ME Consultant November 2018

For the construction specialist

Market Evolution Drees & Sommer’s Morgan Tuckness on current issues and future trends in the hotel sector ON TOPIC

The performance of Dubai’s residential market in Q3

IN PRACTICE

Oracle C&E’s Mike Sicilia on digital project delivery

ON SITE

Women in Construction profile: Carolina Fong Guzzy

ISSUE 053

November 2018 Publication licensed by Dubai Production City A product of Big Project Middle East

© 2018 LACASA Architects & Engineering Consultants All Rights Reserved

I’m Sami Obaid and I am a

SR. ARchitect

www.lacasa.ae

An architect who believes that architecture is a lifestyle to pursue We should grow up with an architectural mindset; it should be a priority of teamwork, problem solving and community.

Cultural perspectives should not only be limited to reflecting the values of history, but be mixed with cutting-edge technology to enhance our designs.

Sami Obaid SR. Architect

LACASA is committed to providing quality-driven designs within a multidisciplinary environment.

Established in 2006, the firm has grown significantly over the past eleven years. Today, LACASA boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing all types of developments and across the entire MENA region.

While it is said that perfection doesn’t exist, we believe that perfecting design can be achieved by cultivating extraordinary talent.

CONTENTS

On topic INdustRy VIEWs fROM acROss thE MIddLE East

07 aNaLysIs

06

07

14

18

22

28

32

37

38

40

Cavendish Maxwell weighs in on how Dubai’s residential real estate sector fared in Q3 of this year 10 NEWs

GAJ appoints Jacinda Raniolo as lead creative designer of Interior Design team; ACI appoints new Middle East regional director; Cundall appoints Lee French to lead regional C&E team

In practice aNaLysIs, INsIghts aNd INtERVIEWs

18 INtERVIEW

Drees & Sommer’s Morgan Tuckness speaks to Jason Saundalkar about the drivers behind de- and re-flagging hotels, as well as global and regional hospitality trends 22 INtERVIEW

Middle East Consultant sits down with Ted Jacob to learn about his firm’s path to achieving net-zero energy in buildings and the Middle East’s move towards sustainability and efficiency 28 INtERVIEW

Oracle Construction and Engineering’s Mike Sicilia on the benefits of technology within companies and in project delivery

On site casE studIEs, OpINIONs aNd sNapshOts

32 pROfILE

We talk to Accienta’s Carolina Fong Guzzy about her influences, career and gender diversity in the construction industry 37 shOW REVIEW

$10.5bn worth of projects were on display from five exhibitors out of a total of 300 at Cityscape Global 40 thE Back pagE

Property Monitor’s Moe Abeidat discusses buying property in Dubai and the factors that influence purchasing decisions 2 NOVEMBER 2018

Pace is a leading multidisciplinary consulting firm providing architecture, engineering and planning services to a wide range of clients.

Our story goes back 50 years as one of the region’s leading consultancies operating internationally.

Whether it’s the comfort for a new city, the detailed design of a rail network, managing the construction of a skyscraper or the improvement of a management process, we plan, design, manage and construct solutions.

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pace_me @pacemiddleeast

WELCOME

Group EDITOR’S NOTE

Nominate! It’s Time to Shine It has been an eventful few months and we’re now less than two months away from 2019. With the inaugural Women in Construction and Value Engineering events, and the third edition of the ME BIM Summit behind us, just a handful of events remain on the Middle East Consultant (MEC) and Big Project Middle East (BPME) event calendars, before we cruise into the new year. Where has the time gone?

In fact, by the time you read this, we’ll be just a couple of weeks away from officially closing nominations for the 2018 Middle East Consultant Awards. If you haven’t already put forward your company, a project or a person for one of our prestigious awards, please visit www.meconsultantawards.com and get busy! The 15th of November is the absolute latest I will be able to accept nominations (seriously).

As some of you already know, three new categories were added to this year’s MEC Awards, bringing the total tally to 20. Like last year, I’m expecting to see healthy competition in each category – but the one that I’m hoping to see a lot of nominations come in for is the new ‘Women in Construction: Professional of the Year’.

This category is specifically for female professionals who work on projects on a day-to-day basis. Of course, we’re also keen on recognising senior female executives, all of whom are welcome to be nominated for the ‘Executive of the Year’ category alongside their male peers.

Besides working on the finer details of the Awards and the December issue of MEC, I’ve also begun planning for 2019. While I can’t yet share concrete details about what I’ll be doing with the magazine in 2019 (if you have ideas for interesting region-relevant topics, do write to me), I can tell you that MEC and BPME are going to be doing more events. The necessary announcements will be made in good time, but rest assured that our goal is to continue to bring important topics into the spotlight and set the wheels of change in motion where needed. Enjoy the issue.

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ON TOPIC

MOST POPULAR

ReAdeRS’ COMMeNTS

feATURed

CONSTRUCTiON

GLObAL CONSTRUCTiON OUTPUT TO GROw 3.6% PeR yeAR UNTiL 2022 – RePORT

Besix subsidiary and TGCC to build Africa’s tallest tower in Morocco

CONSULTANT

Mace Macro names Michael Coley new director for the MENAP region

feature: fossil fuels + Renewables – Synergies for a more efficient future

CONSTRUCTiON

Musanada begins $78.4m construction of two school projects

MACHiNeRy

Caterpillar rebrands with new Modern Hex trade dress

CONSTRUCTiON

Oman to develop four solar projects worth $1.6bn in five years

6 NOVEMBER 2018

Site Visit: La Perle – The story behind a show like no other

Really good to hear that the global construction industry is expected to see a rise to $12.9 trillion in real value terms by the year 2022, expanding by an average of 3.6% per year from 2018 until then, with the Middle East region leading the growth. While I can’t confess that I’m in a position to validate whether the Middle East and Africa region will be the fastest market with an annual average growth of 6.4% from 2018 to 2022, you would hope that a recovery in the oil price will help put money into the region’s economies. The last 20 years has seen a lot of investment but it has ended up in only a handful of cities. My hope, if these figures are correct, is that we will start to see investment in other areas that need it. I believe the developers and construction industry in the UAE, in particular, are ready to spread their wings across the wider region, and hopefully they will be delivering projects across the region over the next 20 years, not just in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Name withheld by request

ON TOPIC

ANALYSIS

Q3 Dubai Real Estate in Focus

Cavendish Maxwell weighs in on how Dubai’s residential real estate sector fared in Q3 of this year

T

ransacted prices for villas and townhouses settled lower than the 2017 average during Q3 2018, and the price gap between apartments and independent homes is narrowing. Prices for apartments are also shifting towards the lower end of the band, averaging $326,000 in Q3 2018.

Secondary market transfers, which began outpacing off-plan activity for villas/townhouses in November 2017, continued the trend last quarter. Meanwhile, in the first nine months of 2018, off-plan transfers for apartments continued to lead the tally, as developers focus their attention on lower-priced inventory, aggressive payment plans and other incentives.

According to data from Property Monitor, 26% of off-plan transfers for apartments in the first nine months of 2018 were in the $325-410

per sqft price bracket. By comparison, the most active price band in the secondary market for apartments (26%) was the $135-215 per sqft segment. Studios and one-bedroom units continue to be the most active type transferred in both the off-plan and secondary market in 2018 to date.

Residential Prices

In Q3 2018, sales prices across the residential market registered quarterly declines of 1.4% for villas/townhouses and 1.3% for apartments.

Subdued economic activity and handover of new supply later this year is likely to exert further downward pressure on housing sales prices.

