist known for its comprehensive software solutions for advancing the design, construction and operations of infrastructure at a global level, has announced its decision to acquire Canadian group Alworx Inc, the company said in a statement.

Quebec-based group Alworx has been in the market

2

since 2011, with experience

$514m

in providing AI and sensor technologies and services for the industrial, aerospace

Maharashtra’s state government has said that the total cost for a massive statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be $514m

and defence sectors.

“The biggest opportunities we’ve worked on have to do with improving infrastructure asset performance on an industrial scale, by way of the data from connected machines, instrumentation, sensors and communications systems – and we’re excited

1

to dedicate ourselves to that advancement,” said Andre Villemaire, co-founder and president of AIworx.

He also remarked that by incorporating its tools with Bentley’s services for digital twins, infrastructure operators can now multiply the potential benefits of machine learning

3. 86.1mW Wind faRm staRts CommeRCiaL opeRations in JoRdan Alcazar Energy, an independent renewable energy producer, recently announced the completion and commencement of commercial operations of the Al Rajef wind farm in Jordan. The plant consists of a substation and 41 wind turbines

manufactured by Siemens Gamesa, each with an output of 2.1MW, 80 hub height and total combined capacity of 86.1MW. The $185m project was financed by EBRD, Proparco and DEG and – in line with Jordan’s renewable energy targets – could generate approximately $15m in gas savings. In addition, ARWF will save more than 160,000

tonnes of CO2 and 380,000cbm of water per year.

The National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) issued a Commercial Operation Date (COD) certificate for Al Rajef on 30 October 2018, facilitating the export of electricity in line with stated tariffs. The wind farm is now fully operational and has started commercial operations.

and the Internet of Things (IoT).

January 2019 11

Market Report

SAUDI ARABIA OffIce MARket RevIew – 2018

Knight Frank report reviews the performance of the major cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s office real estate market for the year 2018

While there have been a number of notable commercial office transactions throughout 2018, as key occupiers both from the public and private sector look to expand or move to upgraded premises, the market continues to be dominated by a lack of grade A stock and a large supply pipeline.

In terms of performance, market-wide rents and occupancy levels have been under pressure since 2016, with the trend continuing into 2018 amid increasing levels of supply and subdued occupier demand.

Key prime schemes continue to perform better than the market

average, as a result of a lack of high-quality stock. However, as new schemes are released into the market this trend is unlikely to persist over the long term. Against the backdrop of a highly elastic supply dynamic, we see rents for grade B assets softening further in the short term, where buildings that suffer from poor accessibility and parking arrangements will struggle for occupancy.

Although we saw an improvement in business sentiment in 2018, we believe any increase in demand will remain subdued in the short term, with rents and occupancy likely to remain under pressure

as increased demand will be met with new supply. Vacancy rates can therefore be expected to rise, placing downward pressure on rents. In this context, we expect landlords to continue offering incentives in order to maintain occupancy levels amid an increasingly competitive market.

Longer term, we see demand for office space picking up from current levels as economic reforms under the National Transformation Plan (NTP) and Vision 2030 start feeding through the wider economy, translating into acceleration of growth in the non-oil private sector. Moreover, the implementation of various

urban regeneration initiatives, including mixed-use communities and large-scale infrastructure projects, is expected to act as a catalyst for the real estate market.

Furthermore, it is expected that the planned wave of privatisation will boost investment and foster growth in the business environment, creating favourable conditions for the office sector.

Riyadh Performance Average rental rates remained flat across grade A stock yearon-year, while grade B rental rates continued to come under downward pressure. In Q3 2018, grade A average rent

“Although we have seen an improvement in business sentiment in 2018, we believe any increase in demand will remain subdued in the short term” 12 January 2019

Market Report

Riyadh office supply, sqm GLA

Riyadh office average rental, SAR per sqm

3,500,000

1,800

3,000,000

Grade A

1,500

2,500,000

1,200

2,000,000 900 1,500,000

Grade B 600

1,000,000

300

500,000 2012

2013

2014

was SAR 1,550 per sqm per annum, while grade B average rent was SAR 775 per sqm.

We expect rental rates of grade A stock to remain underpinned by supply shortages in the short term, while the grade B segment will continue to see declines in rental rates as stock becomes more dated.

Occupancy in prime schemes remains high, as the market has been characterised by a lack of grade A space with key assets such as Kingdom Tower, Faisaliah Tower and Business Gate benefiting from frictional vacancy.

Average vacancy rates in grade A stock were relatively stable year-on-year at 12%, while vacancy rates for grade B stock trended

2015

2016

2017

2018

slightly higher to reach 30%.

Looking ahead and as supply increases, we expect the market to become more occupierfriendly. We see a two-tier market developing where buildings situated in better locations with attractive facilities will command premium rents, while secondary assets will struggle to drive rental rates and occupancy levels.

Jeddah Performance Average rental declined yearon-year across all segments of the market, with grade A showing a 4% decline and grade B a 13% decline. In Q3 2018, grade A average rent was SAR 1,150 per sqm per annum,

2012

Source: Knight Frank Research

1,200

1,000,000

1,000

800,000

800

600,000

600

400,000

400

200,000

200

2014

2015

2016

2015

2016

2017

2018

schemes have seen occupancy rates increase due to good quality facilities, amenities and parking arrangements. Conversely, vacancy rates for grade B stock trended substantially higher year-on-year to reach 16%, up from 5% in 2016.

While a few select grade A buildings continue to perform above market average, rents and occupancy rates are likely to soften further in the short term as supply outstrips demand for the foreseeable future. Schemes which have good floor plates and are well located within a mixed-use environment will have the potential to outperform the rest of the market.

Jeddah office average rental rates, SAR per sqm

1,200,000

2013

2014

while grade B average rent was SAR 775 per sq m.

We expect rental rates to remain under pressure in the short term as the market absorbs new supply and demand remains weak. However, due to delays in handover, any significant pressure on grade A rental rates will be smoothed.

We expect grade B rents to come under downward pressure over the short to medium term as occupiers are given more choice as a result of increased supply and competition.

Average vacancy rates in grade A stock increased year-on-year to reach 10%, up from 5%, though certain key

Jeddah office supply, sqm GLA

2012

2013

2017

2018

Grade A Grade B

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

January 2019 13

Analysis

Smart CitieS 2.0

Big Project’s Angitha Pradeep speaks to AEC industry expert Hassan Helmy to understand city information modelling and how its adoption will help government agencies and private sectors accelerate building smart cities A report by McKinsey & Company has ranked the construction industry as the second-slowest sector to adopt technology in its workflow practices, only ahead of agriculture and hunting. However, the advent of new forms of technology has brought a holistic, datadriven approach to city planning around the world.

A Juniper Research report estimates that by 2021, countries will save $19bn by building smart cities, while countries around the world have already put smart city planning into action. China has announced smart cities as a major economic priority of its Five-Year Plan, while India is planning to launch 100 smart cities by 2022. The European Union has defined its own $87bn research and innovation programme from 2014-2020, with $93m allocated for its Smart Cities & Communities Budget for 2019. Furthermore, the US Department of Transportation has launched its Smart City Challenge to drive ideas for an integrated transportation system.

Leading this transformation in the Middle East and Africa region are Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ranked first in the Deployment of Smart City Applications and Strength of Smart City Technology categories respectively in the 2018 McKinsey Global Institute analysis ‘Smart 14 January 2019

Cities: Digital Solutions for a More Liveable Future’.

“BIM is one of the tools that facilitate digitisation of the built environment, which leads to smarter cities,” says Hassan Helmy, regional manager for AEC/Government for Middle East at Autodesk. With BIM successfully implemented across projects in the UAE like the Museum of the Future and Louvre Abu Dhabi, Big Project ME spoke to the AEC expert to learn how the time has come to look ahead, from building information modelling (BIM) to city information modelling (CIM).

“It is about having data for a building, but imagine having data for everything, from facilities and utilities to bridges to streetlights, on BIM. Once it covers the entire city, it can be called city information modelling, or CIM,” says Helmy.

BIM and CIM not only assist in the initial design but carry over to construction, operation and use, and have the potential to read enormous sources of data. This puts city planners in a position to conduct preventive maintenance and better plan cities. This is what CIM involvement in smart cities amounts to.

But for CIM to truly work, every piece of infrastructure in the city must be added to the model. Helmy explains that for older buildings built without

added to the model CIM will allow city planners to conduct preventive maintenance and plan cities better with every piece of infrastructure in the city added to the model.

Analysis

Collab oration is vital Collaboration between governmen t agencies, the private sector and citizens is pivota l for this technology to succeed, says Helmy .

“Smart applications should work hand in hand with developing the technology base, which is the digital infrastructure, which will also help city planners to understand the requirements of the citizens” BIM models, point cloud or laser scanning can be carried out to get the geometry. Eventually an entire city can be drone surveyed and added to the city information model. “There is a solution for legacy data as well,” he observes.

But for implementing smart city strategies, there are many layers.

“Initially, there is a layer of geographical information system (GIS) which is already placed in most of the municipalities and government agencies, which is older technology. To this, BIM is added at a building level and then extended to the entire infrastructure to have CIM. And then another layer of sensors will be added to the city over the Internet of Things (IoT), and the final step is to have smart applications. And from this, big data is generated.”

To make the transformation and accelerate this adoption, collaboration between the government agencies that build these technology layers, the private sector and citizens is pivotal. Helmy also believes adoption and usage by citizens are crucial for a successful interaction.

“Smart applications should work hand in hand with developing the technology base, which is the digital infrastructure, which will also help city planners to understand the requirements of the citizens,” he affirms.

Cities have already started planning for this. In fact, Abu Dhabi recently launched the pilot phase of a five-year project for smart cities and artificial intelligence, the Zayed Smart City Project. This aims to activate the innovation system and establish world-class infrastructure in the emirate, including the launch of BIM e-Submission and BIM e-Review systems.

At present, large projects in the construction industry take about 20% longer to finish than scheduled and are up to 80% over budget, but it is believed that adopting such projects in smart cities will pave the way for a more efficient system that can deliver greater impact.

January 2019 15

In Profile

18 January 2019

In Profile

“The markeT will improve, and Because we’ve Been working so hard Today, iT should provide healThier dividends going forwards, Because you know how To reacT in a difficulT markeT”

Big Project ME catches up with Rahail Aslam, group CEO of Select Group, to hear about how the privately-owned developer is building on its successes in 2018 and looking ahead to 2019 with optimism, despite challenging market conditions January 2019 19

In Profile

l

ast year, the UAE residential real estate market continued to decline, with Dubai in particular seeing property prices decrease by 7.4% on an annual basis.

According to most experts, the market continues to face challenges due to the subdued employment growth in the country, particularly in the white-collar demographic, a key target sector for developers.

However, while most developers were reporting sluggish sales and slow uptake, one in particular bucked the prevailing market trend and announced a strong response for its high-end flagship mixed-use development in Dubai Marina.

In April, Select Group, a privately-owned Dubai property developer, announced that it had begun the handover of The Residences at Marina Gate 1, with the remaining two towers in the development scheduled to be completed in 2019 and 2020. Full handover of Marina Gate 1 is now completed, the developer says, adding that the building has 75% occupancy, with the remaining apartments handed over but not occupied.

As the company continues to develop a project pipeline worth $2.45bn for Dubai, with developments such as Studio One, Marina Gate II and Jumeirah Living Marina Gate on the way, Big Project ME sat down with Rahail Aslam, group CEO of Select Group, to discuss the company’s performance in 2018, and how it surmounted the challenges of a sluggish market.

