QCN November Issue 2015

INTERVIEW: Vik Vithlani of Flowcrete Middle East TALKS ABOUT GROWING TREND OF resin flooring in Qatar – PG 37

issue 2.11

November 2015

On the safe side Road safety audits in Qatar TECHNOLOGY

Improving acoustics in Qatar’s schools

Site Visit

Doha Exhibition and Convention Center

Retail Price: QR15 / AED15

PLUS

What are A-player professionals in Qatar looking for?

contents November 2015 www.qatarconstructionnews. com

Cover Story Al Sraiya NEW Ad FP September 2015.pdf

1

9/2/15

2:59 PM

Qatar records staggering numbers of road accidents and deaths every year, making it one of the most vulnerable On the places in the world to safe side Road safety audits in Qatar be behind the wheel.

That said, the country is addressing this issue by adopting international best practices such as introducing a Road Safety Audit, which can change the dynamics of road safety here.

INTERVIEW: VIK VITHLANI OF FLOWCRETE MIDDLE EAST TALKS ABOUT GROWING TREND OF RESIN FLOORING IN QATAR – PG 37

issue 2.11

November 2015

Retail Price: QR15 / AED15

TECHNOLOGY

Improving acoustics in Qatar’s schools

20.

PLUS

What are A-player professionals in Qatar looking for?

Regulars

Qatar is currently upgrading its transport infrastructure across and beyond Doha. The country has its national road safety strategy in place to govern the construction and renovation of roads. In our cover story, we analyse how the process of Road Safety Audit (RSA) can help improve the wellbeing of road users and pedestrians. While RSAs can be conducted on existing roads, incorporating safety audits from design stage mitigates the additional costs and provides more flexibility in implementing the safety precautions.

28.

Site Visit

Doha Exhibition and Convention Center

From the Editor - 6 Construction News - 8 Guest Column - 18 Legal - 40 Careers - 42 Qatar Tenders - 44

31.

37.

Technology Perfecting acoustics in Qatar’s schools

Site visit Doha Exhibition and Convention Center

Industry Insights The dynamics of resin flooring in Qatar

Maro Puljizevic of Al Mana and Associates identifies some acoustic issues in many of Qatar’s schools, while providing solutions to address them for better learning and productivity.

The much-awaited Doha Exhibition and Convention Center opened this month.

QCN made a visit to the facility to find out more about Qatar’s first city-centre exhibition venue.

Resin flooring is making inroads in Qatar’s market. QCN explores more about this emerging form of flooring in an interview with Vik Vithlani, business development manager, Flowcrete Middle East.

QCN | November 2015

publications director mohamed jaidah m.jaidah@firefly-me.com general manager joe marritt j.marritt@firefly-me.com managing editor miles masterson m.masterson@theedge-me.com editor farwa zahra f.zahra@theedge-me.com deputy editor ameen kader syed a.syed@firefly-me.com associate editor aparajita mukherjee a.mukherjee@theedge-me.com international sales director julia toon j.toon@firefly-me.com | +974 66880228 head of business sales manu parmar m.parmar@firefly-me.com +974 33325038 sales manager adam kynnersley a.kynnersley@firefly-me.com +974 66079716 deputy sales manager shalaka dhaigude s.dhaigude@firefly-me.com +974 66264790 senior advertising manager UAE nesreen shalaby n.shalaby@urjuan-me.com + 971 50 719 9707 distribution & subscriptions azqa haroon/joseph isaac a.haroon@firefly-me.com j.issac@firefly-me.com art director sarah jabari production manager/senior designer srimani welagedara finaliser ron baron printer ali bin ali printing press Doha, Qatar firefly communications PO Box 11596, Doha , Qatar Tel: +974 44340360 / Fax: +974 44340359 www.firefly-me.com

November 2015 | QCN JaidahElectrical_Edge 9.3x21.4 Ad.indd 1

11/4/15 1:44 PM

editor’s letter

For a building to be used as a school, the Supreme Council of Education requires it “[t]o be far from shops and public, industrial and commercial areas that affect the educational mission of the school.”

November 2015 | QCN

As of September, Qatar’s population has reached 2,347,269. Compared to statistics from August, this is an increase of 58,342 individuals just over a single month. Looking at 1907 live births against 216 deaths, one can assume that the number of expatriates entering Qatar reached around 56,500.

W h i l e t h e s e s t a g ge r i n g n u m b e r s highlight the need of expanding current infrastructure, they also underscore the requirement to make them robust for their longevity. Among some key areas of infrastructure under the government’s attention is Qatar’s transportation network.

In September, the country’s traffic authority issued 7591 new driving licences. Contrary to the increasing number of expatriates and possible applicants, the number of licences issued went down by 2877, compared to 10,468 issued in September last year.

With the growing number of road users, traffic violations have also increased, reaching 163,207 in September. In many cases, the onus is on those behind the wheel. However, by investigating frequent accident spots and strategising amendments accordingly, roads can be made safer.

In our cover story ‘On the safe side’, we discuss one such strategy called Road Safety Audit (RSA).

Based on the common premise that prevention is better than cure, RSAs are formal procedures carried out to assess the safety features of roads before, during or after construction. Unlike safety reviews conducted by contracting teams or client’s representatives, RSAs are carried out by an independent team of safety engineers.

Because RSAs are more useful when incorporated from the design stage, it is high time for Qatar to benefit from this process now that a large part of its road network is being overhauled. Many road projects in Qatar are currently using RSA experts to make them more friendly for

motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

From a construction point of view, roads are just one of many areas that need improvement not just in terms of safety but also from the perspective of smooth traffic flow. Maro Puljizevic discusses another important, albeit less discussed, issue on page 28. As an acoustics engineer, Puljizevic looks into the sound dynamics of Doha’s school buildings and traces their effects on the learning of pupils.

Just as the case with road developments underway in Qatar, a number of new schools are opening up in the capital. The trend again provides an excellent oppor tunity for the betterment of acoustic features across the board. The Supreme Council of Education currently overlooks a number of factors in approving a property to be used as a school. Among some conditions, it requires the schools “[t]o be far from shops and public, industrial and commercial areas that affect the educational mission of the school.” While the document mentions requirements of cleanliness, ventilation, sunshading and air-conditioning, it does not go into the details of acoustics. The sources of noise are not only external but also internal. Acknowledging this during the design and construction stage can help solve the issue to a great extent through the application of building materials, which have sound insulation properties.

All these issues – and linked solutions – are in the direction of improved construction practices in Qatar. With the American Society for Testing and Materials now being involved in the launch of Qatar Construction Specifications 2014, among other factors, one can assume Qatar’s ongoing construction boom will also work towards overall sophistication of the industry in general.

Farwa Zahra Editor

Construction

News

From project-based visas to regional transfers: Construction professionals suggest solutions to address Qatar’s labour shortage For main contractors in Qatar, there are a number of routes available to procure labour. These include applying for new visas to hire people, partnering with local companies, and/or awarding parts of the work to subcontractors. (Image Arabian Eye)

November 2015 | QCN

construction news

9

Among key issues discussed at Qatar Contractors Forum, held in October, was the problem of labour shortage in the local construction market.

Speakers at the event came up with some suggestions on improving the labour scarcity to keep the projects running, reports Farwa Zahra.

With the ongoing growth in the number of contracts awarded in Qatar over the last few years, and a simultaneous spike in the regional construction industry, main contractors in Qatar continue to face the issue of labour scarcity in the market.

To address this challenge, currently, there are a number of routes open to international companies working on large-scale projects here.

Through partnerships with local companies, international contractors can obtain access to a pool of labour available to execute projects.

Similarly, main contractors frequently award works to subcontractors.

Another way of procuring labour is by getting visa approvals to hire more human resources. As a fourth route, some companies also depend on labour hiring companies.

Ostensibly seamless, these labour procurement strategies have their own challenges. While contractors may apply for new visas, they are not guaranteed to have nationalities of their choice. Rationalising the quota systems in approving visas, Sam Barakat, director of Contracts and Claims at Rider Levett Bucknall, said, “The quotas for visas is not really to entice the local market, it’s a security issue. There’s a ratio to Qatari versus labourer that they have to maintain.”

Having partnerships with local companies also means sharing profits, which may not be the route many contractors wish to take.