Meanwhile, the announcements by the UAE government in 2018 on new ten-year visa regulations and a five-year residency visa for retired NOVEMBER 2018 7

ON TOPIC

Dubai villa/townhouse change in price (%) Q-o-Q% change Q2 2018 - Q3 2018 12-month % change Q3 2017 - Q3 2018 Al Furjan Villas Cedre Villas JVT Green Community The Springs Jumeirah Park Arabian Ranches Victory Heights The Meadows Jumeirah Golf Estates Jumeirah Islands Palm Jumeirah -2.0%

-1.0%

-3.0%

expatriates could have a positive impact on market sentiment in the short term. However, the details of the new retiree visa options are yet to be announced and the direct impact on the real estate sector will only become visible after it has been implemented, which is expected in early 2019.

According to information released so far, to qualify for the retiree visa, an expatriate should have an investment in a property worth $544,000 or financial savings of around $270,000, or have an active income of $5,450 per month.

Rental declines were more pronounced in areas such as Dubailand, The Greens in Emirates Living, Motor City, Arabian Ranches and Victory Heights, averaging a 12-month change of around 7%. Rent decline is expected to continue during the last quarter of the year and the beginning of 2019, with new handovers planned in both freehold and leasehold communities across Dubai. However, the impact on some developments will be less notable if they benefit from unique demand drivers such as beachfront location, quality finishes and superior community facilities.

-4.0%

-5.0%

-6.0%

-7.0%

According to Property Monitor’s database of rental contracts, the majority of rental agreements for residential properties in Q3 2018 were in one cheque (45%, up 7% compared to last quarter). Rental payments made in four cheques decreased by 2% over the quarter.

The majority of handovers during Q3 2018 were in Jumeirah Village Circle, Downtown Burj Khalifa, Town Square and Dubai South, with more than 300 units handed over in each location, more than 72% of them apartments. For the remainder of the year, the majority of upcoming supply is concentrated in Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Town Square.

Business Bay, Mohammed bin Rashid City and Jumeirah Village Circle dominated Q3 off-plan apartment transfers. International City, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Village Circle led secondary market apartment transfers, accounting for 31% of the Q3 total. Secondary market transfers among villas surpassed off-plan transfers in Q3 2018, led by the Emirates Living, Arabian Ranches and Mudon developments, which together accounted for 30% of the total secondary market transfers registered during the third quarter.

Dubai apartment change in price (%) Q-o-Q% change Q2 2018 - Q3 2018 12-month % change Q3 2017 - Q3 2018 International City Discovery Gardens JVC IMPZ Uptown Motor City Dubai Silicon Oasis Al Furjan Dubai Sports City JVT JLT Business Bay Dubai Marina The Views JBR DIFC Palm Jumeirah Downtown Dubai -0.5%

8 NOVEMBER 2018

-1.0%

-1.5%

-2.0%

-2.5%

-3.0%

-3.5%

-4.0%

-4.5%

-5.0%

Source: Cavendish Maxwell

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ON TOPIC

WGEO and GGGI to fasttrack green investments

GAJ appoints Jacinda Raniolo lead creative designer of ID Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) has announced that Jacinda Raniolo has rejoined its ranks as lead creative designer of the Interior Design (ID) team. Raniolo previously worked at GAJ for over eight years.

In her role, Raniolo will contribute to the growth of the ID practice and will deliver design and technical excellence, GAJ said. She will work with teams to conceive and produce the concept direction, in line with the client’s vision and within defined budgets.

Jacinda joins senior interior design team leaders Elie Choucair, associate partner, and Paula Fay Evans, senior associate, both of whom have been with GAJ for several years.

In its statement, GAJ said that Raniolo is “widely recognised for her leadership skills and industry expertise and has considerable experience working on a number of commercial, education and hospitality projects across the region”.

Her appointment is said to follow a successful year for the interior design division and represents the company’s commitment to the development of the practice, enriching design talent and expertise.

10 NOVEMBER 2018

The World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have signed an agreement in Dubai for a new initiative which enables smart green cities and sustainable infrastructure projects to gain access to grants and investments through the WGEO Trust Fund.

According to a statement, sixty bankable smart green city projects worth $1.1bn will be delivered by GGGI to this initiative over the next three years. Each project is expected to benefit from the support of the host government, in order to present a competitive advantage to interested investors.

“Smart green cities and sustainable infrastructure projects create unprecedented opportunities for long-term prosperity, leading to more vibrant and attractive markets, healthy economies, poverty reduction and sustainable development. The World Green Economy Organisation is uniquely placed to provide systematic and holistic catalytic support to the promotion of the green economy, meaning that it will handle all aspects of the promotion of green economy. Access to green finance through the WGEO Trust Fund is one among a number of practical value propositions offered by the organisation,” said Saeed Mohamed Al Tayer, chairman, WGEO.

ON TOPIC

ACI appoints new Middle East regional director Ahmad Mhanna has been appointed as the American Concrete Institute’s new regional director for the Middle East. In his role, Mhanna will focus on ACI’s plan to increase knowledge-sharing in the region.

According to a statement, Mhanna will assist in establishing and nurturing strategic relationships with members, chapters, companies, governmental bodies, educational institutions and other construction industry organisations. He will also build upon recent partnership agreements and increase ACI activity in the region.

An ACI member and civil engineer, Mhanna has wide-ranging experience in concrete and construction materials testing, analysis and applications. Prior to joining ACI, he was employed at Qatrana Cement in Amman, Jordan. He has served as a board member of the Jordan Concrete Association since 2012 and is also a member of the Building Materials Technical Committee of the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation. He holds multiple ACI certifications and has served as an ACI Certification examiner.

He will be based at the ACI Middle East regional office in the Dubai World Trade Centre, which will open on January 6, 2019.

12 NOVEMBER 2018

SSH wins Grande Tower contract from Emaar SSH has been chosen by Dubai-based property developer Emaar and appointed by WSP to deliver architecture services on the new Grande Tower in Dubai’s Opera District.

The 78-storey residential tower will be located opposite the Burj Park and Burj Lake, and will feature 866 apartments – one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units, as well as large penthouses. The tower will also feature a promenade level with multiple amenities and retail outlets, SSH said in its statement.

“The tower will be a significant addition to the Downtown Dubai skyline and will become a contributing and symbolic landmark in the development of the Opera District. SSH is extremely honoured to once again be working alongside Emaar in delivering a project that will exemplify a luxurious setting for contemporary living and offer premium experiences for residents and guests alike,” said Michael Byron, resident director – UAE at SSH. Discussing the tower’s design, SSH said: ”A curved footprint embraces the fountain lake and mimics the organic sweeping lines of the existing landscape. A balanced rhythm of undulating piers and slim vertical fins accentuates the elegance and verticality of the tower up to its delicate crown.”

The podium’s upper level is set to feature a swimming pool and deck oriented to benefit from the Dubai Fountain views. It will also feature significant amenity space and parking for both residents and visitors.

ON TOPIC

Arada unveils final Central Hub master plan Arada has revealed the final master plan of the Central Hub, within the boundaries of the Aljada mega project. The Sharjah developer said the complex is a focal point for the development and expects the first phase to be complete by the end of Q1 2019.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the Central Hub is billed as a “bold new leisure and entertainment destination for the UAE�. Spread over 1.9m sqft, the car-free zone will feature green space and water features and is designed to be walkable even during the summer months. According to Arada, there will be 732,000sqft of green space in the Central Hub. Work on the first phase of the Central Hub, which includes an Arada sales centre, an outdoor cinema space, a food truck village, a skate park and other family-friendly facilities, has already begun.