20 January 2019

a good year Rahail Aslam says that Select Group has shown a strong financial performance in the face of tough trading conditions in the Dubai property and real estate market.

“It’s been a good year [for us] in tough trading conditions. There’s obviously a lot of data out there, and we’re in the 12th quarter of decline. What we’ve found is that we’ve had to put in three or four more times the effort to get sales, as compared to previous years.

“In addition to that, there are a lot more incentives being offered by various developers. It’s almost a case of who can offer the most incentives to grab the attention of a few buyers. It’s certainly a buyer’s market today. You need to have the buyer’s confidence, you need to show them your product. They’re much more sophisticated now. For them to open up their wallet, you really need to keep up with the competition, which is pretty fierce!

“There is fierce competition on supply, with a very shallow buyer base, so it’s tough trading conditions. But having said that, we haven’t touched prices on Marina Gate, which is our flagship development. It’s a four-millionsquare-foot development and we’ve still been selling in healthy

“We’ve got an unwavering commitment to Dubai. Yes, it is difficult at the moment, but the city is one of the leading places in the world, in my opinion. It’s going through a consolidation phase, but we’ve got a long-term view about development here”

numbers – we haven’t touched rates. The product is really appreciated, and when you can touch it and feel it, it makes a lot of difference in terms of sales. When you take a customer there, they can see the facilities and the quality and detail, it all really stands out – and of course, the location makes a big difference,” Aslam says during an interview at Select Group’s offices in Dubai Marina.

“So, yes, we’ve had to work a lot harder to create the interest – through social media, outdoor advertising, all the various ways of creating leads. The conversion time is longer. It’s probably two or three times longer than it used to be. It can take up to six weeks to convert a customer, but at the end of the day, we’re selling real estate, so that’s quite a healthy environment. The days of someone coming in one day and signing an SPA are over. The market has moved on a long way.

“But we’re quite happy with the market. It’s just that we have to work harder. As a business,

In Profile

“The government has already recognised that elements of the competitiveness of the market have been lost, through a host of things. As such, they’re introducing many initiatives, but they will take time to unfold” it makes us fitter. Eventually, the market will improve – and because we’ve been working so hard today, it should provide healthier dividends going forwards, because you’re just in better shape and you know how to react in a difficult market.”

Aslam points out that in tough market conditions, one of the most important things a real estate developer can do is continue to focus on the essentials.

By continuing to deliver on its promise of developing and creating high-quality products in key locations, he says Select

Group has been able to maintain its reputation and focus in the Dubai real estate market.

“We’ve not going to secondary locations – we continue to do waterfront development, for example. The opportunities [in the market] have not been to change our business processes or types of products, but it’s been to acquire super-prime land in a tough market. In a buoyant market, it’s hard to acquire prime land, as everybody wants to buy it. So currently, as a developer, it’s also a buyer’s market for those looking to build land banks.

“We’ve secured something in Business Bay – it’s a full water frontage site, 3.3m square feet of GFA. It’s a township with 4,500 units, a full mixed-use scheme – retail, commercial, hotel and residential – and it’s in the planning stage. That’s been the opportunity for the business – what we’re developing there will be what the market wants, which is a quality product, smaller units, which we do anyway, and a primary location.”

Taking advantage of market conditions is part of Select Group’s strategy, Aslam reveals, hospitality investment Select Group has been investing in hospitality developments across the UK, mainland Europe and Dubai, with these investments becoming part of another business vertical for the group.

explaining that the company decided a number of years ago to diversify its investment and explore alternative business verticals. Chief among these was investment in hospitality ventures, with hotels in key locations a major focus for the group.

As such, Select currently has investments in or owns a variety of properties across the UK. These include hospitality ventures like the Echo Building in Liverpool, a Radisson Blu Hotel in Birmingham and an Ibis Budget Hotel in Sheffield. In addition, the developer recently acquired an under-construction hotel in Frankfurt, Germany, and owns an InterContinental Hotel in Dubai itself.

Furthermore, the developer also has investments in a number of residential projects in both the UK and Dubai which are meant to generate double-digit returns for the group in the short to medium term, while also mitigating risk.

“Our business is very exposed to property development, where you have to have deep pockets.

You keep on investing, eventually the project finishes, and then you get liquidity at the end of it.

80% of what we do is property development, so we decided – a number of years ago – to balance that out a little bit.

“We did this by buying hotels, which is passive in nature, produces income and also ensures that our geographic footprint and currency is diversified as well. Germany and the UK were part of that strategy. We’ve now got relationships, through these acquisitions, with multiple operators like Accor, Novum and January 2019 21

In Profile

Meliá, which will operate a fourstar hotel in Liverpool and will be part of a mixed-use scheme.

“Of course, we’re building the Jumeirah Living Marina Gate development, we have the InterContinental up and running, and we have the Radisson Blu in Birmingham, UK. The growth [of the portfolio] will continue. It’s a feature of the business now, and I expect hospitality to expand over the next five years. We’ve got six hotels in the group now, and the aim is to get to 10 hotels within the next five years.”

In order to achieve that target, Aslam points out that Select Group will be focusing on highoccupancy markets in regional cities. Rather than focusing on just prestige projects, he says the aim of investment will be on assets that can generate quick returns.

To that end, he reveals that the developer has also expanded into retail investment, with the Marina Gate project having more than 150,000sqft of retail space.

“It’s become a business vertical.

We’ve got Carrefour signed up for Marina Gate II, while King’s College is in Marina Gate I. That’s

maintaining prices With the Marina Gate project, Select Group made a conscious decision not to touch rates, believing that buyers would still be interested in the project due to it being a high-quality offering.

an international, high-quality hospital. That’s a real benefit to the residents and to nearby residents as well. There are also a multitude of tenants that are now doing fit-out. It’s a business vertical that’s passive in nature.

You find your tenant, you sign a long-lease contract, and it becomes a passive income for the business.”

However, he is quick to rule out any investment in property

development outside Dubai, stressing that the developer’s focus will not waver from the city. While this is down to the many opportunities still present in the local market, he also points out that passive investment in overseas projects is a key part of the company’s strategy.

“We’ve got an unwavering commitment to Dubai. Yes, it is difficult at the moment, but the

city is one of the leading places in the world, in my opinion. It’s going through a consolidation phase, but we’ve got a long-term view about development here, so that will continue. That’s about financial planning as well, making sure that you’re well capitalised to develop what you’re doing.

“In terms of overseas, our intention is to continue acquiring hotels and not developing high-end living The third tower of the Marina Gate project - Jumeirah Living Marina Gate - will be completed by early 2020.

22 January 2019

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In Profile

“There are a lot more incentives being offered by various developers.

It’s almost a case of who can offer the most incentives to grab the attention of a few buyers. It’s certainly a buyer’s market today” property. We’ve got a lot of development exposure here, and we don’t really want to add to that by having to manage developments overseas as well.

“There’s a learning curve to undertake when going to other markets. We’ve been in this market for more than 15 years. That learning curve is very steep, and we don’t want to take our focus away from where we’re well established.

We’ve got a track record and a strong, loyal customer base. It would be counterproductive to go into any other markets.”

This long-term view of the Dubai market is one of the reasons Aslam believes Select Group will continue to prosper in the city. While he does acknowledge concerns over saturation and oversupply, he is convinced that there is still an active market for high-quality projects.

“The concerns are there on the horizon for us, but we’re here for the long term. We’re capitalised to ride out any difficult times in the market. We’re still selling. There is a lot of product, and it is high-end, but it’s also compromised. Buyers are looking at A-Z nowadays, they look at who the developer is, what the service charges are, the finishes, the facilities, they read the SPAs, they hire thirdparty inspectors. Some of those perceived high-end developments, they don’t tick all these boxes.

But I think that our planning, our developments, they speak for themselves,” he states confidently.

Looking ahead at 2019, Aslam remains calm about the real estate market in the region, despite the forecasts. He points out that Dubai 24 January 2019

has always been a market that operates in cycles, and that has also always responded very quickly to stimuli and changing sentiment.

“I think 2019 will be very similar to 2018. You’ve got geopolitical issues surrounding the region, you’ve got compromised

oil prices – we’ve got to $75-80, but there’s been a contraction again because of concerns about oversupply. You’ve got a strong dollar with a lot of currencies paired to it, so it becomes more expensive to visit, buy and spend.

Then you’ve got global sentiment,

which is quite negative at the moment. There are a host of issues that just need to soften a little bit. Then, as soon as sentiment changes the market can change very quickly, particularly in Dubai, which reacts very fast.”

He also points out that the

strong delivery pipeline Select Group has a number of projects in the delivery pipeline, including Studio One (pictured), with a total project value of $2.45bn.

In Profile

The future is design and build Aslam believes developers will increasingly look to have design and build contracts for their projects, as the process is more efficient and less time-consuming.

UAE government is aware of the challenges facing the market, and steps have been taken to restore balance.

“Look, the government has already recognised that elements of the competitiveness of the market have been lost, through a host of things. As such, they’re introducing many initiatives, but they will take time to unfold and make the market react. Markets are definitely cyclical – we’ve been in a negative cycle for a number of years. The data tells us that it’ll eventually bottom out and improve, but that could be in 2019 or it could be in 2020.”

However, he argues that contractors and developers also need to be more proactive and aware of the challenges facing the market.

“How non-payment is affecting the supply chain is a function of the market. There could be a host of reasons for that. There’s always non-performance by contractors, and the first thing

“Our business is very exposed to property development, where you have to have deep pockets.

80% of what we do is property development, so we decided – a number of years ago – to balance that out a little bit”

an employer will do is not pay.

Then you get into this tangled web of contractual letters, disputes and non-payments.

While that’s going on, because it’s a long-winded, protracted process, businesses will fail.

“How do you fix that? Well, when you set up a contract and when a contractor wants to pick an employer, just make sure that you know them, make sure that they have a balance sheet, and also try and make sure that their drawings and contracts provide for a sensible framework to govern a three-, four- or five-year relationship.”

Aslam adds that he believes more developers and projects will move towards having design and build contracts, with contractors more likely to push for greater control over processes and procedures on-site.

Having seen first-hand how well the process can work – Marina Gate was developed as a design and build contract with ALEC – he is a firm advocate.

“From our perspective – and we can’t speak for other developers – on any new projects going forward, we’re going to use the exact same model as Marina Gate. We’re going to be involved in the schematic design with the contractor and the consultant, and then it becomes a design and build contract.

You can iron out all the issues and then you give control to the contractor, so that he can control his timeframe and processes.

“With the conventional method, that’s where all the letters go back and forth – this detail isn’t there, that detail is missing and so on. From Select Group’s point of view, we’ve tried it with Marina Gate and it’s been a huge success.

We’ve closed out the contract on Marina Gate I and there’s been no disputes, all the pluses and minuses have been clarified, and it’s been a great outcome! For sure, we’ll be using that design and built methodology on future projects,” he concludes.

January 2019 25

Site Visit

CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT 26 January 2019

Site Visit

Big Project ME visits Muscat to take a tour of The Waterfront, S&T Real Estate’s flagship development which aims to provide grade A office, retail and hospitality space to the sultanate’s capital

January 2019 27

Site Visit

O

ne of the biggest frustrations facing commercial renters in Muscat is the lack of grade A office space in the city. While there are plenty of B and C grade options to choose from, there is significant lack of availability when it comes to high-end office space in the Omani capital.