Having subcontractors can also mean slow progress on projects since subcontracting companies are simultaneously working with multiple contractors.

Suggesting some short-term solutions to these issues, Mohamed Sheikh Alsouk, deputy general manager, Construction Development Contracting, suggested some areas of improvement during Qatar Contractors Forum. “They can introduce visas which are project based,” he said, suggesting project-based visas as a standard practice for all companies across the sector. Having visas limited to the life of a project would also solve the issue of permanent residency. Similarly, accommodation for labour can be made of temporary structures to avoid the time and cost consumed first in building and then demolishing them later.

Alsouk’s final suggestion that sparked more interest and discussion at the forum was the possibility to allow contractors to move labour across countries through the region. Explaining the benefits of this flexibility towards faster execution of projects, Darell Bergesen, general manager, Al Jaber LEGT Engineering and Contracting, said such an opportunity would also “give the contractors the opportunity to bring the right skills into Qatar.” Such an option, however, could also mean jeopardising the business of local companies, who according to Alsouk, “capitalise on scarcity [of labour]. That’s how they make money, they take subcontracts from larger contractors.”

Suggesting a possible solution to the dilemma, Bergesen explained that a middle route – whereby contractors can bring their optimum workforce, while filling the balance from local contractors – should work for both sides. “Holding on to resource can be even worse than not getting the resource in the first place… you don’t want to be putting them out of work, having to send them back. There is a cost in that as well,” he added.

Recommending a short-term solution to the problem of visa approvals, Barakat said, “For those contractors that follow procedures and they still suffer, give them allowance for extension of time or commercial risk [or other such options].”

QCN | November 2015

Construction

News

Industry Views QCN approached subcontractors and suppliers in the local market to learn about some challenges they face when dealing with main contractors in Qatar’s construction sector. Here is what they had to say.

Awarding the projects on the basis of the lowest cost poses a major challenge

In an evergreen IT industry, a major integrator to win the project. If lowest issue is to keep pace with changes in cost is the only consideration, it has its technology. Absence of experienced, cascading effects in delays coming from certified people to understand IT, the lack of scope definition, delayed telecom and automation solutions within payments, expiry of product warranty the team of main contractors leads to timelines, cost overruns, operational misinterpretation of the scope. In such delays. cases, a fixed-price project contract A major challenge is to convince being pushed by contractors does any contractor to evaluate new not leave any scope of incorporating products and designs in order to get new versions of products. Sometimes, enhanced features, easy integration, without a proper understanding of less maintenance issues, and that deliverables and awarding the projects too sometimes at a reduced cost with on the basis the lowest November2015.pdf cost, poses investment protection.

The perfect DRIofQuarterPage 1 11/3/15 2:26 PM a major challenge for a good system execution of such a specialised job

needs a specialised subcontractor who not only should be fully aware of the latest technological developments, and its deployments on large-scale projects, but also should have the right resources for execution and project management, an area found missing in the evaluation sheet of many main contractors.

Vaibhav Srivastava is the chief executive officer of Zerone Technologies.

“To get our products specified in the projects is the biggest challenge in Qatar.”

Arpita Patel, general manager exports for Laminate Division of Royalé Touché, represented by Danube in the Middle East, explained that projects often offer flexibility in terms of some products that can be possibly used in them. However, it is not necessary that the companies involved in such projects are exploring all the possible options available in the market or in fact approaching the correct suppliers. Furthermore, she said that as suppliers, they do not have enough information about projects in order to reach out and have a chance to supply.

“Tender result usually comes late, subcontractors and suppliers tend to wait minimum of four months, even a year just to get the result.”

Richard Biala, sales executive at Dafnia Technologies WLL, said that the slow progress on tenders awarding and material approvals remain a key challenge for the subcontractors and suppliers. This, he explained, often leads to a problem concerning material cost because prices in the market might have gone up within that period. Another issue in the market, he added, is the growing numbers of competitors with same expertise and products.

November 2015 | QCN

Construction

News

Qatar’s total built asset stock has grown 677 percent since 2000

Qatar has become the world’s richest country per capita measured by the value of its built environment, according to the latest Global Built Asset Wealth Index published by Arcadis – the global design and consultancy firm for natural and built assets.

Qatar has become a global leader, toppling Singapore as the most asset rich country per capita, with built assets of USD198,000 (QAR720,720) for every citizen.

The index, which was compiled for Arcadis by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), calculates the value of all the buildings and infrastructure that contribute to economic productivity in 32 countries, which collectively make up 87 percent of global gross domestic product.

“Today, Qatar has the fastest growing construction industry in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), rapidly expanding at an annual rate of 18 percent, and this is expected to continue for the next decade.

This growth will be underpinned by a number of large investments in infrastructure programmes,” said Alan Richell, head of business advisory at Arcadis, Middle East.

USD

3

billion

Mega projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council will spur the Middle East to post a record audiovisual market value of nearly USD3 billion (QAR11 billion) by 2016, industry experts announced at InfoComm Middle East and Africa (MEA). The Middle East’s audiovisual market is set to post one of the world’s fastest growth rates, increasing by 76 percent from 2012 to 2016, according to trade association InfoComm International. The audiovisual market for the wider MEA region is set to reach USD4.63 billion (QAR16.8 billion) by 2016.

November 2015 | QCN

“Today, Qatar has the fastest growing construction industry in the GCC, rapidly expanding at an annual rate of 18 percent.” – Alan Richell, Arcadis.

“The 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar’s 2030 National Vision are driving huge infrastructure investments over the next 10 years. These include plans for further investment in transport infrastructure, water and electricity in the next five years, by 2020. Qatar’s total built asset stock has grown 677 percent since 2000 and will continue to grow at double digit levels for the foreseeable future,” Richell added.

Rank

Country

2015 built asset wealth per capita (USD)

2015 built asset wealth (USD trillion)

1

Qatar

198,000

0.45

2

UAE

143,000

1.33

3

Saudi Arabia

107,000

3.15

Source: Global Built Asset Wealth Index

Awards

Key recent contracts awarded in Qatar Siemens has won the award to supply six gas turbines, four steam turbines and 10 generators for the Facility D independent water and power project in Qatar.

Siemens’ customer is Samsung C&T, which is building the entire complex together with its consortium partner Hitachi Zosen. The first power from the scheme is expected in 2017, with the whole facility scheduled to come online in 2018.

EllisDon has been awarded for project management services for the Commercial Boulevard and Qetaifan Islands developments at Lusail City. The Commercial Boulevard will cover 51 hectares of land with a built-up area of approximately seven million square feet. For Qetaifan Islands, Ellisdon is working on two of the man-made islands, featuring a luxury residential development, reports Meed.

Qatar Petroleum has awarded McDermott International an engineering, procurement, construction and installation contract for four wellhead jackets.

Two of the jackets will be installed in the Bul-Hanine field. These have been scheduled for completion in December 2016. The remaining two are scheduled for completion in July 2017, according to Meed.

Construction

News

10 million man-hours without lost time injury for Dukhan Highway East project

Tawar Mall enters final phase of development Doha’s Tawar Mall has entered the last phase of its development, with the construction, testing and commissioning all in their final stages. Expected to be opened by the end of 2016, the mall’s leasing process has also begun, which according to the company is attracting a vast selection of the world’s most distinguished brands.

Located in Markhiya, Tawar Mall will feature a variety of facilities including a feature-size cinema, a courtyard, and a hotel. The owner has recently appointed Pedro Ribeiro as the new general manager of Tawar Mall. Ribeiro’s previous achievements include an award from the International Council of Shopping Centers as well as the Business Entrepreneur of the year 2014 award from the International Congress of Entrepreneurship.

External view of Tawar Mall currently under construction in Doha.

Faithful+Gould recognised for its construction works in Qatar Faithful+Gould has been named Commercial Advisors of the Year at the inaugural 2015 Construction Innovation Awards in Doha, an event celebrating the achievements of the Qatar construction industry.

The award was received by An independent panel of Campbell Gray, Faithful+Gould’s Middle East managing director. judges recognised the works of Faithful+Gould during the past 12 months to the region’s built environment sector.

With key projects such as Doha Festival City, Doha Metro, Doha Oasis Development, Shaza Kempinksi and its increased portfolio of public sector work with the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning in Qatar, the company has cemented its position as the region’s ‘leading project management consultancy’.