NOVEMBER 2018 13

ON TOPIC

Oman to develop solar projects worth $1.6bn

Cundall appoints Lee French to lead regional C&E team Cundall has grown its Middle East footprint with the appointment of Lee French. French will head the firm’s Civil Engineering & Infrastructure team and will focus on enhancing the consultancy’s regional operations and the civil and infrastructure brand in the region.

French has been with Cundall since 2001 and joins the Dubai office from Newcastle in the UK, having previously been based in the Middle East for four years. He is said to have an “extremely strong track record of delivering large and complex schemes” and has led and managed design teams and projects across the UK, Middle East and Africa.

“I’m extremely excited to be rejoining the MENA leadership team and to be heading up the civil offering in Dubai. Cundall are now very well-established right across the MENA region with a fantastic portfolio of projects, and I am really looking forward to being part of the continued development and growth.

At Cundall, we have made it our mission to create fantastic built environments and have a positive impact on our communities,” French said in a statement.

14 NOVEMBER 2018

Oman intends to build four solar projects over the next five years. The utility-scale projects will cost an estimated $1.6bn and will be able to generate 1,600MW of renewable energy, said an Oman Observer report.

The first of the projects, known as Ibri IPP, will have a power generation capacity of 500MW and is scheduled to be developed by 2022. Following this solar plant will be ‘Solar 2022’ and ‘Solar 2023’, each offering 500MW of generation capacity and scheduled to go online by 2022 and 2023 respectively.

While the three projects are planned for development in the Wilayat of Ibri (Dhahirah Governorate) and Manah and Adam (Al Dakhiliyah Governorate), Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is also procuring a 100MW solar power plant at Amin in the south of its concession. This project is scheduled for launch by 2020.

The main stakeholders for the projects are said to be the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW), the Authority for Electricity Regulation, Oman Electricity Transmission Company, Nama Holding, the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, and the Royal Oman Police. The lead implementers are said to be Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) and Petroleum Development Oman.

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ON SITE

OPINION

01 Stephan Degenhart is managing director of Drees & Sommer Middle East.

Smart Solutions Intelligent facades are a viable solution to tackling the UAE’s fast depreciating buildings

01

M

ore than 500 of Dubai’s buildings were constructed during the economic downturn of 2008, when developers were forced to use lower-quality materials and implement costcutting measures to achieve project completion.

Ten years later, building owners are facing the fast depreciation of their assets combined with high maintenance costs and increased risks of shorter lifecycles. Building owners are seeking long-term solutions to future-proof their assets, ensure their buildings remain attractive, achieve higher rental yields and maximise return on investment (ROI).

At a panel discussion organised by Drees & Sommer ME, Micha Pawelka, managing 16 NOVEMBER 2018

director at Priedemann Façade Engineering, stated that UAE developers spend 75% less per sqm on façades than their European counterparts, while only 10% of buildings across the Middle East currently comply with the global standard of air leakage rate allowance.

According to a report recently issued

by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, 84% of electrical consumption in Dubai can be attributed to the operation of the city’s buildings. Nearly 70% of this is taken up by air conditioning alone. This is because many of the UAE’s buildings were developed without proper measures being taken to ensure total protection from the exterior environment.

A solution being adopted to revitalise existing buildings, more so by the international community, is the incorporation of intelligent façades. Smart envelope design solutions can include the ability to adapt to the surrounding environment by means of perception, reasoning and action, using a combination of external sensors and dynamic automated units.

This enables façades to react to the complications that arise from interaction with the exterior environment. These can include over exposure to sunlight, heavy rain or sandstorms. Currently, less than 5% of buildings in the UAE have adopted this technology. Intelligent façades can be designed and customised based on user preference and specification, and have an enormous impact on a building’s energy performance and user comfort levels. The adoption of an intelligent façade can often be simple and inexpensive through the use of integrated and smart engineering strategies.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Bahr Towers are one example of the use of dynamic façade parts.

They use an external automated solar shading system of folding screens, which comprises 2,098 dynamic panels. The intelligent façade improves user comfort, while significantly decreasing overall energy consumption, as lower levels of sunlight penetration will decrease heat levels, thus reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.

Another example is the Deutsche Haus in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Engineered

by Drees & Sommer’s David Schenke and his team, the concept incorporates dynamic automated solar shading louvers inspired by traditional Vietnamese blinds. The double-skin façade combines local architecture with modern technology to create a fully energy-efficient office tower, the first of its kind in the region.

In other parts of the world, developers have begun incorporating new elements such as nano-surface designs for catalytic coatings and bioactive skins that help decrease air pollution. Dynamic glass façades are also gaining popularity, while media façades are being adopted for commercial advertising purposes. The incorporation of intelligent façades has become an appealing option for owners looking to revitalise and give their buildings a modern edge, functionally, aesthetically and digitally.

While the benefits of integrated design solutions for smart façades are welldocumented, the initial cost of installation can often be offset by the savings on energy consumption, allowing owners to recoup their investment within 10 years. Improved

ON SITE

end-user experience, better comfort and a healthier indoor environment encourage increased occupancy and improved retention rates, thus improving ROI. As the owners of buildings at the end of their lifecycles consider options such as refurbishment, revitalisation and repurposing, maximising ROI remains a key consideration.

While still challenging, the UAE construction industry is viewed with more optimism than a decade ago. A better local economy means developers are no longer in a position where cutting corners on building material quality is

necessary, throughout either construction or refurbishment phases.

Integrated, smarter engineering designs have provided new means of increasing ROI and market attractiveness, while reduced energy consumption lends itself to a more sustainable solution. For these reasons, owners looking to reinforce their buildings for the coming years should select intelligent façades to reinforce longevity and bring new life to their assets, while at the same time achieving ROI targets.

The UAE currently faces an oversupply of real estate, contributing to an

increasingly competitive space for owners and developers looking to secure occupancy. The incorporation of intelligent façade technology will give buildings the opportunity to differentiate themselves from the competition.

As international technological advances continue, there is now a wider array of options for building owners to choose from to remain attractive in the ever-developing property market. Modern design paired with rapid technological evolution has provided a worthwhile solution to reinforcing rapidly depreciating buildings in the UAE.

“Intelligent façades can be designed and customised based on user preference and specification, and have an enormous impact on a building’s energy performance”

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NOVEMBER 2018 17

IN PRACTICE

INTERVIEW

Market Evolution Drees & Sommer’s Morgan Tuckness speaks to Jason Saundalkar about the drivers behind de- and re-f lagging hotels, as well as global and regional trends t a recent summit organised in Dubai, the broad topic of managing deflagging and rebranding in the hotel industry was addressed. Discussions centred around hotel contracting structures and how they are changing, the costs and commercial considerations, and key legal issues when de-flagging/rebranding or converting hotels. Digitisation in the sector was also discussed on the morning, in addition to some of the key considerations for hotel design and construction in the region.

The presentations and panel discussions provided interesting insights into the hospitality industry on both a regional and global level. On a regional level, it was said that a number of hotels have been re-flagged in recent times, for several reasons.

“I think a lot of it is down to the micro-climate, we are currently facing a slightly depressed market across the GCC. It is a reality, but it’s not something that we should be afraid of. The positive side of this shift is that we are actually evolving from an emerging hotelier market to a more developed and mature one,” explains Morgan Tuckness, head of Global Hospitality, Technical Services & Development at Drees & Sommer (D&S).

“The economy and the hotel landscape are becoming more competitive, putting hotel owners more in the driver’s seat versus the operators – they can actually go out and find a better deal for themselves.

The hotel operators now have to be more flexible with the terms and conditions within their HMAs to secure the project, and as a result, this gives strong bargaining power to the owner. Additionally, we are also seeing a number of renegotiations or re-flagging efforts across the region

with owners who are taking advantage of the opportunity to search for and secure better deals.”