As a result of the country’s distinctive economic makeup, there hasn’t always been a demand for top-quality office space, as there might be in neighbouring Dubai or Abu

Dhabi, for example. However, as the sultanate looks to diversify its economy, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for these types of offices, especially as corporations look to further their reach or set up shop within the country.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that developers in Oman are now looking to capitalise on the growing demand and deliver projects that measure up to the highest international standards.

One developer was quicker than others to recognise the opportunity in the market and corner a prime spot of Muscat real estate for a mixed-use project that has the potential to redefine the sultanate’s commercial and office space market.

“It was important to bring something different to the table, and that was to marry the seaside, and the experience it can bring, with the actual property”

28 January 2019

STATS: Plot Area: 5,039sqm Total Built-up Area: 46,272sqm Scheduled Completion: January 2019 Number of Car Parks: 356 Secant Piles: 458 Load-bearing Piles: 215 Passenger Lifts: 6 Service Lifts: 2 Escalators: 2 Height of Building: 28.17m

Located in the heart of the international district of Muscat, The Waterfront is part of a thriving hub of the city, home to its diplomatic quarter and blue-chip businesses.

Situated along the seashore, the 46,272sqm property is a leading example of a contemporary and sustainable world-class project, with prestige office space, fine dining restaurants and luxury retail outlets spread across five storeys (the top three levels will house business and corporate headquarters, while the ground and first-floor levels will contain the retail and F&B outlets).

December 2018 saw the project become ready for take-off, with the transition phase of handover to tenants for fit-out works ongoing, Big

Business hub The Waterfront is part of Muscat’s international district and is surrounded by consulates, embassies and bluechip businesses, both international and local.

Site Visit

Not a traditional offering Traditionally, retail spaces in Oman are either community malls or mega malls, and Waqas Al Adawi says he was keen to capitalise on the gap in the market and offer something different to consumers.

Project ME was invited by S&T Real Estate, the project’s owner and developer, to tour the development and see first-hand the work that has gone into creating an instant destination for Muscat residents and visitors.

“This was something we wanted to capitalise on when we acquired the property,” says Waqas Al Adawi, vice chairman of S&T Group, the parent company of S&T Real Estate.

“The traditional offering in Oman is either a community mall, which is of a certain size, or the mega mall, which you are familiar with. This is a model that has now been replicated across the region.

“We were very specific that we did not want to do either. We don’t have the size to do the mega mall, while our location differentiates us from other community malls. It was important to bring something different to the table, and that was to marry the seaside, and the experience it can bring, with the actual property. If you see our property from a footprint point of view, it’s only 5,039sqm. But we have taken it upon ourselves, at our own cost, to develop more than 17,000sqm of area around us.

“To answer the question of how we are different from

everybody else, we are different in many ways. In terms of design, in terms of architecture and quality of construction, but also from an experience point of view, we are different. We want our customers to come and shop, while also enjoying the dramatic, historic, natural landscape Shatti Al Qurum has to offer. We’re not a community mall in that sense, but we are in a very affluent community, which needs something that reflects this historic area,” Al Adawi says.

Often referred to as the Hyde Park of Muscat, the Shatti

Al Qurum area of Muscat is home to numerous embassies and consulates, while the Royal Opera House is nearby.

Being in such a highend district means The Waterfront needs to measure up to its illustrious neighbours.

Therefore, it needed to be conceptualised and designed to exacting standards, says RP Ranganatha, executive director, General Contracting, S&T Interiors and Contracting – the main contractor on the project.

“The project has been conceptualised by renowned

architects Douglas Wallace, from Dublin, Ireland. From day one, the client has been continuously involved in brainstorming sessions with the architect to ensure that the end product will be a contemporary design, without compromising on traditional Omani styles and values,” he explains during a tour of the site in December 2018.

“The architectural façade and interiors were designed with cultural considerations which were to be strictly followed, from composition to division, with simplifications made to the detailing to ensure that the project met the requirements of the modern age and the commercialisation aspect, as well as respecting local culture in relation to materials, detailing and design, while at the same time enhancing customer experiences and reinforcing the waterfront destination.”

He adds that while the location of the project is one of its biggest attractions, it also presented several challenges,

Creating a contemporary design The project has been designed in a contemporary manner, without compromising on traditional Omani styles and values, says RP Ranganatha.

January 2019 29

Site Visit

Working in tandem S&T Interiors and Contracting was the main contractor on the project, and because it was involved in all stages of the project, it was able to develop a better understanding of the project and work with the client and architect.

particularly from a logistical point of view. With the site in a very congested diplomatic area, managing the movement and storage of materials, personnel and equipment was no easy task.

Furthermore, having such sensitive neighbours meant the project team had very limited working hours. As a result, it had to maintain just-in-time deliveries of materials, while also accommodating workers in comfort in on-site facilities.

“The diversion of live services such as water, power, drainage, telecom lines, etc was a herculean task with no as-built drawings available,” Ranganatha reveals, though he is quick to add that the task was handled efficiently by the team without any major hindrances or delays.

This was due to the introduction of retractable anchors during the piling stage, which helped in a big way to ensure the safety of neighbouring structures without disturbing existing service lines that could not be diverted, he explains.

“Furthermore, due to the sensitivity of location for the project site, the height of the structure was restricted by the municipality. To achieve the required number of floors, the required clear heights, modern 30 January 2019

“We have set the standard for what grade A office space is – in terms of technology, in terms of quality of building, sustainability, and obviously in terms of location”

construction techniques like CFS slabs were deployed.

These CFS slabs help in minimising the roof slab cycle time, reduce the amount of manpower required and achieve cost savings too.”

As the main contractor on the project, S&T Interiors and Contracting worked with the concept architect, as well as with specialist consultants, right from the conception stage all the way through to design development and on towards execution.

Ranganatha says that being involved in all stages of the project – from civil works through to architectural, MEP and interior design – allowed the contractor to develop a better understanding of the project and ensured efficient realisation of concept, schematic and final design, all without too many “to and fros” and “ifs and buts”.

In addition, the project team was backed by an excellent back office team with a wealth of experience and efficiencies, allowing them to achieve project excellence and deliver the first sustainable project of its kind in Oman – a LEED Gold pre-certified building.

“The Waterfront project has implemented sustainable

design measures from day one by using the LEED rating system from the US Green Building Council,” he says, adding that the project has 74 points from the USGBC, which makes it the highest rated LEED Gold project so far in Oman.

“The key sustainability measures implemented on the project were achieved by designing and positioning the building to receive maximum sunlight from dawn to dusk, thereby saving energy on lighting the entire property.

“Secondly, the use of treated water (grey water) for landscaping, flushing and other uses helped increase the water efficiency of the project.

“Thirdly, FSC-certified wood has been used for the interior architectural pattern,” he points out.

In addition, he says the project team made maximum use of recycled and regional materials in building construction and used low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials in building interior spaces, to maintain a healthy indoor environment for tenants and visitors, while the design & build criteria have been benchmarked to meet international standards.

Site Visit

When it comes to connectivity and space for tenants and visitors, Ranganatha says extensive planning went into accessibility, with three basement levels holding more than 350 car parking spaces.

The basement parking will use an intelligent car parking system to ensure easy ingress and egress, to avoid extended waiting times and traffic congestion.

In addition, the development team has worked out a joint venture with Muscat municipality whereby 500 additional car parking spaces have been envisaged, he adds.

“The Waterfront is located with a superlative road network, while robust public transport systems connect to the main highways and expressways, which in turn spools the community from the neighbourhood to visit this destination project, without any congestion. All while being hardly half an

hour’s drive from the Muscat International Airport.”

As the project gears up for tenants to move in, the focus of the tour turns towards the commercial prospects of the project, with Waqas Al Adawi stating that the starting point of the development was research into Muscat’s commercial and office real estate inventory.

“The research said that there was plenty of grade B and C office space in the market, with plenty continuing to come up.

“There is so much of this space, but a lot of it doesn’t get accompanied by car parking as well. While it may be low-cost space, if it’s not functional, then it’s not real space.

“There was an obvious opportunity to create grade A office space, and today we can say that we have set the standard for what grade A office space is – in terms of technology, in terms of quality of building, sustainability, and obviously in terms of the location.

“We were very specific that we did not want to do either. We don’t have the size to do the mega mall, while our location differentiates us from other community malls”

“From that angle, it’s a tough commercial market, but with a very strong management team in place, I’m happy to say that our office space in this project has been leased before our F&B space, which was not expected in the current market scenario.

“You usually have tonnes of people who want to open coffee shops right on the beach, but this gives us the opportunity to now be selective about who comes in. The Waterfront can boast of a vibrant commercial/ office environment, and therefore, it is critical to ensure an F&B experience that can cater to their needs.”

However, having looked at what others in the market are doing, Al Adawi says he is careful to ensure that there is no “cannibalism” at The Waterfront.

By this, he means he is keen to get the right mix of F&B and retail outlets, so that they can all flourish without taking from

Engineering efficiency The roof of The Waterfront houses the transformer and other major MEP equipment, the first design of its kind in Oman, resulting in better utilisation of floor area on the ground floor.

32 January 2019

Site Visit

ThE ConSTRuCTion TEChnology uSEd on ThE WATERfRonT RP Ranganatha lists some of the construction technologies used on-site to bring the development to fruition.

1. Composite flat slab system The use of precast panels reduced the project’s dependence on basic construction materials, which also helped in reducing striking/de-striking time for formworks. This enhanced the sustainability aspects of the project and reduced the use of scaffolders. Some of the most salient features of this technique are: Use of styrofoam helped reduce the self-weight of the structure, which helped achieve economical design Creation of expanded areas due to larger column spacing – 10.5-12.0m in optimal utilisation space Reduction in wet trades underneath the slabs due to prefinished slab forms More LEED points 2. Secant piles (with capping beam) The project had space constraints with buildings in the vicinity, hence it was inevitable to go for three basements for car parks and other services.

This helped in a big way in optimal space utilisation

in the available plot area Use of a secant pile system helped retain the earth for up to three basements, including the water pressure from -3m from NGL and heavy surcharge load from neighbouring roads/plots Capping beam designed to support the peripheral building columns above ground floor level helped in efficient transfer of loads to the secant piles Use of retrievable anchors for shoring beam to keep secant piles in vertical position until it was intact with the basement slabs, and to avoid damage to anchors in case of accidental damage due to neighbouring plot developments 3. Sea defence wall Use of Larssen sheet piles to construct a retaining wall on the sea bed, to avoid scouring effect which acted like a shear key for the retaining wall to avoid sliding Sea defence wall designed to protect the structure from shock waves from the sea and to prevent scars on landscaping, and also as a flood barrier during high tide and for aesthetic appeal 4. Power generation using solar panels In line with His Majesty

Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s Vision 2020 policy to produce 10% of total electricity requirement from renewable energy sources, project went for passive solar panels for façade lighting, enhancing energy efficiency and increasing sustainability and thus LEED rating 5. Car park ventilation using jet fan systems for three basements Use of jet fans, which consume 0.5% of ceiling area and improve the aesthetic appeal of the basement at strategic locations, in place of traditional duct system that consumes a lot of space and also has to cross over with other MEP services and reduce floorto-floor height, resulting in time and cost savings MEP services in the car park area routed and grouped for good aesthetic view Use of louvers in side wall at ramp level for fresh air intake and exhaust for car park helped avoid additional shaft, resulting in saving floor area at each level Use of VFDs in main fresh air fans; operating exhaust main fans at dual speed and installing a CO monitoring system also brought in energy efficiency

each other’s customer base.