November 2015 | QCN

Engineer Nasser Ghaith Al Kuwari (left), manager of Ashghal’s Expressway Department, handing the certificate of appreciation to Bassam Kataw, project director of the contracting group at Dukhan Highway East.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and the contracting group of Qatari Diar and Saudi Bin Laden have crossed 10 million man-hours without lost time injury (LTI) at the site of Dukhan Highway East project.

To celebrate this safety achievement, Ashghal held an award ceremony at its headquarters. Representatives from Ashghal’s Expressway Programme, project’s contracting group, and the project’s supervision consultant Parsons International, attended the ceremony during which Engineer Nasser Ghaith Al Kuwari, manager of Ashghal’s Expressway Department, awarded the certificate of appreciation to Bassam Kataw, project director of the contracting group.

NOVEMBER’s Big NumbeR

40% The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will increase its total seawater desalination capacity by nearly 40 percent by 2020 in an effort to meet the rapidly increasing demand for potable water in the region, according to new figures revealed by the International Water Summit. According to the data produced by Meed Projects, the GCC’s current seawater desalination capacity of approximately 4000 million imperial gallons a day (MIGD) is set to increase to more than 5500MIGD over the next five years as the Gulf states invest heavily in increasing potable water supply.

News Events Construction

16

9 – 11 November

2 – 3 December

6 – 9 December

8 Annual Bridges and Highways Qatar

Waste Management and Recycling Summit 2015

International Petroleum Technology Conference

th

InterContinental Doha

10 – 11 November

Annual Middle East District Cooling Summit The Ritz-Carlton

23 – 26 November

The Big 5 Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates

24 – 26 November

Annual Plant Shutdown and Turnaround Conference InterContinental Doha

Qatar aims at raising the share of recycled solid waste from eight percent to 38 percent, reducing landfill to 53 percent and converting waste to energy.

Waste management and recycling is a very critical issue for rapidly growing nations like Qatar. Annual Waste Management and Recycling Summit Qatar will be an interesting platform to discuss various challenges and solutions, including technology and planning in this segment. The event will be attended by various government bodies, research institutes, international waste management experts, health, safety experts, environmental consultants and recycling firms.

7 – 8 December

Future Drainage and Stormwater Networks

Qatar can conserve its water resources by efficiently managing the usage of treated sewage effluence, stormwater and groundwater.

November 2015 | QCN

The Future Drainage & Stormwater Networks Qatar 2015 will discuss the latest developments and future opportunities in the construction of sewerage and drainage networks to manage the country’s ground water, foul sewage and treated sewage effluence (TSE) requirements.

The ninth edition of the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) is set to return to Doha at Qatar National Convention Centre.

The scope of the conference programme and associated industry activities address technology and relevant industry issues that challenge industry professionals and management around the world.

15 December

Construction Arbitration Panel Discussion

InterContinental Doha – The City

9 January 2016

5th International Conference on Civil and Environmental Engineering Radisson Blu Hotel

23 – 26 January 2016

2nd International Conference on Desalination and Environment Sheraton Doha

QCN is international

International Sales Representatives Asia Sonney Media Networks Tel: +852-2783-1603 / +8522151-2351 E-mail : hemant@sonneymedia.com

QCN currently has a growing network of international media sales representatives across numerous jurisdictions. To reach Qatar’s thriving construction market from any location, please contact your closest representative to inquire about advertising in QCN, Qatar’s Construction Magazine.

For sales enquiries please contact: International Sales Director:

Julia Toon

Tel: +974 66880228 E-mail: j.toon@firefly-me.com United Arab Emirates Senior Advertising Manager UAE :

Nesreen Shalaby

Tel: +971 50 719 9707 E-mail: n.shalaby@urjuan-me.com Qatar Head of Business Sales:

Manu Parmar

Tel: +974 33325038 E-mail: m.parmar@firefly-me.com

India Media Star Pvt Ltd Tel: +91 22 42202103 E-mail: ravi@mediastar.co.in Australia & New Zealand The Media Machine Tel: +61 89 447 2734 E-mail: okeeffekev@bigpond.com Germany IMV Internationale Medien Vermarktung GmbH Tel: +49 8151 550 8959 E-mail: w.jaeger@imv-media.com Turkey Media Ltd Tel: +90 212 275 84 33 E-mail: tanbilge@medialtd.com.tr United Kingdom & Ireland Smyth International Media Representatives Tel: +44 (0) 208 446 6400 E-mail : jo@smyth-international.com

France Mediactiv Tel : +331 5688 2080 E-mail : info@mediactiv.com Switzerland Mediactiv Tel : +41 22 779 1289 E-mail : info@mediactiv.com Italy Mediactiv Tel : +39 0258 3391 E-mail : info@mediactiv.com Benelux Mediactiv Tel : +32 2 335 1063 E-mail : info@mediactiv.com Seoul, Korea YJP & Valued Media Co., Ltd Tel: +82-2-3789-6888 E-mail : hi@YJPvm.kr USA WorldMedia Tel: +1-212-244-5610 E-mail: melissaworrell@worldmediaonline.com

18

guest column

Qatari construction stakeholders eye 2022 World Cup deadline amidst oil crisis While other states in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are preparing for economic stagnation, Qatar seems primed for growth during a time of macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, writes David Zabinsky.

David Zabinsky is research and analytics adviser at Economic Impact and Energy Advisory LLC, and conference director at IQPC.

November 2015 | QCN

‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ For the Qatari infrastructure market, Charles Dickens’ famous prose seems apt for now. On one hand, you have the best of times: the 2022 World Cup and Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) have led to both national monetary injections, and a pipeline of multibillion dollar projects to be completed before football comes to the peninsula in just seven years.

On the other hand, you have the worst of times: a collapse in the price of oil, and the recent addition of Iran to the international league of energy exporters has severed the value of Qatar’s most essential export, and has slashed budgets for construction operations throughout the region. As such, major Qatari projects intended for the World Cup are now under even more pressure to be completed by 2022 given the seemingly debilitating macroeconomic conditions.

Of this dichotomy between two polarising market sentiments, Steve Yule, international business development manager at Amey, reflected on a more despondent outlook, “At the moment, the oil price is a consideration for everybody.

There’s a strain on existing projects and a nervousness coming from multiple angles. You’ve also got the recent social and political issues in the Middle East as well as Iran’s recent prominence that are causing GCC nations concern.”

Despite this anxiety pervading the region, director of Strategic Development at Aecom, Raed Asad remains optimistic that Qatar’s current projects are on pace for punctual execution.“Most of the mega projects in Qatar are already funded, so the focus in the next five years is on delivery,” Asad said, “As such, firms will be tasked with delivering them on time

and on budget.”

Even during this period of turbulently fluctuating oil prices, Qatari stakeholders are resolute to deliver their projects in time for 2022. As Yule pointed out that if you speak to anyone in Qatar, they are still committed to the World Cup and QNV 2030.

Asad also reiterated this commitment, “Even with the drop in the price of oil, I don’t see infrastructure projects being affected.”

But during a time when so many projects throughout the GCC are being adversely impacted by collapsing oil prices, what has allowed Qatar to remain relatively unsusceptible to the devaluation of the Middle East’s most sacred commodity?

For Eugene McQuaid, senior economist at International Department Ireland currently engaged with the government of Saudi Arabia, it was Qatar’s proactivity that has allowed it to see growth during a period when many other GCC states are seeing stagnation.

“As early as 2008, Qatar was preparing for a non hydrocarbon macro-scenario,” McQuaid said. “To cement this, the annual budget (FY 2010/11) was prepared and anchored in a MTBF (multi year – medium term budgetary framework). As such, government expenditures were aligned with manageable fiscal envelopes and a robust national development strategy (2011-16), thus allocating conditionally with the potential outcome of a nonhydrocarbon macro scenario.”

As McQuaid emphasises, Qatar had planned for exactly what has happened with regards to hydrocarbon sector pricing more than five years ago. While Qatar’s immediate future may seem more positive than what was first calculated, it is the longterm future of the price of hydrocarbons

PrOUDly Made in Qatar

“Most of the mega projects in Qatar are already funded, so the focus in the next five years is on delivery...

As such, firms will be tasked with delivering them on time and on budget.” – Raed Asad, director of Strategic Development at Aecom.

that serves as a problematic forecast for those in the region.