Tuckness joined D&S recently, having previously worked at the Emaar Hospitality Group and Marriott Vacations Worldwide. She is a US-trained architect with over 14 years of owner, developer and operator experience, and now oversees the hospitality sector for Drees & Sommer.

Hotel Refurbishment

MEC spoke to Tuckness on the sidelines of the event and when asked whether all hotels undergo refurbishment after a de-flag, Tuckness says it depends on the property and that she’s observed a variety of approaches.

“If the asset is aging and nearing the end of the management agreement, it’s best to identify the new operator prior to pulling the trigger on the refurbishment. Owners want to minimise the capex outlay when it comes to a refurb – they spend a lot of money when renovating the hotel, so they need to make sure that when the re-flag is done, they don’t have to dip back into their own pocket and spend more than they have to, with additional changes from the operator.”

She elaborates, “With some of the newer hotels that are in the process of de-flagging/re-flagging, we’re seeing more money being spent on FF&E, soft goods and collateral, which change the brand look and feel versus some of the older properties, which are really going through full maintenance and renovation.”

From what Middle East Consultant has observed, in some cases full renovation and maintenance is driven by the fact that the property was built during the global financial crisis (GFC), when cost-cutting measures may have been employed while the project was being delivered. However, other factors also play a part.

“I think it’s an interesting and fair point that most people don’t realise the current challenge associated with this. In Dubai, we are now seeing a

“Speaking about the GCC, there’s a big push towards tourists who would rather spend money on shopping or attractions than on a hotel stay” 18 NOVEMBER 2018

IN PRACTICE

NOVEMBER 2018 19

IN PRACTICE

01

01 The firm worked on the Hyatt Regency Köln in Germany.

02 The consultancy offers ID services as part of its service bouquet.

03 D&S now has a significant hospitality team based in Dubai.

huge boom within the refurbishment market for many reasons. Most of these buildings are now at the natural point in the project lifecycle that they are needing a scheduled renovation and facelift, as many of these buildings were completed around the GFC.” “However, what’s interesting is that some of thes assets that were delivered during the GFC period are proving to have some unique challenges as you dig into them. Some of the buildings are challenged with inferior materials that were hitting the construction market in mass during the years from approximately 2004-2009. These subpar materials were sent around the world, and hit large developments in Dubai, the United States and all other booming construction markets globally.”

She continues, “So if you take the age of our buildings, plus potential material issues and extreme environmental conditions of Dubai, the aging process is really accelerated. We are, as I said earlier, moving from an emerging hotel market focused on building new hotels, to now concentrating on optimising the existing hotels.”

Another reason de-flagged hotels may go in for refurbishment is the push towards smarter, more sustainable structures. Within the region, hotels are said to be over-engineered from an MEP standpoint. However, Tuckness believes this will change in the coming years.

02

“I do think Dubai is evolving when it comes to sustainable projects – everyone from the developers to the designers is looking at lessons learned from the past. We are now living the reality of extensive renovations, and you now see owners and developers taking a harder look at the full lifecycle cost of projects.”

Of course, technology has a major role to play in the drive towards smarter, more efficient and sustainable builds. Modelling tools are being called upon more frequently by consultants, to help ascertain resource usage at different occupancy levels. Tuckness believes BIM also has a key role to play going forward.

“BIM is one of the biggest trends in construction technology right now. It has been around for some time and it helps with coordination issues and is basically a case of measure twice and cut once. It helps us make sure we can assemble a building in a modelling system before we go through it, so I think BIM is still on an upward trajectory, we will see more municipalities and teams requiring BIM implementation. With that said, BIM is not a perfect system and still has its challenges, especially from the interior design (ID) side.”

“Technology in our industry is a fascinating area of focus – there are new programs that are being developed and rolled out constantly. Even within Drees & Sommer, for instance, there’s a specific division that is actually focused specifically on smart building processes and technology,” she says.

Trends and Design Considerations

Generally speaking, hotels evolve with the times. In recent years, one of the most noticeable changes has been the disappearance or transformation of the front desk, previously seen as the focal point of a traditional lobby. This is said to be a global trend, with hotels increasingly featuring lobbies that resemble a living room, to make 20 NOVEMBER 2018

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“I think every operator and designer is thinking about creating those Instagramable moments” the hotel more friendly and inviting to guests. Hotels are also keen to create scenes that can be captured and shared on social media.

“I think every operator and designer is thinking about creating those Instagramable moments. They want to have those key social media snapshots, whether someone comes to the hotel for lunch or is staying as a guest, essentially using social media as PR for themselves.”

She adds, “Tourism demand is driving towards experiential travel and with bespoke experiences. People don’t want the standard hotel of the past that could be located anywhere in the world. Tourists now want a sense of the place, and want to have something they can share with their friends and say, ‘I’ve actually seen this’ or say, ‘I was here for a holiday’.

So we are now pushing the industry as a whole to rethink the way guests get to experience their various properties, from the front to the back of their guests’ journey.”

“One of the trending topics from a hotel standpoint is how does technology affect our guests? Technology and social media are amazing elements to help streamline processes and communicate in masses. But we have to be careful because it can make or break a hotel.”

“We work in a unique asset class, an asset class that focuses on delivering a vacation experience, which means that people want their experience perfect. No one goes on holiday to have an okay time. It takes just one person to have a bad experience on a property to tank your reviews online, and that can spread like wildfire. So we can’t forget about why we’re actually here – the purpose of hospitality is to serve our guests, rather than just to create a space that gets clicked, shared and liked.”

Discussing emerging trends in the hotel sector in the Middle East, Tuckness notes, “Speaking about the GCC, there’s a big push towards tourists who would rather spend money on shopping or attractions than on a hotel stay.”

She concludes by saying, “The other trend that’s taking hold in the GCC region is the revival of boutique hotels with smaller key counts and more interesting experiences. Typically, boutique operators have the flexibility to offer an experience that’s different from what large operators offer. That said, you also see the large operators acquiring some of these smaller brands, to diversify their traditional portfolio to address the more boutique experience.”

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INTERVIEW

Achieving Net-Zero Energy Ted Jacob speaks to Jason Saundalkar about Ted Jacob Engineering Group’s path to achieving net-zero energy in buildings and the Middle East’s move towards sustainability and efficiency he Ted Jacob Engineering Group (TJEG) has provided more than three decades of engineering consultancy services across the Middle East, North America and the Far East. Established in San Francisco in 1985 by Ted Jacob, the firm focuses on sectors such as healthcare, residential and mixed-use developments, science and technology, and middle schools and higher education institutions in the region.

Affiliated with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and a member of the US Green Building Council, TJEG says it continues to strive for the most sustainable design solutions with the support of R&D. Earlier this year, the firm merged with specialist consultancy Green Technologies.

Today, TJEG is most closely associated with healthcare, with the Cleveland Clinic Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital in Abu Dhabi and the Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital in Dubai as a few examples.

But to capitalise on the development in the region, it’s not enough to concentrate on only one sector, says Ted Jacob, president of TJEG. “Healthcare is our primary interest, but mixed-use developments are also becoming challenging with technological developments. The way of doing business is rapidly changing, and one of our challenges is to change with the rapidly developing technologies and systems.”

Asked if these new developments have contributed to the trends in the industry, Jacob notes that with the cost of energy increasing and the depletion of fossil fuels in coming years, there has been a more conscious shift to energy efficiency and sustainability in the region.

“A lot of innovations are going into building construction, where we try and make them more energy-efficient – the focus worldwide is to take them to net-zero energy. For buildings to achieve net-zero, 22 NOVEMBER 2018

a lot of innovations and ideas need to happen, and I believe TJEG has been very successful in doing this. We’re always supporting our clients with the idea of going net-zero, and our merger with Green Technologies reinforces our commitment and gives us more base to go after such projects.”