“The challenge that we have put to the management team is that we want to see complementary services, we want to have conversations with our tenants to tell them how they could do better and what they think we can do to assist them in order for them to improve their offerings. Our tenants are our partners, and what is good for them, will be good for us.

“The point is that for us, this is a long-term investment.

I want to make sure that the management creates an environment that is supportive, for the tenants to be comfortable and to be profitable,” he asserts.

To that end, the project assumes a much wider importance to Muscat. If The Waterfront is a success, then other developers will begin to follow suit, creating a culture and economy supportive of crucial market segments such as tourism, retail and hospitality.

Therefore, Al Adawi says that without the high-level support of Muscat Municipality and other government stakeholders, none of this would have been possible.

He stresses that S&T Real Estate will be looking to build upon this success, and is looking forward to this continued cooperation towards the entire industry.

“We were fortunate that the Muscat Municipality shared our vision of developing a property that highlights contemporary architecture, while also combining the experience and benefits of the surrounding public realm,” he says.

“I see that within the country, public-private partnerships are going to drive this economy. We are very proud that, in our own small way, we are paving the way forward for more collaborative developments, such as The Waterfront,” he concludes.

January 2019 33

Technology

Documenting history FalconViz has used state-of-the-art drone technology and Autodesk software to document and register historical buildings in Al-Balad, Saudi Arabia.

Preserving History

Mohammad Saleh relates how Autodesk worked with FalconViz to save a crucial part of Saudi Arabia’s history through the use of cutting-edge technology Juxtaposed with developments of gleaming new towers and modern urban infrastructure, Jeddah’s ancient port centre of Al-Balad is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site that has largely stood the test of time. Although many of Al-Balad’s historical buildings have been lost to dilapidation and fires, in the last 50 years its UNESCO status has provided the impetus to preserve this important remnant of Hijazi architecture.

Making these efforts count is

34 January 2019

FalconViz, a Saudi 3D surveying and mapping firm using stateof-the-art drone technology and Autodesk software to document and register these historical buildings for future generations.

Founded in the seventh century CE, the ancient town of Al-Balad served as the centre of commerce and trade for the city of Jeddah.

After more than 13 centuries, the ancient walls that surrounded this historic town, and the souk within, were torn down. As oil wealth

flowed into Saudi Arabia and the country marched to gleaming new infrastructure and buildings, many moved out of the cramped spaces of Al-Balad, leaving its more palatial homes and buildings to slow dilapidation. What remains are exemplary vestiges of ancient building styles seldom seen elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Balad embodies traditional architecture specific to only this region, with its unique use of cut coral stones and intricately

hand-carved Rawashin protruding latticed windows. It is one of the few places left where such architectural styles can be seen first-hand and is of intangible cultural and historical importance.

Khaled Abd El-Gawad, director of Business Development and acting operations manager at FalconViz, explains that archeologically and architecturally, Al-Balad has a unique value proposition.

“It is a cultural symbol that can serve both as a tourist attraction

Technology

and an invaluable memory of an era of Saudi Arabia before oil,” he says, but adds that preserving ancient buildings in this historic quarter comes with its own challenges, particularly with new, more modern and contemporary developments becoming the top choice for current residents.

Tackling ancient buildings from new angles

One of the biggest challenges in Al-Balad is the tight proximity of buildings to each other.

“Using traditional methods to record and preserve ancient buildings would take a long time, require several teams of people, and would also not be precise or accurate, particularly in the case of unique details,” explains El-Gawad.

“Unfortunately, it has been the norm for most projects in Saudi Arabia until maybe 20-30 years ago.”

With the advent of laser scanning technology and photogrammetry, the procedure has become exponentially more efficient.

Together with drones – an area of particular expertise for FalconViz – previously inaccessible areas of Al-Balad can be documented for more accurate preservation.

Breathing new life into old

Each drone sweep in an extensive aerial and terrestrial 3D scan of AlBalad produces dozens of images

of a building, and hundreds of these images create a complex point cloud of data. Every point provides accurate coordinates and true colour markers for all facets of the buildings, from its complex Hijazi façades to its structural nodes. Unlike the common method of point cloud meshing – which can be inaccurate, overloads rendering and creates unnecessarily large files – FalconViz directly imports the point cloud into AutoCAD, enabling a detailed 3D model that preserves even the most minute structural details.

“Autodesk tools like ReCap, Revit and 3ds Max provide us with accurate drawings of sections, elevations and structures of buildings,” explains El-Gawad.

When combined with building information modelling (BIM) tools and processes, he adds, it gives them unique and previously unavailable capabilities. “We can use these models to run various stress tests and simulations, like fire safety. We can plan for emergency response teams, evacuation routes and many other scenarios due to the high accuracy of the models.”

The team at FalconViz can make use of the highly accurate point cloud to take measurements and accurately extract a CAD solid model of the building. Since all measurements are accurate

Mohammad saleh Autodesk tools like ReCap, Revit and 3ds Max provide accurate drawings of sections, elevations and structures of buildi ngs.

These are then combined with BIM tools and processes to give them unique capab ilities.

“It is a cultural symbol that can serve both as a tourist attraction and an invaluable memory of an era of Saudi Arabia before oil” to 1cm, final as-built plans can be generated for any of the modelled buildings from the original Structure from Motion (SfM) scan.

“Thanks to drone technology and the capabilities of Autodesk software, we can now do in a day what it would take a number of teams at least a month to complete.

This has a positive domino effect on costs, manpower and

efficiency. It also gives the Saudi authorities in charge of restoring and maintaining the Al-Balad area a comprehensive model to refer to when necessary. For example, there was a fire that destroyed a few very old buildings some months ago. Without the accurate models we helped construct, these buildings would be lost forever. Now, they can still be restored,” adds El-Gawad.

Documenting the past for the future

FalconViz is focused in its mission to “digitally document the world”.

“We provide the technology that will help countries to improve and accelerate the process of documenting its most valued cultural assets,” says El-Gawad.

“This project was one of our first, and one of the first in Saudi Arabia, and we are very proud to be a part of this renewed effort to carefully restore these cultural treasures that are an intangible part of human culture and history.”

Preserving these past icons for future generations is a beautiful thought, but not without a touch of irony – the same technology used in modern urban infrastructure planning and construction is helping save these ancient structures and restore them to their former glory.

January 2019 35

Artificial Intelligence

AI wIll revolutIonIse the uAe growth story In an exclusive interview with Big Project ME, Marko Erman, global chief technology officer of Thales, shares his insights on how artificial intelligence can be a game changer in driving the UAE’s focus on infrastructure development

The UAE is betting big on artificial intelligence, with the UAE Strategy for AI, launched in 2017, focused on achieving the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071 plan and boosting government performance at all levels. The potential of AI is increasingly being leveraged by both government and private sectors in the UAE, especially as the country aims to become a leader in the field of AI investments in various core sectors and create a new vital market for AI.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently stated that due to Dubai’s policing system, which is based on the highest international standards, and the implementation of AI technology, crime rates in Dubai have fallen to their lowest levels ever.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has also underpinned the value of AI in helping achieve higher levels of cost efficiency in the country’s continual infrastructure development.

One core focus for leveraging AI is all-round productivity and efficiency within the transportation sector, with a

36 January 2019

view to cutting operational costs, reducing accidents and increasing productivity, among other benefits. In an exclusive interview, Marko Erman, global chief technology officer of Thales, highlights how AI can revolutionise the UAE’s transport sector and other core areas.

Can you briefly outline Thales’ AI expertise?

Thales has a strong history of developing trusted AI, but the way we use it is very different from how the tech leaders do.

We launched a strategic initiative on artificial intelligence in 1989 and since then, we have never stopped inventing and investing!

We use AI to manage more than 40% of the world’s air traffic.

This means that we have to build trust with our partners and ensure that we propose AI systems that can interact in real time with humans, using contextsensitive, natural language.

We have built a comprehensive portfolio of AI technologies, i.e. algorithms, that encompass deep learning but also many others. But beyond these technical assets, we believe that humans are essential in critical decision-making. AI applications may have reached

“We believe that in a country like the UAE, the ambition to transform its cities, transportation, healthcare and other services, thanks to the digital technologies, is ultimately based on data and digital platforms – trust is of the utmost importance”

a certain level of maturity, but they are still limited in terms of common-sense knowledge and common-sense reasoning.

We look at cooperation between AI – which is more powerful than human intelligence for certain things – and human intelligence, which will still be essential to fill in the gaps and manage situations where it would be inappropriate to rely on AI. That is our differentiating strength and what cements our role as a trusted partner in driving AI across the world, including here in the UAE, where we see tremendous potential.

Mobility – especially rail transport – is central to boosting growth. How is Thales using AI in the transportation sector here in the UAE?

Today, autonomous cars are a reality and we see that the next revolution in rail transport – autonomous trains – will be driven by technologies that are an integral part of what we offer. In fact, we will help evolve automated urban train transportation, where we have led the market for decades, towards autonomous train, which means systems that are aware of the changing

Artificial Intelligence

January 2019 37

Artificial Intelligence

environment, that can adapt and continuously optimise decisions.

The net results are manifold: better passenger security and an improved mobility experience, and for the transport operators, lower energy consumption while increasing traffic flow. In fact, digital technologies will provide outstanding benefits to operators and passengers alike by improving performance and reliability while reducing the costs of operating transportation networks.

Intelligent decision-making for the transport industry is powered by the latest technologies, such as big data analytics, cloud technologies, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, all securely hosted on our digital platform. We are taking full advantage of the digital transformation and leveraging our expertise in connectivity and our ability to analyse huge amounts of complex data to constantly improve decisionmaking and passenger mobility.

Within our R&D team of over 15,000 engineers, a vast majority contribute to digital transformation. We are able to leverage all of our assets, so that each of our sectors can take advantage of others. For instance, we have proven competencies in inertial navigation systems for aerospace and we can leverage this for train positioning. Our global expertise in cybersecurity components allows us to pioneer cybersecurity in the transportation sector, for the benefit of our customers.

Building on the know-how of the entire organisation and the tech companies that we have acquired, we are in a position to develop the advanced technologies that the autonomous train market needs. Linking together our wide portfolio of solutions and technical assets

38 January 2019

to protect precious personal medical information, which we are focused on protecting.

For example, in our digital radiology products (X-ray detectors and imaging chain platforms), we build in several layers of data protection. Our world-class cybersecurity specialists ensure that we are always a step ahead of potential vulnerabilities.

AI also opens doors to questions about cybersecurity; as a provider, how does Thales address this?

Digital ambitions Artificial intelligence will help the UAE fulfil its ambitions as a country by increasing cost efficiencies in its infrastructure developments, says Marko Erman.

allows us to serve as the onestop shop in driving the next generation of mobility solutions.

Healthcare is another key area where AI can play a critical role, especially in cutting costs and saving lives. How can Thales support this?

AI is the driver for breakthrough radiological imagery, while interconnectivity provides doctors and hospital staff with seamless supervision of patient care. By bringing together AI, deep learning and the Internet of Things, we can provide better imagery for patient diagnosis.