McQuaid, however, is more than bullish on his predictions, saying, “I see an uplift in the price of hydrocarbons [and a reduction in price decoupling between oil and LNG] with an outcome price equilibrium probability of circa USD58 (QAR211) to USD62 (QAR226) per barrel by Q3, 2016.”

While such a price change would alleviate many of the pressures experienced in the Qatari construction market moving forward, their focus now ought to be on delivering the pipeline of projects before 2022 rolls around. Adhering to such a strict delivery timeline will undeniably be an arduous task, but there indeed exists a regional confidence that the likes of New Orbital Highway, Lusail, the Doha Metro, and even Sharq Crossing will be completed on time. For this to happen, collaboration – more than anything – will have to occur.

“Communication will be vital,” Yule says. “There’s going to have to be an open and productive dialogue among the project owners, contractors, and suppliers.”

Al Khayarin Group Of Companies

• PVC Electrical Conduits & Fittings • uPVC Drainage Pipes • uPVC Soil-Vent Pipes • uPVC Duct Pipes

• • • •

uPVC Q-Tel Duct Pipes uPVC High Pressure Pipes uPVC Bends & Couplers Polyethylene Sheets for Construction & General Use

• P.O. Box 37461, Doha-Qatar • Tel : +97444114320 • Fax: +97444114324 • Email: info@alkhayarinplastic.com • Web: www.alkhayarinplastic.com

QCN | November 2015 KG plastic QCN 9.3x21.4.indd 1

6/1/15 11:23 AM

On the safe side:

Road safety a Qatar records staggering numbers of road accidents and deaths every year, making it one of the most vulnerable places in the world to be behind the wheel. That said, the country is addressing this issue by adopting international best practices such as Road Safety Audits, and latest technology, in the form of intelligent transport systems – all of which can change the dynamics of road safety here, write MiguelAngel Serrano Santos and Carlos Riera Planells.

With many roads currently under reconstruction, Qatar can benefit more from RSA. (Image FotoArabia)

November 2015 | QCN

audits in Qatar

QCN | November 2015

22

cover story

Three main parties involved in conduction of RSA include the audit team, client and the designer.

Some of Qatar’s roads being audited by RSA experts include Lusail Expressway, Al Wakrah Bypass, Al Muntazah Street Extension, New Qatar National Museum, and Qatar Petroleum Complex.

November 2015 | QCN

E

very year, about 1.3 million people are killed in road accidents worldwide, according to the World Health Organization’s 2013 study. Due to the high fatality rate in Qatar – 13.7 road deaths per 100,000 population per year were reported in 2010 – road safety has emerged as one of major areas of concern in the country.

Between 2008 and 2010, approximately 220 people were killed each year, and over 550 people were seriously injured in Qatar because of road crashes. That figure has not changed much as Qatar recorded 222 deaths last year. When compared globally, Qatar’s fatality rate is still considered very high against a figure of below five in some of the best performing countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden and the Netherlands.

The World Health Organization’s global status report on road safety concludes that high-income countries generally have the lowest fatality rate (8.7) against middleincome countries (20.1). Ironically, Qatar, being the richest country in the world, with the highest per capita gross domestic product (GDP), ranks among middleincome countries when it comes to road fatality rate.

However, Qatar is strongly committed to continuous improvement in road safety, to establish its position of having one of the safest road networks in the world. The country launched its National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2013-2022 in January 2013. It has set a realistic goal of reducing the number of road deaths to 130 per year by 2022.

To date, various road safety campaigns across the region have yielded quick gains by addressing issues relating to road design, promoting a culture of safety and improved enforcement initiatives.

In addition, and under the safe systems approach and the recently adopted International Road Assessment Program (iRAP), which is in support of the National Road Safety Strategy, Qatar is emphasising the need to address vehicle standards, reduce roadside hazards, educate drivers, and effectively enforce road laws. On the part of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), overlooking the road infrastructure in Qatar, the approach of introducing Road Safety Audits (RSAs) is being incorporated in the construction and reconstruction of Qatar’s roads in order to meet international safety standards.

cover story

Contracts for all road projects in Qatar have a clause included in them, whereby road safety professionals must be included as key members of the project team.

Steps in a Road Safety Audit

1

Identify project audit stages required or complete exemption declaration (Client)

2

Road Safety Audit The most accepted definition of RSA comes from the Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transport, which explains it as “the formal safety performance examination of an existing, or future road, or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. It qualitatively estimates, and reports on potential road safety issues and identifies opportunities for improvements in safety for all road users.”

Established primarily by British traffic engineers in the 1980s, RSA helps to ensure that issues associated with road safety are considered in all stages of a project. In cases where roads are already in service, RSA can identify deficiencies that once mitigated, should improve their level of security.

The benefits of RSA are many, such as reducing the likelihood of accidents and crashes. It may also reduce costs by identifying safety issues and correcting them before projects are built. A key feature

3 4 5

Hold a briefing meeting (Client/ Designer/RSA team)

Assess documents and inspect site (RSA team)

6 7

Hold an exit meeting (Client/ Designer/RSA team)

Complete audit report and forward to client (RSA team)

8

Designer responds (Designer)

to

client

Client completes decisions (Client)

10 11

Select the road safety audit team (Client/RSA team) Provide the project information (Client/Designer)

9

Yousef Al Emadi, manager of Roads Operations and Maintenance Department, Ashghal, says, “We have everything in place, right from the strategy, road mapping to advanced technology and the government support. So there is nothing which is missing.”

23

Client completes audit tracking report and provides feedback responses to designer and RSA team (Client) Implement client decisions, document final actions and finalise audit tracking report (Designer/Client) Source: New Zealand Transport Agency’s Road Safety Audit Procedures for Projects – Guidelines (Interim Release May 2013).

QCN | November 2015

24

cover story

The Road Safety Audits should be seen as part of the design process rather than an addition to it.

of RSA is that it integrates multimodal safety concerns, and considers human factors in all facets of design. Ultimately, RSA increases the importance of road safety in all stages of road development that includes planning, design, construction, and maintenance of an existing road network.

RSAs are more efficient when developed during the early stages of a project (planning and design). This efficiency begins to gradually decrease during final stages (construction, pre-opening and monitoring existing roads), since mitigation at that point is more expensive.

While one role of RSA is to minimise road crashes, another crucial role it plays is to introduce safer pedestrian and cycling schemes. (Image FotoArabia)

Cost-benefit analysis of RSA

1:20

The cost-benefit ratio of undertaking Road Safety Audits.

November 2015 | QCN

Although the whole process of undertaking RSAs involves a cost implication, there are several paramount benefits in conducting them. The cost-benefit analysis is a simple mathematical exercise, which evaluates the viability and convenience of conducting RSAs, by confronting costs versus benefits of undertaking a RSA. Initially, RSA would mean spending more money on conducting the audit, and later the costs of proposed safety measures as suggested by the audit team.

The cost of undertaking an RSA also encompasses the elements of time spent in managing the process. In carrying out RSA, there is considerable time auditors and relevant engineers spend on project checks, site visits, liaising, drafting reports, and eventually reaching a decision. This involves ordering, mediation between the auditor and designer, and eventually the time consumed in reaching a decision.

RSAs should be seen as part of the design process rather than an addition to it. The amount of cost required in carrying out RSAs depends on the size of the project, which of course will impact the number of people working in the audit team. Based on experience, it is fair to assume that the RSA cost is normally between five and 10 percent of the cost of a design project, and a maximum of one percent of the total fees of a construction project.

A number of studies conducted worldwide have shown tremendous benefits of RSA when compared to its cost. New York State Department of Transportation has reported up to 40 percent accident reductions in hundreds of high crash areas after conducting and implementing RSAs.

“The cost of a road safety audit and the consequent cost of changing a design are significantly less than the cost of remedial treatments after works have been constructed, or the social cost of road crashes.” – New Zealand Transport Agency.

In late October, the government of Odisha, India, also announced to introduce RSA for sensitive roads across the state.