Established in 1977, Green Technologies has already worked on more than 600 LEED projects and towards the development of net-zero energy buildings. Jacob says, “Now we have the capability of offering those services as part of our engineering design, and I’m proud to say that we can do all of it in-house. Internally, we also have a committee which is based on innovations, where we try and implement energysaving solutions which are cost-effective and have minimal initial costs.”

Client Challenges

Achieving net-zero buildings is not without its challenges, however, and Jacob believes educating clients is the first step.

“Our biggest challenge is the clients. We have seven to eight innovations that are proven to reduce the energy consumption in a building by about 50%, but the test is to convince clients”

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01

01 One of Ted Jacob’s first regional projects was a hospital in AUH. 02 TJEG provided several services on this luxury residential project.

03 Sustainability was a key focus for this large school’s pump room.

“Our biggest challenge is the clients. We have seven to eight innovations that are proven to reduce the energy consumption in a building by about 50%, but the test is to convince clients. We have laboratories and testing centres where we make sure our innovations are proven and tested before we introduce them to the client. Our innovations started on the healthcare side, since it’s a large sector and a considerable energy user. Our next step is to try and look for clients that can take our ideas and implement them in their buildings.”

He also believes that, depending on the type of client, the perspective towards up-front cost varies. “If it’s a client in healthcare or an educational institution, the owners remain the same over an extended period and they are more interested in long-term savings, compared to developers who are more focused on up-front costs.”

Further explaining the benchmarks associated with sustainability, Jacob notes that shifts in the US market are beginning to migrate to the Middle East.

“In the US, for a big healthcare project where we wanted to achieve net-zero energy, we did the energy analysis. For each building, the baseline we established for energy usage was a lot less than what was required by ASHRAE. Similar scenarios are occurring in the region 02

24 NOVEMBER 2018

as well. Internally, we want to establish energy targets while keeping construction costs the same as a conventional type of system. This will actually help us get more projects, because the price of energy is rising in the region and some of our clients are interested, especially in Saudi Arabia, in lowering the energy consumption in their buildings.”

Middle East Prospects

Outside the UAE, TJEG is invested in Saudi Arabia and building on an existing portfolio. Jacob explains, “We are involved in a few mega projects in Saudi which are just getting started. We are constructing about 15,000 rooms in Saudi – it’s a big residential development with hotels and apartment complexes. But as with all our projects, our focus is on water and energy efficiency. For another project in Saudi, we were able to take care of LEED consultancy in-house, because now we have the capability.”

He says LEED certification is not seen as an end but as a means to obtain net-zero energy and a lower carbon footprint. And even though he feels the region is a little behind the times, he points out that interest is catching up and certain entities like DEWA are far ahead of the rest.

“DEWA is very advanced in terms of energy savings, and it’s amazing to see how committed they are to sustainability and green buildings. An increased awareness among the community will definitely encourage more clients to seek energyefficient projects.”

Going into detail about the DEWA Innovation Centre project TJEG is working on, Jacob says, “That project was actually a worldwide design competition, and we were very interested in the project because we wanted to achieve net-zero energy and we had a lot of different ideas for it. We came up with that particular shape because

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“DEWA is very advanced in terms of energy savings, and it’s amazing to see how committed they are to sustainability and green buildings” the sun revolves around the structure and that gives you different lighting within the building. The structure also makes use of solar farms to get the power coming from the PVs. It’s even got LEED platinum certification.”

Influence of Technology

On the impact of technology on the design process, Jacob says, “I have not seen it in the Middle East, but in the US it’s going to be a big change in how projects are being built and the method of delivery. We have 03

26 NOVEMBER 2018

the designer, the owner and the architect, and there is design-build or design-assist and IPD (integrated project delivery), which is integrated with BIM to meet the project budget and schedule. On a big project, the owner, the contractor and the consultant start working inside a place called ‘The Big Room’ early on in the process, so while the engineer is designing something, the contractor can advise him based on cost requirements and the owner is also privy to this information if any changes need to be made.”

He continues, “With this method of working, it has been proven that there is at least 15-20% cost savings, just on the design and construction. And once the overall project is completed, there is at least 5-20% savings on the project cost, but the method of delivery of the project should also be considered.”

Looking ahead, Jacob reckons there are several innovative ways to deliver projects. “Additive building is a viable approach, it’s just a matter of setting up the project to be 3D printed. There is definitely a market for that, but again, the price is going to be a driver. So, if the projects can be made cost-effective and if the consultants are sure of the quality of the product, then more people will be interested in investing in materials that are useful for 3D printing and modular designing.”

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IN PRACTICE

INTERVIEW

Analogue to Digital Oracle Construction and Engineering’s Mike Sicilia speaks about the benefits of technology within companies and in project delivery iddle East Consultant speaks to Mike Sicilia, SVP and general manager at Oracle Construction and Engineering (OCE), about digital transformation in the built environment, its impact on various projects and some of the hurdles that companies and professionals face in the drive to go digital.

The construction industry is notorious for being a slow adopter of technology. What are some of the reasons for this, and how does your firm address these concerns?

Our view of digital adoption in construction and engineering is slightly different. We’ve seen a lot of businesses embracing technology in the industry, and that’s been accelerating over time. Many of our customers are very innovative in the ways they use technology both across their business and across a project.

However, there’s a view about technology use in construction based around how much companies are spending on IT, but we believe the focus should be on what they’re spending it on. In many instances, construction companies don’t have legacy software to replace, so they’re able to be more innovative in terms of the technology they invest in.

From our perspective, it’s not really a case of companies not wanting to adopt technology, it’s more about helping them overcome some of the obstacles they find along the way. Obstacles include ensuring they have the skill sets to make the most of the technology being adopted, getting buy-in from the C-suite, understanding ROI, data protection and security, how to integrate technology across their existing IT stack, as well as ensuring the technology is easy to use and used across the teams involved.

To navigate through these, we listen to what our customers want and understand the evolving challenges they face, we collaborate with 28 NOVEMBER 2018

innovative customers and partners, and we invest in development where it makes sense to do so.

Our focus is on project and asset lifecycle management. We help organisations in asset-intensive industries connect the supply chain and project teams through a common data environment, which drives productivity and quality while also yielding valuable project intelligence to improve decision-making. We also combine longstanding products from Primavera, Aconex and Textura to provide a comprehensive and connected set of secure technology solutions that are easy to consume, deploy and use.

Our solutions offer insights, visibility, collaboration and control to drive process, project and organisation performance for the E&C industry, as well as other sectors such as infrastructure and energy.

Due to well-documented data breaches and hacks across global markets, construction companies frequently cite security as a key concern when asked about digitising their workflow. How does Oracle address these concerns and protect the data of existing customers?

The combination of Oracle Construction and Engineering products helps every type of project. When you look at Aconex, Textura, Prime Projects – they’re all cloud-based and offer a fast time to value. With Unifier or Primavera – these can be either on-premise or cloud options and are really flexible for organisations with custom needs. All of these products have security features and collaboration tools built in.

OCE’s products are subject to Oracle’s Software Security Assurance programme requirements. The products also undergo Corporate Security Design reviews and assessments prior to deployment into the cloud environment. A defence in depth strategy is in place, and the cloud environment is monitored to help identify weaknesses or issues that may arise. The cloud shared services and infrastructure undergo an annual SOC 2 attestation effort to allow for an independent third-party review of the environment controls.