AI will serve as a decision support tool and have a hugely beneficial effect on the daily life of radiologists by freeing up more time to focus on patient care. At the same time, more data flowing to more places creates a challenge and a responsibility

“Digital technologies will provide outstanding benefits to operators and passengers alike by improving performance and reliability while reducing the costs of operating transportation networks”

Cybersecurity is at the same time a business and a differentiator at the heart of each solution that Thales proposes, a ‘sine qua non’ condition and the oxygen of any digital transformation. In fact, we have a very holistic approach to cybersecurity. At the data level, we are providing cybersecurity to data when they are generated (at IoT level, for instance), when they are transmitted, when they are stored and when they are used (at the application level).

From a system perspective, we are designing the systems that are cybersecured by design. This means security is not just an addon, it is implemented all across the various layers of the system, so as to provide the ultimate and the highest security level.

We believe that in a country like the UAE, the ambition to transform its cities, transportation, healthcare and other services, thanks to the digital technologies, is ultimately based on data and digital platforms – trust is of the utmost importance. We are very excited to bring all our expertise in this sector by not bringing only a component here and there, but a global view and a security solution that is capable to cyberprotect the system end to end, from data to services.

Comment

Tatjana Stepanova

A MorAl And legAl obligAtion

Tatjana Stepanova, senior HR manager and Worker Welfare manager at Cimolai Rimond, outlines why organisations need to start taking worker welfare seriously and explains how it benefits the bottom line Today, the concept of worker welfare is generally accepted by organisations, though the degree of understanding and importance varies greatly across industries.

However, in light of new regulations in the construction industry and with the UAE currently engaged in highprofile construction projects, the construction industry has and will have a leading role in expanding, defining and maintaining worker welfare standards and applying them as a mandatory part of operations.

Traditionally in the UAE, worker welfare has been understood as providing acceptable standards for a healthy, safe and secure environment for workers, and protecting their rights – generally speaking, this included 40 January 2019

employment, accommodation, transportation, food allowance, workman compensation and health and safety on-site.

Companies aimed to adhere to or fulfil regulatory requirements and related UAE laws where applicable, but other practices beyond UAE borders and internal operations were susceptible to shortcomings and malpractice.

Ministerial decrees, laws and initiatives introduced in the past years aim to raise the expected bar for worker welfare. Efforts and priority were given to improving practices within the recruitment industry and eliminating the ‘employee pays’ recruitment model found in overseas migration; reinforcing labour relations between employer and worker through the clarity, transparency

and conformity of contractual agreements; ensuring the provision and raising the quality of labour accommodation; specifying strict penalties for late payment and non-payment of wages, in addition to the Wage Protection System (WPS); preparing and empowering workers through comprehensive information and orientation programmes about their rights and responsibilities.

This brings us to the worker welfare principles, which include, but are not limited to: • Free, ethical and nondiscriminative recruitment • Prohibition of forced, bonded, indentured or child labour • Provide workers with an offer letter and employment contract in line with the law of the country of work

• Inform workers about the terms and conditions of their employment, and their labour rights, in a language they understand • Provide a healthy, safe, clean and secure working environment and living facilities • Preserve the dignity of workers and ensure equal and fair treatment • Ensure wage payments are correct and paid on time • Provide freedom of movement, resignation, right to voice any concerns and raise grievances All these changes require a new and expanded role – the Worker Welfare manager – along with the true meaning of the title.

Depending on the size and structure of an organisation, worker welfare compliance may

Comment

Precious assets Workers are the most precious asset any company has, and Worker Welfare managers need to relate to this and become leaders of change.

be carried out by these roles or departments: Human Resources, Accommodation or Facilities Management, Health and Safety.

However, worker welfare requires and involves other functions represented in the employment cycle, such as management, planning, procurement, administration, accounting, transportation and security.

The responsibilities of a Worker Welfare Manager have become more complex and require someone who understands the new expanded regulatory requirements, implements worker welfare policies, management plans and procedures to ensure that worker welfare is an integral part of the entire chain of operations, and is represented equally in business teams, especially on high-profile

and high-publicity projects.

The Worker Welfare Manager should monitor worker welfare adherence to the policies and plans of the company, UAE laws and project-specific requirements, and ensure that workers are treated accordingly. This requires the competence and ability to manage various stakeholders, analyse information and data provided, advise and coach departments on worker welfare requirements and new initiatives, coordinate and assess worker welfare compliance, and oversee solutions and resolutions to improve worker welfare across the chain.

Most business leaders would agree that a company’s success depends on how happy the customer is. Since a company is run by its people and not by

machines, this means a happy employee makes for a happy customer. In construction, the client is a customer – for example, a developer who seeks the delivery of a project within the defined quality, time and budget.

The contractor is responsible for providing all the material, labour, equipment and services necessary for construction, as well as the quality, worker welfare, health and safety of all work performed by any and all subcontractors, including manpower suppliers.

By providing adequate worker welfare arrangements, the company improves worker well-being, increases productivity and motivation, and reduces the number of health and safety related incidents and accidents. This represents the interdependent

chain, where worker-welfare shortcomings or malpractice affect the project’s KPIs, delivery and public image. In contrast, following the best worker welfare practices rewards a project.

The risks in a lack of worker welfare should not be overlooked and should be identified and assessed. The broken air conditioning in the accommodation room or the poor tasting food provided by the catering company may not seem like big issues, but they may lead to extreme fatigue and food poisoning, resulting in sick days being taken, worker dissatisfaction, worker absences and a loss of productivity on-site.

Serious malpractice may lead to strikes, damage of property and reputation, or – in the worst case – loss of life.

It is necessary that all worker welfare incidents be investigated as health and safety matters, the root causes identified, and corrective measures adopted.

First and foremost, the company has a moral and legal obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of employees. and should encourage other partners to implement and comply with worker welfare and related laws.

In conclusion, worker welfare transcends the limits of project site boundaries and regulatory laws. It is the understanding that workers are people looking for work opportunities and the pursuit of happiness and livelihood – no different to many of us who have left our homes behind to establish a working career in the UAE. Workers are the most precious asset that any company has – human capital. Today’s Worker Welfare managers need to relate to this and become leaders of change, not only for the inherent humane element in this role, but also to be drivers of change within the macro-business and legislative changes taking place in the UAE. January 2019 41

Show Preview

Middle east electricity

International trade event will unite power sector players and shine a light on the fast-growing demand for electricity, diversification and conservation Middle East Electricity, the region’s leading international trade event for the power industry, is readying for the biggest industry gathering in its history.

The 2019 event will welcome the most recognised names in the MENA power sector, energised start-ups and trailblazing national delegations, and demonstrate the latest trends and technological breakthroughs meeting the fastgrowing demand for electricity, diversification and conservation.

The annual mega event, which combines five dedicated shows within a single exhibition, will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 5-7, against a backdrop of increasing regional power demand, keen investor appetite and shifting industry dynamics, which see renewables rising up the agendas of governments across the region and beyond.

42 January 2019

The unprecedented demand for power will see industry players large and small, new starters and established leaders using the unique platform of Middle East Electricity 2019 to engage visitors in gamechanging, across-the-board opportunities throughout the show’s five focused sectors: Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Lighting, Solar and Energy Storage, and Management.

“Massively up-scaled demand, supply diversification and conservation have helped to create enhanced opportunities for industry players and boosted the potential of the region’s power industry,” explains Claudia Konieczna, exhibition director – Informa Industrial Group. “Analyst expectations for the region put the exhibition in the top global league of power investment, which explains why international interest

“Analyst expectations for the region put the exhibition in the top global league of power investment, which explains why international interest in the show keeps rising annually”

in the show keeps rising annually.”

The Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation (APICORP) estimates that between now and 2022, MENA power capacity will expand by an average of 6.4% per year, corresponding to additional capacity of 117GW and sector investment of $260bn. Of this, $152bn is expected to be allocated for generation, with $108bn going into transmission and distribution (T&D).

The region’s major focus on renewables and advanced technology solutions, including smart grids, for which the Northeast Group forecasts MENA investment will reach $17.6bn by 2027, has opened the sector to huge end-to-end transformation.

Informa believes the seismic shift will be evident among the more than 1,600 exhibitors from 131 countries due to take to the 2019 exhibition floor.

Show Preview

DOMOTEX asia/CHiNaFLOOR 21st edition of show expands to 15 exhibition halls The 21st edition of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, taking place March 26-28 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, is expanding this year to 175,000sqm in 15 halls.

Five of them are dedicated to carpets and rugs; four to wood, bamboo and other hard floors; 1.5 to FLOORTECH asia; and 4.5 to resilient floorings for sport, commercial, industrial and residential purposes.

The show’s clusters display categories in an optimal way, so attendees can quickly find everything of interest to them.

Getting down to specifics, this year wood flooring will occupy halls E1-E4, which means exhibitors will have bigger spaces to display their products. E1 will exhibit only international brands, such as Labeco, Boen, Arte Mundi, Swiss Krono, Classen and Faus. E2 will house domestic companies, including Starforest, Tubao, TECLIC, Artree, Jinqiao and Dalian Wood Flooring Pavilion. The

largest part of E3 will be for floor heating, and E4 will be for bamboo flooring and the Changzhou laminate flooring pavilion.

This way, it will be a lot easier for visitors to survey the market and connect with the exhibitors and trends that matter to them.

FLOORTECH asia will be displayed in E5, bringing ever new technologies and wood flooring printing machines to the show for the first time, while part of E6 will house wood flooring supplies like cleaning and maintenance equipment and applications and installation technology.

According to Sara Babinski, design manager at Armstrong Flooring, 3D printing will play an important role in the flooring industry. To take that into account, DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2019 will present companies such as Hope Ceramics Machinery Equipment and ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING. As for mechanical equipment for wood flooring, the world’s leading brands, like Homag,

Hawk, Suzhou Hotjin Precision Machinery, AZUMI Mechanical Equipment and Wintersteiger AG, have already secured their spaces.

This year, E6 will be a gateway to outdoor decking flooring and E7 will house sports flooring, as the industry has grown extensively since last year. A big part of N3 and N5 will be occupied by major international brands such as KDF, Tarkett, Wineo, JaeYoung, US Floor, NOX, Adopen and GoaKe. The resilient flooring section is expanding dramatically, which is why it will be spread out to halls E6, E7 and N3-N5, taking up 4.5 halls for the first time. DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR also confirmed that W5 will once again be the host hall for the Luxury Brands Carpet Show. Moreover, U-living, Hongjia, Babylon and some other premium household carpet companies will join the hall in 2019, making W5 a highlevel design hall. Three country pavilions (Afghanistan, India and Pakistan) have also confirmed their

return to W5 with large stands.

Since the start of the show in 1999, DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR has been the place to be for floor covering professionals from around the globe and a unique opportunity for manufacturers to position themselves as trendsetters of the flooring industry. DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR 2018 gathered 1,418 exhibitors from 35 countries and attracted 60,029 trade visitors, of which 14,238 were international, coming from 104 nations.

The 2019 edition will continue its successful route, attracting even more professionals and offering the flooring world a unique platform to access and do business in Asia Pacific, the biggest flooring market in the world.