That said, the paramount benefits of RSA procedures are related to reducing the number of possible accidents, and minimising the severity of them if they occur. “The cost of a road safety audit and the consequent cost of changing a design are significantly less than the cost of remedial treatments after works have been constructed, or the social cost of road crashes,” states New Zealand Transport Agency’s 2013 report.

cover story

25

Intelligent transport systems

RSA in Qatar Having conducted 1500 road safety audits on schemes on the national route network in Ireland and many in the United Kingdom, TMS has been involved in conducting RSAs for Lusail Expressway, Al Wakrah Bypass, Al Muntazah Street Extension, New Qatar National Museum, and Qatar Petroleum Complex among other projects.

The implementation of RSAs in Qatar is the result of a well-structured plan organised by Ashghal. Firstly, highly reputable international professionals have been brought to Ashghal in order to share their knowledge and experience about road safety. By creating a forum for sharing good working practices and information about road safety, Ashghal has been able to implement this into new road structures being developed in Qatar.

Ashghal has developed the Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Procedures, a process and guideline for RSAs, in order to improve the safety standards of Qatar’s new roads, and is assessing priorities on the existing network of road structures as well.

Qatar is being proactive in training professionals to become qualified and internationally recognised road safety auditors. Last year some engineers from Ashghal attended the training course

Apart from RSAs, another critical element for improving the road safety in Qatar is embracing latest technology, most importantly, intelligent transport systems (ITS). Qatar already has an ITS master plan, through which it is formulating an action plan, standards and specifications and architecture for implanting ITS into the road development and operation.

ITS helps create a single, comprehensive ecosystem that collects and integrates data in real time from all the city’s transport networks.

Then, that data is used to manage traffic and transport provision more efficiently, as well as improving road safety quite significantly. ITS is not just about having some communication devices, it involves developing a complete process of delivering and running safe and efficient road networks.

Yousef Al Emadi, manager of Roads Operations and Maintenance Department, The Public Works Authority (Ashghal), said, “It’s a combination between technology, engineering and infrastructure. This has been integrated into our future infrastructure so now no project will go for tender unless there is ITS infrastructure on it. At the end of the day, you will not have the best results, unless you have both of them.”

Technology companies working in Qatar say the country is embarking on a very large ITS programme that will eventually cover about a thousand kilometres of road. “This one thousand kilometres probably will be the most densely equipped road anywhere in the world,” says Husam Musharbash, president and CEO, Traffic Tech, adding that there is a big programme for ITS already happening in Qatar. “But it will take six to seven years to cover all of these roads,” he added.

Qatar is already making some early strides in implementing parts of the ITS system such as the traffic signals control room, which has been implemented for the past four to five years. Over 120 intersections are currently under central control. There are several other systems that have been implemented including an emergency vehicle preemption system.

“We have everything in place, right from the strategy, road mapping to advanced technology and the government support. So there is nothing, which is missing. I think all these will give us more and more support to achieve these goals,” said Al Emadi.

RSAs can be conducted on existing roads.

However, incorporating safety audits from design stage mitigates the additional costs while providing more flexibility in implementing the safety precautions.

QCN | November 2015

26

cover story

RSA cost is normally between five and 10 percent of the cost of a design project, and a maximum of one percent of the total fees of a construction project.

‘Essential knowledge in Road Safety Engineering. Accident Investigation and Prevention. Road Safety Audits’ organised by the Spanish Association of Road Safety Auditors (ASEVI).

Contracts for all road projects in Qatar have a clause included in them, whereby road safety professionals must be included as key members of the project team. This highlights the importance of road safety in Qatar.

RSAs are proactive low-cost procedures, which assist in improving road safety. These audits help engineers to identify problems, and develop a number of solutions, thereby incorporating new improved measures that are not originally included in the projects. In addition, it can save millions of Qatari Riyals by correcting design problems identified before or during road construction.

Worldwide experience demonstrates that RSAs are both cost-beneficial and effective as a proactive safety improvement tool within the context of an overarching NRSS 2013-2022.

Research has estimated the benefit-cost ratio of undertaking RSAs to be as high as 20:1, with the process saving money by identifying safety needs before roads and intersections are designed or constructed. More importantly, the routine and robust application of RSA processes can reduce the instances of human injury.

The international commitment for road safety – we are in the United Nation Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 – has been addressed by Qatar, and the implementation of RSAs across all road projects is bringing a new way to increase the safety on all the roads in Qatar, hence contributing in a positive way to the social lives of the Qatari population.

November 2015 | QCN

Qatar’s National Road Safety Strategy

The strategy has been designed to save 800 lives and prevent 2000 serious injuries over the next 10 years.

QAR155 billion earmarked for ITS investment in next 5 years.

TMC will make up-to-date travel information available to smartphones and GPS systems for public usage.

Crash barriers to be used along the medians of high-speed roads.

QAR600 million worth of contracts has already been awarded to improve roads infrastructure.

An updated Action Plan will be released after 5 years.

Rural roads and highways will also receive safety improvement.

The National Road Safety Action Plan contains 200 individual actions to be delivered over the next five years.

National Transport Management Centre (TMC) will integrate information from all of the state’s transport networks.

13 government and semi-government agencies are responsible for delivering the actions.

Miguel-Angel Serrano Santos is the vicepresident of ASEVI – a Spanish Association for the Road Safety Auditors – and approved road safety auditor by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). Carlos Riera Planells is roads safety engineer-2 in Roads Operations and Maintenance Department of Ashghal.

Poor intersection layout will be improved with clearer markings, signage and crosswalks.

PREMIUM Yo u r p u b l i c a t i o n s p a r t n e r

Introducing...

Firefly Premium The custom print and digital media publishing division of Firefly Communications.

Firefly Premium produce quality bespoke and contract publications for a top echelon of corporate companies in Qatar.

Specialising in: ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤

SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS PRINT MAGAZINES COMPANY NEWSLETTERS DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS E-NEWSLETTERS

➤ ➤ ➤

ANNUAL REPORTS PDF READERS AND ELECTRONIC MAGAZINES COMMEMORATIVE AND COFFEE TABLE BOOKS

Let Firefly Premium find a solution for all your print or electronic publishing needs.

Underpinned by professional personal customer service and world-class editorial, design and production services.

Firefly Premium FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: +974 44340630 OR EMAIL : PREMIUM@FIREFLY-ME.COM

technology

Perfecting acoustics in Qatar’s schools

One of the major problems linked to acoustics in schools around Qatar is the external noise, mostly coming from construction projects underway in the vicinity. (Image FotoArabia)

Experience of teaching faculty, type of curriculum and modern facilities have long been a focus of parents when selecting schools for their children, but the aspect of acoustics is often ignored by parents and management alike. Maro Puljizevic of Al Mana and Associates identifies some acoustic issues in many of Qatar’s schools, while providing solutions to improve them for better learning and productivity.

W

hat influences the learning process? In the early age of educational philosophy, primary influences were thought to be teaching methods, teacher’s role and curriculum. As general knowledge on engineering, architecture and interior design grew, we became aware of the significance of a classroom’s environment. Some important aspects of a school environment include furniture, seating arrangements, thermal comfort, air quality, illumination and colours, etcetera. But what about acoustics?

Does the aspect of sound matter at all?

Despite modernisation and significant technological advances in the education process, verbal communication is still considered crucial in the process of knowledge transfer. There is an unambiguous recognition, supported by thorough research and extensive scientific

November 2015 | QCN

literature, that speech intelligibility – that is clear understanding of the spoken content – is one of the most importance aspects of the learning process.

Unfortunately, classrooms are spaces that usually suffer from poor acoustics, which impacts students’ ability to concentrate and learn. High noise levels and unsuitable echoic environment can create substantial problems for students, as they can easily misunderstand key words, phrases and concepts. Similarly, it is not uncommon to lose one’s attention to any given information if it is marred by poor acoustics in any given facility.

According to Acoustical Society of America and some other data published in the beginning of the 21st century, speech intelligibility rating amounted to 75 percent in classrooms across the United States. This means that students understood only 75 percent

In multicultural and multilingual environments such as Qatar, acoustic problems are particularly acute for students with English as their second language. of the words read from a list. Imagine reading a textbook with every fourth word missing, and being expected to understand the material and then tested on it. Furthermore, in multicultural and multilingual environments such as Qatar, problems are particularly acute for students with English as their second language. A regular quarrel among Qatar’s parents over exam scores and

technology an increase in the number of students failing their exams often stem from these issues.