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“As E&C organisations undergo digital transformation, the challenge is to integrate a range of systems, software, hardware and applications across the enterprise and ensure that there is interoperability between new and existing systems�

NOVEMBER 2018 29

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01 Oracle Construction and Engineering says its solutions offer insights, visibility, collaboration and control to drive process, project and organisation performance for the E&C industry.

What are some of the dangers faced by construction firms that are new adopters of technology? What steps should they take to ensure they get maximum ROI?

I wanted to share content from the first report released by the Global Industry Council (GIC), established by Oracle’s Aconex. The GIC includes some of the largest construction and engineering firms around the world, such as Bechtel, Lendlease and AECOM. It focused on five keys to unlocking digital transformation in construction, and two of these relate to the adoption of technology across a business and the challenge this can create.

First, we need to think about integration across the ecosystem.

Organisations are grappling with complex 01 systems that have overlapping platforms creating and duplicating data. As E&C organisations undergo digital transformation, the challenge is to integrate a range of systems, software, hardware and applications across the enterprise and ensure that there is interoperability between new and existing systems.

To navigate this, businesses need to define both a short-term and longterm strategy. Begin by understanding the ecosystem and architecture being used today. Next, by employing agile design and implementation disciplines, integrate service and support and invest in a data lake.

Secondly, there’s rationalisation and standardisation. Complex and non-standard processes and systems need to be rationalised across projects. System and software standardisation not only minimises costs, it also reduces the need for specialised expertise to support the various tools, consolidates vendor management, reduces incompatibility and streamlines the infrastructure and the ecosystem. Standards in E&C are driven by the need to improve safety and quality, to gain efficiencies in resource allocation, budget or time, to harmonise data and to control risk.

The way we help with all of this is we don’t simply adopt a one-sizefits-all approach. Our products offer a comprehensive toolset for every step of the digital transformation journey. Companies are allowed to adopt product capability based on their short- and long-term strategies. This places customers on a continuous improvement cycle, driving new levels of productivity.

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How can technology improve the delivery and efficiency of projects? What benefits can construction firms expect?

E&C businesses today need to find the competitive advantage in what’s fast becoming a very crowded industry. To do this, they need to reduce risk, work faster, deliver higher quality projects safely without errors – and do these things over and over. They need standardisation, they need to be compliant, they need to connect the supply chain to transform how project teams work together, they need to make their processes faster and more transparent for both their subcontractors and customers.

In addition to E&C, we’ve seen success with Oracle Construction and Engineering solutions in planning and managing projects in the public infrastructure and utilities sector. They are under similar pressures in terms of project complexity and compliance, and our solutions solve the problems they face through supply chain collaboration, stakeholder visibility and improved portfolio and resource management, whether they are doing a few large projects or many small ones.

The acquisition of Aconex, along with our Textura, Unifier, Prime and Primavera products, will make OCE the industry standard for digital transformation and project and programme management. We envision becoming the industry standard because our products address the complex problems our customers face and can offer the most complete dataset – with the best insights and control – to improve decision-making,

IN PRACTICE

“E&C businesses today need to find the competitive advantage in what’s fast becoming a very crowded industry”

autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, powered exoskeletons, prefabrication, etc.

This combination of connectedness and innovation will enable builders to unlock new levels of productivity, safety and quality.

Construction really is on the verge of an exciting and dramatic transformation, as the physical and digital worlds increasingly blur in the built environment.

Analysing data from construction sites could reveal valuable insights that unlock more efficiencies. Is this something Oracle is undertaking, and if so, how is Oracle approaching this?

drive performance and enable predictable outcomes, repeatable success and continuous improvement.

Are we at a stage now where certain parts of the construction

For organisations to drive performance and continuous improvement across their processes, projects and organisation, they need the right data strategy and tools. Data helps them learn what’s working and not working, what’s on track or off the rails, so they can make decisions or act faster.

Enough data can even help them predict future outcomes.

But there’s a flow to this which starts with buy-in across the business or project. Accurate data is dependent on product adoption – people actually using the product. Adoption requires that people trust using a system, which is important in project delivery, where you need insights from what’s happening across the supply chain, not just from one company. Also, adoption requires that teams have a good experience working with a new solution.

That’s why our key investment areas will focus on cloud products – to bring innovation faster, with seamless upgrades. We’ll also be looking at connecting processes across the project and asset lifecycle, as well as security, which remains a top priority for Oracle. We’ve focused our cloud products on being open platforms, enabling integration and capturing data from other systems. This helps harness even better insights and control, to drive performance.

supply chain can be fully automated?

While there’s still a long way to go, the industry is looking to automate where it makes sense to do so, such as removing the danger and drudgery from people’s roles, enabling them to focus on using their skills and abilities more often. I feel there is opportunity in automation to minimise work-site risk, essentially enhancing project safety.

Looking at our own products, such as Unifier, it has an incredibly powerful and flexible business process management engine helping to drive process automation for our customers today. With other solutions such as Aconex, the importance of having an open platform enables connections to many machines and devices, bringing with it an opportunity to automate as well. So there are solutions out there helping businesses to automate their operations today.

The work-site of the future will be all about connecting project teams and supply chains, as well as the processes and systems used across the project and asset lifecycle. The cloud and availability of 5G will enable realtime collaboration from virtually anywhere, and a range of technologies will also deliver dramatic project delivery improvements: IoT, drones,

What sort of learning curve do construction professionals face with project and construction management systems?

It depends on how proficient the professional is, what technology is being adopted and how it’s being deployed. In some instances, the introduction of new technology can be met with enthusiasm and apprehension.

To help support employees through the implementation of new technology, businesses need to invest time and resources to support employees during and after implementation. They need to secure executive support, offer robust training, create autonomy and flexibility, as well as track and measure progress.

At Oracle, we have an increased focus on making our products intuitive and easy to use, to make the learning curve as short as possible, and that’s certainly the feedback we hear from our customers.

We also have a dedicated customer success team working alongside our customers. We offer different support models depending on the customer requirement and complexity of the implementation, but overall we try to ensure our solutions are easy to use and manage.

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INTERVIEW

WIC Profile: Carolina Fong Guzzy Jason Saundalkar talks to Accienta’s Carolina Fong Guzzy about her inf luences, career and gender diversity in the construction industry ollowing our special edition dedicated to women in the construction industry, Middle East Consultant continues to share the inspiration and experiences of women working in the male-dominated construction industry across the GCC. Here, we catch up with Carolina Fong Guzzy, digital engineering manager at Accienta.

What drove you to get into construction and your very first role in the industry? What were some of the influences that set you on your path?

Both my parents are successful engineers, my father a petroleum engineer, my mother a geological engineer. Probably due to my mother’s example of being a female professional in a male-dominated sector, she became my first role model. At that time, women in the oil & gas sector were even fewer than at present. I grew up thinking that was normal.

After graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering, I was offered my very first role in the industry through one of my undergrad professors. I was working for a German company specialising in water management and valves. I worked in Mexico representing the Water Pressure Management department, while reporting to my colleagues in Germany. It was a great experience that put me on track for more international engagements. Moreover, it left me cherished colleagues that I still have contact with today.

Share a brief description of your professional career, mentioning key achievements.

I feel very blessed and I’m so thankful for all the opportunities that have crossed my path. After my first role in the industry, I went to Chicago to study for a Masters in Project Management at Northwestern University. After that, technology adoption for construction was my

destiny. After completing my studies, I collaborated with the director of the SAP implementation project in the largest construction company in Mexico. This engagement ultimately led me to work for Autodesk as a technical sales specialist, where I found the best combination of the technical and commercial worlds.

There is a famous speech by Steve Jobs at a Stanford graduation ceremony where he said: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards.” He was referring to his professional journey and milestones – that made sense after some time.