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR is part of the dynamic international DOMOTEX brand based in Hannover, Germany, along with two other platforms: DOMOTEX Turkey and – making its debut next year – DOMOTEX USA. January 2019 43

Tenders

Top tenders King Salman CauSeway ProjeCt

HouSing ProjeCt – tanal

Budget $3,000,000,000 Project number WPR3844-SA territory Saudi Arabia Client Ministry of Transport address Airport Road City Riyadh 11178 Phone (+966-11) 874 4444 email mot@mot.gov.sa website www.mot.gov.sa Description Construction of a 50km causeway connecting Saudi Arabia and Egypt Period 2023 Status Current Project main Contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) tender Categories Public Transportation Projects, Roads, Bridges & Infrastructure tender Products Roadways

Budget $300,000,000 Project number WPR3910-SA territory Saudi Arabia Client Ministry of Housing (Saudi Arabia) address Mather Street City Riyadh 11527 Postal/zip Code 63222 Phone (+966-11) 4070100 Fax (+966-11) 4070030 email info@housing.gov.sa website www.housing.gov.sa Description Construction of 1,008 housing units Period 2022 Status New Tender tender Categories Construction & Contracting tender Products Residential Buildings, Villas Construction

taj Hotel & reSortS ProjeCt – King aBDul aziz roaD (Kaar) Budget $150,000,000 Project number WPR2227-SA territory Saudi Arabia Client Umm Al-Qura for Development & Construction Company City Makkah Phone (+966-12) 530 0888 Fax (+966-12) 539 0050 website www.kaar.com.sa Description Construction of a hotel comprising 340 keys and facilities Period 2023 Status Current Project main Contractor Nesma & Partners Company Ltd (Saudi Arabia) tender Categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels tender Products Hotel Construction

rove Hotel ProjeCt – DuBai HillS

Project number WPR3040-U territory United Arab Emirates Client Emaar Properties PJSC (Dubai) address Emaar Business Park, Bldg. No. 3, Near Interchange No. 5, Shaikh Zayed Road City Dubai Postal/zip Code 9440 Phone (+971-4) 367 3333 Fax (+971-4) 367 3000 email customercare@emaar.ae website www.emaar.com Description Construction of a hotel featuring amenities that will include a convenience store, an outdoor pool, a gym, a self-service laundromat and convenient meeting facilities Period 2020 Status New Tender Design Consultant LACASA Architects & Engineering Consultants (Dubai) tender Categories Hotels, Construction & Contracting tender Products Hotel Construction

Budget $100,000,000 CarDiaC Centre ProjeCt – raSHiD meDiCal ComPlex Budget $50,000,000 Project number WPR3900-U territory United Arab Emirates Client Dubai Health Authority (DHA) City Dubai Postal/zip Code 7272 Phone (+971-4) 800 342 / 219 7000 Fax (+971-4) 311 3113 email care@dha.gov.ae website www.dha.gov.ae Description Construction of a state-of-the-art cardiac centre within a medical complex Status New Tender tender Categories Construction & Contracting, Medical & Healthcare tender Products Hospital Construction

44 January 2019

PROJECT INTELLIGENCE, TENDERS & SUPPLY CONTRaCTS IN ThE MIDDLE EaST

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Tenders

Middle East tenders UAE al Quoz union Co-oPerative SoCiety ProjeCt Budget $15,000,000 Project number WPR3835-U territory United Arab Emirates Client Union Co-operative Society (Dubai) address Ras Al Khor, inside Dubai Central vegetable and fruit market City Dubai Postal/zip Code 29448 Phone (+971-4) 371 4334 / 371 4332 / 800 8889 / 333 1816 email info@unioncoop.ae website www.unioncoop.ae Description Development of a retail facility Period 2019 Status Current Project main Consultant Naga Architects, Designers & Planners (Dubai) meP Consultant Naga Architects, Designers & Planners (Dubai) main Contractor Parkway International Contracting Company (Dubai) meP Contractor Eurogulf Techno Services LLC (Dubai) tender Categories Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment tender Products Retail Developments

aQuilegia CluSter inFraStruCture worKS ProjeCt – aKoya oxygen Budget $1,000,000

46 January 2019

Project number WPR2001-U territory United Arab Emirates Client Damac Properties (Dubai) address 4th Floor, Al Moosa Tower II, Sheikh Zayed Road City Dubai Postal/zip Code 2195 Phone (+971-4) 332 2005 / 373 1000 / 515 6111 Fax (+971-4) 332 1874 email info@damacgroup.com website www.damacgroup.com Description Construction of roads and infrastructure works Period 2019 Status Current Project main Contractor Proscape LLC (Dubai) tender Categories Roads, Bridges & Infrastructure tender Products Infrastructure Works, Roads Construction

Oman tHe atHaiBa BeaCH CluB Hilton reSort ProjeCt – muSCat Budget $20,000,000 Project number WPR327-O territory Oman Client Hilton Worldwide (Dubai) address Dubai Internet City, Bldg. 15, Office 101-111 City Dubai Postal/zip Code 500200 Phone (+971-4) 391 5100 Fax (+971-4) 391 6790 website www.hiltonworldwide.com Description Construction of a 5-star contemporary resort hotel Period 2022 Status New Tender main Consultant Muamir Design & Engineering Consultant (Oman)

Design Consultant DSA Architects International (Dubai) tender Categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels tender Products Hotel Construction

BunKering terminal & anCillary FaCilitieS ProjeCt – Port oF DuQm Budget $50,000,000 Project number WPR3873-O territory Oman Client Port of Duqm Company (Oman) address 4th Floor, Almashreq Bldg., 18 November Street, North Azaiba City Duqm Phone (+968) 2434 2800 Fax (+968) 2458 7343 email info@portduqm.com website www.portduqm.com

Tenders

Description Construction of a bunkering terminal and ancillary facilities spanning an area of 30,000sqm Period 2020 Status New Tender Design Consultant Khatib & Alami Consolidated Engineering Company (Oman) Design Consultant 2 Royal Haskoning DHV (UK) tender Categories Oilfields & Refineries tender Products Storage

Saudi Arabia inFraStruCture ConStruCtion ProjeCt – eaSt gate Budget $10,000,000 Project number WPR3914-SA territory Saudi Arabia Client Hamad Ahmed Mohammed Almozaini Real Estate (Saudi Arabia) City Riyadh 11646 Postal/zip Code 105236 Phone (+966-11) 497 2727 Fax (+966-11) 208 6167 website www.al-mozaini.com Description Construction of infrastructure works Period 2020 Status Current Project main Consultant Khatib & Alami Consolidated Engineering Company (Saudi Arabia) Design Consultant I Design Architecture (Saudi Arabia) main Contractor Mohammed Al Ojaimi Contracting Establishment (Saudi Arabia) tender Categories Construction & Contracting, Roads, Bridges & Infrastructure, Sewerage & Drainage, Water Works tender Products Infrastructure

Bahrain CommerCial & reSiDential BuilDing ProjeCt – al juFFair Budget $25,000,000 Project number WPR3912-B territory Bahrain Client Private Investor (Bahrain) Description Construction of commercial and residential building comprising a ground floor and 22 additional floors Period 2020 Status Current Project main Consultant Arab Architects (Bahrain) meP Consultant Arab Architects (Bahrain) main Contractor Al Taitoon General Contracting Company (Bahrain) electrical Contractor Sunlight Electrical Contracting (Bahrain) Plumbing Contractor Novar Plumbing Services (Bahrain)

Foundations/enabling/ Piling Contractor Bahrain Foundation Company (Bahrain) tender Categories Prestige Buildings tender Products High-rise Towers

al moallem mall ProjeCt – Diyar al muHarraQ Budget $30,000,000 Project number WPR3758-B territory Bahrain Client Al Moallem Mall WLL (Bahrain) City Manama Country Bahrain Description Construction of a building for commercial purposes Period 2019 Status Current Project main Consultant Salah Kooheji Engineering (Bahrain) main Contractor Al Taitoon General Contracting Company (Bahrain) tender Categories Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment

tender Products Retail Developments

Lebanon SurSoCK 274 ProjeCt Budget $15,000,000 Project number WPR3506-LE territory Lebanon Client Private Investor (Lebanon) Description Construction of a 12-storey residential building comprising 3 basement levels, a ground floor and 11 additional floors Period 2020 Status Current Project meP Consultant THP Architects (Lebanon) Design Consultant THP Architects (Lebanon) main Contractor Sami V.Helou (SVH) Real Estate Developer (Lebanon) tender Categories Construction & Contracting tender Products Residential Buildings

January 2019 47

Last Word

Green and Innovative Technology in Construction

Ujjwal Goel, managing director of Teraciel Engineering and Contracting (TEC), outlines the need to go green

While Dubai has always been associated with a penchant for luxury, the growing popularity of ecologically sustainable and integrated built environments reflects a shift in both consumers’ and the industry’s perception of the new age of design in the city. In recent years, sustainable efforts have seen a dramatic rise and with this, green and innovative technologies have been increasing throughout the construction and engineering industries, especially when it comes to the latest in structural design.

Ongoing innovation in green materials and resources has seen the development of more sustainable infrastructures, such as homes and offices, as well as green

lifestyle alternatives including solar power, biodegradable materials and smart appliances, each serving to combat the devastating environmental impacts of overpopulation and pollution. Today, architects and interior designers in the region are also increasingly opting for recycled materials in their cutting-edge designs, with woven vinyl flooring, reconstituted stone and consciously sourced upholstery taking centre stage.

In recent years the Middle East has become a cornerstone globally for its attention to green and innovative technology, specifically in the sustainable homes and infrastructure sector. The UAE is the flag-bearer of building sustainability within the region, with

some of the highest rates of accredited green buildings in the world. It was a sign of the times when in 2013, a two-storey Dubai store selling eco-friendly products was ranked by the US Green Building Council as the most sustainable building in the world. Last year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, further inspired us when he announced the launch of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, a plan to increase renewable energy in Dubai by 40% over the next 30 years. Dubai’s civic body has also announced its mission to become one of the world’s ten most sustainable cities by the launch of Expo 2020 – mainly through implementing green

building regulations.

Further, the UAE has pledged 24% clean energy by 2021.

There are also communities such as Sustainable City (Dubai), which boasts a 113-acre development planning to reduce CO2 emissions, with residents and visitors required to use public transportation or smart driverless cars within it, solar panel roofs on all homes and a park with 2,500 trees.

Other such projects paving the way in green innovation include Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park (Dubai) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Jeddah).

The engineering and construction industries need to continue their work towards creating

new and innovative technologies and further develop durable and quality materials that are cost-effective and positively impact the environment, while improving energy resources, health, the preservation of water, and reductions in pollution and waste.

The Middle East has taken strong steps towards laying the way for the future of the region and ensuring that green and innovative technologies are at the forefront of construction and engineering.

By examining the relationship of a project with the environment, together the Middle East and the construction and engineering industries can continue to avoid making undue impacts.

“Today, architects and interior designers in the region are also increasingly opting for recycled materials in their cutting-edge designs”

48 January 2019

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a supplement of:

Fire SaFety & Building Security REPORT addressing fire safety KINGSpAN’S ANDREw pACK DISCuSSES FIRE SAFETY CODES towards a safer future KHAlID Al KHATIb, CEO OF NAFFCO, ON THE CHAllENGES FACING THE SAFETY INDuSTRY

fire safety market heats up TRACKING MARKET TRENDS AND MOVEMENTS IN THE REGION’S FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS MARKETS

Register online today www.IntersecExpo.com/V1

20 – 22 January, 2019 Dubai, UAE

The world’s leading trade fair for Security, Safety & Fire Protection Show Highlights 28,500+ Industry Professionals 1,300+ Exhibitors 83% International Exhibitors 15 Country Pavilions Engaging Security & Fire Safety Conferences

www.IntersecExpo.com

Market Analysis

Understanding new trends

Big Project ME looks at the fire safety systems and equipment market in the GCC, to understand growing trends as well as initiatives introduced by regional governments The Middle East’s market for firefighting systems, fire detection and alarm systems, and emergency and exit lighting is predicted to hit $3bn by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 8% over the next six years.