Therefore, the acoustic design of schools has a profound impact on students, teachers and the entire community. It should be taken very seriously and mandated as one of the key requirements for every educational facility. Keeping in mind that Qatar is currently focused on solving the problem of schools’ shortage in Doha by increasing the number of educational facilities under construction, importance of certain features such as good acoustic design and acoustic quality of learning spaces can be easily upstaged and trampled.

Causes of poor acoustics There are many reasons for poor acoustic conditions in schools, but the most common ones are: • Classrooms and public areas (halls, corridors, and atriums, etcetera.) tend to be rather echoic spaces due to the hard reflecting materials favoured.

Generally, there is a critical absence of specialised acoustic absorbers which should be suitably designed and allocated throughout the space in order to reduce echo and make an area more acoustically pleasant.

• The acoustics of typical school buildings are often unsuitable for modern teaching methods, which favour open-space classrooms and group activities, etcetera.

• Modern light constructions do not always provide an adequate level of sound insulation. Many activities, such as music and workshop lessons, can be noisy and will inevitably cause problems if there is inadequate sound insulation between noisy areas and those requiring quieter conditions.

• Excessive levels of noise in classrooms, usually due to ongoing construction in the schools’ vicinity or too noisy air-conditioning systems utilised.

Acoustic solutions While these causes may seem selfevident and obvious, integrating good acoustics into an overall school design is a highly challenging task,

29

While playgrounds and sports facilities in a school are not noise-sensitive areas, places such as libraries and classrooms should be located on the quiet façade, not facing major roads, and parking areas. (Image Arabian Eye/Corbis)

which inevitably requires an acoustic consultant to be involved on the project.

Key items that have to be addressed throughout design and construction of schools include some of the following.

External noise control: Location of schools is critical when defining the building façade system and its acoustic rating. Although rarely done, a noise survey should be carried out at the very start of the project in order to accurately assess existing background noise levels. All noise-sensitive areas should be located on the quiet façade, not facing major roads, and parking areas, etcetera.

Interior noise levels: Sources of this noise can be numerous and location specific, but the usual ones are building services (air-conditioning, elevators, and drainage, etcetera) and learning aids (computers, tools, and laboratory equipment, etcetera). To avoid excessive noise, air-conditioning systems have to be properly designed accounting for relatively low air-flow velocities. Acoustic data should be sought and compared for any equipment planned to be used within schools – from computers and projectors to laboratory equipment, where quieter options should always be preferred.

Echo control: Excessive reverberation time (echo) usually presents the predominant problem in classrooms and auditoriums. Reverberation can be easily controlled by the introduction of various absorptive materials such as carpets, curtains, acoustic panels, and acoustic plasters, etcetera. Although these materials and systems are widely available, it is not uncommon to encounter classrooms without a single

absorptive surface, which should be strictly avoided.

Sound insulation: Sound planning strategies have to be considered in the overall architectural design. Areas where high levels of noise are expected, such as music rooms, gyms, restaurants, and workshops, should be suitably separated from other areas through ‘buffer zones’.

The buffers can be corridors, storage rooms, and staircases, etcetera.

Apart from good planning, construction technologies utilised to separate these areas, and materials used in these spaces should be carefully selected and installed. Ideally, products with high sound insulating properties such as concrete or double drywall partitions should be favoured.

For school owners, ensuring the acoustic quality of a school building may come at an additional cost in the short term, but the long-term incentives attached to it come in the form of better productivity and hence higher returns.

For builders, having robust acoustic features will increase the overall attractiveness of a property.

Maro Puljizevic is the acoustics section manager at Al Mana and Associates in Qatar.

QCN | November 2015

sector name | banner heading

a qatari magazine dedicated to the country’s booming construction industry

smartphone and tablet optimised.

www.qatarconstructionnews.com

The Edge | 1

exhibitors The much-awaited Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) opened this month. QCN made a visit to the facility to find out more about Qatar’s first city-centre exhibition venue.

The 47,700 square metre Doha Exhibition and Convention Center has two separate entries – one for VIPs and another for general public. The positioning of glazing at the main entrance has been done specifically to allow more natural light throughout the day. Its 330 ‘sun wells’ make the most of Qatar’s 4380 hours of sunlight each year – compared to just 1460 hours in the United Kingdom.

32

site visit

The opening of DECC could not have come at a better time for Qatar, as the meeting, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry witnessing a substantial increase in activity, averaging 150 events a year, with exhibitions experiencing an average of 35 percent growth each year for the past three years.

As Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) current strategy projects that the number of visitors to the country will rise from 1.2 million in 2012 to between 6.7 million and 7.4 million in 2030 – roughly 600,000 visitors a month – and many of whom would be coming for MICE – the country is in need of world-class venues that can hold international exhibitions and meetings. DECC has been built to meet that need.

The 47,700 square metre (sqm) DECC site includes the state-of-the-art exhibition hall, modular wall system, high-tech meeting and conference rooms, a VIP hosting suite and a large underground parking space. DECC is the first purpose-built city-centre venue, located in West Bay, the epicentre of Qatar’s commercial district.

Jose Vicente, chief executive officer, DECC, says, “We are opening on November 2, and in the first two months, we have around 11 to 12 events taking place at DECC. For 2016, we have around 30 events already confirmed from QTA. But we are now preparing for more events. We will have to start our marketing.”

The venue boasts five exhibition halls ranging between 5368 sqm to 7160 sqm with the capability to use the space in its entirety as one exhibition hall totalling 29,000 sqm, thanks to a

DECC has 18 fully-equipped meeting spaces with the latest audio video (AV) and communication systems. These are split across four self-contained suites to accommodate groups as small as 18 people up to 170.

November 2015 | QCN

The venue boasts five exhibition halls ranging between 5368 sqm to 7160 sqm with the capability to use the space in its entirety as one exhibition hall totaling 29,000 sqm.

Architecturally distinct DECC offers a contemporary and iconic home for exhibition. The exhibition hall can be utilised as a smaller space, ranging from 5368 sqm to 7160 sqm, to suit different needs, thanks to its unique mobile wall system and pillar-less design.

site visit

33

Interior faรงade of the meeting rooms area, which has been given interest and texture with a mix of oak-paneling, ornamental steel gauze and polished natural stone.

DECC: Project details

Project cost: QAR2.3 billion Most centrally located convention centre in Qatar.

Hidden mobile wall system allows partition of the hall into five individual spaces, ranging between 5368 sqm to 7160 sqm.

DECC has a VIP lounge attached to board meeting rooms to offer greater comfort and privacy to important guests and dignitaries. The venue has been designed to accommodate any event, from global gatherings to industry meetings and more private community gatherings.

The temperature-controlled underground car park can accommodate up to 2815 cars.

Offers one huge event hall, measuring 300m x 96m x 18m, 29,000 sqm.

Designed by globally acclaimed architect, Helmut Jahn. The architectural design of the cantilever roof provides a pillar-free space.

ELAN and Fira Barcelona International were awarded the management of DECC following a competitive tender.

QCN | November 2015

34

site visit

DECC: Interesting Facts

P

The full exhibition hall is large enough to park 1160 double decker London buses in or to fit seven jumbo jets.

The footprint of DECC is the equivalent to 184 tennis courts.

At 18 metres, the ceiling of DECC is taller than four double decker buses stacked on top of one another.

Beautifully designed registration area is located at the spacious glass-sided concourse. The venue also has other facilities such as cafes and prayer rooms.

The project has been designed to ensure the greatest of ease when arriving to attend an event.

unique wall partition system. The 18-metre high ceiling is the highest in the Middle East and is supported by cantilever roof, meaning the whole space is pillar-free.

Vicente adds, “One thing that impresses me a lot from the beginning is whole exhibition hall is free of columns. It’s an iconic building, which will be in the engineering book in future for sure. The other one is the glaze façade, which I think is the longest in this region.”

DECC has a unique natural lighting system with over 330 ‘sun wells’ flooding the exhibition hall during the day.

By night, the wells are lit up with environmentally friendly LED lighting available in a variety of colours. Interior walls are given interest and texture with a mix of oak panelling, ornamental steel gauze and polished natural stone.

It contains a spacious glass-sided concourse, cafes, prayer rooms, a loading zone and storage. The climate-controlled car park in the basement can accommodate up to 2815 cars, and has 200 spaces for taxis to collect visitors from inside the venue itself.

“We have big parking space which is connected to the Sheraton Park through tunnel. So whenever we need more car space, we can use that,” Vicente reveals.