Working for Accienta, I now feel that speech more than ever. I really believe all my previous experiences prepared me to lead technology adoption and business innovation in the construction industry. What better place to do it than in the fast-paced environment of Dubai?

My role with Accienta started at the set-up stage. We started out with a vision that construction is an industry where the adoption of technology is critical to streamline processes, increasing efficiency and transparency. Our vision has evolved, but with hard work and the right message, we have been blessed with companies who trust our advice, international collaboration and accelerating projects in the region.

“Once they hear valuable insights, you achieve as much respect as any other advisor. It’s all about proving your worth, as any professional (even a male) has to” NOVEMBER 2018 33

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How have you made your mark in the industry on specific projects? What has been your proudest moment?

One of my proudest moments was being recognised by the CEO in my first job, who after reading my deliverables, set them as an example/standard for the rest of the company. While working in construction, it was leading the strategy of the international division and of a mining subsidiary of our holding. Later on, during my Autodesk engagements, I received special recognition from my peers in the US, Canada, Mexico and Latin America for my software adoption efforts, and two innovation awards.

In Accienta, my proudest moment has been growing our contacts, sourcing first engagements and strategic partnerships.

Moreover, as a women, when establishing a family, we impact future generations with our thoughts and experiences. Taking everything into consideration, the value we bring to the industry is massive.

What are some of the barriers to women entering the construction industry?

One of the main barriers is proving that you’re knowledgeable and can create value for the business. As a woman in the industry, you have to always be respectful but speak your mind, so you can be a trusted and respected advisor in any company. In my personal experience, the main obstacles have been age and gender. Once they hear valuable insights, you achieve as much respect as any other advisor. It’s all about proving your worth, as any professional (even a male) has to.

The GCC construction sector is still male-dominated; however, diversity is beginning to increase. If you agree, comment on what is driving this and how you see the GCC

“Destigmatising women who are career-driven and having a support system are also important steps towards achieving a more diversified sector. Your support system can be your family, friends or colleagues. I’m blessed to have a great husband who appreciates my work and motivates me during hard times”

markets changing in the coming years. If you do not agree, please share your thoughts and views of the market.

I do believe diversity is beginning to increase. Nevertheless, it will take some time, as it is still a male-dominated sector worldwide. New generations entering the workforce, plus more women with female role models in the industry, will help attract more women into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-related careers.

Destigmatising women who are career-driven and having a support system are also important steps towards achieving a more diversified sector. Your support system can be your family, friends or colleagues.

I’m blessed to have a great husband who appreciates my work and motivates me during hard times.

providing special tenders for minorities (including companies owned or run by women), but every market can establish the rules that work better for the local environment.

Besides authorities and construction firms, who else can play a part in increasing diversity and balancing pay scales?

Men and women working in the industry! Also, academic institutions, non-profit organisations, talent acquisition firms and investors.

As a woman in the industry, what has your experience been working in the GCC construction sector? If you have worked

Everyone has a part to play in diversity and equal pay. What

in markets outside the GCC region, how does your experience

would you like to see government authorities and construction

here compare with what you’ve experienced and observed in

firms do to increase diversity and make pay a level playing field?

other markets?

Both public and private entities can relate to a woman’s journey to be an engineer or work in the industry. Some countries go as far as

Comparing the GCC with other regions (North and South America in particular), I can state that the industry is mostly male-dominated

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In my professional endeavours, I’ve found different types of discrimination. But as mentioned before, if you do a good and professional job, any prejudice of age, gender, race, etc. all but disappears. I am also of the belief that it is my responsibility to spot the right opportunity where any discrimination is frowned upon, and thus far I have been successful.

Do you feel there’s a limit with regard to how far you can progress within your organisation?

I tend not to put limits in the realm of what’s possible, as I’ve seen people rise and thrive in different environments and circumstances. With Accienta specifically, I feel like I have put in a lot of effort into my day-to-day work, have had many ideas adopted and thus the investors have placed me in a leadership role.

How does the firm you currently work for approach diversity in the workplace? What more can your firm do to increase diversity?

Our investors have been very supportive regarding having women in leadership positions. Our team is growing and we aim to have more female colleagues.

How do you personally push for

everywhere. But, the mentality is changing with every new generation, more respect is given to women in the industry and more opportunities are opening up as well. An added advantage is that if you do a good job, they’ll remember you. We are so few that a good impression is very important.

What is the biggest challenge women in the sector face in GCC

diversity and equal pay in the construction sector? Are you involved in any groups or councils that focus on increasing diversity and equal pay?

In my undergrad years I was president of the Women in Engineering Association of my university. More recently, I’ve offered direct support to female colleagues in the industry with recommendations, connections, training and tips.

countries? How can these challenges be addressed?

Opportunities, equal pay and gaining the respect of peers in the industry. These challenges can be addressed by intentionally creating more opportunities for female professionals, generating awareness on the topic (like this publication) and helping female colleagues on a day-to-day basis.

In doing your job, what sort of discrimination (if any) have you faced and how did you and your employer address it?

What advice would you give to a woman entering the GCC construction industry today?

Don’t limit yourself to what you hear about the region, be ready to discover it for yourself. Before coming to live and work in the UAE, a lot of people told me that it would be hard to thrive as a woman.

But I can honestly say that I’ve had the best career opportunity and professional challenges in the UAE. There really are no limits, you set the limits yourself.

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SHOW REVIEW

Cityscape Global $10.5bn worth of projects from five exhibitors out of a total of 300 at Cityscape Global

T

aking advantage of the region’s largest gathering of real estate professionals, developers took to the halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre to announce and showcase projects worth billions of dollars.

Out of the 300 companies at Cityscape Global, five local developers exhibited projects worth a total of $10.5bn, making up a large portion of the total value of projects on-site.

Running until October 4, Cityscape Global saw developers competing for the attention of first-time buyers, seasoned real estate owners and major investors with offers of attractive payment plans, fee waivers and additional bonuses on new and existing projects.

Some of the key projects included Nakheel’s Dragon Towers, a $194m twin building high-rise apartment complex that offers oneand two-bedroom units. The project will be built at Dubai’s rapidly expanding Dragon City mixed-use community.

Aldar Properties showcased its $2.7bn Alghadeer project, which features more than 14,000 units. The master-planned development is located on the border of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Arada also talked up its $6.5bn Aljada development and showcased the development’s focal point, the Central Hub, which was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Arada is one of many Sharjah developers joining the freehold movement in the emirate, allowing foreigners to invest their money into real estate, following a change in the law in 2014.

Binghatti Developers used the exhibition to talk up its portfolio of projects, worth $408m, including the recently announced Millennium Binghatti Residences and Binghatti Stars.

Union Properties also highlighted its Avenue District, said to be worth $680m. Part of Dubai Motor City’s phase two development plans, Avenue District is a mixed-use lifestyle destination that was announced on the opening day of Cityscape Global. Avenue District will offer over 300 residential units as well as a state-of-the-art 100,000sqft BMW and MINI showroom.

Other major developments and projects launched on the opening day of the show included the Marsa Meydan by the Meydan Group, a Newport Beach-style residential and lifestyle community in Jebel Ali, which features a climate-controlled marina and waterfront villas with private pontoons, a first in Dubai.

Meraas’ Port de la Mer was also announced during the first day of the event and is set to be a beachfront master-developed project in the heart of Jumeirah. Located in the Northern Peninsula of La Mer, it will offer a mix of residential suites, four- and five-star hotels and a 192-berth superyacht marina.