According to a report released ahead of the Intersec 2019

expo in Dubai, the regional market declined slightly between 2014 and 2016.

However, since 2017 demand has picked up, aided by recovering oil prices and government economic diversification initiatives aimed at reviving the

construction sector, according to a report by 6Wresearch.

In the GCC, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the key revenuegenerating countries, projected to reach $2.1bn in market revenues by 2024, from the present $1.4bn.

The UAE gained the leading spot, replacing Saudi Arabia

between 2014 and 2017, due to the introduction of new fire and safety regulation norms in 2017.

Until 2014, 40% of this market was captured by Saudi Arabia, which in 2017 had half that share. However, it is expected to rebound with the economy recovering, increasing crude oil

Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019 53

Market Analysis

Middle East fire safety systems and equipment market revenues, 2016-2024, $ billion 3.0

Middle East fire safety systems and equipment market revenue share, 2017

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

Firefighting systems Emergency and exit lighting 2016

2017

2018

prices, government spending and initiatives that promote non-oil spending sectors.

The report also states that in the fire safety systems and equipment market, the 57.5% accounting for firefighting systems and equipment will decrease by 0.6%, and the 11.1% for emergency and exit lighting will decrease to 10.7% by 2024. It also says due to the government’s focus on avoiding accidents caused by fire, fire detection

2019F

2020F

2021F

and alarm systems will have the highest growth rate, from 31.4% in 2017 to 32.4% by 2024.

Furthermore, revised fire and life safety codes such as those issued in 2016 by the UAE Civil Defence have helped the growth of passive fire-rated products in new buildings and infrastructure.

These codes also add further impetus to the retrofitting segment, where newer systems, in line with current regulations, are replacing older systems.

Market leader The introduction of new fire and life safety regulations in 2017 has seen the UAE take the top spot in the regional fire safety and systems market.

54 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019

2022F

2023F

2024F

The report adds that the $1.9bn fire safety and equipment market will see solid growth.

Frank Ackland, Eaton Middle East’s managing director, also stresses that the regulations set out by the UAE Civil Defence offer a higher standard of regulation than ever before.

“Eaton provides emergency lighting and fire detection systems for buildings, and we’ve noted an increase in the levels of regulation that are being

Fire detection and alarm systems

adhered to – not only to the set standard but also above, in many cases. All those involved in the construction process are placing greater importance of meeting, and exceeding, the standards set out. That doesn’t mean there isn’t more work to be done, and this is where we see a significant investment in retrofitting also taking place in the UAE, to make older buildings safer and in line with current regulations,” he says.

Andreas Rex, Intersec’s show director, says the commercial and hospitality sectors are other key verticals driving demand for fire safety systems and equipment such as sprinklers and suppression systems.

Moving forward, other fire safety systems and equipment trends seen in the GCC are integrated firefighting systems, compressed air foam systems (CAFS) and hybrid water mist systems, which are gaining popularity due to their ability to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve functionality of various other systems in large corporations and buildings.

Integrated firefighting systems help by combining valves and fire alarm systems into one entity, along with suppression and sprinkler, to create a

Market Analysis

growing market Government initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2021, UAE Vision 2021 and Oman Vision 2020 are expected to boost the region’s fire safety equipment market.

“Other fire safety systems and equipment trends seen in the GCC are integrated firefighting systems, compressed air foam systems (CAFS) and hybrid water mist systems, which are gaining popularity” single interface to improve the efficiency of firefighting systems and equipment.

The CAFS fire safety system is a water pumping system which can inject compressed air into a foam solution which penetrates deeper and sticks fast on vertical and horizontal surfaces. This foam allows water to penetrate deeper into flammable material, thus controlling the fire. In hybrid water mist systems,

Middle East fire safety systems and equipment market revenue share, 2024

The report, prepared for Intersec, also finds that certain initiatives and events also help the fire safety market grow proportionally. Government initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2021, UAE Vision 2021 and Oman Vision 2020 are expected to boost construction activities, and mega events such as the Dubai World Expo 2020 will develop the infrastructure sector in the country, which will in

inert gases like nitrogen and water are used to inject a water stream in the form of small droplets, which are highly useful in protecting computer rooms and data centres as these droplets are 100 times smaller than traditional mist systems.

They have also gained popularity in the market due to their cooling capability, environmental friendliness and lack of clean-up requirements.

turn drive the market for fire safety systems and equipment.

“The big growth, particularly in the UAE, will come over the next two years as delivery of the Dubai Expo 2020 looms, while throughout the Gulf region largescale infrastructure investment will steer the market toward solid growth,” Rex confirms.

The annual event takes place 20-22 January at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

GCC fire safety systems and equipment market revenues, 2016-2024, $ billion 2.0

1.6

1.2

Source: 6WResearch

0.8

0.4

Firefighting systems Emergency and exit lighting Fire detection and alarm systems

2016

2017

2018

2019F

2020F

2021F

2022F

2023F

2024F

Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019 55

Interview

Addressing Fire sAFety Kingspan Insulation’s Andrew Pack discusses the region’s fire and safety codes and outlines key findings Kingspan Insulation produces a variety of products and technology for the built environment and has outfitted some of the region’s most prestigious projects, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Airport and the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture. Here, Big Project ME speaks to Andrew Pack, global technical support manager at Kingspan Insulation, about fire safety and codes in the UAE. Discuss the current fire and safety codes in the UAE, and those specific to the insulation industry in the UAE. How have they affected the market?

Building regulations have evolved tremendously in the Middle East in recent years, including the recent update of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code. The Fire Code has been in existence since 2011 and references already well-established International Fire and Building codes.

The chapters relevant to the insulation industry are Chapter 1, Construction, and Chapter 18, Responsibilities of Stakeholders.

Chapter 1 places a strong emphasis on large-scale fire testing of complete wall and façade assemblies. Also detailed in Chapter 1 are the requirements and approvals necessary for insulation products and accessories. Since the recent Fire Code update, we’ve seen an increase in large-scale fire testing

and in clients requiring full system approvals. It is important that the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code is kept updated and relevant to the ever-changing market, to ensure that new innovations and technology are always considered.

What can authorities do to ensure structures, especially tall/super tall structures, are well insulated and up to date in terms of fire safety?

Authorities can ensure this through education and enforcement of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice with the industry.

The recently updated Fire Code, specifically Chapter 1, Construction, now provides the backbone to compliance for the industry on fire safety of all structures. Authorities can reference Chapter 18, Responsibilities of Stakeholders, to remind all stakeholders of their responsibilities to fire and life safety. This specific chapter highlights the mandatory duties of individual stakeholders in their individual occupancies and their role in supporting and executing the regulations of Civil Defence. Stakeholders mentioned in the chapter include owners, tenants, developers, architects, contractors, manufacturers, consultants and house of expertise.

Describe the tests in the Fire Code that can be used to

56 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019

increased requirements There has been a substantial increase in the number of requests for improved U-values on facades, Pack says.

Interview

ensure that a façade meets Fire Code requirements.

There are many different tests referenced in the Fire Code that can be used to test the fire performance of façade materials and complete wall and façade assemblies. These range from small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale, depending on the application and requirements.

I’ve noticed a considerable emphasis on large-scale fire testing of complete wall and façade assemblies in the code.

Which type of test best ensures that a façade meets requirements?

Trusting in simplistic classifications for materials based on small-scale testing is not the solution to ensuring that a façade meets the Fire Code. The reality is that a whole range of factors affect the fire performance of a façade, including design of cavity barriers, fixings used and cavity width. We must continue to improve our knowledge of how these different elements interact. Even if a façade system is considered to be compliant with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, it could contain a surprising quantity of combustible material, hence the importance of largescale system testing for the full system. As any fire expert knows, even some ‘non-combustibles’ are still capable of burning and, in isolation, are no guarantee of fire safety. Therefore, we recommend that large-scale system testing be always used to test fire performance of facades.

What are some of the requirements you’re seeing from customers in the UAE and across the GCC with regard to façade and insulation solutions?

I’ve seen a substantial number of requests for improved U-values on facades with thin solutions that are tested in

Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019 57

Interview

accordance with a large-scale fire test for the complete wall and façade assembly, using high-performance insulation products that offer longevity and durability in application.

services in the industry, offering a full spectrum of advice free of charge for all types of design projects. Services include U-value calculations, condensation and dew point calculations, advice on product selection and product data for all ancillary items and installation and fixing advice.

What other regulations for insulation should the industry be aware of?

When looking outside fire regulations, another thing to consider on buildings is thermal performance. Local building regulations and standards set required levels of thermal insulation when carrying out building work for new build or refurbishment projects. Thermal performance is expressed as a U-value. The required U-value depends on the location of the project, type of building – domestic or non-domestic – the application (floor, wall or roof ) and the regulations that are in place in the region.

Across the Middle East, regional building regulations are in place that prescribe different U-value requirements for architects, consultants and contractors to adhere to when constructing a building. For Dubai, this is the Al Safat and Dubai Green Building regulations.

For Abu Dhabi, this is the Abu Dhabi International Energy Code and Estidama. For Riyadh, this is the draft Saudi Arabian Standard, SASO, and, where applicable, ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.12013 (for all buildings except lowrise residential buildings) and ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.22007 (for low-rise residential

Tell us about your product’s sustainable element, in terms of how they are produced and once they are deployed on buildings.

Andrew Pack Pack says Kingspan conducts a considerable amount of R&D in its product ranges before a solution is brought to market.

buildings). And for Muscat, ASHRAE Energy Standards 90.1 and 90.2 should be considered, as no local standards are in place.

entities, including Dubai Central Laboratory and Civil Defence, in the combinations tested.

Where are Kingspan’s solutions in terms of compliance with new regulations in the UAE?

Countries in the GCC experience harsh weather for a significant portion of the year. How does Kingspan approach this challenge?

We offer façade solutions in the Middle East market that comply with the latest guidance as per the relevant sections of the appropriate chapter within the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice. This includes products in our Kingspan Kooltherm wall solutions range – the Kooltherm K5 exterior wall board and the Kooltherm K15 cladding board. They are approved for use by the region’s government

Kingspan Insulation invests in a considerable amount of R&D in its product ranges before bringing a solution to market. The solutions that Kingspan brings to the GCC provide customers with the certainty that the products will perform and remain durable for the lifetime of the assembly into which they are installed. We provide first-class technical service, which is one of the most advanced support

Kingspan Insulation is at the forefront of the low-energy building drive, helping architects, engineers and developers get the most energy-efficient building envelope and building services performance, offering triple benefits of cutting energy use, cutting operational carbon dioxide (CO2)and cutting costs. The Kooltherm core is a 90% (or greater) closed cell structure.

Having a closed cell structure provides ultra-low thermal conductivity (lambda value).

Additionally, as part of Kingspan’s initiative to be a responsible manufacturer, Kingspan’s products are manufactured with a blowing agent that has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP). We are committed to developing products with the needs of the market, especially when these needs will reduce the impact of the construction industry on the environment.

Why is this important?