As of 2015, Qatar’s calendar of events includes 50 annual exhibitions, bringing visitors the latest in everything from medicine and education to real estate and handicrafts.

The venue is overseen by QTA and managed by a joint venture between Fira Barcelona International and ELAN Group. It is set to host a number of popular events including the Qatar Motor Show and Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition. DECC facility has been constructed by Lusail Building Projects.

November 2015 | QCN

The width of DECC’s full exhibition hall is equivalent to the height of London’s Big Ben tower.

The steel used in the construction of DECC weighs more than 4000 Land Cruisers.

DECC’s floor space required enough scree to create a footpath the width of Qatar.

The glazing at the main entrance is more than 10 times the size of Dubai Aquarium’s glass viewing panel.

DECC required enough concrete to fill 62 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The steel structure of DECC weighs more than the Eiffel Tower or 9500 camels.

DECC’s 330 ‘sun wells’ that flood the exhibition halls with natural light make the most of Qatar’s 4380 hours of sunlight each year – compared to just 1460 hours in the UK.

sUBSCRIBE AND Get the magazine delivered to you FOR FREE A NEW QATARI MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE COUNTRY’S BOOMING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EDITORS OF THE EDGE, qATAR’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE FIRST NAME: LAST NAME: EMAIL: TELEPHONE: WORK TITLE: INDUSTRY SUB-SECTOR: AGE:

GENDER:

MAILING ADDRESS:

or sign up online at www.qatarconstructionnews.com MAIL TO : P.O.BOX 11596, DOHA, QATAR

NATIONALITY:

industry insights

37

The dynamics of resin flooring in Qatar have

changed over the last few years We see them mostly in Doha’s parking lots, resin flooring is slowly making inwards in Qatar’s flooring market. QCN explores more about this emerging form of flooring in an interview with Vik Vithlani, business development manager of Flowcrete Middle East – a flooring specialist operating in Qatar since 2004, working on a number of projects such as the National Museum of Qatar, Doha City Center, Sidra Medical and Research Center, and Texas A&M University.

How are resin flooring products different from their counterparts?

A resin floor can be manufactured from one of several formulations, with epoxy, polyurethane and methyl methacrylate (MMA) being three of the most common materials.

The manner of installation can vary between these systems, but the seamless, impermeable, abrasion resistant finishes they create share similar properties that have made them a popular choice in commercial and industrial environments. Essentially, the combination of durability and

According to Vik Vithlani, business development manager of Flowcrete Middle East, resin flooring can be accommodated in a wide range of budgets due to its extensive list of options.

aesthetics that a resin material provides means that floors can be created that will maintain a high-quality appearance despite long-term use in the busiest of facilities. There are several types of resin floors, ranging from a thin film build floor sealer to a six-millimetre thick floor that is trowel applied, and aggregate filled for use in the most heavy duty of industrial facilities.

It is important to consider the performance requirements and condition of the existing substrate, specifying the correct system in order to avoid risks of floor failure.

“One of the main challenges we foresee is the level of bureaucracy and restrictions in exporting materials to Qatar from our manufacturing facilities in the United Arab Emirates.”

QCN | November 2015

38

industry insights

“A major benefit of resin flooring material is that end-of-life materials can be easily and quickly overlaid with a new floor covering, with no need to rip out the existing material for disposal.”

Apparently, resin flooring is not very popular in Qatar for key interiors spaces. In malls, for instance, they are usually restricted to parking lots.

Whereas our coating systems are a popular choice for parking lots and industrial projects across the Gulf Cooperation Council, Flowcrete is pioneering the change in mindset with the development of decorative products suitable for commercial venues.

Combining high-end aesthetics with superior performance benefits, architects and designers are increasingly choosing resin flooring solutions for commercial developments at specification stage.

What are some green flooring products Flowcrete offers? What are some features that make them sustainable for the environment?

Making the construction industry an environmentally friendly sector is a principle that Flowcrete is committed to.

For us, it means taking an in-depth look at our products and analysing aspects such as how they are formulated, where they are made, and the processes that are in place for transporting and installing our systems.

One of our main green developments is reducing or entirely removing toxic

November 2015 | QCN

Flowcrete’s resin terrazzo Mondèco floor (pictured here) is a green product, made of recycled glass and metal aggregates.

ingredients such as ordinary Portland cement, phthalates, nonylphenols and solvents from our floors. These substances are harmful to the environment and detrimental to indoor air quality. Therefore, limiting their use is a benefit to nature and to those working or living inside the finished building.

Some of our systems have been designed to recycle industrial waste so as to limit the amount of material taken to landfills. For example, our decorative seamless resin terrazzo Mondèco range incorporates recycled glass and metal aggregates to simultaneously take material out of the construction

industries’ waste stream, and also create a shimmering, eye-catching lustre across the surface of a floor.

How do you see the scope of resin flooring in Qatar?

Over the last few years, the dynamics of resin flooring in Qatar have changed.

Where historically Flowcrete would supply more industrial resin flooring products, we are gradually starting to educate the market about the extensive design and performance benefits of our systems.

Our commercial flooring range offers a vast spectrum of design possibilities with the ability to colour match many

industry insights

39

of our epoxy systems, diversify the aesthetics and finish with a matt, satin or high gloss finish.

In going for resin flooring, what are some cost differentials compared to other popular flooring options?

Due to the extensive resin flooring options, various solutions can fit within most specified budgets, but it is important to consider the lifecycle and maintenance costing.

Lifecycle costing is a process that can assist commercial clients and venue owners to understand what a building material will cost over its entire lifetime while at the same time ensuring that the specified material is not only fit for purpose, but meets the long-term requirements of the facility.

Not just considering the facevalue cost of any flooring material, lifecycle costs analysis will address life expectancy, care and maintenance programmes, repair work as well as endof-life options.

A major benefit of resin flooring material is that end-of-life materials can be easily and quickly overlaid with a new floor covering, with no need to rip out the existing material for disposal.

Much hardier, more robust resin flooring materials offer an enhanced life expectancy, with some lasting the lifetime of the building, provided correct care and maintenance is adhered to.

Together, these factors ensure that resin flooring offers one of the lowest lifecycle costs of any hard floor covering, resulting from its high durability, low maintenance requirements and minimal need for repair or replacement.

From the 2022 World Cup stadiums to metro stations, what is the level of demand you foresee for resin flooring products in Qatar?

Flowcrete has a sizeable project bank of car park, stadiums and transport references that show our proven track record when it comes to delivering high-quality performance materials that leave behind a sustainable legacy.

Because of this, we foresee a high demand for flooring products during the

While still not popular in interior spaces such as malls and hotels, resin flooring is increasingly being used in parking lots across Doha.

construction of projects for the 2022 World Cup development.

Are there any post sales services you provide to customers?

Our team of flooring experts are always available to deliver advice on issues or questions related to flooring – from the initial design stages, right through to the handover process and beyond.

What are some maintenance tips to ensure the longevity of resin flooring?

Floors are well known to take more abuse than any other surface within a commercial setting, mainly from the high volumes of foot traffic that they are subjected to.

As a result, an effective cleaning and maintenance routine should be in place to preserve the aesthetic and performance of the resin finish.

The seamless resin floors are incredibly easy to clean and maintain.

For most products, we recommend regular cleaning with a single or double-headed rotary scrubber drier in conjunction with a mildly alkaline detergent.

“Resin flooring offers one of the lowest lifecycle costs of any hard floor covering, resulting from its high durability, low maintenance requirements and minimal need for repair or replacement.”

What are some key challenges of dealing in Qatar’s flooring market?

As with other construction material suppliers, one of the main challenges we foresee is the level of bureaucracy and restrictions in exporting materials to Qatar from our manufacturing facilities in the United Arab Emirates.

Our team at Flowcrete has many years of experience in material exports, therefore providing a quick and efficient delivery to site.

QCN | November 2015

40

legal

Protecting settlement negotiations in Qatar

Many companies have been there: a dispute exists between two contracting parties, both sides feel they have a strong case, but neither side really wants to initiate formal dispute resolution proceedings.

Alexander Whyatt of Clyde & Co explains why considerable care must be taken by companies in Qatar before any concession is made in the hope of facilitating an early settlement.