Cityscape Global returned this year with support from Foundation Partners such as Dubai Holding and Nakheel, Platinum Sponsors Eltizam Asset Management and Marjan Island, Silver Partners Noyanlar and Tamleek Real Estate, and Strategic Partner Dubai Land Department.

NOVEMBER 2018 37

ON SITE

SHOW PREVIEW

The Big 5 Solar Exhibition will also bring together pioneers to host four days of free CPD-certified education sessions

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fter a successful launch edition in 2017, The Big 5 Solar will return under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy & Industry, United Arab Emirates, to showcase solar energy solutions for the construction industry at Dubai World Trade Centre from 26-29 November 2018.

As part of The Big 5, The Big 5 Solar will display the latest solar innovations, offer free access to industry-leading education sessions and host the high-profile Global Solar Leaders’ Summit.

Josine Heijmans, portfolio director at dmg events, comments, “We are excited to kick off the second edition of The Big 5 Solar this year with a unique focus on bringing solar innovations closer to the wide opportunities in the Middle East construction industry. Buildings account for 40% of energy consumed in cities and with over 5,000 active projects worth $279.4bn ongoing in Dubai’s urban construction sector alone, there is no better time than now to showcase solar solutions to construction professionals.”

The Big 5 Solar will display the latest in solar innovations for the construction industry across four of the most prominent product sectors: Photovoltaics (PV), Solar Thermal Technologies, Energy Storage, and Solar Technology and Related Services. The exhibition will also offer free training and CPD sessions.

The Solar Talks will cover popular topics like Commercial and Industrial Solar Growth, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV),

38 NOVEMBER 2018

the latest Solar Hybrid Systems in the UAE market and the latest in Technological Innovations in Solar Panel Manufacturing.

Inviting architects, engineers, sustainability specialists and developers to his session, Imad Kayyali, head of the Architecture department at Mimar Emirates, says, “The integration of solar energy systems in architecture and urban planning presents exciting trends right now, including more flexible, variable and easy uses of solar panels for places such as parking shades and building facades.”

The Big 5 Solar returns with support from leading associations including the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) and theClean Energy Business Council (CEBC), and welcomes fresh backing from industry heavyweights GCC Association for Renewable Energy and Sustainability – Green Gulf, Architectural Solar Association – ASA, British Photovoltaic Association – BPVA, Solar GCC Alliance, Jinko Solar, Campion, S5, We Link Group, Sumec, Noor Solar, Sunew, Verditek, Heliatek, Enviro-Smart, NeOn Energy and Enerray.

Organised by dmg events, The Big 5 Solar is free to attend and will run from 11am to 7pm daily at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event runs as part of The Big 5, alongside The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, HVACR Expo and Urban Design & Landscaping Expo, offering a one-stop shop for all things construction from concept through to design.

For more information, visit: www.thebig5solar.ae.

ON SITE

SHOW PREVIEW

Urban Design & Landscaping Expo The expo will run from 26 to 29 November 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of The Big 5

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or the first time ever, the Middle East’s largest construction show, The Big 5, will host a new event dedicated to landscaping, infrastructure and urban development: the Urban Design & Landscaping Expo (UDLE).

Running at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 26 to 29 November, UDLE is the only specialised trade event in the Middle East for these industries. Companies will present the latest in design, planning and consulting, irrigation and drainage, machinery and equipment for construction and maintenance, materials and components for urban design & landscaping.

UDLE will also host the first Urban Design & Landscaping Summit on November 28. With the theme ‘Promoting greener, healthier and more sustainable built environments with best practices in urban design and landscaping’, the Urban Design & Landscaping Summit will host landscape architects, municipalities, urban designers, property developers, parks and resorts, and contractors, as well as engineering and building consultants.

Focusing on the opportunities and challenges faced in turning the region green, the Summit will explore initiatives taken up by global and local government bodies, as well as prominent projects developed by urban design and landscape architecture firms both globally and locally.

Speakers include Pénélope Komitès, deputy mayor – Green Spaces, Nature & Biodiversity of the City of Paris; Ceylan Belek Ombregt, AD at Martha Schwartz Partners; Andrew Burton Anderson, senior architect + UNESCO World Heritage Advisor, from the Oman Botanic Garden; Val Zillig, Urban Planning advisor at Sharjah Urban Planning Council; Ayub Hassan Algaferi, head of Parks Section at Al Ain Municipality; Rasmus Astrup, partner at SLA Architects; and Ahmad Bukhash, director of Urban Planning at the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority.

Portfolio director Josine Heijmans says, “The thriving construction market in the UAE and the broader GCC region is driving unprecedented demand for outdoor-specific design and build projects, as more authentic public spaces gain ground. An explicit change in lifestyle with growing preference for outdoors activities, mega-events like Expo 2020 Dubai and the booming regional leisure and hospitality sector are providing investors with huge urban greening and landscaping specific opportunities.”

The event is supported by the Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority (SEWA) and Fujairah Municipality. Also, it enjoys the partnership of Jain Irrigation System (Irrigation Partner), Lumo (Lighting Partner), Pearl Garden Landscape & Irrigation Services (Horticulture Partner), ASPECT Studios (Design Partner) and Cracknell (Design Partner).

For more information, visit: www.udlexpo.com.

NOVEMBER 2018 39

THE BACK PAGE

LAST WORD

01 Moe Abeidat is chief technology officer at Property Monitor.

Perfect Time to Buy? Property Monitor’s Moe Abeidat discusses buying property in Dubai and the factors that influence purchasing decisions

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ne thing that stood out, amidst our last sprint to publish Cavendish Maxwell and Property Monitor’s Q3 2018 Residential Market Report for Dubai, is how today’s average prices for a villa/ townhouse and apartment, $517,000 and $327,000 respectively, are approximately the same as in Q1 2008, before the market

crash. The difference is, 10 years ago we were in a rapidly accelerating boom, with buyers flipping transfers for quick financial wins.

At the time, not many expected the market to be heading downhill, though some logical minds predicted an impending decline. Today, on the contrary, we all agree that our market is on the low side, and as typical cycles go, we are all certain of it going up, as this relatively young market grows progressively more mature.

To many prospective buyers, this is the perfect time to buy a home. This is likely as affordable as the market could get at this point. We see from our system’s data insights that secondary villa/townhouse sales have recently outpaced off-plan ones, which makes sense as families are not interested in paying and waiting for a home to be built while also paying rent. Families need their homes now, and therefore are more inclined to buy readyto-move-in properties. At the opposite end of the spectrum, investors (buying low to sell high in the future) are still attracted to the myriad options in off-plan apartments.

From a home ownership standpoint, and for most residents here in Dubai, the term ‘affordable housing’ has a warm sound, as it flares the desire many of us have: to have our

own piece of Dubai. Each one of us has our own reasons to love this place and choose to live in it. Some are starting or strengthening their careers here, some are choosing to build their own business, some are well underway in raising a family with children who know Dubai as their home, and some are even hoping to retire here, especially with the new announcement regarding the retiree visa.

At the same time, a closer examination of the economics and dynamics involved in home ownership in Dubai unveils a complex set of factors that come into effect and could render home ownership unattainable for many of us, for years to come. Mortgage entry is still relatively high and, in relationship to home prices, it pushes affordability farther away from families, especially as most families have significantly higher school fee obligations, compared to most mature markets where education is virtually free.

For this category of residents, affordable housing can still be attained by tapping into the large volume of supply driving rental price lower towards affordable rent, allowing them the freedom to choose from the many attractive communities in Dubai to settle in, and further nurture their attachment to this beautiful place.

“We all agree that our market is on the low side, and as typical cycles go, we are all certain of it going up, as this relatively young market grows more mature” 40 NOVEMBER 2018

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