“The solutions that Kingspan brings to the GCC provide customers with the certainty that the products will perform and remain durable for the lifetime of the assembly into which they are installed”

58 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019

Interview

The Montreal Protocol is a protocol that aims to reduce and phase out the use of ozonedepleting substances (ODSs), such as CFCs and HCFCs. Article 5 countries – these include GCC countries – that signed up to the Protocol committed themselves to phasing out the use of halons, CFCs and carbon tetrachloride by 2010.

Additionally, Estidama rating systems in Abu Dhabi provide guidance related to CFCs and HCFCs and ODP and GWP. Under the Stewarding Materials section, one credit point is available, provided all thermal insulation used has an ODP of zero and a low GWP. This issue is gaining momentum, with many of our projects and clients asking for zero ODP and low GWP.

“We are committed to developing products with the needs of the market, especially when these needs will reduce the impact of the construction industry on the environment”

supporting local and international initiatives Kingspan says it supplies zero ODP and low GWP insulants and systems verified by global trade associations, as part of its efforts to support local and international initiatives.

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Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019 59

Case Studies

HocHiki in Action

1

Big Project profiles three projects carried out by Hochiki Middle East, using its products to improve performance and safety standards 1

Royal oman Police Station The Royal Oman Police (ROP) is the main law and order agency in Oman. The concept of a modern police force is relatively new to Oman; around 30 years ago, no internal security force existed.

Now the ROP is regarded as among the best in the region.

In 2018, a new police station was built in the growing desert town of Marmul. The station is located within the Petroleum Development Camp, the leading oil & gas exploration and production company in Oman.

The Marmul Police Station is spread across nine buildings and can accommodate in the region of 200 people; it was therefore vital to install an efficient and reliable fire detection solution.

Project management company Dolphin Trading & Investment LLC was enlisted to oversee the build, and hired fire detection specialist Be One Safety to design and install the new fire detection system.

Product quality was high on the specification; they required a system with long-term reliability and superior performance. Be One Safety therefore decided that Hochiki would be able to provide the perfect solution.

Hochiki devices have been

optimised to reduce false alarms but also provide a quick response in the event of a real fire. The devices are renowned for being robust, reliable and having an extremely long life span, making them a very cost-effective solution. For this reason, Hochiki devices are first-choice for many prestigious buildings around the world.

Be One Safety installed nine EN 54-approved fire panels, one in each of the nine buildings, networked together with over 700 Hochiki analogue addressable sensors. Due to the complexity of the project, the on-site engineers relied heavily upon assistance from the regional Hochiki technical support team at Hochiki Middle East FZE. This high-quality technical support is another reason why distributors repeatedly place their trust in Hochiki.

The Marmul Police Station was completed and handed over successfully in 2018. Since then, fire protection specialist Proline Safety, Security & Gas has taken over all ROP projects, working alongside Hochiki Middle East on an EN system for Mirbat Police Station and a UL system for Al Awabi Police Station.

60 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019

Royal oman Police Station Be One Safety installed nine EN 54-approved fire panels, one in each of the nine buildings, networked together with more than 700 Hochiki analogue addressable sensors.

Messila Resort and Spa 3,000 multi-sensors were specified throughout the project, with smoke and heat detection technologies.

2 Golden tulip Installers found Hochiki’s products simple to install and easy to maintain, therefore reducing the total cost of ownership.

3

Case Studies

2

3

Golden tuliP Hotel

meSSila ReSoRt & SPa

The established chain of Golden Tulip Hotels can be found on five continents, and in 51 countries and 234 cities. In 2017, Hochiki devices were specified for installation in the newly built Golden Tulip Hotel in Doha.

Messila Resort is a deluxe fivestar hotel and spa complex set within a beautiful 33-acre forest in Doha. This luxury retreat contains 122 bedrooms and 30 villas, and can accommodate up to 2,000 building occupants. The spa itself is spread over three storeys and features 22 treatment rooms.

In 2017, the Golden Tulip Hotel chain started building a brand-new hotel in the West Bay district of Doha, designed to combine royal architecture with contemporary facilities.

The new hotel was proposed to be 17 storeys high, featuring 193 rooms, two restaurants and an outdoor pool. When completed, it would be able to accommodate approximately 500 occupants and with this number of employees and guests, ensuring their safety would of course be a top priority.

The hotel required an efficient and reliable fire detection solution; therefore, installation specialist Isheild was approached by international multidisciplinary consultancy practice James Cubitt & Partners Ltd, which oversaw the design and installation of the system.

One of the key requirements was for the fire detection devices to be aesthetically pleasing and for design continuity to be maintained throughout the hotel. James Cubitt & Partners specified two of Hochiki’s 4 Loop FireNET panels and 700 ULand FM-approved addressable smoke detectors, along with a voice evacuation system.

Installers also found Hochiki products simple to install and easy to maintain, therefore reducing the total cost of ownership. The project was completed successfully and on time and the hotel was able to open in October 2017.

The Private Engineering Office, responsible for managing the project, enlisted full-service fire management company iShield, tasking it with the fire risk assessment, specification, design and installation of the fire detection system.

Having carefully assessed the project, iShield specified a UL-approved fire detection system with PAVA integration; it was also a prerequisite that the system be able to provide early indication of a real fire while protecting against false alarms.

On this occasion, 3,000 multi-sensors were specified throughout the project; it has been proven that using smoke and heat detection technologies in combination often provides a more accurate and reliable indication of a real fire.

The design also includes 100 duct detectors, 11 voice evacuation panels, 1,000 speakers, 64 fire telephones and nine fourloop FireNET panels networked together. Voice evacuation is crucial on large complex sites where visitors may be unfamiliar with their surroundings; it helps people understand what is happening and what action they must take in order to safely evacuate the building.

While it was a tremendously complex project, Hochiki completed it successfully and on time in October 2018.

Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019 61

In Profile

Working toWards a Safer future

Eng Khalid Al Khatib, CEO, NAFFCO, speaks with Messe Frankfurt Middle East for Big Project ME, to discuss challenges and opportunities in the regional fire protection market ahead of Intersec 2019 Can you provide a brief recap of the history of NAFFCO?

We started in 1991 when we built our factory here in Jebel Ali in the UAE. We were about 15 people at the time and designed and manufactured certain types of firefighting equipment. From there, the journey started. Now we’re considered one of the best in the world, with over 10,000 people and around 600 engineers in different sectors.

We’re a UAE-based company and we hold the longest approved list of products in firefighting and fire alarm systems, all approved by international organisations.

How have you overcome challenges along the way? What was a major challenge you faced?

The challenges are always there, but our vision and hard work has helped us overcome these challenges. We’ve managed to put the right people and resources in place and turn challenges into opportunities, which helped us become better at what we do.

In 2008, during the recession, many companies were letting go of their employees but NAFFCO was hiring people. I remember

that we hired a thousand extra people for our ongoing projects and everybody was surprised by this move. We kept the same salary level and did not affect the employees’ lives. We came out from the period and learned a lot from it. From 2008 up to now, the company has tripled its numbers.

You mentioned NAFFCO’s global presence. Can you tell us a little about where it operates and what your plans are for future expansion?

In Africa, we’re present in Egypt, Morocco and we also soon will be in Algeria. We’ll be entering into Australia soon as well, along with Indonesia, Malaysia and South America. NAFFCO has a reach in over 100 countries worldwide, and we’re looking to add more, but on the condition that we can add value to these countries and if we can make a serious contribution to a country in terms of protecting life and safety.

We’ve worked with governments and we’ve completely changed their structure of life safety in order to bring the utmost laws and procedures to protect people’s lives and properties.

62 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019

“The UAE Civil Defence has really contributed to protecting property and life through their fire and life safety codes, which you can now see are fully implemented in buildings in the UAE, from the design up to the testing and commissioning and then maintenance”

Can you discuss the evolution of the regional fire protection market?

Today, you can say the market has done a full 180-degree turn and NAFFCO has contributed to this change a lot; we have sponsored many NFPA training courses. We have trained over 2,000 engineers in the UAE, as we believe that in order to communicate with someone you have to give him the knowledge, and that’s why we brought the NFPA courses to the UAE. The participants get a certificate similar to that issued in the US. We feel it’s our duty to bring in the knowledge and specifications that we are seeing today; the fire and safety codes in the UAE are exceeding those in other regions such as Europe and the US. We are proud to see that any building here implements all the fire and safety codes. The Civil Defence departments have a tremendous role. There was a study that showed that the UAE is one of the safest places in the world in terms of fire and safety.

How would you define NAFFCO’s relationship with the UAE Civil Defence?

In Profile

Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019 63

In Profile

We actually have a very good relationship, and this will last for the future. The UAE Civil Defence has really contributed to protecting property and life through their fire and life safety codes, which you can now see are fully implemented in buildings in the UAE, from the design up to the testing and commissioning and then maintenance. It’s a complete cycle that leads to one thing, which is the protection of the end user. This is what we and the UAE Civil Defence care about – to protect the life of people and their property.

NAFFCO’s UAE roots are clearly very strong. Can you outline your relationship with the local market?

We’re exporting to more than 100 countries from the UAE, and we’ve gained a lot of trust in the market.

Our products are specified for all industries, from oil & gas and buildings to malls and high-rise buildings. We’re contributing to fire safety worldwide, not only in the UAE. We sit as a counsellor on different boards.

So, in our journey of thirty years, I can say that I’m satisfied

training the populace As part of NAFFCO’s duty to contribute to awareness and training about fire safety, the company is working on developing a training programme that teaches people how to evacuate safely from burning buildings.

“We’ve worked with governments and we’ve completely changed their structure of life safety in order to bring the utmost laws and procedures”

a good relationship NAFFCO has a strong relationship with the UAE’s Civil Defence, and they work together to promote life and property, says Eng Khalid.

64 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2019

with steps being taken, but there is a lot yet to do.

We feel it is our duty to contribute to awareness and training. Now we’re working on a training on how to evacuate people from buildings. There is no advertising of our products, it’s just pure awareness of the people. It is not about buying our products, we do care about people’s lives, and this is why they choose NAFFCO. Can you discuss NAFFCO’s research and development objectives?

We have a special group here for R&D, and we also collaborate with our partners all over the world. We cannot do it all – we can do a part, the US can do a

part, Europe can do a part, and we end up bringing a really nice product because we’re connected.

We cannot proceed with anything new unless we are completely convinced, because we are passionate to protect, and therefore we have to be convinced that a product is really designed and fit to protect the lives of people. NAFFCO has gained the trust of people and we will continue to grow it.

Finally, what can we expect from NAFFCO at Intersec 2019?

There will be many surprises, from the latest innovations in fire truck technology to fire extinguishing systems. We also have a new foam system for the oil & gas industry, along with green foam fire extinguishers and extinguishing system for solar batteries. At NAFFCO, development and creativity are continuous.

In 1999, I remember Intersec was half a hall at that time, and now I believe it’s the strongest exhibition for fire and safety in the world that is organised annually.

It has a strong presence; it’s an international show, not just for the UAE. We have visitors from all over the world, in addition to local consultants. Every year, anyone visiting the show can see that it’s growing. Intersec is now a necessity for any fire company or consultancy wishing to be present in the Middle East.

All-Steel casing Extra-long tread life Outstanding cut and puncture resistance Extra mileage Designed for hard and rocky surfaces

SMOKE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

BUILDING MANAGEMENT GAS BASED SYSTEM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENTS

EMERGENCY LIGHTING

FIRE DETECTION & NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

CERTIFIED FIRE PUMPS

SECURITY SYSTEMS