When a dispute arises between two contracting parties, often, the most sensible commercial solution is to settle it with a compromise agreement. But in doing so, what is the effect of the words: ‘without prejudice’? And how do you really prevent the other party using your own compromise offers against you in later court or arbitration proceedings as evidence of how you really valued your claim? This article explores these questions and offers some advice for negotiators.

‘Without prejudice’ In their approach to the other party about settlement, we sometimes see negotiators misunderstand the effect of marking documents with the words ‘without prejudice’.

Indeed, the words are often used as if they confer allpowerful protection over subsequent discussions or actions. We see them liberally applied to correspondence, documents and minutes, in the assumption that the resulting document will be protected from disclosure in the event of a subsequent dispute. In some jurisdictions, a genuine settlement offer made subject to ‘without prejudice’ will not be admissible as evidence against the party who made it. The main reason for this is one of public policy: parties should seek to settle their differences informally through negotiation without the fear that their position could be used against them.

‘Without prejudice’ in Qatar However, care must be exercised during settlement negotiations in Qatar because, along with many other Middle Eastern jurisdictions, Qatar law does not recognise or enforce the concept of ‘without prejudice’. In theory, therefore, anything said during settlement discussions, whether or not said ‘without prejudice’, can be referred to in subsequent proceedings (potentially as an evidence of a party’s negotiation position). Given the Qatar law position, parties who are genuinely attempting to reach

The liberal use of the words ‘without prejudice’ does not necessarily protect an admission or concession from future disclosure in Qatar.

November 2015 | QCN

a settlement will typically be extremely cautious about how they communicate their offers. Commonly, until a settlement is concluded, all such communications are restricted to oral or, better, face-to-face discussions. The absence of a paper-trail reduces the risk that evidence of a party’s concessions will be used against it if the settlement negotiations fail, although it does not prevent the other party referring to these oral discussions.

If parties are seeking a greater degree of security from subsequent disclosure for their settlement discussions, a confidentiality agreement can be entered into by both parties prior to the commencement of settlement discussions. These are contracts which allow a party to seek monetary damages and/or an injunction against the other if it reveals (or threatens to reveal) the content of those settlement discussions. But persuading the other party to enter into a confidentiality agreement can be difficult, particularly if it believes that it has the stronger case.

In arbitration proceedings, ‘costs offers’, which are inclusive of reasonable legal fees, can be used tactically as part of a settlement offer. If that party ‘wins’, but is not awarded more than the amount of the offer, the existence of the settlement offer can be brought to the attention of the arbitral tribunal when it comes to decide on the allocation of the costs between the parties. Note, however, that these tactical offers are not used in Qatari court proceedings, as only nominal costs are generally awarded to the successful party by the local courts.

In conclusion, considerable care must be taken in Qatar before any concession is made in the hope of facilitating an early settlement. Similarly, the liberal use of the words ‘without prejudice’ does not necessarily protect an admission or concession from future disclosure in Qatar.

That said, tactical settlement offers can sometimes be used advantageously in arbitral proceedings to bring pressure on the other side to settle at a sum lower than claimed.

Alexander Whyatt is an associate in Clyde & Co’s construction team in Doha.

The Sony FoToArAbiA

PicAThon The Nation's Pride

Win an amazing Alpha7 r Mark ii from Sony Middle east by participating in the regional picathon of the year!

Whether you are a national, a resident or just visiting the country, take your camera and portray The nATion’S Pride in a photo story of 3-10 images.

Open to entries from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, KSA and UAE. To know more about the Picathon and how you can participate, visit www.fotoarabia.com and follow the social media handle #SonyFotoArabiaPicathon for the latest updates

42

careers

What are A-players in Qatar looking for?

As an employer aiming to hire A-players, you already know what sound hiring entails. However, are you the A-employer they are looking for? The answer to this question is simple: Put yourself in an A-player’s place! Career experts at Bayt.com share some thoughts on what A-players in Qatar specifically are looking for in a new job.

Vision: Today, it is all about visions with an attainable focus and an inspiring and concise vision that gives corporate direction to a company’s founders, executive team, staff, and prospective A-players. Being realistic and humble and involving your staff in your plans will definitely put you ahead of other employers on the shortlist of an A-player.

Positive corporate culture: No prospective employee would want to spend his day suffering from the repercussions of negative office politics, an unreasonable hierarchy or colleagues they do not relate to in any possible manner. A-players naturally favour an organisation with a set of articulate corporate norms and sound values that they can personally respect and relate to.

Job and financial security: A-players are invariably first and foremost seeking some degree of job security. In Qatar, 62 percent of professionals are not satisfied with their job security, as stated in the Bayt.com Job Satisfaction Report of April 2015. Star employees are rarely interested in companies that demonstrate a high degree of volatility in staff turnover. Fair compensation and benefits also fall under this bracket.

Career development: A-players today are looking for an employer who invests in them, and supports them to advance both personally and professionally. In

November 2015 | QCN

fact, 44 percent of professionals in Qatar say the number one reason for them leaving their company is a lack of proper training and development opportunities, as revealed in the Bayt. com Job Satisfaction Report 2015.

Employee recognition: A company that acknowledges a job well done is a keeper. A-players are often overachievers. They are drawn to innovative companies that have clear reward and recognition schemes, and that would provide their employees with a clear public and private boost for their efforts

and instill in them a further sense of job loyalty and satisfaction.

Flexibility: Work-life balance strategies, now more than ever, are hungered for by employees worldwide. Nearly 53 percent of Qatar professionals say they do not have the right balance between their work and life, according to the latest Bayt.com Job Satisfaction Report.

A company aiming to attract A-players is a company that demonstrates a genuine concern for the wellbeing of its staff and an intention to show flexibility where and when needed.

Qatar employment in numbers

40% 65%

of professionals in Doha say there is good or excellent availability of jobs in Doha.

of professionals in Qatar expect the cost of living to increase.

65% 80%

of professionals in Qatar expect the country’s economy to improve.

of employees in the Middle East feel that their company encourages diversity.

86%

of polled professionals in the Middle East believe that their skills are as diverse as they would like them to be.

Sources: The Bayt.com Top Cities in the Middle East Survey, October 2015, The Bayt.com Diversity in the Middle East and North Africa Workplace poll, October 2015, and The Bayt.com Middle East Consumer Confidence Index Survey, September 2015.

www.QatarTenders.com tender name

description

client

Operating Theater Expansion & Refurbishment Works

Expansion and refurbishment of an operating theatre

Aspire Foundation

Real Estate Design & Consulting Services

Provision of real estate design and consulting services

Qatar Railways Company (QRC)

Consultancy Services

Provision of consultancy services for metering works

Warehouse and Employees Accommodation Construction

Fee(USD)

Closing (m/d/y)

275

12/15/15

5495

11/30/15

Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa)

137

11/29/15

Construction of warehouse and employees’ accommodation

Al Khalij Cement Company

55

11/20/15

Facility Management Services

Provision of facility management services

Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa)

275

11/19/15

Widam Livestock Factory Construction

Constructing and equipping of Widam Livestock Widam Food Company Factory

275

11/19/15

Enabling Works

Carrying out enabling works

Public Works Authority (Ashghal)

1648

11/16/15

Professional Consultancy Services

Provision of professional consultancy services – enabling works

Public Works Authority (Ashghal)

275

11/16/15

Mechanical Connectors

Provision of mechanical connectors for MEP pipeline

RasGas Company Limited

–

11/11/15

Masjids and Imam Houses Construction

Construction of mosques and Imam houses

Public Works Authority (Ashghal)

824

11/10/15

Construction and Equipping Services

Construction and equipping services

Widam Food Company

440

11/9/15

Pre-Contract Professional Design and Quantity Surveying Consultancy Services

Ministry of Municipal Provision of pre-contract professional design and quantity surveying consultancy services for and Urban Planning, Qatar parks at various locations

41

11/8/15

November 2015 | QCN

INTERVIEW: Vik Vithlani of Flowcrete Middle East TALKS ABOUT GROWING TREND OF resin flooring in Qatar – PG 37

issue 2.11

November 2015

On the safe side Road safety audits in Qatar TECHNOLOGY

Improving acoustics in Qatar’s schools

Site Visit

Doha Exhibition and Convention Center

Retail Price: QR15 / AED15

PLUS

What are A-player professionals in Qatar looking for?